The Daniel Fast Day 21 Devotional 10/13/13

My Parents Drugged Me!

 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

A member of our Daniel Fast Community sent this to me and I just had to pass it on to you!

 "The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question: "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"

"I replied, "I had a drug problem when I was young! I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

"I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

"I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.

"I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and cocklebur's out of dad's fields.

"I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

"Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place."

 God bless the parents who drugged us.

-- Author Unknown --

Be blessed as you grow in the love and knowledge of Christ today!

 (From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

The Daniel Fast Day 20 Devotional 10/12/13

 He is the God of New Beginnings

"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

God is so good! His mercies are now every morning. His forgiveness and grace is more than we can imagine and over and over again He offers us New Beginnings. Don't let the power of the "fresh start" get away from you! This is a perfect opportunity to move into a brighter, healthier and more fulfilling future.

I saw Dennis Leonard, the Senior Pastor at Heritage Christian Center in Denver, Colorado on a talk show a while back. He pointed out the promise in Isaiah 43:18. As I read and meditated on this truth, I felt my spirit energy rise and take hold of the promise for the future I can walk into. I got excited and inspired.

But one thing I know, inspiration will not get me there . . . I have to choose to walk into the future the Lord wants to give me. God will do His part, but I must do mine! I must take hold of the promise, trust in the Lord, believe with all my heart, do everything He tells me to do, and then the supernatural power of God will take over. It's happened for me before - and it will happen again. God is faithful and He loves for me to rely only on Him and His Word.

If you've read about my story on The Daniel Fast Blog, you know that 2007 was a very tough year for me. I suffered a financial crisis that on the world's standards just about took me out. But God is faithful and our sure strength in time of trouble. He says, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old."

 

I learned how important letting the past be the past is to gaining victory. To put it in more stark terms, we need to GET OVER IT! "It" is the past that can hold us down. And "over" is our future and our New Beginnings.

God is all for New Beginnings. He says in the same passage, "Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" We can either stay focused and locked in the past hurt and pressure, or we can turn around, walk away from that dark mountain and keep walking toward the bright future the Lord is making victory and a future with a hope.

Don't let that get by . . . it is the Lord Who will do a new thing! If we receive it!

Do you want the coming months to be those of New Beginnings for you? Or is your life totally in order with no pain, no unmet needs and like heaven this side of glory? If your life is like that -- praise God! But if not, take this opportunity to take hold of all the Lord has for you!

 

Walk into your New Beginnings. The choice is yours! But we have to operate differently than we have in our past . . . that is if we want different results. For me, it's trusting in God more, surrounding myself in His Word, and walking into the new opportunities He's set before me.

What about you? Have you taken the time to really consider how you want your life to change? Have you asked the Lord for a New Beginning and then told Him what that means for you? He wants to hear from you. Remember the words of Jesus, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24

Let me leave you with this great little video that I hope will help you realize the released spirit in you is powerful, mighty and victorious for our Lord. The video is short, but I think it will inspire you. Just click on this link: March of the Unqualified.

 

Also, if you want a copy of my notes titled "Seven Steps to Letting Go of the Past," I've attached it to this message. You can view the article or save it for your personal use.

Blessings to you as you experience New Beginnings! Come on, let's go for it!

Be blessed.

seven-steps-to-letting-go-of-the-past.pdf

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

The Daniel Fast Day 19 Devotional 10/11/13

The Fruit of Self-control

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:22-24

I awarded myself with a big, shiny medal today! That's how I feel anyway. You see, I am writing this while on the 25th Day of my Daniel Fast and as you can imagine - I am really looking forward to breaking it on Sunday morning. But meanwhile I have a friend in need and one way to care for her is through the popular and time-proven "ministry of freshly baked oatmeal-raisin cookies."

So here I am in my little cottage in Central Washington. It's snowing more today and we just now emerged from weeks of below freezing temperatures! I'm out in my cozy kitchen, mixing the cookie dough while BeBe and CeCe Winans sing to me from their Greatest Hits CD. I'm having a grand time singing along, praying for my friend and baking the batch of cookies.

Sounds pretty relaxing, right? Actually, there's also a battle going on! OH, does the flesh want to nibble. There's no one here but me. Who would know? Okay, I know God would know . . . but no one else! He would surely forgive me if I ate just that one little corner of that cookie that crumbled as I lifted it off the sheet and onto the cooling rack.

