Don’t Take the Detour!

  • June 14, 2010 10:09 am
Don’t Take the Detour!
 
 
 

Staying the course toward complete healing and wholeness
 
 
 

 
 
Let me begin by quoting the Apostle Paul, who said,”You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn’t come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don’t toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment” (Galatians 5:7-10 The Message).
 
 

 

 

Can you relate to Paul’s words? Have you ever found yourself running the race… staying the course…believing God’s Word… with a full tank of faith, when all of the sudden, you get off on a detour designed by the devil? I don’t like those devil-designed detours! They’re all about delays and discouragement.

Here are 10 ways the devil plots to delay you, discourage you, or run you into a dead end… if you recognize the signs, you can avoid the detour!

Detour #1: Unforgiveness 

I once heard it said, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison, expecting the other person to die.” No matter how justified we believe we are in refusing to forgive someone, ultimately we are the ones who feel the pain. READ — Mark 11:22-26, Matthew 6:10-15, John 20:23

Detour #2: Improper Care of the Body 

Of all the religions of the world, we Christians are the only people who can say that the Spirit of our God lives inside of us. Are you doing your best to care for the “house” that the Holy Spirit lives in? Your body is the vehicle that will carry you through life. Proper care is key. READ — Philippians 2:25-30, 1 Corinthians 6:19

Detour #3: Merely Chasing After Signs & Wonders
 Are you seeking God’s presents… or His presence? READ– Romans 10:17, John 4:46-48, Matthew 12:38-39
 
Detour #4: Ignorance
Sometimes, what you don’t know can hurt you. READ — Isaiah 5:13-14, Hosea 4:6-7, Proverbs 1:7
 
Detour #5: Little or No Faith
Without faith it is impossible to please God. If your “faith tank” runs dry… just fill it up! READ — Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 21:21, Hebrew 4:2&6, Mark 6:5-6
 
Detour #6: Robbing God in Tithes and Offerings
 Nothing says “I don’t trust You, God,” quite like holding on to the tithe. READ — Malachi 3:8-11
 
Detour #7: Habitual Sin
Keep in mind, that the devil has been making observations about you for years… and he knows which “buttons to push” to get you off course. Start making some of your own observations about how the devil is manipulating you. This will enable you to break the pattern and avoid the detour. READ — Gal 5:19-21, Romans 6:1-2, Romans 6:23
 
Detour #8: Refusing or Despising Instruction
 Sometimes I tell my kids, “There are two ways you can learn… my pain…or yours.” While not everyone qualifies to speak into our lives and bring correction, some people do. If we can take criticism and correction from those who love us and care about us, then we can avoid detours. This is also true of the Word of God. If we can take correction from the scriptures, we can save ourselves lots of pain. READ — Proverbs 5:11-14, Isaiah 28:8-19

Detour #9: Not Discerning the Lord’s Body

When we take communion, we affirm our part in the New Covenant established by Jesus. We are also affirming that we are in covenant with others who are also part of this New Covenant, and therefore part of the body of Christ. Failure to do this, runs the risk of bringing damnation on ourselves.  READ — 1 Cor 11:27- 30 

 Detour #10: Not Resisting the Enemy

The next time the devil knocks on your door with a “special delivery,” don’t be so quick to sign for the package. REFUSE IT! You can resist the devil. READ — 1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7-8, Deut. 30-19

Visit my website: http://www.lorigreenwood.org

Enjoy your day!
 

"Lori"

Fasting: Do You Have Parasites?

  • January 29, 2010 9:51 am

Do You Have Parasites?
 

The following is an excerpt from chapter 1 of my book, A Walk in the Wilderness:Wilderness 
  
Parasites:
During the first prolonged 21-day fast that I did, I kept a journal of parasites that were eliminated from my body.  I was surprised (shocked actually) to see what was living off of my body!  Statistically, 85% of North Americans unknowingly have at least one form of digestive parasite.
 
In America, the number one cause of persons being infected with Ecoli bacteria is from drinking tap water.  It is also probable that most forms of parasites enter our bodies through tap water.  Fasting is a method to rid the body of parasites.

 
As you seek the Lord and desire to serve Him more, are you considering fasting?  Read on…
 
 
How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Dr. GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Mark 8:3.   

