Day 12

I see myself healthy. I see myself fit. I see myself with an appetite that is pleasing to my temple and The Lord. I have just left the gym and I am surprised by how quickly I have bulked up. I have no health issues and my limp (from my car accident) is diminishing. My testimony draws people in because it is one of a complete turnaround in appetite and desire to have longevity in ministry. My friends are surprised by how my life has changed, but are very excited for me. Married life and sex is better than ever. My wife is reaping the benefits of my transformation. She is healthy. She is fit. We're leaving a magazine shoot after sharing our testimony with the editors. Not just our story, but our testimony. All of the glory goes to God. Invitations are pouring in for us to speak around the world, and we are having to utilize the calendar for much more than we bargained. We are happy. We are in the will of The Lord. We are living under the open Heaven promised years before.

You shall, moreover, command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'" (Joshua 3:8 NASB)

Day 11

I'm done with the first quarter of my fast, and I'm pretty pumped about that. This next quarter (at least) I will only be writing vision. What God gives me, I'll write out. I'm sure it will look scattered, but I'm making it plain. I know that this will come in handy one day. It'll change someone's life just like mine is being changed now. This first vision is one that I received years ago, and I'm FINALLY writing it down.

There's a room full of people, mostly youth, all wearing different colored tshirts. Their hands are lifted up and there's a loud shout in the room. The shout is so sincere that it is literally shaking the very foundation of the room. At first sight, you would almost think the room was smoking, but it's the glory of The Lord. I'm on my knees, bowed in His presence, holding the microphone down to the floor. I'm worshipping the King like I'm the only one in the room. I am the only one in the room at that moment. Every person in the room feels the same way. They're the only one in the room at that moment. The atmosphere is stirring and healing and restoration is taking place all over the room. Bondages that have been held on to since as young as the age of 5 years are falling off. Chains are being broken. Strongholds removed. There is no lack. There is no confusion. We are in the presence of The Lord. There are a few in the room who were rebellious against moving in worship. One by one, they fall to their knees, weaping in worship. The Lord hears His children crying out. We hear Abba Father speaking back. Lives are changed forever. Each person shares the experience with numerous friends, but it's so intense that it's hard to explain. This draws their friends in even more. I remain humble because I know that I am simply a vessel. The Lord would do this through anyone, but He has chosen me for such a time as this. My wife and children are present. Even my children feel the presence of The Lord. My wife is completely drained from the encounter with The Lord. We find childcare for the night in order to rest up. Our home is quiet. So are we. We don't want to sleep because we don't want to leave the glory. The Lord assures us that we won't leave His glory. We sleep. Visions are loud that night. The Lord has much more to say.

Now the Lord said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you. (Joshua 3:7 NASB)

Day 10

Today was another good day. I snoozed a couple of times this morning, but still made it to the church in enough time to clean some things up before prayer. We left the stage design all over the place when we left the church yesterday. It's going to be a cool stage design though. I'm pretty excited about it. No headaches today although I felt as though there was one threatening me later on in the day, but it never surfaced. Certain periods of the day proved to be lower on energy than others. I'm noticing a trend. I'm great first thing in the morning (full of energy, amped up, excited about the day, etc.), but around 8am lasting until around 1pm I'm drained physically. It's so odd. After that I have another burst of energy that lasts until I get home (for the most part) and then I'm winding down. I've felt like I would almost vomit today. Not sure why, but it's felt like something was just resting right below my larynx. I don't think I drank enough water today. I'll do better with that tomorrow. I'm down 18 lbs...wow! This is crazy! I know that the weight loss won't be this rapid always, but it's fun while it's happening. I don't plan on ever gaining it back. I'm at 452 lbs. right now, and I'm looking forward to getting out of the 400 club...ha! Been here too long.

Joshua 3:6 - And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, "Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people." So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people.