But you know, as I whipped my flesh into submission and resisted even a tiny morsel, I realized one of the most precious gifts of the Daniel Fast. And that is truly experiencing bringing our fleshly desires under control so that we can have the outcome we really want.

While this may seem like a silly little "victory," the exercise is strengthening to my spirit. I once again see that I can resist and be successful. The next time I want to overeat . . . I can resist and do what is best for me. The next time I want to buy something on a whim, I can resist and do what is best for me. The next time I want to dwell on a past hurt or offense, I can push the thought out of my mind and do what is best.

When we make the choice for "self-control" we are walking according to the spirit in us, which is connected to the Spirit of God. And against this discipline there is no law.

The spiritual medal I awarded to myself today was for the victory I achieved over my flesh . . . I can't hang it up on the wall, but I can remember it the next time I am confronted with a choice. My victory medal will help me press on to making the right decision, which will take me one step closer to where I want to be.

Be blessed.

 

The Daniel Fast Day 18 Devotional 10/10/13

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
 

"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." John 14:16, 17

Do you know that you are NEVER alone? God's Holy Spirit lives in you and as you give Him room, He will lead you, direct you, help you, and speak to you throughout your day.

One of the times when I am most conscious of the Holy Spirit with me is when I read, meditate and study God's Word. The same thing has probably happened to you: I'll be buzzing along through the verses and then something strikes me. "Wow! I never saw that before!" Then I'll allow the truth to settle in my mind and I'll listen to see if there is more for me to learn. Sometimes there is, and sometimes not. But I will never know unless I give our Teacher the Holy Spirit time to speak.

Since acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit with me when I enter God's Word, my understanding has increased more than I can measure. We don't have to figure out what the Scripture has to say all on our own. We have a Helper to show us what we need to know and where we should focus.

The Holy Spirit isn't generally very loud. Instead, He is mannerly and waits to be invited into our circumstances. We also must quiet our own voices and the voices of the world if we are to hear Him. This may take some practice, but it is not hard. The Lord wants to communicate with us, answer our requests, and to show us the Way.

I hope you dip into the living water of God's Word at least once every day . . . and I encourage you to make it a group activity! That means you, the Holy Spirit and the Living Word. Ask the Lord to teach you and lead you to the truths that you need. He will lead you, direct you and give you answers. Maybe not instantaneously, but in short order.

Learn to quiet yourself and then to listen. He will speak to you . . . when you allow Him to be the Helper He is meant to be.

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

 

The Daniel Fast Day 17 Devotional 10/9/13

Let Me Introduce You to You!

"But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him." 1 Corinthians 6:17

 
I know you may not fully understand this, but you are a full-fledged "blood sibling" with Jesus Christ. You are one with Him . . . you belong to Him . . . He is in you!

Please don't just pass over those words quickly and move on. That's what we have done for most of our lives. We've heard words, but we haven't embraced them and really taken hold of the truth about who we are in Christ. Instead, we hold on to the old unworthy identity that we give ourselves and the enemy laughs as we help him with his work.

You are holy! God loved you before you even knew your name! He loved you before you did anything right or anything wrong. Do you know that, "God so loved (your name) that He gave His only begotten Son...?" Do you know that Jesus is your High Priest and He personally takes your requests to the Father and speaks on your behalf?

Do you know that God forgives all your iniquities,

He heals all your diseases,
He redeems your life from destruction,
He crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,
He satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Your Father wants you to know who you are. You are His child. He loves you with His unlimited and most precious love. And He wants you to receive all He has for you. But first you must KNOW who you are.

 

God loves (your name). You are His lovely and adored child. He cherishes you and longs to see you, talk with you, and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Take a few minutes and let the love of God pour out to you. He wants you to know His love for you. He wants you to know His grace and mercy and loving kindness.

Receive it . . . it's yours. But you need to take it.

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

The Daniel Fast Day 16 Devotional 10/8/13

Test for a Little While

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6, 7
 

When you think of going through some hard times . . . do your thoughts go immediately to a recent period that was especially stressful? Or perhaps you are in the midst of that pressure right now as you read these words! The fact is, trials happen. They are part of life . . . but the good news is they last only for "a little while."

