Friday double portion

Last Friday evening, I was reading the story of God sending manna for the Israelites and how they gathered only enough manna for each day, except the day before the Sabbath.  Then I realized that the day before the Sabbath is Friday.

The Sabbath represents eternal rest with God, and I believe that we currently live in the "last days", the age before eternal rest.  This, you could refer to us as living in a figurative "Friday".

So, I believe that we live in an age of double portion.  I believe that God wants us to overflow with abundant love in this age:

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Luke 6:38 NIV

That night, I had a dream that I prayed for two people at the same time to be anointed with the Holy Spirit, and they both slumped to the floor under His presence.

Father, I praise you for your abundant heart.  Your heart overflows with love for us.  And we have opportunity to emulate you.  Jesus, thank you for living an example for us to follow.  I want to grow more to look like you today.  Holy Spirit, please bless me with a double portion so that I can give it away.  I love you.

Fasting and joy

I finished my first five meal fast on Thursday.  Mostly tea, water, and a little coffee.  I felt the Lord prompt me to do it over a month ago, but I had not done it because it is not convenient to fast.  I realized that it is sort of like weight lifting or running: you just have to schedule it and do it consistently if you want it to benefit you.

During the fast, I was telling the Holy Spirit that I want more of Him more than I want food.

Thursday night, I attended the memorial service for Peter's dad, Harweda Bruce Jordan.  I had a conversation with him a few years ago about being baptized in the Spirit.  He was a man who did silly things just to have fun, and I realized that I take myself way too seriously. 

Saturday afternoon, I took the kids to get ice cream cones and then shopping at Lowe's,  and I wore a silly looking Christmas elf cap.  Beau asked me not to wear it, but I told him that I was just being silly.  It was liberating to not worry about people thinking I look silly.

Saturday night,  Brandi and I went to the College of Engineering Holiday Party, and I had agreed to start the dancing if they played a country song so that we could two-step.  Later, they were playing some Latin dance music, and someone invited me to learn, so instead of taking myself too seriously, I got out there and tried to dance.  It was definitely challenging my tendency to self-judge, but I mostly had fun.

After our church gathering yesterday,  we went shopping at Sam's, and we had Sharita's two kids with us, so a total of six kids.  The looks we got were pretty funny,  but I was in a good mood and tried to keep with the theme of not concerning myself with the judgements of others.

I believe that I will grow in joy as I continue to see myself through my Father's eyes.

At home group last night, Sharita asked if I had considered a one word focus for 2019, and she suggested, "joy". I think I am going to run with that one.

Father, thank you for seeing the best in me.  Thank you for covering me in the righteousness of Jesus.  Holy Spirit,  help me loosen up. I love you.