This is such a powerful verse! If The Lord, in fact, gave me this passage to study at this point of my life because I am likened to Joshua then this is a HUGE verse. For a couple of years I've heard myself be referred to as a pastor's pastor quite a few times. I think that's beyond an honor, and nothing that I've ever considered myself. However, if that is a calling on my life then I know that this verse means so much more to me than it would've at any other point in life. The priests were the Divinely-appointed religious leaders who directed themselves and others in the proper service of God (this is depicted in Exodus 28 with Aaron and his sons), but in THIS moment God is calling Joshua to direct the priests. Wow! Joshua spoke confidently to the priests the instruction from The Lord, and the priests obeyed. It is time for me to walk in that same authority and power. I know that I posses it, but I'm always nervous to put it to use. 2014 is the year that I change that. I'm praying that The Lord will continue to clarify my prophetic vision and calling so that I can continue to be utilized as one of His mouthpieces. This is a BIG deal for me. I'm changing. Physically and Spiritually changing. For the glory of the King and the betterment of myself. What an amazing journey so far. Clarity has never been, well, clearer.

The pic for tonight is one of excitement. I'm ready to go to bed, BUT I'm excited about what The Lord is doing with me. Praise God!!!

Day 9

Almost 15 lbs. lost and it's only been a week! I'm pretty excited, but I keep reminding myself that the weight loss is just another perk of fasting. It's not the actual reason that I fast.

I'm feeling really good right now. I've realized that during the day (especially waking up early for prayer) I feel slightly faint at times, but when I get home and just sit I'm pretty good. Praise God for supernatural energy!

Joshua 3:5 - Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow The Lord will do wonders among you.'

The Lord is doing wonders in my life right now, and I'm grateful. I've waited to late to type again. I'll continue this tomorrow when I make more time. But, first, a pic...

Day 8

Tonight I don't feel like writing much. Mainly because I need to go to bed. I didn't set my alarm for prayer this morning because I forgot that we had it on Mondays so I want to make sure I'm there. I'll admit, however, that the earlier the morning the more difficult it is to stay focused at work. Praying against distraction, for sure. 

So, today I've felt pretty good. It was a challenge to sit in Starbucks and not have coffee or a sandwich, but I managed. I bought a juice when I first got there because I wanted a 'just in case' option since I had a tv show taping this evening. I tasted the juice. It was gross. I threw it away. Carrot juice is NOT something I liked. Ha! I've lost 13 lbs. Moving on alone with the weight loss process. 

Joshua 3:4 - However, there shall be between you and it a distance of about 2,000 cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.

I believe that 2014 is the year that the Spirit of The Lord leads me to a place I've never been before! I'm excited about this. I believe that He's still grooming me. I'm ready. This journey is just the beginning. 

Day 7

It's been one week! Wow! What a learning experience this is. The Lord is revealing things to me about myself that I never knew I needed or wanted to change. I'm grateful for lessons learned and the humility it brings. It's necessary. For me at least. I need to be reminded that I'm not in control. One week! One week, ten pounds and a WHOLE BUNCH of revelation from Joshua 3 (and I'm still at the beginning). It feels good to type 'Day 7' because I honestly don't know if I thought I would make it a week, but I shouldn't have doubted the power of God especially after the visions He gave me early last week. I know that I'm called to lead thousands into worship, and deliver a prophetic word as a mouthpiece of The Lord. My temple has to be submitted to His will before I can prosper to purpose.

Physically, I have a headache and feel slightly faint. The headache just came about tonight while celebrating SP's birthday at Battlefield Knoxville. It's been a long day though, and I've been going for the majority of it. Less fuel, less distance. However, aside from a slight faint feeling right after singing, worship was powerful today. I'm so blessed and honored to have the privilege to do what I do where I do it. I can't wait until The Lord opens the doors of our new church building. We're going to grow so that we can continue to make Jesus known. It's important. It's God's will. Not energized enough to write much tonight so I'll get on to the spiritual side of things.

Joshua 1:2,3 - At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp; and they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God with the Levitical priests carrying it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it."

