Day 8
“May you be pleased with every sweet thought I have about you, for you are the source of my joy and gladness.” Psalm 104:34 TPT
In the beginning, God had a good idea. He wanted to make the unseen seen. With His vision in mind, He wrapped His smock around His waist and went to work making the unseen beauty of heaven seen.
First, He made the backdrop of creation, a garden scene where His crowned children would work, rest, and play. He knew there would be loss, but He still chose to create for the sake of love. Isn’t our God so generous, so smart, and so sweet? Since the beginning of time, we’ve been on His mind! God is sweet on us!
God’s thoughts towards us are kinder, wiser, stronger, higher, and sweeter than any thought we can have on our own. When we turn our minds to be filled with His thoughts, in the midst of our shortcomings and struggles, we are promised that He will come. And when God comes to us, He never comes empty-handed. He always brings sweet eats like love, grace, truth, wisdom, knowledge, and revelation.
God is sweet on us even though in our pain we have sought out other schemes. (Ecclesiastes 7:29)
When the fallen world offers us false pleasures, the strong will rise to feast on remembering who God is and what He has done. When we’re tempted to exchange something eternal for something temporal, that’s our cue to burn some stored energy by recounting the sweetness of God.
The psalmists are known for feeling their feelings but never leaving God’s presence without renewing their minds. They continually remember that God is the source of all joy, the wellspring from which gladness in life comes.
Read the daily verse again out loud as if you are reading it to God. Then read it again as if God is reading His word back to you. Just as 1 John 4:10 says, “We love because He first loved us,” we can only have sweet thoughts of God because we make it a practice to remember how sweet God is towards us.
-Alisa
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is God asking you to do to grow in the knowledge that He delights in you? How would that change how you receive His discipline?
3 Minute Breathing Prayer:
Inhale – “Father God, show me..”
Exhale – “..how sweet Your thoughts are towards me.”
In the 1960s new varieties of wheat were introduced that helped farmers increase their grain yields. This modern, genetically modified, hydrolyzed wheat is completely different from God’s original wild Einkorn and Emmer wheats, and contains a new form of gluten (gliadin) and other proteins that may be wreaking havoc on our health. Most surprisingly, modern wheat has a glycemic index of >70, while white sugar has a glycemic index of 41!
Furthermore, this modern wheat protein (gluten) may cause concerns if it crosses the blood-brain barrier, binds to opioid receptors in the brain, or loosens tight junctions between the cells of the gut. Remember, these loose junctions (aka: leaky gut) allow large, undigested proteins to leak out of the gut into the bloodstream, causing the immune system to overreact and form antibodies to these proteins. This leads to a huge cascade of autoimmune reactions due to “molecular mimicry,” where the body starts to recognize its own organs and tissues as “bad guys.” This, in turn, can destroy organs such as the thyroid gland (as in Hashimoto’s Disease) and possibly lead to a list of other autoimmune symptoms.
Dr. William Davis, MD, author of “Wheat Belly,” Dr. David Perlmutter, MD author of “Grain Brain,” and many other doctors including myself, agree based on the evidence we have seen in our many combined years of working with patients that modern wheat is related to an increase of celiac disease and other digestive disorders, mental illness, autoimmune disease, diabetes, skin diseases, systemic inflammation, food intolerance, and insomnia. If you have food, environmental or seasonal allergies, you have autoimmune responses happening inside your body. And if you have one known autoimmune disease/diagnosis, you may have others until you get to the real root of the problem.
Food for thought: When you read the nutrition label on the Bountiful Blueberry Muffin from Starbucks, for example, it says it contains 29g of sugar, but that DOES NOT include the wheat/grains that have a glycemic index higher than the sugars themselves! Even if this muffin has equal parts white sugar and wheat flour in it, you’re really ingesting the equivalent of more like 90g of sugar in 1 muffin! So the overall glycemic and autoimmune challenge to your body is much more complicated than any “label” will ever depict.
