Tomorrow marks the beginning of Lent; what is that you ask? Lent is a period of fasting, beginning from Ash Wednesday to Easter; which lasts a total period of 40 days. You may often hear people say “I’m giving up _____ for lent.” However, I have a few questions to ask. What positive thing have you put in place of what you have given up? Are you just “fasting” to be a part of the “clique”or are you really seeking a change?

L.O.V.E International Network would like to encourage you to seriously consider that thing you are giving up for 40 days.  Be realistic with your choices; excluding a certain type of poultry or meat or fast food from your diet, is a type of realistic choice. The point is, do not set yourself up for failure; We want you to succeed! During this period of fasting you MUST get lost in self reflection, prayer and the Word (Holy Bible). I challenge you to journal for those 40 days to see what God is saying to you. Or write down your prayers. This documentation serves as a reminder to what God has said or what you have promised or desired.

God speaks in various ways and He often uses people to get through to us. Are you ready to get lost in Him? Are you ready for your break through and self discovery? Well the time is now! Join this challenge with us. Be bold, be courageous, be YOU; the REAL YOU God intends of you!!!

The first week, do not ask any questions, just seek God where He may be found; that is through prayer and the Word. Pray for yourself,your decisions, your family, friends and your enemies too. Pray for people around the world struggling to make it through. Submit yourself in prayer and fast from that thing you so desire. Proverbs 14:12- There is a way that “seems”right to man, but its end is death." This week seek God, not your own instinct.Trust him and He will be that direction in this wayward path of life. Do not seek for self glorification, that will last but for a moment! Know that L.O.V.E International Network will be praying with you.

The second week, ask God “what do you desire of me?” God is speaking to a lot of you, but you have chosen to ignore the call. Friends, do not have the "Jonah experience", do what it is God is telling you to do. When you feel that nudge in the right direction, know that is of God. God is seeking individuals to make investments in the kingdom: best part about it is, these stock rates never decline! Are you willing to invest today? These investments we speak of are not always monetary; it is of your time, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a kind deed, and so on. Treat others well while you can;but don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does- Matthew 6:3. No need to publicize your good deeds, your reward is heaven bound!

Come back again in two weeks for further instructions. We pray that as you begin this fast you earnestly seek Him in all your deeds.Remember the 3 S’s for 2013: Seek God (through prayer, fasting and reading the word), See His purpose for your life (through seeking God, you will receive direction for where you need to go) and SECURE His promises (claim the promises God has declared over your life). We encourage each of you to hold on to the 3 S’s forthe New Year and during this lent season.  

L.O.V.E International Network defines F.A.S.T as –Faithfully Abolishing SELF and Trusting Him (God)- Will you fast today?

Decrease self to allow His increase in your life.

His humble servant,

Meleny “DaBlessedOne” Thomas