186 posts categorized "Fasting"

2025 Fast Wrap-Up

By LuAnn Wendover and Nickole Meierotto Fasting

Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

This past week has been an amazing time in the annual corporate fast. When Nickole and I were asked to lead it, I jumped at the opportunity without a whole lot of thought or prayer. I knew it was an honor as well as a big responsibility. However, I didn’t take it on without some trepidation next to the elation. In the meantime, Nickole expressed a need to take a little extra time in contemplative prayer, not because she wasn’t honored to be asked, but because she wanted to be sure she could handle all that would be expected of her.

I had hoped to do a 5-day water only fast. I was looking forward to writing a couple of pieces for the blog. And knew that this would be a stretching experience. I was right on the money with that one! Nickole did a liquid daytime fast, having dinner with her children at night.

I KNEW that this fast was supposed to be centered on abiding in Christ: in using this time of fasting and praying to rest in Him. Warfare in a Sum can be a daily part of our lives and usually is. Many times, we get worn out with constant battling. I was excited to learn what abiding during a fast would mean. I thought of abiding as simply resting but it is more than that…it can also mean enduring. And my word for the year was abiding!

The first two days of the fast were great. Some hunger but not uncontrollable. By the third day, I needed to hydrate and added a hydration pack to my morning water. It helped tremendously. But by day four I knew I needed to switch to a Daniel version for the remaining two days.  And so I did, without self-condemnation or recrimination. Fasting is a wonderful way to get closer to the Lord.

Nickole here. I didn’t know what I expected other than an opportunity to focus on my time with Abba during my fast. As I began the week jumping back into school routines, the Lord showed me that I have had an enduring habit of allowing myself to zone out and live life unintentionally, on autopilot. This revelation led to my word, Intentional. If I am to be sanctified for the Lord, I must be intentional, in everything…how convicting.

The Bible says to fast in secret. But in leading a corporate fast that is not possible, although the particulars of any fast should be spirit led and individual. Both Nickole and I had been holding a Wednesday fast and prayer for several years in the Sumite Sisters group, so we were used to posting for prayer requests and then praying together for the needs of the group. But leading a 5 day fast was a different experience for both of us. Eye opening and challenging.

As we reflected and wrapped up our corporate fast, we wanted to encourage those of you who fasted with us this year to remember to apply what was revealed to you during the fast. Too often we lose focus, return to our daily lives and get caught up in the repetitive day-to-day living. Let us be intentional in ALL we do…whether it’s washing the dishes, folding laundry, our outside jobs, or our recreation and amusement. To learn to be consecrated and connected to Christ 24/7 is truly a part of abiding in Him and being intentional in living for Him.

How do you intend to move forward from this fast? How can you become more intentional in abiding in Christ?


Day 5 of our Fast: Love is a Verb

By Nickole Meierotto Fasting 2025

I might be dating myself, or maybe just letting out a bit of my weird, but do any of you remember DC Talk from back in the 90s (late 19th century according to the kids these days)? I used to listen to the album “Free at Last” on repeat and one of my absolute favorite songs was ‘Luv is a Verb’. And while an incredibly fun song, “Luv is a Verb”  has a profound message that I didn’t truly understand in application until years later.

Love is action upon an unselfish, benevolent concern for another's well-being. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God’s action is the gift of His Son. The Bible also states in 1 John 4:19 “We love Him because He first loved us.” But what’s the action on our part? What do we have to give the God who created everything?

John seems to have the answers today. In chapter 14, verse 15, Jesus is speaking and says “If you love me, keep my commandments.” And….Action! But now I have more questions. How do we even arrive at the prospect of loving God, anyway? And how does that change my perception of that if-then command in verse 15?

Aside from my children, because they are a literal piece of me, therefore impossible to NOT love, I think the first step in arriving at love for someone is getting to know them. Once we get to know them, we begin to understand what behaviors speak "love" the loudest to them, and in order for them to know we love them, we begin to go out of our own way to do those things that will show our love the best. I believe that changes my perception of Jesus' words to "keep my commandments". I love Jesus, because I know Him. I know the sacrifice He made for me, and I see the unselfish, benevolent concern He has for me. Keeping His commandments becomes a desire to show God my love, rather than proving I can obey rules. Because I know Him and love Him, I want to act. I want to grow deeper in relationship with Him. I want to let the Holy Spirit influence, guide and direct me better. I want to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind. I want to love my neighbor as myself. I want those things because I know they are what He wants.

How do you define love? Has your definition of or approach to love changed as you grow deeper in your relationship with God?

Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?' Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.' (Matthew 22:35-40)

Love

Nickole


Day 4 of Our Fast: When We Ask God 'Why'?

By Nickole Meierotto Fasting 2025

Are you a "why?" person? Do you know any "why?" people? Do you have a child in your life who is a "why?" child? I have to confess, I'm a "why?" person. It's more than likely one of my more annoying qualities…I just gotta understand WHY! I have a burning desire to understand the ins and outs of everything around me. If it's a problem to be solved, I will figure out why it's a problem and probably give you 5 solutions, but one of them will be the most effective or efficient solution. If I know why, I can help!! Which means I have another confession, I struggle with God's answer to my "why?"…because most of the time, His answer is "Nickole, I know you don't understand, but you will one day. Right now, the answer to your why is 'for My glory".

In a conversation with a friend, I mentioned that if someone didn't understand me 100%, but still acted in proper resolution to the problem, I would be completely satisfied with that response. And in my contemplations of the day and this week's fast, the Lord brought to mind 1 Samuel 15:22 "But Samuel replied: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." And then it hit me like a ton of bricks…God probably thinks that about me…all the time!! "Nickole, I know you don't understand, and I'm not revealing that to you right now, what I need you to do is to act on the knowledge and the mission I have given you!"

During our fast, we have prayed for the Lord's direction in our lives. We know His plans and purposes for us result in His glorification. We know God works all things, and I mean ALL THINGS, together for our good. We know He has plans to give us a hope and a future. We know God will order our steps. How do we walk out obedience to His direction in our lives in the day to day?

Do you have a particular answer that you struggle hearing from God? How do you respond in obedience?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11-12

  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Love,

Nickole


Annual Fast, Day Three: Have You Ever Found Yourself on Autopilot?

By Nickole Meierotto Fasting 2025

Have you ever found yourself on autopilot? You’re driving home or to work and suddenly you realize you’re there but don’t remember the trip? Or you’re in the middle of a task and then suddenly you’re done and have no recollection of completing the task?