The bottom line is you technically cannot “fast from sugar” without eliminating (modern) wheat/grains from your diet. With the highest rates of autoimmune disease and diabetes ever recorded in history, it’s wise to consider the connection between these GMO foods, excessive sugars, and our health.
-Dr. Jana
QUESTION OF THE DAY: How am I feeling as I learn all this new information? Am I excited, frustrated, anxious, hopeful, or hopeless? Take time now to bring these feelings to the Lord. Speak to Jesus like a friend.
PRAYER: Jesus, I am feeling __________________.
(Speak to Jesus about how you’re feeling. Then, read Psalm 20 aloud.)
LOVE OTHERS: Pray to follow truth & reject lies
The Bible reminds us that we have an enemy who,“was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him” (John 8:44). Pray for the people on your list, that they would be able to discern truth from lies, aligning themselves with the Father of Lights (James 1:17) instead of the father of lies.
PRAY: Lord, I pray that you fill _____ with Your Spirit of truth. May they never be a person who gives place to lies, but rather a person of integrity who follows hard after the Spirit of truth. Amen.
TODAY’S MEDITATION: Be Still & Be Loved
TODAY’S MOVEMENT: Feel free to participate in active rest – stretching, going for a walk or taking a bike ride. Maintain a conversational pace.
Day 9
“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10
We live in a thirsty, thirsty world. Around 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, meaning the cells of their bodies are lacking the fluids to keep all the systems of the body running smoothly. Although hydration is essential for healthy living, there’s a greater thirst inside each of us that seems to be unquenchable. It’s the thirst of our souls.
When Jesus speaks these words in John 4 to a castoff woman at the well, He is looking past her external circumstances straight into her broken heart. He is addressing the broken cistern that lies at the core of her beliefs. She didn’t know who she was. She didn’t know what to live for other than the love of man. She saw herself as a nothing special Samaritan woman who believed the lie that the love of a man would fix her.
Each of us is guilty of doing this in our lives. We think that someone or something is the thing that will finally mend our broken cistern. We want to be filled up and hold all the goodness we long to give away. But, we don’t realize the cistern is still broken. The people and things we use to patch our broken parts are not working; we cannot hold water.
When it comes to our bodies, thirst is not something to mess around with. Just 72 hours without water and our systems begin to shut down and eventually fail. Can you imagine going for more than three days without water? Talk about a horrible headache!
More than food, we need water. Chronically dehydrated people often make the mistake of getting their fluid needs met through food when a glass of water is within arms reach. Let’s not make the same mistake with our souls. More than the love of man, we need the love of Jesus.
An adult-sized body needs at least 64 ounces of water a day. It’s silly to try and chug that water at one time. Instead, we should drink consistently throughout the day. It’s the same in our relationship with Jesus. Instead of cramming in all our time with God once a day, or maybe once a week, let’s make a practice of hydrating with Him throughout the day. He’s always available for a good talk around the water-cooler.
Right now, reach for a tall, cold drink of Jesus, our Living Water for our everyday thirst.
-Alisa
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What keeps you from staying hydrated physically and spiritually? What does God want you to do to prevent that from happening? (Be specific)
PRAYER: Jesus, help me become aware of my thirst and how it differs from my hunger. When You walked the earth, You knew thirst in Your body and Your soul. You also took care of Yourself, so You could continue to be about our Father’s business. I want to be free to be me and to have the ongoing energy to be about the purposes for which I was sent. I must stay hydrated physically and spiritually throughout my day. I choose you, my Living Water. Amen.
According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and thyroid medications are among the most prescribed drugs in the U.S. It is now believed that 90-97% of those diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the U.S. actually have Hashimoto’s, which has an autoimmune component to it.
When you have a thyroid disorder that persists regardless of your medication, it’s likely autoimmune related. The pain and symptoms continue despite your medication because none of the thyroid replacement medications block the T cell assault. They just replace absent thyroid hormones, so your T cells (your immune system) are still reacting full force and trying to kill thyroid tissue in your body. Even if you have a thyroidectomy, the T cells will kill other tissues in your body where the reaction takes place.