This is the season I'm in right now. Going after the presence of The Lord! I know that I need it. I know that I desire it. I know that I'll benefit from it. I know that I will be healed while in His presence, and receive peace that surpasses all understanding. The Scripture says that God commanded the children of Israel (utilizing the officers) to set out from '(their) place' and go after the presence of The Lord. I think that it is time for me to come up from 'my place' and go after His presence as well. I know that 'my place' right now in life is my health, finances and relationships. I've tried to hold onto control of those things for years. It's time to let go.

I'm extremely exhausted. Not writing anymore tonight.

Day 6

I felt good today. My shoulders, elbows and legs are burning though. I'm sure that my body is searching for protein. Well, I hope that instead of eating at my muscle (what little I do have), that my body will eat away at the fat...or just expel it. No headache, but my stomach still feels like a big bubble is inside of it. Energy began to fade again at the middle of the day. Cleaning the church and setting up chairs didn't go as quickly as I would've liked it to, but I am grateful for a wife who desires to keep The Lord's house excellent as well. She was a great help today. We were able to come home and just hang out and watch tv (which we never have time for). We watched a couple of hours worth of Extreme Cheapskates and it was hilarious. That's a whole other blog though. Sex was good today, and the first time since I started this fast. That's the longest we've gone without sex since we were married. I'm pretty sure we both needed (or just extremely wanted) it. I didn't have as much energy as usual, but it was better than I planned. Climax was CRAZY! Yeah, gotta make sure the kiddos don't get a hold of this blog...ha! I've lost 8 lbs. I wasn't going to weigh myself, but I did. Get over it.

Joshua 3:1 - Then Joshua rose up early in the morning...

I know that it's important to get up in the morning, and it's a blessing each and every time. However, I believe that the Bible talks of rising up early because it's important to rise up early! Pretty simple, huh? Satan never stops, and he certainly doesn't quit because it's early. Tonight, one of our students from the church was admitted to the hospital because he took a lot of pills last night. Crystal and I were able to go and sit with him, talk with he and his parents, and pray with and for him. It was a good moment, but it didn't have to happen. I have to make a habit of rising up early and covering our youth, my family, our future. I'm not going to sit back and let the enemy run away with something that has my name written all over it! Not the plan I have for this ministry or life at all. Young people need a helping hand and one that leads them to The Lord. I plan on doing all that I can to make sure that continues to happen. It's the will of The Lord in and on my life, surely. I'm encouraged. I won't write anymore tonight because I have to get up early for church.

Day 5

Today has been a good day, but I have been pretty miserable watching others eat including my wife. It's actually rather comical because I thought smelling food was more difficult for me than seeing it (which is true), but watching someone devour food when it's been five days since you had a meal...a lot more difficult than I would've ever thought. Yet, I press on. Tomorrow is a new day, new mercies, and I won't have to watch people eat all day. Ha! I woke up for 6am prayer with great energy again, but today my voice didn't feel as strong while singing out to God. I think that's because my wife didn't get up this morning for prayer so I didn't have anyone to talk to and warm up. Oops! Energy began to fade during the middle of the day again, and today my shoulders burned. In fact, they actually burned a little last night when I was kneeling at the alter during Avail prayer. I'm thinking it's the lack of protein. That's cool, only 35 more days. 35 days. I've made it 5 days. I'm actually proud of myself. I believe that this fast started off so differently because I knew I had 40 days. I have fasted water and juice only for 7 days before, but I knew that it was only a week so it was much easier. Yet, again, I press on. 35 more days to go. 420 hours to go. Yeah, I mos def just plugged that into my iPhone calculator. No headaches. My stomach still feels weird. I've lost 5 lbs. Happy about that. Not going to weigh for a few more days though. Maybe next Friday. Weight loss is not the focus of this fast, but a great byproduct. 

