A Christian Hunter's Devotions and Studies


TreeWalker

Recommended Posts

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

I describe fasting as sacrificing or omitting something for a period of time in order to spend more time with God. This could be, as you mentioned, skipping one or a series of meals (e.g. dinner each day for a week, nothing to eat for 3 days, etc.). It could also be not watching television or something else that occupies your time. The key to this however, and unfortunately I think many either forget or don't think about this, is what you do with that time. It should not be used to catch up on work around the house or squeezing in a physical workout. Instead, this time should specifically be set aside for catching up with the Lord (a spiritual workout) in the form of personal worship time (sing to the Lord man!!! whatever you want, however you want!!!), reading and meditating on the Word (don't just read through a chapter. stop and listen for Him to speak to you), as well as, praying and petitioning God for needs specific to why you are fasting in the first place (this shouldn't be the God bless and protect my family prayer time). Gee Whiz! I didn't mean to start preaching and certainly didn't mean to preach to myself. Oh well, I guess I needed it too.

Regarding the things at work, we had some layoffs which resulted in another department now reporting directly to me. As a result, I needed to do some reorganization within my current department and unfortunately today was the day that I had to deal with some of the fall out from those changes. I met with several members of my existing team to hear and address their concerns. Funny stuff!!! UGH!

Anyway, I know that my God is faithful and this is an opportunity for me to learn and grow.

Keep the faith and seek HIS face!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 336
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

TRUE FASTING

God said through the Prophet Isaiah: "For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.

‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’

Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarrelling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.

Is this the kind of fasting I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and unite the cords of the yoke, to set the oppresses free and break every yoke*?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rearguard.

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am.

If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the need of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58: 2-11).

Jesus said:

"When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have receive their reward in full.

But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6: 16-18).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

[ QUOTE ]

TRUE FASTING

God said through the Prophet Isaiah: "For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.

‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’

Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarrelling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.

Is this the kind of fasting I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and unite the cords of the yoke, to set the oppresses free and break every yoke*?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rearguard.

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am.

If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the need of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58: 2-11).

Jesus said:

"When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have receive their reward in full.

But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6: 16-18).

[/ QUOTE ]

Amen brother!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest rev214

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

hi everyone...i'm new to the forum and was happy to see all of these posts...here my favorite verse, on our future hope...

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4 (NASB)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Hey guys.

For the 8 or 9 months ive been here never have used this section. Thought i might start.

Ive lived in a christian home all my life so far. I let the lord in my life at age 11 and kicked him out at 13 when i started jr. high right now im trying my best to let him back in but its hard. Ive never really done anything to make anyone disown me in any sort of way. I have stolen money from a school thing and got caught. Did that in 6th grade. Not proud of it.

When i started jr. high all the people doing drugs and the talk of sex and being with people that are taking pills during class and trying to smoke between classes is hard not to try things. Most of you know that once you get known for running with a group it sticks with you but i never really ran with them grew up with some of them and just friends ever since.

Tonight there is a lady from our youth group at church coming here to do a survie(sp?). At the beging of this year i let the lord back in my life full throttle and it didnt last i tried really hard but other things like friends took me back into cussing and doing stupid things.

My girlfriend im so happy to have her a few friends came over last night because they wanted me to go cruising with them this weekend. She doesnt like them and said no for me. Thank God.

Im done rambling on about things that have happend over the past years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Arrow 32...keep on rambling...it sometimes is a good thing to be transparent to your Christian brothers and humble yourself before the Lord.......sounds like your girlfriend has a good head on her shoulders, nad keep attending those youth group functions.......if you need anybody to talk to, you can contact any one of us, and we'll be happy to help......

The seed has been planted my young friend.....now we just got to make sure that you get a consistant watering from the Lord Jesus........the hardest thing for me was exactly what you are now facing.......walking away from those friends and the lifestyle you are used to........but beleive me, it is much more worthwhile, and I made new friends...Christian friends....that i actually have more in common with now, than I did with my old friends........

Keep the Faith brother......Clay

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

By the way....Welcome Rev214

On another note, we got back from Family Camp LATE last night........I'll fill you in more later, but let's say I've got the renewal in Christ I so much needed, and I got to see the Holy Spirit work through my 7 year old Daughter, and later my 5 year old......it was a couple amazing evenings............and if you ever get the chance to see a performer from Tennessee by the name of Brent Ramsey, by all means go.....he plays some of the best country Gospel and older stuff to boot....we bought his CD while he was there, and I bet we've listened to it close to 100 times already.......beuatiful stuff........and a great man to boot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Like Clay said Cody, we are aleways here for you. I'll keep you in my prayers my friend.

