Daniel Fast: 2024 - Day 3

Now that we've talked about our level of commitment, it is time to discuss the crucifixion of our flesh. Fasting is essentially a crucifixion. By denying our flesh, we are offering God the humility He desires. Jesus is the best example we have of humility, of obedience, of love. We should all seek to be the Christ others see in this loveless world. 

God wants us to humble ourselves. Jesus tells us that the spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. How many times has your flesh, like a willful toddler, demanded to have what it wants? Are you a Starbucks patron? Have you ever told yourself, "today, I will skip Starbucks." only to find yourself sitting in Starbucks' drive through ordering your favorite menu item? That is how your flesh keeps you from honoring God. Let's put it this way:  If it is taking away from your relationship with God, you are invited to place it at the feet of Jesus. 

Do it quickly. Beware a delay. The enemy is a patient hunter. Look at the lion. He seeks to steal the distracted; kill the weak; and to destroy the prideful. And if you continue to allow the desires of your flesh to rule, the question is not "If," but "when" the enemy will have you. He will wait for you to stumble. Crucifixion is your only escape! Let the Holy Spirit identify the parts of your life that need to be crucified.  Don't grow too comfortable with the habits, the thoughts or beliefs, or the behaviors that have accompanied you to this point in your life. Consider where you are. Have you achieved the goals you set for yourself? Have you the life that you thought you would have? What about your thoughts? Are you bringing into capitivity every thought to the obedience of Christ? Thoughts are also habits. I watched a video a few days ago that said, "We do not rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our habits." We should place those thoughts, habits, goals, decisions, aspirations, our families, our children, our careers, our dreams...everything we have on the cross. Don't peel them off with hesitation. But yank them off like they are on fire!

Think, then pray, about:

* What, in my life, must be crucified during this fast?

* Am I isolating myself and making myself a prime target for the scavenger?

* How much time do I spend studying God's Word?

Dear God,

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness and guilt And cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; My sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned And done that which is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak [Your sentence] And faultless in Your judgment. I was brought forth in [a state of] wickedness; In sin my mother conceived me [and from my beginning I, too, was sinful]. Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part [of my heart] You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

In Jesus' name,

Amen 

Scriptures 

Psalm 51

Matthew 16:24-26

Matthew 26:41

1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Galatians 5:24-25

James 4:4

1 Peter 5:8