Sometimes my life ends up on autopilot, both physically and spiritually. I get so engrossed in minding the house and the family, the dogmatic repetition of the day-to-day operations put me into autopilot, and I operate as if there is no other function, no other purpose for my life, skipping blindly from day to day, not realizing how I got from this day or week to the next. And sometimes, there are seasons like that, where it all feels like a blur, the kids are little and the needs of the family and the home seem to blend from start to finish, moving from one sleep deprived day to the next. And sometimes, it’s not. The times that it’s not are the times that I need to reset and refocus my life.

I KNOW that the primary purpose of my life is to glorify my Lord and King. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” How can I glorify God in everything I do, if I’m on autopilot? The simple answer…I can’t. If I’m not inviting Christ into my day to day operations, if my focus isn’t on the reason why I do what I do, I’m not able to glorify God in my efforts. Will the job get done? Sure. Will the kids be fed and sent off to school? Absolutely. Will I be getting the next phase of the project done today? You bet! But it’s the intentionality behind what I’m doing that either gives glory to or detracts from my Lord.

So the question is how can I prevent myself from winding up on autopilot? How can I be intentional with regard to my purpose in life? I believe this starts with understanding sanctification. Many times throughout the Bible, God tells the Israelites or his followers to sanctify or consecrate themselves. But what does that really mean and how can being sanctified keep me out of autopilot mode?

According to Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, the generic or "non-spiritual" meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning", so a dishtowel is "sanctified" when drying off a plate or cup and an oven is "sanctified" when baking my husband's favorite oatmeal butterscotch cookies. Spiritually speaking, things are sanctified when operating in the purposes for which God intended. You or I are sanctified when we are living in accordance with God's intended plans and purposes for our lives.

How do I accomplish living in accordance with God's intended plan and purpose for me? What does intentionality look like through the lens of ongoing sanctification? Nickole

For me intentionality through ongoing sanctification looks like disciplines involving Scripture reading, prayer and fasting, cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, growing in grace and biblical wisdom, and above all abiding in Him, truly inviting God to do His work through me by being humble enough to understand that even the smallest task, when done for Christ, has kingdom significance.

Do you ever struggle with autopilot in your life?

What do you do to reorient your life around God's plans and purposes?

Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you (Joshua 3:5).

Nickole is a military spouse residing in North Carolina, a mother of 4 and recently became a grandmother. Between the family activities and homemaking, sewing, gardening, and random home projects, she's pressed to find a dull moment, but loves finding those still, small moments to connect with her Lord.

 


Annual Fast, Day Two: And So We Fast ...

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize. So run, that ye may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24, KJV) Fasting 2025

Fasting is hard.

A good question to ask yourself is this: Do I live to eat, or do I eat to live?

Part of our walk as followers of Christ is to discipline ourselves. Yet too often we fail to discipline ourselves for a variety of reasons. This is where the little foxes may creep in: those little sins that can create a space for the enemy to attack. We are creatures of flesh and spirit. What we feed on will affect both. Fasting is a time to take stock of where our frailties lie and then to repent and strengthen the breeches, those areas that have broken down or been weakened through disuse or neglect. 

Fasting reveals what needs to change if we are seeking a closer, more intimate walk with Jesus. Our life journey with Him is composed of times and seasons of change to reflect Him more and more in our attitudes, thoughts, and lifestyles. It's an amazing paradox that the more we surrender ourselves to Him, dying to our own plans and purposes, and coming alive to His, the more genuine our lives become. We were created for His plans and purposes (Ephesians 2:10). To find those plans and purposes, and to enter partnership with Him, is the absolute most fulfilling way to being alive in Him. Who would figure that dying to self is truly coming alive in Him!

Fasting can be hard. As the flesh screams out its wants and desires to be fed, we are faced with the challenge of holding out, of not giving in, of enduring and going the distance. I confess that fasting has become harder, not easier. You would think that after leading the fast group for the past few years, that it would have become easy and rote. But the opposite is true. It has become more difficult for me. I am asking the question: Why? Based on the answers, I intend to face it head on. So why do we fast if it is so hard? 

In our SUM group, first and foremost is the hope and desire to see our loved ones saved. We want to see our spouses come to know and love Jesus because we know that life with Him is the best way to live. It is the only way to heaven and eternity with Him. We know that this life is temporary. That life in this physical body is not meant to be forever. It is, in fact, quite short. I can attest to the truth that as we age, it goes faster and faster. So, we should live kingdom-minded, looking forward to the time when we are finished with this brief proving ground and able to move into our eternal destination with Jesus. 

We fast to set the tone for the coming year. We fast to see those mountains move in the lives of those we love. We fast because sometimes fasting is needed to cast out and break down those strongholds that have our loved ones held captive. We fast to break the strongholds in our own lives that hinder us from being all we can be in Jesus. We fast becuase we know it is a tool given to us to use for His purposes. And we fast to move closer to God. Fasting is a deliberate choice. A surrender to the one who loves us so much that He gave His all in suffering and death for our redemption and freedom.

Fasting allows us to discipline the flesh with its appetites. Jesus, who was God in the flesh, fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. If He needed it, we need it! So, I would like to encourage you, as you fast this week, to look for those broken-down places, or the weakened places. To spend time with Jesus in repentance and in repair. As you are abiding with Him this week, surrender your plans and purposes to His. Rest in His presence, allowing Holy Spirit to fill you with fresh oil. Draw close to Him knowing that His word says that when we draw close to Him, He also draws close to us.

We cannot do the work on our own. We cannot change ourselves. But we can surrender. And in that surrender, He will do the work. He will do as he promised: to complete the work He begins in us.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6, KJV)

Love,

LuAnn


Annual Corporate Fast, Day One

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7 KJV). Fasting 2025

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me (John 15:4 KJV).

As we begin our fast today, let us firmly take hold of the horns of the altar. Let us examine our hearts and allow Holy Spirit to minister to those areas that need deliverance, healing, and His grace. We have spent the past year contending for our spouses and for our families and communities. Let this fast be one of purging the old and sealing the plans for this next year. Examine and release.
Today chose to abide in his presence receiving all that He has for you. HIS PLANS FOR GOOD. HIS DIRECTION AND PURPOSES FOR OUR LIVES.

As we reflect on His character, His goodness, and His mercy let us lift our hands and voices in prayer. Worship Him. Glorify Him. Cry out to Him with all the love in your heart for Him. And then rest...rest in His presence in silence and peace, his shalom peace that surpasses our understanding. His peace that heals and quiets our restless minds and souls. His presence that fills us with joy. His joy that is our strength. Let today be a day of staying under his wings. Not asking for anything other than Him. Abiding in Him and allowing Him to abide in us.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1 KJV).

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler (Psalm 91:4 KJV).

SUMites, how do you view abiding?

Love,

LuAnn


Why Do We Fast?

By LuAnn Wendover Fasting

Why do we fast?

What are the benefits?