Today, I had the opportunity to eat lunch with Greg, Chris and Rewdi Weidenhoeft, and their really good friend Dr. Hugh Ross. This man is absolutely BRILLIANT, and credible. I felt a complete peace in my Spirit with him. I believed what he said. I still want to read up on his facts, but that's because I'm slightly nerd-ish. Slightly only because I won't allow myself to be as I once was. He is an Old Earth Creationism believer (I believe he would be considered an Old Earth Creationist), and I had never heard of that before (or his fellow opposites: Young Earth Creationists or Theistic Evolutionists). I learned a lot today, and have a lot of reading to do. It just felt amazing to sit in the company of such a great man (world-renowned debater, author, biochemical physicist) and such great others. I felt like a prince in a room full of kings. Like Moses in a meeting with Pharaoh and his leaders. I felt like the puppy, but I have been in that postion before. You've got to be a lizard before you're a dragon though, right? Yeah, I know a lizard is a lizard and a dragon is a dragon, but you get the picture. I was soaking it all up like a sponge, and wasn't letting anything seap out. I held onto every word and anecdotal teaching like I was in grade school. It was important that I was a part of that lunch today. Changed my life. Oh yeah, you don't know what Dr. Ross does. He basically gives scientific proof that the Bible is the true, inerrant Word of God. He and his team travel the world debating atheists, agnostics and fellow Christians who believe the earth is only a few thousand years old. Truly remarkable finds, facts and proof he posseses. I'll post my pic with him on Instagram because that's what I do when I meet important people (I don't like to save a whole lot of pics in my phone...yeah, tell my iPhone that right now).

I'm still in Joshua 3:1. Verse 1! Yeah, it's crazy the revelation that The Lord is bringing me daily. Like, I look at His Word and it's almost like we've already had a long conversation about it and I'm just remembering details. It's mind-blowing. I have to work to keep this. The hunger for the Word and the revelation from His Word. So, I'm still in verse 1, but as I'm about to start writing out what The Lord has shown me I realized that He's saying something totally different tonight (I usually post an abbreviated version of my blogging on FB). He wanted me to tell the people about the importance of worship. I feel like He wants me to talk about this all weekend. Moreso because there are things that I need to see about worship that, even as a Worship Pastor, I haven't seen. I'm hearing SPIRIT and TRUTH right now. If everything I do is unto The Lord then it is all WORSHIP which means I have to carry integrity in ALL areas. Every part of my life. Last year, I had a rough time tithing. Not because I don't believe in tithing, but because I was so worried about money. I didn't have much of it, and because I was engaged I thought that I needed more. The truth is, The Lord was testing me with the humble amount, and as soon as I made the decision to start back tithing He increased my pay. As SOON as I decided to, not when I actually did. I'm always in awe of the trust He has in me. This year (and the rest of my life) will be different. I owe it to my wife and future children to have integrity with Daddy just as much as anyone or anything else. They don't deserve to live in a curse because I made poor decisions. This is actually difficult to write. Even more difficult to swallow. Knowing that The Lord has had such grace and mercy on me all the while allowing me to walk in an anointing that is clearly greater than me is heart-warming and heart-wrenching all at the same time. I know that The Lord has forgiven me, that I have repented and that I am made whole, but it still hurts to swallow. Yet, while in worship it seems to be lifted off of me. Although I know the past happened, I also know that my King has taken any remnants of it away from me. This is why it's so important to worship Him. He is Daddy. He wants to take care of us. He desires that we come lay at His feet and talk with Him instead of waiting on Him to 'find us out'. 

Tonight I got to be extremely vulnerable with my wife, and it felt good. I think we got closer just from those short moments. I praise God for those moments.

