It's been a bit since I've posted about this fasting experience from facebook. Yes, I've been a little busy you could say! However, this time away that I've had to learn about Jesus has been remarkable! I've still got 7 more days left! Hearing from God is remarkable!
I love to take walks and just listen. Just Him and me! I love the fact that He loves me and cares for me and wants the very best for my life. In return I should give Him my very best. Before I started this blog, I hadn't been giving God my best. I'd been giving him half of my ability and doing things half way.....NOT GOOD...
I got to thinking about all the things I would do and the unsurmountable number of hours I would spend doing them on facebook. So, here is something that I thought you might enjoy that God spoke to me about some of the Facebook apps I used to use/play way too often.
1. Farmville-I was constantly harvesting this pretend little farm with veggies and crops. I was harvesting my neighbors crops on this game.
Jesus: "The harvest is plenty but the workers are few." Matthew 9:37
2. Restaurant City: I used to cook dishes upon dishes for this little game in hopes to get more tokens. I don't even remember what I would win...See that's how important that little game was. NOT!
Jesus: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalms 34:8
3. Mafia Wars: I started this game and I didn't play it long. You basically recruit others into your mafia to kill others, and I think rob buildings. I didn't like the theme of it so I never dove into it.
Jesus: "The thief cometh to steal, kill, and destroy. But I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.
Please don't take this blog and say Alicia is saying that it's bad to play these games and that they are all bad. No, that's not what I am saying. There just came a time in my life where God convicted me of playing them way too much and not spending any time with Him.
IT's been so nice to spend quality time with Jesus! He's an amazing Savior and I LOVE Him.
In God's Grip,
Alicia Roark
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Spiritually Fed or Undernourished?!!!
Ahhh that still small voice jumped out and spoke to me again! It's amazing what you hear when you fast! Quiet is what I have been prefering so that I don't miss His still small voice. Jesus got away when He was here on earth. He spent lots of time with His Father.
I can't tell you how refreshing this time is! God is doing such a work in me. He's teaching me 100% reliance and trust in Him! He is the potter and I am the clay. He gave me one mouth and two ears so that I can listen more than I speak.
I read a devotion on CBN.com today called "Spiritually full or Undernourished." It talks about your relationship with Christ. How much time do you spend in prayer, Bible Reading, listening? I can't answer that for you. I can only answer for myself in this matter. He wants for us to spend time with Him. It's up to us to make that happen.
During this time of fasting from facebook I've learned one Big lesson. I was doing lots of stuff, but not spending much or anytime at all with God through prayer, Bible reading, quiet times of listening....Those attributes make a very undernourished, weak, and exhausted Christian. Yep, exhausted to the point where you have very little or no strength. All that I had done was gotten physically exhausted from doing "EVERYTHING ELSE" but spending time with God.
So, I'm learning to read my Bible more, pray more, listen LOTs more and just hanging out with Jesus the One who mattters most. Also I'm reading this book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. If you don't have this book I highly recommend it!
Last but not least, I'd like to add...If you have never fasted, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! Oh the things you'll learn! Do I miss facebook?!! NO not really, because the experiences I'm having away from it are PRICELESS!
-Alicia
I can't tell you how refreshing this time is! God is doing such a work in me. He's teaching me 100% reliance and trust in Him! He is the potter and I am the clay. He gave me one mouth and two ears so that I can listen more than I speak.
I read a devotion on CBN.com today called "Spiritually full or Undernourished." It talks about your relationship with Christ. How much time do you spend in prayer, Bible Reading, listening? I can't answer that for you. I can only answer for myself in this matter. He wants for us to spend time with Him. It's up to us to make that happen.
During this time of fasting from facebook I've learned one Big lesson. I was doing lots of stuff, but not spending much or anytime at all with God through prayer, Bible reading, quiet times of listening....Those attributes make a very undernourished, weak, and exhausted Christian. Yep, exhausted to the point where you have very little or no strength. All that I had done was gotten physically exhausted from doing "EVERYTHING ELSE" but spending time with God.
So, I'm learning to read my Bible more, pray more, listen LOTs more and just hanging out with Jesus the One who mattters most. Also I'm reading this book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. If you don't have this book I highly recommend it!
