sans cafe

Coffee is lovely. It's so comforting... and warm... and great during the winter or when you need to stay awake in the middle of the night. I enjoy coffee so much that I knew it was the thing I had to fast from. That ..and chocolate. :S

I wanted to start off this new year differently. I really wanted to dedicate 2012 to God, and instead of running around trying to accomplish things in my own strength, I wanted to completely give everything to the Lord. I have made some goals or resolutions but I know that neither coffee or chocolate will help me accomplish them. Obviously.... but this next week is a small lesson in discipline. Disciplining myself to forget myself and my superficial desires and instead focus on the Lord. It will be a time to pray and seek guidance.

"Self-indulgence is the enemy of gratitude, and self-discipline usually its friend and generator. That is why gluttony is a deadly sin. The early desert fathers believed that a person's appetites are linked: full stomachs and jaded palates take the edge from our hunger and thirst for righteousness. They spoil the appetite for God."

- Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., The Reformed Journal (November 1988)


Throughout the bible there are so many examples of people who fasted: Jesus, Ezra, John the Baptist, Moses, Daniel etc. These people denied themselves for a period of time to focus on Him who provides that which gives life and comfort. Often times of change or uncertainty or key times to fast. Times when the Lord needs to be our compass. I know that the decisions I make for this next year need to be made out of a love for God and not myself. So I'll start out by denying myself...even if its just coffee and chocolate...