Monday, January 9, 2012

Second day

Well really it is kind of actually my third.  I did a dry run on Saturday.  So far, this is how it is going:

1. Without caffeine I am horribly, pathetically tired.  Who knew that was the only thing keeping me awake all day?
2. Unleavened bread is really, really good.  Like addictively good.
3. I make great soup!
4. I still feel like prayers are hitting the ceiling.
5. I have dug into some really cool scripture, chosen by looking up certain words in the concordance and reading chapters around them.
6. I have tons of support in this, and I appreciate and value it so much.  I originally planned to set out on my own on the fast, but decided to ask for agreement in prayer and/or fasting, and so many have responded.  Amazing!

Last night I read Psalm 40 in NIV, msg, and NLT.  This is the NLT version, I LOVE it!

1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
      and he turned to me and heard my cry.
 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
      out of the mud and the mire.
   He set my feet on solid ground
      and steadied me as I walked along.
 3 He has given me a new song to sing,
      a hymn of praise to our God.
   Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
      They will put their trust in the Lord.
 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
      who have no confidence in the proud
      or in those who worship idols.
 5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
      Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
      You have no equal.
   If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
      I would never come to the end of them.
 6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
      Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand[a]
      you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
 7 Then I said, “Look, I have come.
      As is written about me in the Scriptures:
 8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
      for your instructions are written on my heart.”
 9 I have told all your people about your justice.
      I have not been afraid to speak out,
      as you, O Lord, well know.
 10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
      I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
   I have told everyone in the great assembly
      of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
 11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
      Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
 12 For troubles surround me—
      too many to count!
   My sins pile up so high
      I can’t see my way out.
   They outnumber the hairs on my head.
      I have lost all courage.
 13 Please, Lord, rescue me!
      Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
 14 May those who try to destroy me
      be humiliated and put to shame.
   May those who take delight in my trouble
      be turned back in disgrace.
 15 Let them be horrified by their shame,
      for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
 16 But may all who search for you
      be filled with joy and gladness in you.
   May those who love your salvation
      repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
 17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
      let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
   You are my helper and my savior.
      O my God, do not delay.

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for the scripture this morning Lee. I am praying along with you. I have decided not to do the fast right now because we just can't afford it. I have to eat what we have in the house until I can afford to buy groceries again. But that is also a fast for me. :-)
    I am praying for miracles in Ben's life and your family.
    My India is having surgery tomorrow and I am praying for miracles in her life and our family as well.
    God's Word and His faithfulness are such a gift. Thank you for sharing your heart and struggles.
    sivje

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  2. Lee, I had not read this translation before and I am enamored with it. It was so powerful and I found myself both in Awe and with a sense of gratefulness for God. I have been praying for you everyday, both yours and my own as I am led. My modified "fast" has been difficult in some ways-caffiene withdrawal- and fruitful already in others. I am so blessed to be on this journey with you. I have been praying for restoration and healing, for joy and energy, and for a sense of God's complete presence to surround you, Mike, Hannah, Alex and Ben. LYF LYFA Liv

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