One translation says, "for a season." Another uses, "short time." The nugget we need to mine out of this spiritual truth is that the hard times come . . . but they also go! Our job is to "get through," not with gritted teeth and murmuring, but instead in a victorious, God-honoring way.

I've been through my share of trials . . . and I would never want to repeat them or want them for anyone else. However, the lessons I learned while "getting through" were priceless for my faith. I experienced Christ and learned about trusting Him and about His faithfulness.

In 1 Peter 1:7 we learn that the trials come so that our faith can be proved genuine. In other words, the trials serve as a workout for our faith muscle. We have a choice, to either work it . . . or let the circumstance play out in our lives. If we are willing, we can pump up our faith, go to battle using the sword of the Spirit and Word, and not settle for anything except victory, which is the will of God.

 

Granted, God defines the victory, not us. That's why we need to trust Him in all ways and "lean not our own understanding." He knows what is best . . . and we reap His best when we "get through" His Way to His victory.

The verse also says that the result of the trial may result in praise, glory and honor when Christ is revealed. If you look at that closely, you will see that praise, glory and honor are outcomes of the victory!

Are you facing a trial now? Do you feel as if you're about to break? If you're saying, "Yes!" then I encourage you to hang on, continue to trust God and lean into Him and His Word. Tap into the power of prayer, praise and worship so you gain strength from His presence. Speak the Name of Jesus over your circumstances, bad report or stressful situation, and then thank the Lord for all the blessings He is already giving you . . . including the victory that you are about to receive.

The main thing is to get through . . . exercise your faith . . . and trust in the Lord who always wins. Remember, the promises of God are only for His children. They are yours and you can claim them!
 

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

 

The Daniel Fast Day 15 Devotional 10/7/13

Extreme Makeover

 " . . . if indeed you have heard [Christ] and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:21-24

Have you seen those makeover programs on television? The first one was Extreme Makeover where individuals with serious physical issues are transformed using plastic surgery, dentistry, cosmetology, and other treatments to "makeover" their appearance. The spin-off program was Extreme Makeover Home Edition. That's where they take a disheveled house and totally convert it into a beautiful home that is completely changed!

We too can have an "extreme makeover" by allowing the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit to convert us. We can be renewed, as we see in Ephesians 4. Just like the people on the television programs, we have to give ourselves up, relinquish control, if we are to receive the extreme makeover the Lord wants to perform in our lives. We do that by submitting to Him.

 

Sometimes, the homes that need renovation in Extreme Makeover Home Edition are in such need of overhaul that the workers have to demolish the existing structure. Then they start from the ground up and build a spectacular home for the family. In Galatians 5:24 we learn, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." When we are in Christ and living the glorious life with Him, we also have demolished our previous "lives" and renewed ourselves with the life of Christ.

Do you want an extreme makeover in your life? Do you want a life filled with peace, joy, abundance,

Healing and deliverance? Do you want your weary and austere life to be redeemed and transformed into life anew? The extreme makeover is available to us . . . except this one is even more profound. Our makeover is by the One Who created us . . . and it's from the inside out! The makeover we receive is all new and perfect in His sight.

What must we do? Give it up for Him. We must let go and put our lives in the hands of the Master Transformer. The choice is ours. We can submit ourselves to an extreme makeover, or we can hang on to the shabby house, the tattered clothes and the old way of life. The Lord won't force His makeover upon us. On the other hand, He will never turn us down . . . we merely need to say, "I'm ready, Lord. Have your way with me!" Let the work begin!

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

 

The Daniel Fast Day 14 Devotional 10/6/13

Our God is Able

 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

I was challenged a few years ago to start memorizing Scripture. For some of you, that may seem odd because you've been memorizing verses since you can remember. But I wasn't raised in the church and it wasn't until I was in my early 20's that I give my life to Christ.

Even then, Scripture memorization was never stressed in the churches I attended. I remember hearing Bible teachers warn people about the need for memorization because one day the Communists could overtake us and we wouldn't have Bibles and the only way we could have access to God would be through the verses we had in our memory.

 

The argument didn't work for me . . . so the only Scriptures I knew were those that were either very short (Jesus wept.) or those that were very familiar (For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.).

The Lord showed me that He wanted me to memorize verses so that I could recite them often and get them from my brain and mouth into my spirit. He wants me to know His Word as head knowledge so that it can become heart knowledge.