 

Acts 27:9 — Paul making reference to the annual day of atonement
 

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them. 

 
 

Blessings,
Lori Greenwood, ThD
 
Visit the church online: www.wotcc.org

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

Ignite Your Spirit

  • October 16, 2009 10:28 am
Fasting Facts

October 16, 2009                                                                      

 
Dear Friend,

Ignite Your Spirit
 
Restore Your Health. Revive Your Soul. Ignite Your Spirit.  Discover the POWER of fasting — body, soul and spirit! 
 
Fasting is a powerful force.  It is a weapon against demonic forces.  It is a method to restore health, slow the aging process, and maintain the body.  It is one of the most overlooked and underutilized tools available to every believer!

· Fasting frees us from our own negative words. (Isaiah 58:6)
· Fasting causes healing to spring forth speedily.  (Isaiah 58:8)
· Fasting will lift spiritual yokes of oppression.  (Isaiah 58:9)
· Fasting will break generational curses, bringing spiritual growth.  (Is. 58:11-12)
· Fasting is a method to delight yourself in the Lord; bringing the desires of your heart.  (Isaiah 58:14)

Nearly 10 years ago, I was struggling with a mountain of health problems.  I had been to see a number of doctors, specials, therapists and neurosurgeons.  I had been through a range of tests to attempt to uncover the source of the conflicts within my body.  I had been tested for Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, Anemia, Cancer, and Crone’s Disease.  In addition, I had struggled with a variety of strange neurological problems that had far reaching effects, from the lost of the use of my left hand and arm, to significant loss of vision, loss of memory, and unbearable nerve pain.  I remember, one day, I sat down to re-evaluate some ministry goals that I had hoped to accomplish over the coming year, when I came to the stark realization that I probably wasn’t going to be alive in one year’s time.

Even in light of the fact that I had taught for several years on the topic of healing, straight out of the Bible, I was not seeing the manifestation of health.  When the thought first came to me, “You won’t be here in a year,” I was tempted to rebuke the devil – but somehow I knew it was the small still voice of God warning me.  In all honesty, I accepted it as a warning from the Lord. I sat down with my husband, and we talked candidly about what it would take for him to raise two little girls on his own.  We made some changes to my life insurance policy, and “covered the bases.”  Then, I went to the Lord and repented. 

At that time, I had a pattern of fasting one, 24-hour period, once every week.  I had continued that pattern for nearly three years and had extended it slightly to include a few three-day fasts, and a few seven-day fasts.  Yet, over the last year of extensive health problems, the Lord had continually dropped a number into my spirit… 21. 

I had known for that entire year that the Lord was asking me to go on a full 21-day fast.  Every time I prayed and asked the Lord to heal my body, He would give me that number… 21.  Yet, in all that time, I had refused to do what the Lord was saying.  (I just didn’t think I could.)  But when you find yourself out of options, you are willing to do just about anything.  So, I repented.  I told the Lord that I would take an earnest look at what it would take to accomplish what He was asking.  I asked myself one question, “Lori, are you willing to trade your time to train your flesh?”

The next day, I entered “flesh training.”  I took it seriously.  I hired a nutritionist and health expert.  I spent time talking to a medical doctor.  I began to read.  I began to change my diet and my dietary choices.  Within about 3 months of training time, I entered into a 21-day fast.  Three weeks later, I emerged a new person.

While it is still inconclusive as to what, exactly was wrong with me, it appeared that I had Autotoxemia – a form of blood poisoning caused by toxins in the body.  Systematically, by divine design, my body, once freed from the routine of daily digestion, set about to “problem-solve” throughout my system.  The body corrected itself, rid itself of toxins, and renewed and restored itself to a quality of life that I had not experienced for many years.

There are many reasons I wound up in this state.  There were many mistakes made, pains suffered, and lessons learned – the hard way.  Throughout the journey, there were many valuable experiences and discoveries, many of which I share in my book, A Walk in the Wilderness. 

We are three-dimensional constructions of a marvelous Creator.  We are spirit, soul and body – all intricately intertwined.  Health and healing are the products of understanding with a greater fullness that we are three-dimensional persons.