Recall what you’ve learned about toxins and detoxing. Until you get rid of the root cause of the problem, you can’t calm the immune storm. If you’re willing to make some major life changes (including diet, lifestyle, and supplements), you may be able to feel well again. Have hope! With God, ALL things really are possible!
Sugar feeds the “bad guys” and interferes with thyroid and liver function, which inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 (active thyroid hormone). Furthermore, when our bodies are toxic and our livers are congested, they cannot detoxify properly, produce enzymes to break down food, fight inflammation, or use the sun’s energy to produce Vitamin D, no matter how much time you spend outside. Without sufficient Vitamin D, you cannot convert T4 to T3.
Finally, it’s important to know many cases of thyroid disease are overlooked and misdiagnosed as depression, etc. I personally use muscle testing and have found it to be incredibly effective in my practice for finding and resolving overlooked thyroid problems and the root cause. You may get better results with a truly comprehensive Thyroid Panel, but please do not ignore your symptoms even if bloodwork is inconclusive. Remember, >90% of thyroid problems are actually an auto-immune condition, which means it is also a gut problem.
So, in short:
Sugar = Gut inflammation = Poor liver function = Hormone imbalance = Brain inflammation
Symptoms of thyroid disorder can include but are not limited to:
- Weight gain
- Brain fog
- Body aches
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Cry easily
- Lack of motivation or ambition
- Digestion problems (bloating, gas, constipation, etc)
- Dry skin
- Ringing in ears
- Low libido
- Irregular and/or heavy menstrual cycles
- Infertility
- ADD/ADHD
- Mood swings
- Neuropathy and other nerve pain
-Dr. Jana
QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you have a diagnosed thyroid disease, has medication corrected it? If you don’t have a diagnosed thyroid disease, do you experience any of the symptoms listed above?
PRAYER: Jesus, You are my rock and my salvation; bind my flesh from feeling overwhelmed or hopeless in the face of all these sugar-related diseases. Increase my faith to be like the woman who touched Your cloak and was healed, or the man who trusted You to heal his son with only a word. You are steadfast and faithful to keep Your promises; let me praise You with my whole being today and every day. Amen.
LOVE OTHERS: Pray for their self image
Our first steps to a healthy self image are to be toward God- seeking His face, following His laws, and putting Him first. As we look to Him, the glory of His image gets imprinted upon us. Pray that those you’ve committed to praying for find their worth in eternal things, not to be distracted by the world.
PRAY: Lord, I pray that ________ will find their identity in You and You alone. Quiet the voices that may not bring truth about who they are, and give them ears to hear Your voice. May they listen to Your voice and choose to live a life of surrender, not perfection. Amen.
TODAY’S MEDITATION: Be Still & Be Loved
TODAY’S MOVEMENT: Gentle Flow
Day 10
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
One of the greatest gifts we receive as believers in Christ and His finished work on the cross is freedom! We are free to return to God, to live in relationship with Him, and to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. The Spirit is the active force of God on earth, and we need to be free to follow His truth.
The United States was founded on the law of freedom. With that freedom, generations of dreams and passions have been pursued. But biblical freedom makes a distinction between freedom defined by politics & culture and freedom defined by God.
According to God’s word, freedom comes from obedience to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is marked by the ability to do as we should for ourselves so we can best be there for others. Freedom is the secret ingredient to loving God, ourselves, and others well. After all, we are the body of Christ! When my leg is free to flex and extend, my hip is free to do its job of flexing and extending too. In freedom and in healthy connection, the body of Christ gets stronger and Jesus is made known on earth.
At first thought, food seems irrelevant when it comes to the conversation of love and freedom. But as we’re learning, all food breaks down in our bodies and affects us like a drug. Food breaks down into various substances and creates a domino effect of chemical reactions. Everything we consume has an effect on our bodies.
It’s important we pay attention to how our food affects the way we think, feel, and make decisions. Does the food we consume increase our liberty to think, feel, and choose love for the sake of ourselves and others? Or is what we consume subtly stealing our freedom, causing us to be content with just getting by?