We fast for several reasons but the most important one is to get close to Jesus. We live in a world full of distractions. There is constant noise always pulling at us. Things to do, places to be, so much emphasis on the going and doing. It is easy to lose focus on the number one thing in our lives as Christ followers - we need to seek Him, sit with Him, and serve Him.

FASTING ALLOWS US TO PUT ASIDE THE DISTRACTIONS OF THE WORLD, OUR FLESH, THE NOISE AND PULL OF THE WORLD, AND OUR DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES AS SPOUSES, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, EMPLOYEES OR EMPLOYERS, AND ALL THE OTHER MYRIAD HATS WE WEAR IN OUR LIVES.

FASTING allows us to 'deny our flesh' with its demands, to take that time of feeding the physical and use it to feed our spirits through our relationship with our high priest and coming king and bridegroom. Most of us live in countries where many have an abundance of material things.  We live in comfort. Fasting is a good reminder to our flesh that it is not in control and a great reminder to us of how much we allow our flesh to dictate how we live. Fasting brings out the screaming, demanding fleshly sides of our beings. Fasting is the opportunity to say: 'No! Not today!' Today I choose to listen to my spirit, to focus on the voice of Jesus, our Lord. Today we are seeking the better things: His presence, His guidance, His rest.

Whether we can see it or not, fasting moves mountains in our lives. Mountains like disbelief, temptations, disobedience, striving, discontent to name a few. When we focus on Jesus, we are fed and filled with Him. We hear more clearly, see better, and can release those things hindering us in our lives. As Sumites, we need this.

We are mostly in a posture of war.

We war daily for our spouse's salvation.

We war for our children, both small and grown.

We war for our marriages to reflect our love and hope in Christ for repentance, restoration, renewal.

We war for ourselves as we battle to be that example of Christ Jesus in our homes, our families, and our communities.

We war, we grapple, we learn to armor up daily, and to fight the good fight. We endure.

So what should our corporate SUM fast look like this year in 2025?

It should be a time of reflection. A look back on the past year. Are there any losses? What needs to be laid at His feet and left there? Do we need to repent? Are there any breaches in our walls that need to be repaired? Do we need to forgive and make amends? Where were the victories? Have I given Him praise and thanked Him for moving in my life and meeting my needs? Have I thanked Him for forward movement? For delivering positive change and growth in me and my spouse? LuAnn

This fast should be a time of resting in Him. We need to look at Jesus: see his beauty, His love for us, and this dying world. It should be a rest that leads to renewal in us. It should be a refilling, a topping off of His strength and His joy, His love, patience, forbearance and all those other fruits of the Christ-centered life.

It should be a time of quiet. Listening for His words of direction, strength, purpose and guidance for us individually and as a corporate body of believers. It should be a time of restoration and peace as we shelter under His wings to rest in Him. To receive and give our love to Him, find solace in Him, receive from Him. Glory in His presence.

I think we will find this year's fast to be quite different for each one of us.

Looking forward to hearing the coming testimonies from this fast.

Love,

LuAnn

LuAnn Wendover is from Milan, NY. She has been a member of the SUM community for several years now, and will be leading our corporate fast from Monday to Friday next week. Join us!


Our Community Fast Starts on Monday!

SUMites, Ann here. Happy new year to you all. Fasting 2025

Our community fast starts this coming Monday -- Exciting!

It is a favorite time of year for me: A time of drawing close to God.

Many of us have found in previous years that significant things happen when we fast, whether it be a revelation from God, or some kind of shift.

We fast from sunrise on Monday to sunset on Friday. The most meaningful kind of fast is one where you fast from food in some way.

  • If you're new to this, you might like to try fasting from sunrise to sunset each day and having a small meal in the evening.
  • If you're more used to fasting, you could try going without food altogether for the week.

Plan to drink plenty as you go -- That's important.

To prepare:

  • Pray and ask God for strength and direction about how to fast.
  • Get plenty of liquids in stock
  • Consider telling your family so that less pressure is put on you over the week.

You may have guests, work, or things to do. Try not to let that deter you: I, for one, this year will be visiting friends for three nights of the five. However, on those days I still plan to fast until sunset each day.

Finally, we have LuAnn Wendover and Nickole Meierotto leading the fast this year. They are two of our long-standing SUMites who have a passion for fasting. So, they will write something each day next week for us. Stay tuned!

Well, that's all for now. All the very best preparing for it, and the team here it SUM will see you in the comments next week.

Love

Ann


Pop This in Your Diary

Dear SUMites, Ann here Fasting 2025

I just wanted to let you know a date for your diary for the new year:

From Monday 6 January to Friday 10 January 2025 we will be having our annual corporate fast, in which we fast and pray together as a community.

This fasting week is something we do each year and it is a precious time as it leads us to encounter God more deeply. Many of us look forward to it - hard as it is to fast.

So, pop it in your diary for now, and we'll post more details soon.

Much love

Ann


Dying to Self in a Spiritually Mismatched Marriage, by LuAnn Wendover

By LuAnn Wendover:
 
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭(KJV‬‬) 
 
I'm tired today. It's fast day and I am hungry. This year the focus for me is on family. There are so many that aren't saved. So many bound by strongholds. I want to give up today. Throw in the towel. Pack the car and travel to a place of peace and serenity. 
 
We all have days like this. Every single thing requires too much effort. My shield is dangling to the ground, my sword is dragging behind me. Too much to do, too many pulling at me for attention. And all of it overwhelming.
 
So what to do? Give in and run away? 
 
No. 
 
It's time to stop and regroup. Look the enemy squarely in the eyes and say 'NO, not today!'
 
And this, my sweet Sumites, is part of the process of dying to self. When it is all unraveling around you. When it would be so easy to just give in, give up. My flesh is screaming for relief. Eat something, pack a bag, get out of Dodge.
 
But this battle is too important. 
 
I want to see my loved ones saved, healed, delivered. Strongholds broken. The enemies teeth broken off. The captives set free. 
 
And so I choose to continue...to die to my own self interest and comfort. To pursue the Holy Spirit by denying the flesh. To die to my own wants and desires to make room for His. LuAnn
 
Every time we choose to serve Him in our homes, every time we forgive, weep, and get back up to continue on while every bit of our emotions are screaming NO MORE, we are dying to ourselves. Every time we choose obedience over relieving the fleshly emotions through anger, nasty retorts, lashing out in defense...we are honoring Abba. We are denying our flesh for his sake. 
 
And so today, I choose victory over defeat. Spirit over flesh. God over myself.
 
We can do this! He promises to strengthen us when we are weak. He promises to walk beside us as we battle. He knows! He lived it all for our sake. How can we do less?
 
