How God works

This fast has really been amazing for me so far! It has been so great to hear from so many of you who are fasting from food and other sacrificial items to join our community as we focus on God for the next 40 days! I know people who are giving up smoking, attitudes, all television (during football season!!), alcohol, and many other things. I'm so encouraged and I know that God is going to move as our hearts are humbled before him in this fast! I have already sensed that God is cleaning house in me: physically and spiritually. I feel fine tuned, like I can hear and see God in my everyday life so much more clearly. I really didn't anticipate this to occur so quickly. I'm also having fun trying juices out and seeing how my body reacts. Here is my pre juice photo of "red ice" which included worchestershire sauce, garlic and onion slices. It was quite an unusual taste, but satisfying. I believe my stomach has begun to shut off. No more real hunger pains and amazing focus when I'm spending time with God. Stay strong Genesis, know you are loved!!

The excitement has begun

Day two...hmmmm...how do I explain it. How about "eventful". My day started in its usual way, but God decided to throw a wrench into it. On my way to work, I was in a car accident with a tractor-trailer rig. I am uninjured (not a bump or bruise even) and my truck's damage is essentially cosmetic. Praise Jesus!! But through it all, I have a had a peace knowing that God is in control. Now I would be stretching the truth if I said that I have moments of concern or doubt. But God has revealed to me just how much I can rely on him. It is not a new lesson for me...but the circumstances are new. I guess the bottom line is this...as we learned in church this last Sunday, God will test us, just to see what we are made of. This is a test that I hope I passed (so far :) ).

Rich Shores

Fearless Surrender

Realizing it is only day 1 of this journey...I have already felt God's difference in my own life. I've struggled with creating my own quiet time. As I have prepared for this fast, I also was compelled by the Holy Spirit to intentionalize my mornings for Him. Studying the Word this morning was awesome. Albeit short...I still feel that God will honor my decision to sacrifice my usual morning routine (catch up on email, look at the news on the internet, etc..) with spending time in His word and prayer.

One of my prayers is that everyone at Genesis will find their sacrifice a means of growing closer to Christ during our 40 days.

Fearlessly seeking God,
Rich Shores

Day ONE of "40"

Okay gang, here we go! 40 days of fasting and prayer! I'm so stoked and aware that God is already stirring some things in me! Whether you are fasting from food, certain types of food, ESPN, shopping, or chocolate....this blog space is for you. For us to share what God is doing in us, to encourage one another, to post juicing recipes or just to give thanks to God...this is your space Genesis. This site will be up for 40 days and the staff will post comments, devotional material and opportunities for you to add your comments.

in His FEARLESS grip,

Pat