Today is the day before Lent, a day of partying one last time in many places and for many people before the season of deniel begins. While I recognize that for many there is no reality behind it all, it is simply an excuse to party. (And who doesn't love a party!) Yet if we can get beyond the formality and tradition of it all and get to the meaning of it and the intent, I think we find something rich and rewarding.
My intent is to here offer some reflections and encouragement for those of us who are choosing the 'feast of fasting' as one author calls it. A time to go without for the purpose of getting more of our God. I realize that all of our motivations aren't 100% pure. I for example am curious how I will feel as I go without some of the normal foods and beverages I am accustomed to having. Yet at the bottom of it all I hope that you will pray with me this simply prayer: "Lord, break down whatever it is in my life that keeps me from having more of You". May we seek His face and allow are hunger or our feelings of being deprived be met instead by the One who 'fills all in all'.
I and others are engaging in a 21 day 'Daniel Fast' for the first 21 days of Lent starting February 22nd. Some are choosing a shorter time frame, some even to fast in a different way. It is all good. In the days ahead we will look at Scripture and attempt to refocus on the One in whom our desires belong.
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