This is a season of reflection; a time of repentance, preparation, prayer and fasting. An opportunity to focus our sights on true discipleship and becoming who God created us to be in the midst of being our most real and authentic selves.

Nothing but vegetables and water for Daniel and his companions, and not just for six weeks but for the duration of their training in Babylon! The powerful response from these four young men did not come out of fear of being caught, but rather, from a devotion to God's commands that were formed in them from an early age and long before they were carried away to captivity.
During these coming weeks you may have chosen to fast a particular day out of the week, or even a specific time of the day. When combined with your new prayer commitment you pose a significant threat to the plans of the devil. Remember that Satan will set traps and tempt you to give up or even quit with simple suggestions or thoughts of being too busy to pray or too rushed to fast. You'll be tempted to deviate from your commitment, especially if you are fasting alone in secret or think that nobody will find out.

We pray: "Lead us not into temptation......" but Satan suggests we say: "...but...just point us in the general direction and we'll find it on our own".

Cheating is still cheating. Hold out! Don't cheat yourself of the great spiritual benefits that will undoubtedly come as a result of your perseverance.

Jesus knows how we are tempted to give up because he himself was tempted by Satan at a point in his own wilderness journey. But remember, the hunger of the body is not as great as the hunger of the soul.

Today pray that God will give you the resolve and the courage to stick to this new thing that you've been called to, because this new standard is set to honor God no matter what you choose. 


Read: Daniel 1, Matthew 4:1-4, Matthew 6
 

 Lord,

I confess my sins and failures to you and I am very sorry for having sinned against You.  Give me the strength to seek and accept Your forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, you poured yourself out completely and died for me that I would have eternal life and I claim that wonderful and indescribable gift of salvation.

Create a clean heart in me and renew me in mind, body and spirit.

I consecrate myself to you Lord and ask that you use me according to your holy will.

I pray in Jesus name.

Amen