Last but not least, I'd like to add...If you have never fasted, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! Oh the things you'll learn! Do I miss facebook?!! NO not really, because the experiences I'm having away from it are PRICELESS!
-Alicia
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Rain...Sometimes you need a little.
I have heard it said before, "There can't always be sunshine, you need a little rain." Well, that indeed is true. If there were no rain, then flowers wouldn't bloom, grass would dry up and dye, the oceans/seas would dry up. Not pretty picture eh?!!! What does rain do? It gives nourishment/food to plants, it fills up bodies of water so that the fish/mammals can continue to thrive in the natural environment God gave us. Also, rain washes away the dirty things like pollen off of our cars, washes away things that might be left on the ground that are dirty. See rain isn't always bad!!!
Here's a question that deals with spiritual rain (i.e. trials, troubles, hard times/difficulties). Do you prepare for the rain in your life?!!! I mean when the hard times come through Spiritual warfare do you prepare for rain (battle)? Do you read God's Word and spend time with God preparing for the tough times! God's Holy Word is the Sword of the Spirit. We can defeat the devil with it....I honestly must admit that lately I've not been preparing for Spiritual Rain very well. However, during this time of fasting God is teaching me so much and I praise His name for it! Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on the Full Armour of God. It prepares us for battle/Spiritual Rain!
I mentioned yesterday about a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I flipped it back open this morning and read some more. I got even more excited about rekindling my relationship with Jesus! Ahhhhh....It's been like sweet manna from heaven falling. God has been speaking to my heart so much these first 7 days. It's amazing. Please go pick up a copy of this book, yu won't be sorry!
So, it's the desire of my heart to renew my relationship with Jesus, and to do whatever it takes to bring Him glory. YES, even if it means a little rain!
What about you? Are you ready to renew your relationship with Jesus? Or Are you ready to begin a relationship with Jesus that you've never had before?!!! Need a little rain?!!!
Amazed by the King of Kings,
Alicia Roark
Here's a question that deals with spiritual rain (i.e. trials, troubles, hard times/difficulties). Do you prepare for the rain in your life?!!! I mean when the hard times come through Spiritual warfare do you prepare for rain (battle)? Do you read God's Word and spend time with God preparing for the tough times! God's Holy Word is the Sword of the Spirit. We can defeat the devil with it....I honestly must admit that lately I've not been preparing for Spiritual Rain very well. However, during this time of fasting God is teaching me so much and I praise His name for it! Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on the Full Armour of God. It prepares us for battle/Spiritual Rain!
I mentioned yesterday about a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I flipped it back open this morning and read some more. I got even more excited about rekindling my relationship with Jesus! Ahhhhh....It's been like sweet manna from heaven falling. God has been speaking to my heart so much these first 7 days. It's amazing. Please go pick up a copy of this book, yu won't be sorry!
So, it's the desire of my heart to renew my relationship with Jesus, and to do whatever it takes to bring Him glory. YES, even if it means a little rain!
What about you? Are you ready to renew your relationship with Jesus? Or Are you ready to begin a relationship with Jesus that you've never had before?!!! Need a little rain?!!!
Amazed by the King of Kings,
Alicia Roark
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Lukewarm or ON FIRE?!!!
Well, I must say that I honestly don't miss facebook. Do I think about it?!! Sure, I'd lie if I didn't think I wonder how full my wall is! I do get the comments people are leaving me, but I just don't go there except to post links to this blog! Then I quickly sign off!
Sometimes God takes me by surprise! Ok, often He takes me by surprise. Ya know, that still small voice of His that is ever so powerful! Well, He went and did it AGAIN. Yes, He spoke!
I received a book from church as a graduation gift. It's by Francis Chan called Crazy Love. I heard the Holy Spirit prompt me to read a few more pages. So, that's what I did. I read all of 8 pages. Yeah, I really did some serious reading huh?!
Honestly, I didn't even notice the title of where I started. I just began to read. He (Francis Chan) begins by saying that God deserves our very best. I read a little further and then there it was. It jumped right off the page at me. Chan gives an exercise where you replace the word Love for your very own name and repeat it out loud. Mercy, it was horrible. I was like I can't believe I am putting my very own name in this verse b/c it really isn't 100% true. I don't have all of these characteristics. I fail at some of these and I miss the mark daily. I am a sinner and I need to get better at some of the others.
