We are winding down with our 40 days of prayer and fasting emphasis at Fairview. As I write this Monday morning while drinking my coffee for day #34 without the flavor added, and no I'm not used to it this way and yes I'm going back to it next Monday morning, I'm just thinking that if you ever want time to slow down then go on a fast. Kidding, not kidding. It's actually been great on many levels. I've developed some new habits, holy habits if you will. After 40 days, it should be a habit. I've struggled some, not only with the lack of flavor in my coffee, but also every food or food group I decided to fast has shown up in abundance around me. Every day I decided to fast for the day proved to be challenging unless I was extremely busy. I've struggled at times yes, but all in all its been extremely positive and worthwhile. More focused time in prayer and the Word, less aggravation over things that don't really matter, more peace, more awareness of things I believe God wanted to show and reveal to me. In other words, the positives far outweigh the negative! I hope you can say the same. It's been so fun hearing your stories and your items of fast. Finish strong this last week. I'm so proud of our church family, how I love you and am grateful for each of you! Now about yesterday! Phenomenal on every level! It was such a treat to have Joe Sawyer with us! He and his wife Karen are family to us. They mean more to us than they'll probably ever know. They've mentored us from the day we met them and from the day we met them they felt like family. They've taught us so much about the abundant life following Jesus and so much of His Word. Not just about His Word and truth from it, although they've taught us much of that. They've taught us to love His Word and hunger for it. That's one thing I hope to pass to others before I leave this earth. The testimonies have been timely and challenging. Our band has never been better! They set the bar high yesterday for the weeks to come. Those songs, their spirit, their energy gave us a taste of heaven and left us longing for more. Keep bringing it Cross Talk!
My husband's message was short, ok shorter. Haha. But each thought was special. Yes, money does talk. Just what is it saying about us? That we spend more on ourselves than others? That we spend more on vacation than we give in the entire year?
He challenged us that when we get more it's not to raise our standard of living so we can spend more. When we get more, we should practice giving more. Again, I love his honesty and transparency. Continue to pray about our offering next week and the part you will play in kingdom giving. It will be a special time as we all don't give equally, but we all give sacrificially.
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