The first verse He led me to was 2 Corinthians 9:8. He wants me to totally believe that truth. To have confidence in Him and what He says. Not just the words, but the truth in the Word. If I recite the verse and sense my "believer" stumble, I just keep letting the words roll off my tongue and into my open heart. Over and over, truth comes from my lips so it can soak into my spirit.

Sometimes I have little talks between my spirit and my soul. They go something like this, "This Word is true, Susan. God is able to make all grace abound toward you. All grace is coming to you right now. You believe this Word. God's Word is true. Embrace this truth into your spirit. Accept the grace that comes to you today." Then I recite the verse again.

This is how I meditate on the Word of God. I started this discipline a few years ago and I can tell that my faith is growing. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17. The Holy Spirit can work with me when I work with God's Word.

What is your need today? Find two or three Scriptures that give God's answer for your need, and then try memorizing the verses. Speak them to your heart so that you apprehend the truth. God is good and He knows what we need . . . and how to nurture our faith. Give it a try for a week . . . and then see how the power of the Lord's Holy Word will not come back void.

 

Be blessed,.

 (From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

The Daniel Fast Day 13 Devotional 10/5/13

Are You Politically Correct?

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20

We hear a lot about being "politically correct" these days. Much of it is good and some is debatable. But today I am thinking about a different way to be "politically correct."

Throughout the New Testament, we are called to a different way of life . . . a higher calling that is separate from the world. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." We are members of the Kingdom of God and our politics is that of the Almighty King Jesus.

So with this political structure, are we politically correct? Are we answering the call our Leader has for us? Are we recognizing and living by the Spiritual Laws of this Kingdom?

 

The lesson the Lord showed me in my meditations during the Daniel Fast is that while most of us proclaim Christ, we are not living as fully in Him as we can. Too much of the world distracts us from the glorious life we could have if we were sold out for the Kingdom of God. That doesn't mean we'd be living in monasteries or communes. But it does call us to a life of faith that is different from what we have known before.

 

I have to ask if I truly consider myself a member in a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His own special people." Or do I feel more like an American or a Washingtonian? Of what nation do I consider my land?

If I were politically correct in the "holy nation" I would have total trust in my King, believing His every Word and following His every lead. My heart would be full of peace and I would make love my aim. I would believe more, worry less and have complete confidence in my future no matter what condition the economy is in or if my circumstances are stretching.

 

For me, I want to be politically correct in the Kingdom to which I am called. I realize even as I write this message that my flesh needs more renewing and my spirit more training. What I know for sure is that I won't hear my King arguing on a campaign platform against His opponent (who is already defeated), nor will I have a vote as to whether something really is or is not politically correct. In the Holy Nation, the King is always right, always fair and always looking out for me! That's the nation I want for my life, my seed, and my seed's seed.

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

 

The Daniel Fast Day 12 Devotional 10/4/13

Forty Years or Eleven Days?

 "It is eleven days' journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea." Deuteronomy 1:2

Without broadcasting my age to the world, let me just say I am "well-seasoned." I've been around a while . . . I'm in those "sage" years of my life.

The best years started when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior more than 35 years ago. But as I look back over those years, I realize I spent most of them in the wilderness, just like the Israelites. And all the while the Promised Land was only an eleven day journey away!

Only eight or nine years ago did I start learning that because of Christ I can have more than a ticket to heaven! Jesus actually made it possible for me to have a victorious life now! So I started digging into the Word and learning how to appropriate the promises of God that He makes possible for us today.

It took me a while . . . I had to work through feelings of unworthiness and doubt. But as my faith grew

I started asking the Lord for specific needs and He provided! I admit, at first I was shocked! "Wow, Lord! You really do answer prayer!"

Since then I have learned more and more about praying for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I continue to learn and God continues to be Who He is, the Faithful One. And now I am ready to get radical about every area of my existence. I want my life to be such a powerful testimony for living a Spirit-filled life that people want what I have! Not because of me, but because of Jesus!

The Daniel Fast has served as a powerful wake-up call for me. I don't want to live in the "natural" anymore. I want a "supernatural" life. I won't let the enemy knock me around like before. I am a child of the Most High God and I plan to claim every promise, every protection and every right that my inheritance affords me!

 

We are walking into a new time . . . the world is shaking in many ways. But we must take hold and claim what is ours! We can be consecrated and separate for a season . . . or we can make it the way we live - Spirit-led, victorious and shining examples of the Way of Christ.