Freedom in Christ does not give us permission to go our own way and lose our senses in the pleasures of the world. We maintain our freedom by staying sober and ready to serve. We were designed to live with a clear mind and open ears. Then we’re able to sense the promptings of God, and we’re free from the fears that keep us from going where God is calling us. We must feel and live free in order to truly love — especially those who are difficult for us to love.
As Christians (little Christs), we will know our freedom is growing when our love for others is increasing.
-Alisa
QUESTION OF THE DAY: How do I use my increasing freedom to increasingly love others?
PRAYER: God, I want Your freedom, not the kind the world offers. Sober my mind to know the difference, and then give me the grace to choose according to Your will. Amen.
Did you know the average American consumes about 200 pounds of sugar/year? By now, you’re becoming well-educated on the negative effects sugar can have on our bodies.
But how about caffeine? We guzzle caffeine “for energy,” but it’s really a stimulant which spikes insulin, stimulates the adrenals and sympathetic nervous system, messes up our body’s pH and electrolyte balance, stresses our kidneys, and thus, can lead to insulin resistance, magnesium deficiency, hypertension, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, gut imbalances, autoimmune disorders, poor thyroid function, poor stress handling, a weakened immune system, increased inflammation, and more!
Do you see the similarities between sugar and caffeine? Not to say you have to give up your morning cup of coffee, but just identifying some possible side effects for educational purposes.
Now, with all of these possible side effects wreaking havoc on our bodies, it’s common to use medications to treat the symptoms without dealing with the root causes. Americans make up 4% of the world’s population, yet we consume 56% of the world’s pharmaceuticals. Interestingly, the U.S. and New Zealand are the only two countries who allow direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, which intentionally influences us to believe we “need” more of their products. In 2009 there were nearly 3.68 billion prescriptions filled in the U.S., which averages almost 12 prescriptions per person.
Sadly, there are an estimated 450,000 preventable medication-related adverse events that occur in the U.S. every year, with the costs of these adverse drug reactions to society at more than $136 billion annually.
Drug poisoning is now the No. 1 cause of unintentional death in the United States. Every day, more than 100 people die from opioid drugs, with many of these overdoses from prescription opioid medications. The US now ranks 49th in the world for life expectancy, down from 24th in 1999, and 5th in 1950.
Americans now spend more on health care than on food, and health insurance has become unaffordable for many families. Unfortunately, it seems like insurance companies and drug companies have joined forces by rejecting coverage for many preventative health care options.
In some instances, it seems the advancement of “modern medicine” isn’t working well. Yes, there is a time and place for medications and surgery, but we might consider alternatives and seek God for what is best for us.
Contrary to the statistics above, I see patients reverse “incurable” conditions every week. There is real hope! It requires any combination of repentance, surrender, discipline, a teachable spirit, a desire to change both heart and mind, and a willingness to let the Lord lead.
But these are small prices to pay after all that Christ gave for us. And oh the good, good gifts He has in store for those who desire HIS best. By God’s grace, we have the power to not only transform our own health but to create a culture of Godly health and obedience for generations to come!
– Dr. Jana
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do I rely on caffeine, medicine, or other substances to feel good? Is there anything else God may be asking me to lay down for the remainder of this fast?
PRAYER: Jesus, I desire Your BEST. I desire with my whole heart to live in obedience to Your will in all the parts of my life, including what I eat and drink. But, my flesh is weak against temptation and I often choose what is easy, rather than what is best. In my weakness, You are strong. I pray for Your strength to rise up in me as I surrender what is easy, and follow You on the narrow path. Amen.
LOVE OTHERS: Pray for their freedom
The Bible says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Let’s pray that everything that those you’re praying for do with their bodies be done to the glory of God.
PRAY: Lord, I pray for freedom in the life of _______. I pray that You would rise up against any plans the enemy has to distract or destroy the lives of those I’m praying for. Enable them to choose life in whatever they do, and may they only be bound to the things of God. Amen.
