On your nineteenth day of fasting, remember:
- Water needs to be with you at all times
- Rest and relax as much as possible
- Remember your prayer time.
- Work hard to remain focused on the reason you are doing the fast. Only 3 days are left!
Physical Effects:
- Continued weight loss.
- Bad breath.
- Cravings can continue
Today’s Passage: Romans 8
Today’s Reading:
The believer is to persevere in his Christian course to the end of his life. We have known many who have gone into the field, and liked the work of a soldier for a battle or two, but soon has had enough, and comes running home. There are so many professors and so few Christians indeed; so many that run and so few obtain; many go into the field against Satan, and so few come out conquerors. Few have the courage and resolution to grapple with the difficulties that meet them in the way. Israel came joyfully out of Egypt, but when their bellies were a little pinched with hunger, they were ready to fly from their colours, and make a dishonourable retreat into Egypt. Many who profess the gospel fail to endure when trouble comes, and Alas! Their hearts fail them. O how many depart from Christ at this cross- road! Do not say you have royal blood running in your veins, and you are born of God, except you can prove your pedigree by this heroic spirit; to dare to be holy in spite of men and devils. How uncomely a sight it is to see a bold sinner and a fearful saint; one resolved to be wicked, and a Christian wavering in his holy course; to see hell keep the field while the saints hide their colours for shame. Take heart O ye saints, and be strong; your cause is good. God himself adopts your quarrel. He shall lead you on with courage, and bring you off with honour. He lived and died for you. For mercy and tenderness to his soldiers, there is none like him. Christ poured out his blood as balm to heal our wounds. He never turned his head from danger: no, not even when hell’s malice and heaven’s justice appeared in the field against him! A few days’ conflict will be crowned with heaven’s glory. In a word, Christians, every exploit of faith causes a shout in heaven while you slip out of your enemies’ hands!
- William Gurnall,The Christian in Complete Armour, i:15-17
Today’s Questions:
- Do you tend to be a “bold sinner and a fearful saint”?
- What makes us at times, a “bold sinner and a fearful saint”?
- How can we avoid this?
- Can we persevere through the battle on our own strength or on God’s?
- What are some practical ways that you can lean more fully on Christ and the power of the Gospel to help you persevere in this battle?
- What are some of your additional thoughts/observations from today’s reading?
Today’s Prayer Emphasis:.
- If needed, take some time to repent for being a “bold sinner and a fearful saint”.
- Ask God to give you a strength that only comes from Christ and the Gospel to cast down any idols which draw your focus and rest away from Him. Ask Him to bring your heart and mind into focus on the power of the Gospel.
- Pray that God help bring your soul into focus on Christ and the Gospel above all other needs, desires or cravings.
- Continue in prayer, focusing on what God has showed you to be fasting about.