Day 4

I woke up this morning like I had slept for a whole day. I felt so good and full of energy. My head wasn't hurting, and that was a good thing. My stomach felt weird today. Kind of like it was digesting an air bubble. Weird, I know. I woke up at 5am to get ready for 6am prayer. After prayer I went and uploaded the podcast to the website and worked a little more a glacier graphic I was patterning after one I saw via YouTube. I decided that I was going to scrap that idea because I am going a different route with the sermon for February's GU One Night. I want to preach on the topic "He Came In Like A Wrecking Ball". I'm sure the youth will laugh, but they'll remember the message. My really 'churchy' friends might even think I've gone too far. Good. I'm a part of a royal priesthood, a peculiar people. Let them think what they want. I lost energy around the middle of the day, but it wasn't bad. It's more of the hazy/foggy feeling than actual exhaustion. It's only day 4. During prayer tonight I was completely reenergized after kneeling at the altar for a little while and worshipping The Lord. It felt great. I needed that tonight. Although I didn't have a headache today, I felt like it was closer than I wanted it to be. I have the authority over my body that God has given me, though, so I shouldn't have as many of those things happen to me anymore. I'm believing that. I don't get sick much anyway. I think it's a part of a greater testimony that I've yet to share. I'm feeling good though. As the days progress, I am proud of myself, and pray for greater strength.

Joshua 3:1 - Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over.

They crossed over. This is good to read and remember. Though they faced different trials, and the trip to the Jordan may not have been glorious, they still crossed over. It's good to know that they still made it. There is still hope for us. We can still cross over. The blessing to me is that there is a Promise to cross over into. That makes me feel so good. The Lord has been showing me so much out of this piece of Scripture the last few days, and I'm happy to still be chewing on this bit. I know that I'm purposed to cross over into the Promise that God has intended for me, and I'm at a place in life where I want it more than ever. I want to know what it takes to get there. My Spirit is willing, but my flesh is still fairly weak. I know that there are areas I could do better in, but I also know that I have to surrender those to The Lord in order for them to be put in order. God works in order. He loves order. I can't continue to try and have control over certain areas of my life or they'll never be put in order. It's amazing how much patience The Lord has with me. He still loves me even when I try to hold onto things that He wants. I'm getting closer to knowing what it feels like to be completey OUT of control, and fully rely on Daddy. I've never been able to do that, but it's because I haven't wanted to enough. I want to do so now. My wife just walked in the room and asked that I pray with her because she had a stomach ache and bad headache. She just started her Daniel fast today. This is nothing but the enemy attacking her body. So, I prayed. I prayed that she be healed and that her body come into line with the Word of God and His divine design. It felt good to be a husband at that moment, but I would do anything to take her discomfort away. Yeah, I'm no good with watching other people suffer. I always think that I could take on their pain and suffering, but in my imagination I would defeat it. I would be the overcomer. I have a pretty bold imagination. It's good to know that The Lord is able to do exceedingly, abundantly MORE than even my imagination. I'm strong. Much stronger than I think or portray. I have a purpose that is going to change this world. I'll look back to times like this and writings like this in awe of how much it looks like what The Lord showed me. But first. Declaration. I have to get to a place where I am declaring the things over my life that The Lord has shown me. Right now, I pretty much just dream about the things He's shown me, but I'm done with just dreaming about them. Now, I know that they don't happen overnight, but I also know that there are instructions. Just as the children of Israel and the priests received instructions from Joshua before they made it to their Promise. I need to hear those instructions clearly. I have to tune my ear even more. There are sometimes that I feel that I am extremely in tune with the voice and movement of God, but something always happens to remind me that I can do much better. That's the communication I want with Daddy. Clear. Precise. Direct. It's coming. Hopefully like a wrecking ball. 

Day 3

Today has been somewhat of a haze...

I haven't felt horrible, but with a headache and nausea (stomach flipping) I didn't feel that great either. I felt as today was a haze, literally. My eyes were kind of heavy and cloudy the entire work day, but (after resting them following work) I decided that may have been caused by looking at the computer for a while. I did some editing on the church website today, and uploaded the podcast. Unfortunately, I didn't put the podcast on the website because I was distracted when a guy who had a meeting with me showed up about 10 mins early. Yep, just realizing that. It's cool though because I can do it tomorrow. I actually have a lot to do tomorrow as far as driving around. Just remembered that as well. It'll be cool though. I'll get some good time with The Lord and will get some good worship in as well. Woop! Woop! That actually just excited me. I don't really like to drive, but when I'm driving alone and can just talk to The Lord, sing, worship and hang out...yeah, I like that! It wasn't a bad work day, just hazy. I know I've said that a couple times, but it's because it's so true. The craziest thing is that all I want to do is get in the Word, and have communion with Daddy. Man, our relationship is going to new places and I can completely feel it already. I haven't felt to irritable today, but while I wass in the meeting earlier I felt like my head was going to explode. My face was SO hot! I was cold. The office got too hot later in the day though.