TODAY’S MEDITATION: Be Still & Be Loved
TODAY’S MOVEMENT: Reving the Word
Day 11
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
Fasting helps us cleanse our hearts, not just our digestive tracts. Our hearts are fickle, and they desire all kinds of things. Contrary to what poor theology might teach, God does not despise our desires. He made us to desire so we may find Him and stay connected to Him – The Source of all that is good.
When we fast, we purposefully place a magnifying glass on all our cravings. The lack and discomfort we experience cause all kinds of desires to rush to the surface of our souls. When those desires come, the Holy Spirit can search our souls through prayer and God’s word to tell us what kind of fuel is turning the motor of our desires. Is it the combustible substance of love or fear? Both have working power, but only one is eternal and never runs out – love.
At the core, our souls fiercely desire to belong to another and to be loved. Our desires are from a Father in heaven who wants His children to know there is room in His house for them. Desires are meant to lead us back to our Father’s house where our souls are free to talk at the family table to see what He thinks. But often in our desires, we ache for something more tangible than connecting with the Spirit of God. Something with flesh on it (like food or people). Something we can sink our teeth into or throw our arms around and squeeze. Those things seem more satisfying to our desiring soul than connecting with a Spirit that seems as predictable as the wind.
Like a tiger hunting for prey, in our desire for belonging, we seek people to fill us up. This leads to us either idolizing or vilifying people. Slowly and steadily, we give people more power than God who created people. We end up serving people with the energy of our lives without first being a servant of Christ.
We were created for the love of God more than the love of people. We can’t rightly and healthily be in relationship with people if we don’t know and stay connected to God, The Source of Love.
God is love, and His perfect love drives out all fear, including the fear of man.
-Alisa
QUESTION OF THE DAY: How does God want to use this fast to help correct the way you have loved or feared others?
PRAYER: God, I confess I seek the approval of man more than You. You know why I do this, and You want to heal me of my wandering ways. Correct the aim of my arrows, the desires of my heart, to be pointed straight at You. Amen.
Body odor, excessive sweating, or clammy hands and feet (aka: hyperhidrosis) are symptoms that our bodies are toxic. Body odor is caused by toxins and hormone and microbiome imbalances. Hyperhydrosis is caused by adrenal fatigue, excessive stress, neurological toxicity, and overstimulation, all of which keep the body in fight or flight mode.
Traditional antiperspirants contain aluminum, a neurotoxin that “shuts down” the nervous/lymphatic system in our underarms to “prevent sweating”. However, sweating is natural and essential for daily detoxification and overall health. Sweating via the underarms is especially essential to breast health since those are the lymph nodes that drain/cleanse toxins from that region of the body. In the same respect, toxins applied to the underarms are contributing to increases in breast cancer and diseases.
Anything that we apply, ingest, or inject anywhere onto or into our bodies that contain neurotoxins or other poisons will affect the many other systems in our body since we are ONE body with MANY systems, which are all connected. The lump sum of toxicity is one major layer of “stress” which can lead to other more serious symptoms and diseases.
In “fight or flight” mode, our sympathetic nervous system is working overtime and the PARAsympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system is under-functioning, causing any combination of excessive sweating, body odor, anxiety, mood swings, digestive problems, skin problems, thyroid disorders, brain fog, fatigue, weakened or overactive immune system, body aches, other neurological symptoms, hormone imbalances, mental/emotional disorders, ADHD, insomnia, etc.
If you’ve made it this far in the challenge, you now know sugar feeds both bacteria and yeast, which means it feeds both dis-ease and disease. Things we can do to begin addressing some of these issues are:
- continue fasting from sugar
- start on a probiotic
- switch to a natural deodorant
- drink fresh-pressed celery and ginger juice or RAW apple cider vinegar
- eat more vegetables
- SWEAT! My DIY deodorant is an underarm daily “detox” that works incredibly well all day long to fight body odor and to help pull out even the toughest of toxins over time.
-Dr. Jana
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do I have body odor, excessive sweating, or clammy hands and feet? Which tip can I use today to address these issues? How can I begin?
