Is It Really Important?

Recently I had the opportunity to work with a few people from the food bank of central and eastern North Carolina. The people there raised money to end childhood hunger and for me it was an eye opening experience. I began to think about the millions of people in the world who need what we take for granted each day. It really made me put my entire life into perspective. What are your priorities? What in your life has your attention so occupied that it is pulling you away from your top priorities?

I think it's always good when we as people have the opportunity to see how others are living and what they are going through. Seeing things through the lenses of others keeps you humble and forces you to step back and count your blessings. 

God wants the best for you and you should want the best for others. If you haven't I suggest that you think critically about your life and put in order right now the things that take up the majority of your time and make a list of things that you know should have your time. I want to leave you with this quote:

"Your life will be a blessed and balanced experience if you first honor your identity and priority."

I Got A Story To Tell

If you have ever been through anything or are currently going through something, you have a story to tell. A testimony is simply your autobiography. People may know things about you, they may know where you're from, but they can't tell your story or walk in your shoes.

For the longest time I was afraid to tell people my story. I was afraid to tell others what God had done in my life because I thought they would judge me. One of the worst things you can do to yourself is hide what God has done in your life. 

First, God let you go through things because he knew you could handle it and second, because he knew if you got through it you would be able to help other people around you seeking to get through it. 

Many people just sit back and watch how you handle things in your life. If people see that you can overcome and make it through your situation they will feel like they can get through it as well. 

Remember, your problem is bigger than you and what God can do in your life is more than you will ever imagine if you choose to take the first step and put your faith and trust in God. So don't trip over your situation. Trust in God and when he gets you through turn back and strengthen the others around you so that they can be encouraged by what God has done in your life.

Why Fasting Is A Good Idea

Fasting is something that many are indifferent about and is something some people embrace and others stray away from. Spiritual fasting is in my opinion one of the best things you can do in your life in terms of getting closer to God. In my experience with fasting I was able to clear my mind and become more focused on top of being reminded of the things that are important in my life. Fasting doesn't always mean from food, here are a few other things to fast from:

sweets
Facebook
caffeine
talking on your cell phone
watching TV
listening to music
tweeting
texting

There are so many other things you can fast from. The purpose behind a fast is to help you put down anything that is getting in the way of your relationship with God. Fasting is not required anywhere in the Bible for Christians, but I ask people all the time why wouldn't you be willing to give up or sacrifice something for Christ who gave up his life for you. Hope and pray you were encouraged by this and I pray for your strength in the Lord during your next fast.