As I type, I am reading the Word of God and taking Holy Communion with Him. My wife is watching some show on tv fairly close to me, but I feel like I'm the only one in the room with The Lord. Ha! It actually makes me smile and feel really good. I know He's my first love. I'm crying now, but definitely not out of sadness. Just overwhelmed with vision right now. The things Daddy is showing me even as I type are unbelievable, yet I believe every Word. Partaking of the body right now (a piece of whole grain flatbread for tonight - don't judge me, you can remember Him while eating anything). The body of Christ that was broken for me. I feel a deepening within right now. Can't explain it too much. A hollowing out. A cleansing. I don't even know what's being washed away, but I feel like it's making room for something else that Daddy wants to give me. Wow! I don't understand why He loves me the way He does. It's crazy sometimes. I imagine the last supper. What were the disciples feeling that night? What was Jesus feeling? I imagine what the room looked like. I imagine the smell of the hardened clay and dirt under their feet and bottoms as they sit partaking of Christ's final meal on Earth. I capitalize Earth usually. God created it and it seems pretty important and personified. I imagine the sound of the loaf as Jesus tore His piece from it, and the taste. I can imagine how the bread felt to chew and even melting in my mouth (this could be because I'm hungry as well). I'm not really hungry, though. I really think my mouth misses chewing more than I miss eating. Eating takes a lot of time. Time that I could be in the Word, spending with my wife or friends in fellowship. Yet, it's necessary to sustain life. I get that. I sometimes wish I didn't like food as much as I do. Staying in shape would be so easy. I've already seen myself in shape so I know it's coming soon. I'm excited about that and the fact that I know God has already started changing my appetite. I desire NO meat right now. If I were to eat anything at this point it would be celery. Why am I craving raw celery? I don't dislike celery, but never really claimed to like it either. I can taste the juiciness of a tomato...I severly dislike raw tomatoes. I'm excited to see the manifestation of this appetite change. Drinking (a littlle bit of orange juice tonight - again, don't judge me folks) in honor of the Blood of the Lamb, the New Covenant, the New Testament, the New Will of God that was poured out from His body on the cross. The scene from Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ still comes to mind although I know that even as a brilliant actor and director he couldn't have portrayed the actual event NEARLY as they actually were. I know that communion is important. It's a command. It's really important to know why it is important. I'm going to be doing more reading about it in the days to come. Pretty excited about that. I'm actually just really excited about the Word of God right now. It's convicting to know that I haven't been in the Word likeI could've or should've been, but this is a time that I will get back on track. No need for redemption because I've been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. I love to write. I'm so happy to be back at it.

Joshua 3:1 - "Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over."

I'm still in this verse today/tonight. It's still worth squeezing a little bit more. I'm focusing more on the 'lodged there' piece tonight. So, from reading on the Jordan a little bit (could've done and planning on doing more) I see two things: 1) The children of Israel had to cross the Jordan in order to reach the Promised Land, and 2) the Jordan was a downward flowing, descending river (rough Hebrew translation means the descender).