PRAYER: Father, thank You for getting me here. I am 11 days into the fast and You are making my gut and heart new! For so long, I have operated in “fight or flight” mode, but You are bringing Shalom (peace) to my whole being. I now desire fresh foods and have new thoughts that reflect Your goodness and love. Help me press on into Your truth and love, for You are true bread and true wine and the only person who can satisfy me. Amen.
LOVE OTHERS: Pray against fear
The Bible says, “there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). Pray for the comforting, securing, perfect love of God to surround whoever you’re praying for.
PRAY: Lord, I pray You will perfect ______ in Your love so that fear finds no place in them. I pray that fear will not rule over them, and that they will be convinced that Your love for them is far greater than anything they could ever face. Amen.
TODAY’S MEDITATION: Be Still & Be Loved
TODAY’S MOVEMENT: Mobility & Strength
Day 12
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. – Matthew 6:16
It’s probably not hard to believe that what you’re thinking affects the way you hold your body. If you keep thinking about the shameful things you once did, you’ll eventually find yourself with slumped shoulders and a heavy chin. But when you think about something joyful, your body might respond with a lift of your chest and an outburst of laughter!
The body responds to what the mind thinks. But would you believe me if I said that the opposite is also true? How you posture your body has the power to affect your mind. It’s true! It’s a process called embodied cognition.
How we hold our bodies tells a story. When we see someone tucking their head, furrowing their brow, and darting their eyes from side to side, they’re telling us a story. We may interpret this person as unapproachable and walk away. Or we may interpret this person as scared or in need and we may try to help. The term body language exists because our bodies are talking and our minds are listening.
In Matthew 6, Jesus gives his longest sermon. In it, he explains to both religious and non-religious folks alike, a new way of life and reveals what the Kingdom of God is really like.
When Jesus speaks about fasting, He speaks directly to the religious, who knew how to repeat God’s words but whose hearts were far from Him. He calls them out on their misuse of fasting, and how they failed to tell a true story about God with their bodies. Instead of telling the story of the sufficiency of God, they communicated that God was stingy and mean. Their body language implied that those who endured God’s painful requests were somehow better than those who didn’t.
When you’re discouraged or tempted to give in to a request of your flesh, pay attention to what your body is saying! We’re all telling our hearts and minds where to go through the posturing of our bodies. May our bodies speak the language of a Love that came down from heaven to save us from our wandering ways.
-Alisa
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you ever pay attention to how you hold your body and face? Does your facial expression tell others you are a person of faith or fear?
PRAYER: God, help me pay attention to how my body talks to my soul. I give the Holy Spirit permission to fix my face, so I reflect the kindness I see when I look into Your eyes. My body is Your vessel. Fill me with Your love until my heart flings open and my arms stretch wide. Amen.
Today’s topic is admittedly controversial in our culture, but let me share some of the science behind the effects of drinking alcohol.
First, alcohol acts like sugar in the body, which can create a host of issues. Alcohol weakens our immune system, overloads our liver, interferes with our body’s methylation (detoxification) pathway, interferes with nutrient absorption, stresses our adrenal glands, de-stabilizes our blood sugar, and affects our minds, moods, sleep, and energy, among other things.
Alcohol also breaks down the mucosal membrane in the gut, which contributes to leaky gut and other digestion problems. Both the sugar and yeast in alcoholic drinks are food sources for yeast or bad bacteria, which can lead to dysbiosis/Candida overgrowth. If you drink any amount of alcohol when you have dysbiosis/Candida overgrowth, it will be nearly impossible to heal. There is no supplement or medication to bypass this fact.
These microbiome imbalances produce endotoxins and inflammation, which you now know are root causes of dis-ease and disease.
Alcohol is the 3rd leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and sadly, alcohol-related deaths took more lives from 1999-2015 than all of World War II. A recent study also found that 1 in 8 U.S. adults are alcoholics. Additionally, a 2019 JAMA Pediatrics study of 8,773 children showed that even “non-problem” drinking by parents can be tied to mental health problems in children.
It’s legal, socially acceptable, and easily justified, with many using alcohol to either celebrate or cope with their struggles in life.