Love, 
 
Lu
 
LuAnn Wendover is from Milan, NY. She has been a member of the SUM community for several years now. She is a wife, mother of 7, and grandmother of 14. She loves to encourage others in their walk with Jesus.

Community Fast - Day Five, We Are THERE!

Ann here Race

As I write it is 4pm on day five over here in New Zealand, and I have two hours left to go, woohoo!

Today I would like us to share in the comments how our fast has gone: Specifically, what have you experienced from God this week?

I'll share a little about mine in a moment, but first picture this:

This fast is like a race, where we're nearing the finish line, and we're running it together.

The sun sets on a Friday in New Zealand first, and so us Kiwis will end our fast. There are at least a couple of us here in Auckland who are fasting.

Two hours later the sun will set in Australia, and our Australian SUMites will finish.

Ten hours later the Europeans will finish.

And finally, about six hours after that, those on the American continent will end their race. Lynn brings up the rear in the final time zone, over in California, Pacific time.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

As I finish this particular race, I feel spiritually refreshed. And here's something that characterized my fast this year:

I had this weird feeling that I wanted to read the Bible without stopping. And that led me to race through much of the New Testament in the style of Forrest Gump! I just had to ... keep ... reading.

Are you still running, Forrest? Are you still reading, Ann?

So over this week I galloped through the whole of Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy, the last part of Acts ... And finally, Hebrews.  Phew!

What's more, when I was sat there, on the couch, devouring his words, I did not feel the hunger pangs anymore. It was as if I was sat there in a beautiful bubble of comfort.

I would then pause, turn to my past journals, and read through things I have felt God say in my life. More feeding: This time I was feeding on his spoken word. And still, my hunger seemed to stay at bay.

His written word is power. His spoken word adds layers of blessing. We need both.

So that was my fast. And based on that I'm going to suggest a final prayer for us all:

Lord crack open your word in my heart. Implant it in me, and let it feed me supernaturally, so that I am full to the brim with you.

Ok, over to you, SUMites, how has it gone for you?

Ann


Community Fast - Day Four Prayer Prompt

SUM Fast 2024Today we are taking our prayers into real preparation for warfare.

Today, ask the Lord for revelation. And ask for wisdom. Ask God to reveal or perceive what you don’t see that is going on first in the spiritual realm and then in the natural. 

Prayer prompt: Lord, reveal the truth about my marriage and my family relationships. Provide me wisdom to process and then work through issues that are ungodly or outside of your Biblical design. Pour your discernment upon my mind and spirit to unwind complex problems and relationships with the wisdom from heaven. Reveal anything the devil is doing in secret and provide the wisdom to confront it. In Jesus name. AMEN.

Now listen. Write down what you hear.

Now ask for courage and strength to battle for truth, hope, and health in 2024. In Jesus name.

What did you learn this morning? Share in the comments. I'll see you there. Love and hugs, Lynn


Community Fast -- Day Three Prayer Prompt

Ann here, hello my fellow fasting SUM warriors! Fast n pray

Day 3 of the fast.

I'm writing just after midday on day 3. Today finds me hungry, a little spaced out, and feeling doddery. How's your fast gone? Share in the comments if you like.

I sat with God for a long time this morning, and wrote this to him:

I feel like I'm in a bubble of glory this morning.

It is so beautiful being able to sit with you and devote this time to you and your word - written and heard.

My friends, this is the tenth year I've taken part in this community fast. And I am convinced that these fasts are responsible for my ability to walk cheerfully in my SUM situation. I believe the same can be said of many of you, who I know have done these corporate fasts year after year. These fasts have led those who participate to be victors and overcomers in their SUMs.

That is no small thing. It is a miracle to have your attitude changed when you're in a spiritually mismatched marriage.

The first fast I did was in 2015. I approached it with huge trepidation and wow was it hard! I tried to go from morning to sunset each day without food and by 3pm every single day I was hanging around the kitchen fighting the urge to have a bag of chips. I would usually cave and shove a pile of food in my mouth at high speed, crumbs flying.

"Aggh, God! I didn't manage it!" I would whimper, licking the salt and grease of the chips off my lips, and feeling instantly better but frustrated I'd given up. But no, he laughed over me. He loved my heart and little did I realize what a powerful thing I'd been partaking in, this corporate fast.

Over the years my stamina for fasting increased. Still, "Come on Bryce!" I would anguish. "Turn to God, then I won't have to fast any more!"

I'm laughing now. It's not about that. It's not about fasting so he gets saved. It's about fasting so that I become close to God. All else flows from that.

Well, somewhere along the 2015-2024 fasting path, a miracle did happen: God removed all of my pain about my SUM. He operated on it like a surgeon, stitched me up and lo and behold it was gone.

Inconvenience still, yes; challenges still. But not pain.

So I'd love our prayer prompt today to be about that. Let's pray:

Lord, heal me of my pain about my SUM.

In the name of Jesus, let there be no more pity, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, or bondage in me in relation to this SUM situation.

In the name of Jesus, I speak into my heart JOY. PEACE. HOPE. and LOVE. in relation to my marriage.

Jesus, take me into the operating theatre of the Holy Spirit and do a miraculous work in my mind and heart. 

And finally, Jesus, make me an overcomer!

My friends, if you would like prayer for the pain, post in the comments and I'll pray for you. You may find the road to healing is still a little longer than you hope, and he may take you on a learning journey, but God will surely answer that prayer.

Sending you so much love

Ann


Community Fast -- Day Two Prayer Prompt

Hello dear SUM community Fast n pray

Day 2 of our fast.

How is it going? If you didn't manage what you hoped, don't worry, pick yourself up, get back on the horse and start again. It is not about performance, it's about the heart, and God loves our efforts.

Now, here's a thought I had today. Fasting involves two things --

#1: Weakening ourselves by going without food.

Phewee it's tough eh!

And --

#2: Spending time with God, quietening our soul.

During this particular fast, Bryce is at work, I have cleared my calendar of all things this week, and in theory I do have hours available to sit with God.

I have a nice little spot in the sun that I've made, and I sit there with my Bible, journal, laptop, and relevant books to dip into.

HOWEVER, I find when I sit with God I say to him "What shall we talk about?"  Or ... "How do I connect with you?" I drum my fingers, and then after a little while I reach for my phone or some other distraction. "Oh, I'll just text this person... then I'll carry on talking to God."

No, be still, my soul!

I've realized this time round that one of the biggest challenges of fasting is not only going without food; it's also the ability to quiet myself.

Thankfully by day four or five, I'll be in a state where I just lie on the bed, and perhaps then it might be easier. I'll play a bit of worship music then while I lie there and will wait on his voice.

So our prayer point today is about connecting with God. How do you connect with God? 