Here's some things to keep in mind

YOU SAY

GOD SAYS

BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"

God says: All things are possible

(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"

God says: I will give you rest

(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"

God says: I love you

(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"

God says: My grace is sufficient

(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"

God says: I will direct your steps

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"

God says: You can do all things

(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"

God says: I am able

(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"

God says: It will be worth it

(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"

God says: I Forgive you

(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"

God says: I will supply all your needs

(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear

(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"

God says: Cast all your cares on ME

(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"

God says: I give you wisdom

(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you

(Hebrews 13:5)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

The one thing about the youth groups are some of the kids are around the kind of people that i am but most arent. Most of there parents would kill them. I try to talk to people about it but it doesnt work. The leaders understand some of it because they had the same problems.

Somthing that turns me from the church is people have told me that once you have been with the kind of people or friends with you wont be accepted. In the bible it says everything can be forgiven. Then before ive asked serious questions and people just blow them over it seems like and moves on. If you dont know an answer just say that.

This is just a little more info on why ive had a hard time turning back to the lord.

And i know i have to give up the friends that are doing this but you know that is very hard to do. Been threw alot and when our friend died a couple months ago it pulled us closer. Guess what needs done has to be done.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

When you have gone to the foot of the cross and laid it all out before the Lord, and believe, you will find that there are definitely many acquaintances, you can do without in your life. God doesn't expect you to get rid of your best friends. He expects you to be an example to them.

I held on to one special friend when I became a Christian. He was the one guy, I did everything with...drugs, drinking, the whole shibang. We were partners in crime always, ever since high-school. The biggest difference was that God changed me, by his saving grace and I had strength (not my own) that my buddy lacked. Whenever I talked about what Jesus had done for me and was still doing for me, it used to make him mad at me, but we had been through thick and thin together. (more thick than thin...LOL), and he never walked away for good.

Long story short, about 10 years later, he came to know Jesus as his saviour.

All is not lost Cody. You do, what the Lord puts on your heart to do. His grace is sufficient to see you through. If you don't think your strong enough..pray for strength. He is strong. wink.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

[ QUOTE ]

Somthing that turns me from the church is people have told me that once you have been with the kind of people or friends with you wont be accepted. In the bible it says everything can be forgiven. Then before ive asked serious questions and people just blow them over it seems like and moves on. If you dont know an answer just say that.

[/ QUOTE ]

I hate to say this because it is not for us to judge, but these people that are telling you that you can not be saved, can't possibly have a personal relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. What denomination are you ??

As far as getting your questions answered from others, it seems to me that you have a pretty good head on your shoulders, and have a pretty good idea about what the anwers are....you're just looking for affirmation (support).......Buckee had it right on, you don't necessarily need the strength all by yourself.....the Lord will give you strength, but you must seek him and his kingdom.

And don't get us wrong.....we are all born of the flesh.....we are all tempted, and we all still stumble in sin from time to time.....but lay all of your troubles at the alter, and the Holy Spirit will wash you clean.

You've also got to realize, that while you think you are turning away from the church, it is God that you are turning away from. We don't worship the church nor the people in it.....it is simply a holy place to worship God with others. Seek a personal relation ship with Jesus first, work on the rest after..... smile.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Man I have missed this place. So much has happened since I have been gone. I can say that God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

Hope all of you guys are doing well and God is continuing to let His grace shine upon you!

I can now say that I am back and I hope this time I am here to stay!

May God bless each and everyone of you!

Josh

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Rudy507

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Well, considering this is the first topic I laid my eyes on, I guess I'll just have to make it the topic I make my first post in this forum. My name is David, and when I saw this thread - something told me I just registered at the right place. smile.gif

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14

God bless you all, and I'll see you guys around.

- David

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Hello again everyone.....I have been doing some thinkning and just thought I would throw this little idea I had out there.

I was thinking that maybe we could start some kindof accountability partners here. For those of you that don't know what it is, well all it means is that you partner up with one other person and on a daily, weekly, or whenever the need be you share with one another what you are having problems with in your daily walk with Christ. You pray for one another throughout the week and talk with one another.....whether it be by email or pm on here. Who knows you may even develope such a friendship that you talk on the phone.

I was involved in one at my old church and it went really well. My partner and I still talk several times a month even though we are several states away.

My thought is that I know that there are things that I struggle with on a daily basis that would be alot easier if I had someone I knew I could count on to chat with and pray with.

Like I said it is just a thought. Let me know what you think. PM me with any thoughts or ideas.

In His Grip,

Josh

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.