"JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE"

For those of you raised in the church, the words to the title of this blog should be familiar to you.  They come from the hymn of the same name - "Just a Closer Walk With Thee".  We've sung this song for years but I wonder if we really mean it.  After all, do we really want to walk closer to God?  Do we really desire to have a relationship with God where we truly surrender all to God that he might use us as He chooses?  The answer?  If we're honest, sometimes yes, sometimes no.  Can you relate?

With that in mind, we at MUMC are embarking on another journey to be intentional about praying and fasting that we might hear, see, and experience God more fully and more clearly.  Tomorrow begins Awakening 2012 - A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom.  Our desire is to set aside time or establish sacred space in order for us to be more open to God's working in our lives as individuals and as a church.  It will include some worship and prayer during the noon hour and supper hour each day for 21 days in the chapel.  It will include a devotional that people can use to assist them on this spiritual journey.  And it will involve fasting, yes fasting.  Yikes!  (I like to eat). 

The fasting includes a fasting from food, but not food only.  For some, it will be a juice/liquid fast.  For some, it will be a Daniel fast (fruits/vegetables).  For some, one meal per day.  And for those unable to do a food fast, it will be a fast from tv, from the internet, from facebook, from video games, from cigarettes, etc.  The point is, to set aside time and space from food or activities and replacing them with time with God in prayer, reading, and meditation.  The fast is not so much about what we are giving up but what we desire in a relationship with God.

Honestly, I'm a little nervous because the fast I have chosen will only be accomplished with the help of God.  And yet, isn't that what life is all about anyhow?  We don't exist without God and His work in our lives.  Maybe it's time to get a better grip on what that means.  At least that is my desire.

So, I hope you are going to join me on this 21 day journey. We will need each other to hold each other accountable and to encourage each other.  If you are not part of MUMC and are interested, check out the website at www.awake21.org.  Those of you from MUMC, feel free to contact Brian or myself and we'll attempt to answer your questions.

Yes I'm a little nervous.  But more than that, I'm excited!  Let's rock!  God, do your thing!!