We've wandered in the wilderness long enough! The Promised Land is waiting for us. But we have to take the journey to get there. We must know what the Word of God says about us. We must align our lives with God's Way. And we must think, act and speak as Jesus taught us.

Of the 1.5 million Israelites that left Egypt, only two crossed the Jordon and entered into the Promised Land. Of the millions of Christians around the world today, how many will accept the challenge and make their way to the promises and victorious life made possible for us because of the cross? I am determined to be one . . . and I hope as you read these words, you too will commit to the journey. No more wilderness-living for us. We know a better place and we're on our way to the land the Lord gave us! Hallelujah!

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

 

The Daniel Fast Day 11 Devotional 10/3/13

Hungry People Everywhere

"They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them." Psalm 107:4, 5

As I write this note, many of us are well into our Daniel Fasts. We may have experienced some cravings and even some hunger pangs. But today I want to talk about another type of hunger. The hunger that is so present in the world that men, women and children are "wandering in the wilderness in a desolate way."

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know there is a hunger in every person that can only be fulfilled by the love of God. When that hunger remains unfed, people go searching for ways to feed it. Some turn to material things like the latest fashions, cars, houses or toys! Others attempt to fill it with drugs, alcohol, pornography, or unhealthy relationships. And there are those who try to feed it with food, hobbies, gossip, or work.

We only need to look around at the world and see that people are starving for God. Obesity is at an all time high. Consumer debt is out of control. Pornography is rampant among all groups of society. Illicit affairs are widespread. People keep searching, but there is only one thing that can take away the hunger . . . and that is their Creator.

This leads me to a couple of questions. Are we, you and I, examples of the abundant life in Christ so that the hungry want what we have? Is the church offering the food that hungry people need so they can partake in the only Bread that will satisfy their hunger forever? Do the hungry even know that we have food?

I believe God is calling us to be examples . . . fruitful examples of the blessed life one can have in Christ. Our love, peace and success should look so good and it should be so attractive that men, women, families and youth are rushing to our doors to get fed the rich manna God so passionately wants to give them.

But to be that example calls us to get our lives into God's successful and abundant ways. We need to put God first in our lives and take seriously our role as His children and His ambassadors. We need to get our bodies in shape to present a healthy example of Christian living (studies about the U.S. population show that people outside the church are healthier than those attending church).

We need to get our relationships in order and our finances under control! We need to be an example of the life one can have when the Creator of the Universe is at the helm of our lives.

Will this be easy? No! But it will be more rewarding than we can even know. Plus, it is what God wants us to do. The familiar passage in Proverbs 3:5, 6 says it all, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

"All our ways" means every part of our lives . . . "acknowledge Him" means to have direct, intimate contact with God . . . and "direct" means to make straight in the right way. When we do this, when we get passionate for God and His way of living . . . then we will have a life so attractive that the hungry will run to us for food.

The choice is ours. We only need to decide to go beyond "belief" and on to "active discipleship" under the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Bread of Life.

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

The Daniel Fast Day 10 Devotional 10/2/13

What Do You Think?
 

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

The other day I heard a psychologist talking about "positive thinking therapy" that seems to be sweeping the therapy world. The scientific-types have "discovered" that if they can get their clients to think about positive things and center more on gratitude, that it affects their lives in dramatic ways! Marriages improve, depression decreases, job performance gets better and a happier and advanced well-being is experienced.

Here is a portion of one study:

Cognitive behavior therapy for depression represents a significant breakthrough in treating depression. It may also be an aid in preventing episodes of depression and improving people's self-esteem. Even if you are not depressed, being aware of your irrational self-criticisms, negative comparisons to other people and self-defeating beliefs will allow you to feel better about yourself, be more positive and encouraging when you try new things and be more resilient in the face of adversity.

I have to chuckle when science discovers what God has known all along! I just wish they would discover that knowing Him is the best way to live . . .

The truth is we do feel better when we focus our thoughts on good things . . . just like God tells us to do in His Word. Not only do we stave off depression and frustration, but thinking about good things also reduces stress and improves our health.