So after I'd finished reading the 8 whole pages the Holy Spirit prompted me to go to youtube and look up Francis Chan. I came across the video LUKEWARM and Lovin' It. I looked at how long the video was and thought, I was hoping for short video, but nonetheless I watched it. It spoke to me loud and clear. I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Alicia, you need to rekindle your flame, and get back on fire for God" It isn't about being comfortable and secure, it's about Eternity and making a differnce in the place where you are. I highly recommend you watch the video as well.
Now...I'll tell you the title of the Chapter. It was called "Offering Leftovers." You see that's all I had been offering God was leftovers and they were petty at that. Here's a question for you to answer. I can't answer it for you....Are YOU offering leftovers to God?????
Amazed by The King of Kings,
Alicia Roark
Sometimes God takes me by surprise! Ok, often He takes me by surprise. Ya know, that still small voice of His that is ever so powerful! Well, He went and did it AGAIN. Yes, He spoke!
I received a book from church as a graduation gift. It's by Francis Chan called Crazy Love. I heard the Holy Spirit prompt me to read a few more pages. So, that's what I did. I read all of 8 pages. Yeah, I really did some serious reading huh?!
Honestly, I didn't even notice the title of where I started. I just began to read. He (Francis Chan) begins by saying that God deserves our very best. I read a little further and then there it was. It jumped right off the page at me. Chan gives an exercise where you replace the word Love for your very own name and repeat it out loud. Mercy, it was horrible. I was like I can't believe I am putting my very own name in this verse b/c it really isn't 100% true. I don't have all of these characteristics. I fail at some of these and I miss the mark daily. I am a sinner and I need to get better at some of the others.
So after I'd finished reading the 8 whole pages the Holy Spirit prompted me to go to youtube and look up Francis Chan. I came across the video LUKEWARM and Lovin' It. I looked at how long the video was and thought, I was hoping for short video, but nonetheless I watched it. It spoke to me loud and clear. I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Alicia, you need to rekindle your flame, and get back on fire for God" It isn't about being comfortable and secure, it's about Eternity and making a differnce in the place where you are. I highly recommend you watch the video as well.
Now...I'll tell you the title of the Chapter. It was called "Offering Leftovers." You see that's all I had been offering God was leftovers and they were petty at that. Here's a question for you to answer. I can't answer it for you....Are YOU offering leftovers to God?????
Amazed by The King of Kings,
Alicia Roark
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sometimes God says Whooooooa Slow Down...Fasting From Facebook!
So, didn't blog/post on Sunday. It was my day of rest, or well let's just say a day of Worship. I went to Sunday School and helped in back with the children some. Afterwards, my husband and I went home to eat a very quick lunch then off to work for 5 hours. I was wondering where that day of rest went. Right out the door!
Well, God has been recently speaking to me about all that I am doing. For those of you who don't know here is a list of my current responsibilities:
1) Wife
2) Work at Best Buy
3) Sign langauge Interpreting
4) Deaf Ministry/Social Committe/Children's Sunday School Teacher/Children's Church Helper
5) Writing my Autobiography
6) Brand new Christian Women's Counselor
7) COMING SOON........Possibly one last responsibility...
So, I was praying to God the other night and I was telling Him, God I am so tired. Well I read a little of the Bible and then I just sat there and listened...He said, "Slow down, you're getting so busy you have no time for much rest and when you do sleep it's as if you've gotten almost none at all." I was reminded of the verse 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you."
So I spent much time in prayer pourng my heart out to God about concerns, delights, desires, and then I spent about 30 some odd minutes listening. It's amazing what you hear when you slow down and listen to His still small voice.
You see I've got so much on my plate that there is no time for facebook. During this time I am learning so much about Jesus! Thank you Lord for this time of learning, reflecting, and gaining a closer walk with Thee!