The way I see it is that it's our season to approach (and cross, but that's a later study) the Jordan. It's the moving body of water that represents our lowest point and separates us from God's promise for our lives. So, we rise early and head down to the water. The Lord wants us to prepare for our encounter with the Jordan though. It won't be an easy trek down to the water, but once there those of us who carry His Spirit will only have to let our feet touch the brink of the water and the waters will HALT! That's a later verse as well. It's motivating to know that the trek isn't easy, but the reward is a trip to the Promised Land! Praise God! I'm already carrying His presence so I should be just fine getting across my 'Jordan'. The Jordan was at a low point geographically. That means I have to walk down to a low point. Well, I can just about promise that some areas of my life have been their lowest during this last season. Not all of them, but some. So for those areaas, I plan on meeting up with the Promise God has for me in those areas. No matter how low. This 40-day fast is going to put me at a place that my flesh man is LOW, but I'm confident that a promise will be fulfilled at the end of this journey. I'm ready to walk down to the Jordan!

#40at30

I haven't blogged since last January...wow!

Yesterday I embarked on a journey that will be completed only by the Grace and Power of God. A 40-day, water-only consecration. I always thought about what the outcome of a fast of this type would be, but never desired to actually submit myself to one. However, when the Holy Spirit prompts, I take heed. So begins this journey. I will write each day for anyone who is listening (reading), and as a reminder to myself of how gruesomely awesome this journey was. I'm hashtagging it - #40at30

Day 1 - January 6th, 2013

I began writing last night and realized that I didn't have much to say. Because I decided today to blog my experience I am adding this post a day late. Here goes:

I've never done this before. Never fully surrendered every part of me to The Lord (including my appetite), but I know it's necessary. God has been faithful to me. I haven't always been faithful to Him, yet He still takes care of me. God makes sure that I have more than enough. My wife prayed over me tonight. That pretty much melted me. She took time to pray with, for and over me. I have a special woman. She is a TRUE gift from The Lord.

Today I'm on Joshua 3:7 - And The Lord said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you."

I hear this from The Lord today in my own ears. I know that this journey won't be easy, but because God has spoken this to me I can push on. Push harder. Push further. Push until He tells me to rest.

Day 2 - January 7th, 2013

Today was a good day. I'm pretty excited about what's to come over the next few weeks! Today I talked to Greg for a little while about his 40-day fast. It was so encouraging and he spoke so much insight into my life and this journey. Greg is great guy and (I can already tell) a greater friend. I am grateful to be connected to him, and look forward to getting closer as we work together and walk alongside each other. His talk really caused me to look at this fast differently. Thankful for that. It felt good to have Pastor Jaime text me and ask how I was earlier as well. Not sure where I'd be without that man.

This morning started with a slight headache which I am attributing to caffeine deficiency. I drink entirely too much coffee (if there is even such a thing), and I felt my body telling me that it was confused without the coffee today. The smell of coffee was a challenge today. I wanted it so bad. Yikes! My appetite for food hasn't been huge, but I think my jaw and mouth muscles just desire to chew. I ate a couple of mints tonight because I was going to the hospital to see Rob and Britt's new daughter, Maya. My breath was horrible today, or so I felt. My mouth tasted gross. My stomach is making weird sounds and I'm feeling hungrier than I've felt in a long while. It's a good feeling because I know that this fast is full of purpose and promise. I can deal with the discomfort.

Joshua 3:1 - The Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over.

This is a theme mentioned many times in Scripture...rising up early. I feel that this is something that I should take heed of now. I don't mind mornings, in fact, I'm more of a morning person and if I sleep in (or even nap) I feel as though I've missed my entire day. For some reason I've been absolutely lusting over sleep even to the point that I plan out the nights I want to sleep for 10 hours or more. It's kind of absurd. I don't mind getting up early and going into work so why mind giving God the time prior to that? Surely doesn't make sense, but definitely how I've been acting. So, tomorrow I am going to try and get up an hour earlier than I presently do and spend some quiet time with The Lord and pray. There's something about the "lodged there before they crossed over." that I haven't gotten clarity on, but I'll be praying about it tonight. 

I usually create a list of all of the things and people I'm praying for during the fast, but haven't done so yet this time around. I'll work on that tomorrow. I will also start logging weight loss at every week mark (7th day), and posting a pic of myself just so I can have an archive of how my physical man changed as I am writing of the transformation of my spiritual man.