But consider these verses in light of alcohol use.
- Ephesians 5:18 says do not be drunk with wine, which is self-indulgence; but be filled with the Spirit.
- 1 Peter 5:8 instructs us to be sober and vigilant because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- 1 Cor 6:12 says that everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
- Romans 12:2 instructs us not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
As Christ-followers, we are called to be leaders, set apart, who may look different from the world. Is it possible we could love others better from a place of true sobriety and freedom, filled completely with the Holy Spirit instead of alcohol?
We’re not debating whether drinking alcohol is a sin or not, but it is a desire of the flesh. There is no spiritual or physical gain that comes from it, and the ripple effect of destruction that alcohol can cause is physical, emotional, and spiritual.
It’s good to recognize that there may be others around you (even if you may not realize it) who struggle with alcohol dependence or are recovering alcoholics. Are we loving others well with the words we say, things we do, things we laugh at, or other compromises we make after drinking alcohol?
- 1 Cor 8:9 challenges us to be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
- John 15:13 says there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
- Titus 1:7-8 instructs how all leaders are to live: “must be above reproach…must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”
Could drinking alcohol be quenching the Spirit in us or those around us? It was for me.
Has it been hard for you to give up alcohol for almost 2 weeks now? Perhaps you want to take this burden before the Lord, without shame or condemnation, and ask Him if you should be set free – for your good and His glory!
-Dr. Jana
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Has it been challenging for me to give up alcohol for almost two weeks? I will take a moment now to take stock of my drinking habits prior to the fast.
PRAYER: Jesus, You know my desires, my habits, and the needs of the people around me. I know that good things can become god things and that consuming alcohol, even in celebration, can easily turn into sin and temptation. Now that I am sober in mind, body, and spirit, help me discern the best place for alcohol in my life. If needed, I pray for a spirit willing to surrender this momentary pleasure for the sake of loving You and love others. Amen.
Editor’s Note: *Each one of us must obey the Lord’s leading in the matter of alcohol. Some of us may choose not to drink and others of us may drink with self-control. We must each seek the Lord and obey the Spirit on this matter.
LOVE OTHERS: Pray for overcoming temptations
The Bible says that God does not tempt us. It is our desires that draw us away to what entices us, often causing us to sin and bring death into our lives (Mark 14:38). Jesus told His disciples to “pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40). Let’s pray that those we’re fasting on behalf of would be protected from temptations, and be equipped to stand up under them.
PRAY: Lord, I pray that You would strengthen _______ to resist any temptation that comes their way. Make them strong where they are weak, and help them to rise above anything that appears as a stronghold in their life. Amen.
TODAY’S MEDITATION: Be Still & Be Loved
TODAY’S MOVEMENT: Reving the Word
Day 13
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” Proverbs 30:8
Take a moment to reread today’s Scripture devotion while being honest about what comes up in your heart.
You won’t have to look far around you today to find people who are longing for more. If you live in a first-world country, you live in a time where solutions and resources abound. If you want to make a quick buck, it’s easy to find a need and create a solution. And yet, with every need that gets met, another need arises.
It’s a wonder how quickly we return to feeling unsatisfied even though our last need was met five minutes ago. We want that job promotion without considering the costs it will have on our families. We want friends to help fight our loneliness, so we settle for anyone we can find and we end up compromising and comparing ourselves to secure our seat at their table.
The truth is, we aren’t easily satisfied people. We despise lack. For inside every human soul is a cavernous hole that echoes the cry “Feed me! Fix me! Take away my ache!”
When God delivered his people from the hands of Pharaoh, a hard-hearted, slave-driving Egyptian King, their new home was in a desert where food was scarce. The wandering Israelites, now with empty bellies, longed for their former land of captivity, Egypt, where they were in bondage but could eat all they wanted. (Exodus 16:3) The flesh alone shouts and drowns out The Voice of God, the One who longs to be with us, provide for us, and meet our every need.
I hope that during this time of fasting, when you’re tempted to think that God is not good because you don’t feel good, you find the strength of grace to push towards His steadfast love and faithfulness. As Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4).