One of our SUMites, Jeanne R wrote this to me this week: "I often take communion each morning during a fast, praying for Jesus to feed me with his body and pleading his blood over myself, my family, my home and workplace."

How else can we do it? Let's pray:

Lord, quiet my soul so that I can spend time with you.

Lord, help me not get distracted from keeping my eyes on you.

Lord, show me ways to connect with you creatively.

Well, SUMites, I do have a story for you that I mentioned last week, but I'm going with the flow as to what to post this week, so I might write that tomorrow, or leave it to early next week. We'll see where the Spirit leads.

All the very best with day 2 of your fast. You can do it!

Ann


Community Day One - Prayer Prompt

SUM Fast 2024My friends,

On this first morning of prayer, you are likely feeling enthusiastic and energized to stay the course. Excellent. Let's jump into today's prayer prompts are:

  • Seek God. Call out to God. Ask for greater awareness of His Presence. Ask for insight into His love and character. Ask Him for His will and purposes for you in 2024. Then share with Him your dreams. And dream Big. Write them down and tuck them away to read at the end of the year.
  • Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any lies you have believed about him, Jesus or Spirit. Allow Him to minister truth and healing to your body, your soul and your spirit. This is at the heart of spiritual warfare.
  • Pray for strengthening to fast. Ask the Holy Spirit to support you and empower you to stay the course.
  • Be gentle with yourself. Show yourself kindness. If you slip up, don't heap condemnation upon yourself. God loves that you are attempting to grow closer to Him. Love on yourself. And hop back into your fast.

In the comments, please share with me what God revealed or how He loved on you during your morning time with Him. Please share with the community some way that God has been faithful in your life in the past year. 

Let's truly open this fast, open the gates to heaven, with praise and thanksgiving. 

Hallelujah. See you in the comments. Lynn Donovan


Guest Post by LuAnn Wendover

Hi gang LuAnn

Today we are blessed to have a guest post from long-time SUMite LuAnn Wendover. Many of you will know LuAnn as she actively serves our community by encouraging and praying for many of us. LuAnn has a strong heart for fasting and runs a weekly fast for a group of SUMites behind the scenes. So, without further ado, here's LuAnn:

**

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

The yearly fast for our SUM community is quickly approaching. This 5 day fast is to focus SUM for the upcoming year in direction and leading from Abba.

It is always good to examine why we do what we do as followers of Jesus, and what our expectations and hopes are from the fast.

Why do we fast? What is it about fasting that is so important? Who should fast? How do you prepare for a fast?

For me, fasting is about shutting down my flesh with its never ending demands for attention. It is a time of preparing my heart for an encounter with the one who loves me the best. For over five years, my prayer partner, Nickole, I, and other Sumites have fasted weekly. The focus on this type of fast is completely different from a yearly, corporate fast. It is a fast to intercede for the needs of others. So our focus is on denying our appetite for food to approach the throne of God with the needs of our community. 

A corporate fast should be a unity in spirit seeking Him for the good of the corporate body...ie. the SUM community as a whole. The focus is to see what he wants from us as a group. And to see and understand how we as a community can further His kingdom.

I would suggest some research into the differing types of fasts as well as asking Holy Spirit what He would have you do. 

Fasting needs to be focused. It is not simply going without food but replacing that time with prayer or reading the word or praise and worship to seek Jesus. It is denying the screaming baby (our appetite) to better hear Him. It is learning to listen. It is learning how strong our flesh is and what it takes to subdue it.

We are living in times of rapid and insidious change. We need to be closer to our savior than ever before. Fasting gives us that opportunity to seek him, draw strength from Him, and fight the good fight.

Like every spiritual discipline, fasting is like a muscle. The more it is used and exercised, the stronger and more capable it becomes as a tool. 

I would like to encourage you to take part in our yearly fast. There is something very powerful in God's people coming together to seek Him. And our community is not just the leadership. Each of us is important and vital to the success of the group. Each has gifts to share, testimonies that impact each other, support and encouragement. So please consider taking part this year.

LuAnn Wendover is from Milan, NY. She has been a member of the SUM community for several years now. She is a wife, mother of 7, and grandmother of 14. She loves to encourage others in their walk with Jesus.


Sumite Community Fast

SUM Fast 2024Hello SUMites,

In preparation for our fast that begins on Monday, January 8th at sunrise, I want to offer a few points to help make your fast successful. 

First, figure out what kind of fast you will be partaking. This year, I'm praying for a healthy lifestyle of eating. I'm going to participate in a Daniel fast. I began this fast on January 1st. I'm fasting at least 21 days, longer if I can. 

Remember you can fast many different ways, such as fasting from social media, fasting from television, but the kind of fasting in the Bible is a food fast. Best advice is to ask the Lord what He wants this fast to look like in your life.

Remember, stay hydrated. Generally, most people don't drink enough water in a day. I purchased a large jug last year. I drink the entire half gallon a day. 

Helpful tip: Light a candle. Place the candle in your kitchen or someplace where you see it often. It is a light to remind you to pray. Try this. It really helps. I burn a candle in my living room and when I see it, I pray a blessings prayer. I'll share more about those in my book that is coming out soon.

Determine to seek God. 

Fasting is commanding our desires into submission and allowing our spirit to engage with our Father, Jesus, and Spirit. 

Fasting brings clarity. 

Finally, bring your cell phone into submission. DO NOT take it into your daily prayer time. Just sit with God and listen. He won't compete with the phone. I mean it.

Ann and I will be leading the fast with a prayer prompt each morning. I will be focusing on spiritual warfare, as that is what my new book is about. And real warfare is intense. Fasting draws you closer to God and His wisdom and protection. Which we certainly need if we are going to battle the demonic for ourselves and family members.

Okay, any questions? Leave me a comment.

Are you participating? Please leave your name, where you are from and any prayer requests. I WILL pray over all of them during our fast.

I love you, my dearest, brothers and sister. I hold you deeply within my heart. 

I declare VICTORY for our community. VICTORY. It's finally time to experience God's victories in our lives. I can't wait to hear how God is moving in your life in 2024.

Love and hugs, Lynn Donovan


New Year - New Beginnings!

Happy New Year, dear SUMites. We trust your Christmas went well and you’ve stepped into the New Year, yes, it’s 2024, positively.

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Photo courtesy of James Wheeler and pexels.com

As a quick side note, the world often expects us to charge into the new year but after a usually busy December, I find it’s often good to gently step into it. Our souls need it. I’d encourage us all to set aside some time to meet with the Lord and simply rest in His presence. Take some time, if you are able, to simply be peaceful with the lover of our souls. Let Him replenish and refresh you as only he can.