In His Grip,
Alicia Roark
Well, God has been recently speaking to me about all that I am doing. For those of you who don't know here is a list of my current responsibilities:
1) Wife
2) Work at Best Buy
3) Sign langauge Interpreting
4) Deaf Ministry/Social Committe/Children's Sunday School Teacher/Children's Church Helper
5) Writing my Autobiography
6) Brand new Christian Women's Counselor
7) COMING SOON........Possibly one last responsibility...
So, I was praying to God the other night and I was telling Him, God I am so tired. Well I read a little of the Bible and then I just sat there and listened...He said, "Slow down, you're getting so busy you have no time for much rest and when you do sleep it's as if you've gotten almost none at all." I was reminded of the verse 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you."
So I spent much time in prayer pourng my heart out to God about concerns, delights, desires, and then I spent about 30 some odd minutes listening. It's amazing what you hear when you slow down and listen to His still small voice.
You see I've got so much on my plate that there is no time for facebook. During this time I am learning so much about Jesus! Thank you Lord for this time of learning, reflecting, and gaining a closer walk with Thee!
In His Grip,
Alicia Roark
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Fasting from Facebook DAY 2
Over the past few days God has been impressing upon my heart to read about King Jehoshaphat. I must confess that I didn't jump up and down and say "Yes, I get to read about King Jehoshaphat." Honestly, I was wondering why in this world God wanted me to read about this particular King and in the OLD TESTAMENT. Yes, most of the stories in the old testament unless you're just jumping full of energy, require lots of energy to read, understand, and meditate upon them.
So, I actually found a devotion on King Jehoshaphat this morning and when I began to read it God began to speak loudly and clearly to me. From this point on I'll call him King J so I don't have to keep typing out his looong name! King "J" during this time was preparing for battle with the moabites and people of Amon. He was genuinely terrified. So, he asks God to help Him. During king J and the people of Judah fasted. It was during this time that God gave them specific instructions as to how to defeat their enemy.
I heard God speak and say "Alicia, you're in the midst of the battle (Spiritual Warfare) and you've got nothing to fight with. You're trying to do this all on your own and you can't win this way.
So, I've decided that during this time of fasting, growth, prayer and petition to ask anybody who reads this to simply pray for me that I will start seeking God more faithfully in the midst of everyday circumstances and in the midst of the spiritual warfare I currently am in.
Here's the link to that devotion. Don't let the name of the link scare you....Trust me,it's a devotion...It scared me to at first....
http://www.porn-free.org/Devotions/devotion_keys_warfare.htm
Last but not least God has placed on my heart the song "In the Presence of Jehovah." I tried to attach it here, but it wasn't successful. I'll share it in another blog. Listen to the song and simply worship the King. It's beautiful. Especially when you're in the midst of Spiritual Warfare.
Post comments/prayers if you'd like. I'd love to know if you're praying for me or just want to encourage me during this time.
All my Love,
Alicia
So, I actually found a devotion on King Jehoshaphat this morning and when I began to read it God began to speak loudly and clearly to me. From this point on I'll call him King J so I don't have to keep typing out his looong name! King "J" during this time was preparing for battle with the moabites and people of Amon. He was genuinely terrified. So, he asks God to help Him. During king J and the people of Judah fasted. It was during this time that God gave them specific instructions as to how to defeat their enemy.
I heard God speak and say "Alicia, you're in the midst of the battle (Spiritual Warfare) and you've got nothing to fight with. You're trying to do this all on your own and you can't win this way.
So, I've decided that during this time of fasting, growth, prayer and petition to ask anybody who reads this to simply pray for me that I will start seeking God more faithfully in the midst of everyday circumstances and in the midst of the spiritual warfare I currently am in.
Here's the link to that devotion. Don't let the name of the link scare you....Trust me,it's a devotion...It scared me to at first....
http://www.porn-free.org/Devotions/devotion_keys_warfare.htm
Last but not least God has placed on my heart the song "In the Presence of Jehovah." I tried to attach it here, but it wasn't successful. I'll share it in another blog. Listen to the song and simply worship the King. It's beautiful. Especially when you're in the midst of Spiritual Warfare.
Post comments/prayers if you'd like. I'd love to know if you're praying for me or just want to encourage me during this time.
All my Love,
Alicia
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