The Daniel Fast is a perfect opportunity to really watch our thought patterns. Do we grumble because we can't have our morning coffee or tea? Or do we turn those complaints into signals to thank God for His goodness and mercy. Do we get jealous when we hear about someone coming into a boatload of money? Or do we express genuine happiness for them? Do we rant and rave internally when we're stuck in a grocery store line? Or do we choose to be patient and focus our thoughts on thanksgiving that we have the money in our wallets to pay for everything in our cart . . . unlike so many in our country.

Over the next couple days, pay more attention to your thoughts. See if they are more negative or more positive. Challenge yourself to improve your thought-life by thinking about good things . . . and see if you too can prove what God has known all along!

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

The Daniel Fast Day 9 Devotional 10/1/13

If You Have a Need, Plant and Seed!

 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7

A while back I was talking with a new believer who is under some heavy financial pressures. He was filled with worry and fear and just kept shaking his head saying, "This is so hard. It's just so hard." We had a good conversation and I was able to encourage him . . . but when I asked him about tithing, his immediate response was, "Oh, I don't even want to go there. I am too broke. I can't even think about that right now."

He was so emphatic, that I didn't press it. Plus, he was in conversations with his pastor about his new found faith and his giving. I didn't want to get in the way of any of that . . .

But I did give him one picture for him to think about, "Imagine Farmer Bill standing at the edge of his 30 acre field. He's looking up to the sky and once again lamenting to God, "Why don't you make this crop grow. I have been waiting and waiting. I have been pleading with you. But the only thing growing in this field is weeds!"

Suddenly the clouds begin to rumble and Bill knows it's the voice of the Lord, "Hey Bill, I've been patient, too. When are you going to plant the seed?"

Planting seed isn't just about money . . . although God's commandments are very clear about tithing. But we also need to look at every area of need and see if we're like Farmer Bill. Maybe you're frustrated with your spouse because you're not getting the kind of attention you want . . . check out your seed. Perhaps you feel lonely and don't' want to sit at home another weekend with nothing to do . . . check out your seed. Or possibly you are wondering why you don't have the kind of deep and intimate spiritual life you want . . . check out your seed.

 

God is clear on this subject, and He says He will not be mocked. Whatever we sow, we will also reap. That works both ways. We can be planting seeds of love and kindness. Or we can plant seeds of strife and contention. We can plant seeds of trust and faith or we can plant seeds of worry and fear.

 

The next time you get ready to present a request to the Lord, first make sure you have good seed in the ground. Don't be like Farmer Bill . . . but instead be like the farmers who have such abundance that they have to sell it, store it and give it away!

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)

The Daniel Fast Day 8 Devotional 9/30/13

Tips for When You're Walking on Water

"So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Matthew 14:29, 30

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have experiences when we "step out in faith." The account of Peter getting out of the boat and stepping into the rough waters is surely a great example for us to use as we go through life.

Peter was the only one who stepped out in faith on that stormy night. We also will find ourselves in that same lonely place at times. God will call us through His Word, just like Jesus called Peter to come. But we may be the only one. Our friends may be content with business as usual. Our family members may be willing to just stay in the boat. But meanwhile, we will hear the voice of the Lord telling us to step out in faith.

 The Scripture doesn't say how the others reacted when Peter first got out of the boat. But it's totally plausible that they tried to keep him from stepping out. After all, they were sitting there frightened from the storm and scared of the sight of Jesus who they thought was a ghost.

But Peter heard the voice and he stepped out anyway . . . he paid no attention to the voices in the background. He only listened to the voice of the Lord.

Peter did fine, until he got his eyes back on the circumstances of the boisterous waves. Then he abandoned his faith and took up fear . . . that's when he started sinking. It was the fear that put him back in the clutches of the world and its deadly consequences.

Peter could have gone with the fear, but it was his faith in Jesus that got him back on track! Even while he was sinking he stirred up his faith again and called out to the Lord. The Lord rebuked Peter for his lack of faith (a rebuke means "sharp words to cause correction") and then reached out and pulled him up so he could continue in his walk of faith.

We are faced with times when we must step out in faith. These are the times when we must keep our ears and eyes open to the Lord and Him only. We cannot let negative voices, unbelieving comments, or stormy circumstances drown out the Word of the Lord.

The storms will come, but Christ will always be there for us. We must look to Him, ask Him to show us what to do, and when He does, we must confidently step out in faith and walk in the Spirit. If we make a mistake and fall back, we need only to call upon the Lord, take corrective measures, and continue our walk on to victory and success!

Be blessed.

 (From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)