New Beginnings

For much of December as I walked through Advent, I was reminded that when Jesus entered the world as a babe, He brought something new. Himself. And in many unexpected ways.

He continues to offer us something new. It’s in His nature.

I began to sense that newness was a theme for my 2024. And only this morning I read an email newsletter that talked about new beginnings: “Our very life here depends directly on continuous acts of beginning.”

These were words from an Irish poet/philosopher that some of you may have heard of, John O’Donohue.1 If not, look him up as he’s quite marvellous. I’ll finish this post with the poem he wrote about beginnings.

Before I do that, I wanted to share a little about what this might mean for me and what I’m doing about it. I’ve found the past year to be a frustrating one and when I reviewed the year with the Lord over the past week, I got a strong sense to not spend too much time reviewing it, simply to move on and let it go. On Boxing Day I read these words from Isaiah 43:18-19:

"Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.

I am about to do a new thing now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"

And so I step into the future expectant. Of what, I’m not exactly sure, but the hope and anticipation that comes with venturing into something new, even if unsure what that might be. Think Abraham.

Distractions

I’ve allowed myself to get too distracted. For too long. The world throws so much at us that it is easy to use up valuable time scrolling … and scrolling some more. “Distracted people … are habitually diverted to less important things.”2

So, I’ve quit Instagram and will do similar with Twitter. Also, will stay off Facebook for the next few weeks. To abstain and to explore other areas of my ‘media’ consumption that can become all consuming.

The easiest way to change a habit is to introduce a new one. I’ll be reverting to a more structured daily schedule that typically has always worked for me. I’m a creature of structured routine.

I’m determined to finish this Angelguard trilogy this year. Jack Haines, my lead character, keeps bugging me because he wants to start something new himself. That’s where you’ll find me most days now; with Jack and Jesus.

What about You?

What might be a theme for 2024 for yourself? It’d be fun to share in the comments below, encouraging each other in exploring that theme.

A final note on our fast next week. Fasts are great ways to eliminate stuff and start new stuff. We allow Jesus greater access through abstinence. As a result, our airwaves are often clearer, enabling us to better hear Him and what He would have us do. Even a simple daily prayer like, “Lord, how can I please you today?” can become a habit which changes our days.

Know we’ll all be praying for each other as we gently step into our fast next week.

And now to O’Donohue’s poem3. I hope you might find it as inspiring as I did.

For a New Beginning

by John O’Donohue

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Warmest blessings for 2024.

Grace and peace.

Note: 1. Maria Popova, aka, The Marginalian, A Spell Against Stagnation: John O’Donohue on Beginnings, 30/12/2023, 2. Chris Hall, A Different Way (Harper Collins, New York, 2023), 274. 3. Popova, ibid


The plan for our community fast

Hello dear SUMites, Ann here. Refreshing 2

Something amazing happened this week -- I received something from God specifically for our SUM community, and I am going to tell you about it next week when we begin our annual fast.

I'll keep you in suspense about that one :-)

But for now, this week let's get preparing for our annual SUM community fast.

Many of you have taken part in this fast before. For others of you it will be the first time. Here's how it works:

We fast from sun-up on Monday the 8th of January until sunset on Friday the 12th.

If you haven't fasted before, a good way to start would be to go without food from sun-up to sun-set each day and have a small bite to eat in the evening, while still drinking liquids throughout the day.

However, pray about it and see what the Spirit is leading you to do.

Why do we fast? It lifts us into a greater level of intimacy with God, bringing spiritual blessings and power to our situation. Things change when we fast. Honestly, we could write a book based on some of the things that have happened to SUMites in this community when fasting.

It really is a blessed time.

The first time I took part in this community fast, one of my favorite things that happened was that in the final hour -- at 6pm on the Friday -- I walked into my bedroom to find Bryce lying on the bed reading a Christian book. That was unheard of, it completely bowled me over, and I look back now and see it as a God 'wink' to show me that, yes, my fasting had done something in the heavenlies.

Fasting is not about twisting God's arm. Rather, it's about seeking him, and asking for more of him. When we make ourselves vulnerable and hungry it sends us to our knees in a way that other things don't.

So, to prepare:

  • Pray now for your ability to fast
  • Read some scriptures about fasting
  • Clear your week as much as you can, including getting your family to cook next week. or planning some meals ahead for them
  • Get juices and other nice drinks in stock to help you through
  • Consider telling your spouse/family, if you can - I do tell mine, though it wasn't easy to do at first.

Exciting! Yep, that's right, I'm excited about it. Tough as it is.

What questions do you have about fasting? Fire away!

Lots of love

Ann


Our Annual Community Fast

Dear SUMites Fast n pray

Well, it is that time of year again -- A time of year that many of us anticipate: Our annual SUM Community Fast.

The fast will commence at sunrise on Monday, January 8th and conclude at sundown on Friday January 12, 2024. 

This year we are preparing ourselves for the spiritual warfare that we will engage in beginning in February when we work our way through Lynn's new book, Spiritual Enforcer.

During this fast we will seek the Lord for any way that the enemy holds legal grounds in our personal lives and find freedom for ourselves. Our freedom empowers and enables us to effectively battle for our families beginning in February.

This is the most important fast to date. Plan to participate and let your family know you will be fasting. In the meantime, I will write a little more about it in my next post.

Hold on to your hats. We are going to stand in victory in 2024: Victory in Christ in our lives, our faith and marriages. 

In Jesus' name. AMEN.

Love,

Ann


We Made a Memorial Before God

By Ann Hutchison Memorial

On Monday of this week, I rose early while everyone else slept, opened my Bible to where I'd left off the day before and began to read. I was still thinking a lot about the fast we'd just been through.

I happened to be in the book of Exodus and, as I was reading, suddenly I saw a piece of glitter sitting on a verse I had just got to. It sparkled like a shard of light, glinting. It was next to the word 'Memorial'.

"Ooh... !" I thought, excited, and strained further to see whether it could be, could be, a speck of gold dust. Of course, the more realistic explanation is that it was a piece of glitter from a Christmas decoration, but we had just fasted.

Well, as soon as I noticed it, it instantly disappeared! I had not touched the page at all, blown on it, or done anything to make it move. Where did it go? It had been a definite chink of brightness, and now it was gone. I strained and looked some more, but nope it was gone. Exodus 30

I concluded then that I had seen it in the spirit. I had no problem believing that. And then I sat back and went 'WOW'. Wow. I stared into the distance for a minute, thinking Was that because we just fasted? Then I decided I need to go back to look properly at the verse in question: Exodus 30:16. Where in the verse was the sparkle located, and why did I see it there? In other words, what was God wanting to show me?

Ok, so let's look at this verse. I'm game! It sure is a tucked-away little part of scripture. In fact, if I hadn't seen the sparkle next to it I would have skimmed over this part of the Israelites' story.