Our daily bread is God’s written and whispered words to us. These are sufficient for each day. Since God’s word was enough to create the world and all that is in it, surely it’s enough to get us through our moment of panic or pain. Healing increases when we receive what we need for each day. Nothing more and nothing less.
People satisfied in God are vessels fit to carry His grace and to hold, move, and give away blessings. When we are satisfied in our lack, we become the ones who God can trust with more.
-Alisa
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Holy Spirit, show me what need I try to get met without God? Why do I do this?
PRAYER: God, forgive me for how I have wanted people, power, and things more than I have wanted You. My soul cries out for strange things from the caverns of my pain. Come and fill the holes in my soul. Heal my distorted desires which lead me away from receiving more of You. Come and satisfy my heart, my mind, my body, and my soul with Your written and whispered words about Your love for me. Amen.
MTHF-R and methylation are topics being discussed in the wellness world right now, and it’s pretty science-heavy, but stick with me!
Our body’s methylation cycle is one of the most important biochemical processes happening continuously in our bodies. At the cellular level, methylation is the addition of a methyl group (CH3) to another molecule which ‘activates’ the receiving molecule.
Moreover, the addition and removal of methyl groups to and from DNA are responsible for turning genes on and off. This cycle is responsible for detoxification, the production of glutathione, energy production, fighting infection, mental health, proper digestion and so much more. Glutathione is our body’s master antioxidant/detoxifier, and without enough of it, we cannot be well. Methylation is a critical process in our body that requires continual support throughout life.
Approximately 50% of the population has at least 1 of 2 possible MTHF-R (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase) gene variants, C677T and A1298C. You can be heterozygous (have 1 copy) for one or both gene variants, or homozygous (have 2 copies) of either or both gene variants. Usually, the more variants, the worse the symptoms. It’s also important to note that one or more MTHF-R variants are present in approximately 95% of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Someone with an MTHF-R gene variant has a malfunctioning methylation cycle, which is responsible for hundreds of biochemical and physiological functions in the body. These individuals are more likely to battle toxicity and therefore, chronic illness because of their body’s inability to detoxify and to methylate Vitamin B9 (folate) and/or Vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Likewise, they are also more likely to struggle with Candida overgrowth and other microbiome imbalances, which means they have greater sensitivity and reaction to sugars and starches. They also struggle to filter heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins and infections out of their body due to this impaired methylation/detoxification cycle.
I know, that was a lot to process, but there’s more! To be continued tomorrow…
-Dr. Jana
QUESTION OF THE DAY: How am I feeling? Mad, bad, sad, scared, or joyful?
PRAYER: Father, I lift up my feelings to You. (Talk to God like a friend). I pray for those suffering from chronic illness and other diseases related to the MTHF-R gene variant. I pray that they feel Your presence in their suffering and for their full healing in Jesus’ name! Amen.
LOVE OTHERS: Pray for relationships
We all need the influence of good people to keep us on the right path. We were created for community! Pray over those on your list & their relationships – in and outside of their homes.
PRAY: Lord, I pray for strong, peaceful relationships in every part of ________’s life. Let their be room for reconciliation, open communication, deep friendships and productive relationships that lead to stronger communities. Amen.
TODAY’S MEDITATION: Be Still & Be Loved
TODAY’S MOVEMENT: Roll & Recover
Day 14
“[ Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand ] Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” Matthew 15:32, ESV
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for Your kindness and compassion; for pouring out Yourself to us and still caring about our hunger and thirst. I know I am often the stubborn person in the crowd; the person with ears that do not hear and eyes that do not see. But, You still care for me. Father, forgive me for my hard heart and draw me nearer to You now. Though I feel tired and weak, You will not let me faint on the way. You will not let me walk away hungry. Thank You for Your compassion that reaches from east to west; in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 9: Michele’s Rev on the Mat “Stand Firm”
DAY 11: Ron’s Rev on the Mat Recovery & Mobility “Restoration”
DAY 13: Alisa’s Rev on the Mat “Psalm 8:2”