The verse is part of a passage where the Israelites each give a sum of money to the Lord, while in the wilderness. It is a specified amount: half a shekel.

The purpose of the money was so that the people wouldn't be touched by a plague. That money would be an offering to the Lord. In other words, like our fast, their offering afforded them protection.

Well, that was the very topic I wrote about on Monday. So that was interesting. But verse 16, where I saw the sparkle, then built on that:

"And you shall take the atonement money of the children of Israel and shall appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of meeting, that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord, to make atonement for yourselves." (Exodus 30:16, NKJV)

The sparkle was next to the word 'memorial', so this stood out to me. 

What's more, I noticed that I had previously scribbled a note in the margin, about another place in scripture where a 'memorial' to the Lord is mentioned. That place was Acts 10:4, where we see a Roman Centurion, Cornelius, who has been faithful to God. An angel appears to him and says:

"Cornelius! ... Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God." (Acts 10:4, NKJV)

My friends, I believe that God is taking us on a little journey this week to say well done for this fast, and to show us what it's done.

On Monday we talked about how the fast afforded us protection. That was a beautiful thing to know, and though we may never see on earth what that means exactly for our lives, I believe it and receive that word.

And now today it seems God is saying that our corporate fast came up as a memorial before him. What is a memorial? My dictionary tells me that it's something that preserves the memory of anything, serves to keep in remembrance.

It is that God remembers what we've done and will remember this for the rest of our earthly lives. We remember it too. We have put ourselves into God's remembrance.

That is such a simple, but new thought for me in relation to these corporate fasts. It thrills me!

Well, SUMites, wasn't it good fasting together! Let's see if God has anything else to share with us by Friday... And I close with this scripture, which seems relevant:

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him (Malachi 3:16, NKJV)

Love you all,

Ann


A Tasty Revelation About Our Recent Fast

By Ann Hutchison

Hi SUM family, Bread

We finished our fast on Friday, and WOW what an effort. I talked to a few of you over the week and know it was a special time for many of you.

I'm going to linger on this topic of fasting a little longer, if you don't mind. What did our fast do?

Personally, as a little wink from God, I've sometimes found that something happens in the last hour of our corporate fast. In one of our first fasts, for example, I walked into the bedroom in the very last hour to find Bryce lying on the bed reading a Christian book!!! 

It's as if God was saying "Yes, your fast did something in the Heavenlies. Be assured."

This year, however, nothing happened in the last hour, and I wondered... Would God show me anything about the fast? Well, roll around Saturday morning and I had a cool thing happen. That morning, I rose early. The whole house was quiet, I wrapped myself up in my cosy robe and stood in the kitchen making coffee, ready for some time with God. 

As I did so, I checked email and saw that I'd received an email from a ministry friend. The title was "Sorry, weekend note that could not wait." This man did not know I'd/we'd been fasting.

He had not wanted to disturb me on the weekend but said that he felt like a baker who had just produced a fresh warm loaf of bread and it had to be delivered NOW. As in, the Holy Spirit was prompting him to write.

Well, that was fun, as I'd been fasting for a week and now it seemed God was sending me a loaf of steaming warm bread as if to say "I'm giving you a word now in response to your hunger." Awesome!!

For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things (Psalm 107:9, NIV)

So, what was in the email? What was the loaf of steaming warm bread that God wanted to deliver to me so urgently in the form of words? Well, wouldn't you know it: The email was about fasting!

I reiterate, my friend did not know I was fasting, but in this email he had been led to tell me about a difficult fast he'd done, and how there was evidence that fast protected him from later attacks by the enemy. The crux of the email was that fasting had afforded him protection. 

Because of the timing and content of this email, I believe it was a word from God for us. And I think what God wants us to know is that our fast has afforded us protection. It might be protection we never see with our earthly eyes or understand, of course, so perhaps we just have to know it's there.

I personally had never given much thought of that outcome of fasting -- protection -- but what a great reason to fast.

It's always important to check everything against scripture, of course. And there is an example in the Bible of a corporate fast bringing protection. It's in the book of Esther, where Queen Esther asked the Jews in her city to fast for protection, and that protection does come following their fast:

Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish! (Esther 4:16, NKJV)

So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. (Esther, 5:2, NKJV)

So, our word to take to heart and believe today is this: Our SUM corporate fast has afforded us protection. There is a massive battle in our lives. That we know. And in some form or other the Lord has decreed, "Do not touch, do not touch, my anointed." I thank him for that.

SUMites, I have another insight about our fast too that I received this morning in my prayer time. So I will share that on Wednesday. 

In the meantime, would you like to share anything else about how your fast went?

Ann


And So We Cross the Finish Line

By Ann Hutchison Hunger for God 2023

Hi everyone, we have made it to day five! It's Friday morning here in New Zealand, as I write. How has it gone for you? I can't wait to hear.

I don't feel too bad here but am slow. At points in the week, it has felt overwhelmingly long and difficult. This morning, I could finally see the end: I went out to buy a big lasagne and garlic bread for tonight... Which I cannot wait to gobble up.

But first -- before that joyous lasagne -- I am going to have the afternoon with God in my shed, and you know wha .... I'm looking forward to that more.

Sometimes our fasts go smoothly, other times less so. So don't worry if you did less than you hoped. I have had some fasts where I have given up, then re-started. One time God showed me how much he valued even those failed attempts. He smiles on our efforts.

One new thing I did this year was carve out more time for God. I've suddenly found myself at the stage of life where I can do that. The cabin in the garden was a real treat, and I even got to retreat there in the evenings this week. 

Bryce didn't seem to mind that, so I went for it. And there I would lie .... on the floor in that cabin, talking to God. Because our theme was friendship with God, I tried to just go there.

It was a gentle, quiet week with the Lord that seems apt for a week where we're trying to be God's friend. I personally didn't feel his presence more strongly than I do normally, but perhaps you did. In a way, the flavor for me was more quiet than usual. But on Thursday I was excited to receive a word from him about our community, and so I recorded that on video yesterday, and I did it from the shed, in the spirit of fasting. Here it is, and I hope it blesses you. He is good to us.

As for ending our fast, shall we do this one last thing? Just before the fast draws to an end today, let's all get a piece of bread and some wine/juice, and take communion. As we do, think of this scripture and even read it out loud:

And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

It feels especially meaningful to take communion when you're hungry, and to say "Thank you for being my bread of life, Jesus, and thank you for your blood, which also has given me life."

SUMites, we love him, and we are his army of warrior men and women. I think he would say to us, as soldiers who've gone through a lot, "I know what you fight for and what you do." As I think of those I know in this community, I find you pretty incredible.

Now, I would love to hear how your fast is going so far -- or has gone. Share in the comments, and all the very best as you cross the finish line!

Ann


The Friend we Need

Blog PostHello all! Amanda here for day three of our fast. I hope all of you are doing well and staying hungry for more of HIM!

  As Ann mentioned in Monday's post, our theme this week is Friendship with God. I have been rolling this concept around in my head the last few days and asking myself the question "what does friendship with God look like?". I have been jotting down thoughts as they come to me and I wanted to take this time to share with you what I believe God wants us all to remember about what it means to be friends with him.

 For my side of the friendship it means I want to know him deeply. I want to know his thoughts, his desires, and what pleases him. I want to know what angers him, what he finds detestable, and what he will not tolerate.

  Friendship with God means I talk to him often. Throughout my day I have little conversations with him. I talk to him while I am doing dishes, sweeping, cooking ect. Just like I would one of my girlfriends on the phone. I chat with him about big concerns, little annoyances, and everything in between! One day I may be telling him all about how someone angered me as I furiously scrub pots and pans, another day I may just proclaim my love and thankfulness as I fold towels. No matter what I am doing I want him there with me.

  God and I being friends also means I can be REAL with him! I can let him in all the raw, ugly parts of my life and share what I am really feeling. I do not have to pretend like everything is fine when I am with him. I can let the fur fly! He already knows what I am thinking anyway so its not like any of it surprises him. He just listens patiently, as a good friend would do. He holds me as I cry, corrects me when I'm wrong, and comforts me when I hurt. Oh, what a wonderful friend he is!

  God is the kind of friend we all desperately need in our lives! Yes, he will hold you. Yes, he will comfort you. Of course he will listen to you! What he will NOT do however, is tell you what you want to hear all the time! God is that one true friend who is not afraid to tell us what we need to hear, even if it may sting a little. He is not a "yes man", he cares about us too much to feed us easy lies that may placate us for a time. He will always tell us the truth.

Here are few of the most beautiful things I learned about what this means: First, He loves us unconditionally. When we royally mess up, he loves us. When we get caught up in pride or people-pleasing, he loves us. When we say things we shouldn't, he loves us. When we are lazy, angry, or full of self pity guess what? HE LOVES US! 

Second, he knows us. He knows me. He knows exactly what shade of green is my favorite color. He knows I love the smell in the air after it rains. He knows I love music, sunrises, and lilies. He knows I love the beach, but loathe the feeling of sand between my toes. Haha! He knows my innermost thoughts and feelings. He knows exactly what comforts me as well. He knows ME. More than anyone else ever could.

The Father, our precious Lord, is closer than a brother, parent, husband, or human friend. He is the one in whom we live and breathe and have our being (Acts 17:28). And he desires oneness with us! We only have to reach out and grab hold of him!

During the last half of our fast I hope you find yourself growing closer in friendship with our Father. Even if you don't "feel" him trust that he is right there, because Matthew 28:20 says he is! Enjoy your time with him as much as you can. Let him lavish his love on you, and soak it up!

I would love to hear about how the fast is going for you in the comments!

 


Where's our Focus when we Fast?

6a00d83451ee9f69e202af1c953abf200dHappy New Year, dear SUMites. I do hope you all had a blessed time with loved ones over the Christmas/New Year period.

And now we Fast. It’s become the traditional way we SUMites start our years. It’s a great way as individuals to draw closer to God and doing it together can deepen that experience and strengthen our bonds as a group.

Transition Seasons

“We become what we behold” – William Blake

I think I shared this Blake quote in a previous post as it’s become one of my favourites over the years. During Advent, I was drawn to the notion of how we spend our time while we wait; Advent, of course being a season of waiting.

I mentioned last time in my Advent post that I’m presently in a season of transition. Looking forward to what the next season in my life holds having spent much of the last few years caring for my parents.

We’re all probably familiar with the story of Anna, the prophet, who greeted Mary and Joseph when Jesus was presented in the temple. Let’s meet her, here in Luke:

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38 NIVUK)

Anna, like we SUMites, knew a thing about waiting. She had been waiting for the redemption of Israel through the fulfilment of the OT prophecy of the Messiah. After becoming a widow, likely to have been in her early 20s assuming she married as a young teen like most women did in Biblical times, she spent around 60 years hanging out in the temple. Now that’s a lot of waiting.

And what do we read she does? She worships, fasts, and prays. Continually. Incredible, isn’t it? Her faith is extraordinary. Anna is formed in her devotion to Jesus as she waits for Him. Waiting, even though (often) uncomfortable, is a significant time for our spiritual formation.

What we look at while we’re waiting is very important. Read that again.

Focus

Increasingly, I’ve found myself being very distracted, struggling to ‘focus’ and as a result be present with God and others. Life with all the technological advancements of the past 20-30 years has made it very easy to get distracted. We’re constantly bombarded but also drawn to social media and the like. We have hundreds of streaming channels to navigate, and we can buy anything at any time of the day and night. I’m a research geek, so I can lose myself for hours on end trawling down the internet for all manner of seemingly interesting tidbits.

Late in the year, I was drawn to some writing about seeking God more intentionally and felt the nudge by the Spirit to adopt ‘focus’ as my Word for the year. What have I done to become more focused:

  • straight after Christmas by turning off social media. It’s become an easy time waster for me.
  • I’m intentionally reading the Gospels this year as my Bible study reflections. Two scribes I admire both mentioned that if we desire to seek more of Jesus in our life, starting with the four books He stars in is a good start. I like that idea. Intimacy with Jesus requires focus. Being a good friend with Jesus requires focus.
  • I’m praying specific short prayers during the day to invite God into the moment. One that I regularly pray is very simple:

“Lord, I want to know you more intimately,

So I can love you more intensely

To follow you more closely.”

  • When I’m exercising, I’m picturing Jesus doing it with me. Even the other day at the cinema, I pictured Jesus sitting in the seat next to me inviting him into the activity.

These are just some of the things I’m doing. Seeking to invite Jesus into more of my day.

And fasting requires focus too, doesn’t it? To relieve the hunger pangs, we need to focus on another. And that is the idea of fasting. We use the hunger pangs to in fact draw us closer to Jesus. We focus more on Him and invite Him into our hunger as He is able to sustain us and carry us through the day. I'm praying I might gain some greater clarity around what's next for me and where I should next step.

Do any other SUMItes have a Word for 2023 yet? It would be a wonderful discussion for us to have in the comments if we share them and perhaps provide a little background as to why this Word is significant this year.

Go well this week. We’re excited to hear of some of the fruit we may experience as a result. But do remember, that often the fruit comes later, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a lightning bolt of inspiration during the week.

Grace and peace