 
Since then, I have done a 21-day fast every year for the last 7 years.  While the results from each fast were different, there were also some consistent factors.  Each time, my faith level has risen and my vision has expanded.  As the years went by, I entered each 21-day fast knowing that I was positioning myself for the miraculous.  Every time God calls me into a long-haul fast, He calls me to change — and change has been my reward.  What are you waiting for? 
 
Interested in fasting?  Click here to get started.
 

 

 
 
How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Dr. GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Matthew 6:16-18 and Matthew 9:14.  Here are a few more:

 
Jeremiah 36:6-9 — Baruch reading Jeremiah’s scroll

Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD’S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great [is] the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.  And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD’S house.  And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, [that] they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Do you have a question or testimony on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

 

 

I’ll send you more fasting information next week!

 

Blessings,

 
 
Lori Greenwood, ThD
 
Visit the church online: www.wotcc.org

 

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

 

Is It Time To Clean-Out The Closet?

  • July 10, 2009 9:05 am
Fasting is like cleaning out the storage closet.  Filled with items we don’t need and never use, the storage space is a filthy, cobweb-covered, mildewed mess of useless stuff we refuse to part with.  As time goes by, the junk accumulates.  Year after year, ten, twenty, thirty, maybe more years of harmful, food-latent toxins have accumulated in every cell and system of the body.  But sometimes things get worse before they get better.  This is true of fasting.  Fasting stirs up toxins on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.  This can result in days of dysphoria, often making things even messier before improvement can be seen. As various issues are “unearthed” and begin to surface, they may come in a variety of forms. This may include everything from bad breath, acne, nausea, patterns of sin, temptations, bleeding gums, anxiety or depression.  The stuff we have held in the storage closet can run the gamut!  At times, the junk that comes out can take one by surprise.  “I didn’t even know that was in there!!??!”  All this can convince the faint of heart that cleaning out the closet is a bad idea.  But for those who can muster the courage, cleaning up the mess is truly a job worth tackling.   From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. — Psalm 61:2
 
Are you thinking about fasting?  Read on –
How Scriptural is Fasting? Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible. Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. Here are a few: 1 Samuel 20:27 — David fasted on account of Saul’s hatred toward him.  

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.
Q&A on Fasting:Q: Can I do my usual work-out and continue exercising while fasting?

A: The answer to that question depends on what “usual” means.  If you’re usual work-out is fairly intense, I’d answer, “probably not” — especially if you’re planning on a water fast. Water fasting is much more difficult than you may imagine. Weakness is the norm and keeping the day free of very strenuous activity is advised.  If you’re drinking juice and abstaining from foods, then you should be able to go to the gym or do an exercise class at a moderate pace.  Depending on the length of your fast, you may find that you experience an abundance of energy making exercise, home improvement projects and the like pretty easy!  (I refer to this energy boost as “the spike.”  When you get the spike, you’ll know it! )  If you experience energy loss, you can still work-out with stretching or walking.  Try to avoid intense physical activity during a fast even if you feel energetic. In short, there is a little experimentation involved in finding what works best for you.  As you develop fasting into your lifestyle, you will gaining understanding through your experiences.
You can subscribe to a FREE weekly fasting newsletter at www.lorigreenwood.org
Blessings,Lori Greenwood, ThD

 

 

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Resources available in our bookstore at www.lorigreenwood.org

 

 

 

 

Are You Thinking About Fasting?

  • April 23, 2009 9:20 am

Are you thinking about fasting?
 
Right now, we are in a window of time that directly coincides with Moses original 40-day fast as recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 34. That “window” is open between April 19 and May 28.
 
Be asking the Lord about join us in some capacity during this season of fasting
 

 
How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Leviticus 23:14 and Mark 9:29

 

Here are a few more scriptures:

 
Numbers 6:3-4 — The Law of the Nazarite: “He shall separate [himself] from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.”

Luke 4:1-2 – Jesus Fasted 40 Days in the Wilderness: “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.”

 
 
 

 

Q&A on Fasting

Q: Can I fast if I am on medication? 

 
A: If you must take medication and intend to fast, then drinking juice while abstaining from food may work best for you.  I would strongly encourage you to consult a physician regarding the effect of fasting combined with your specific medication.  Many people are able to successfully fast while on medication.  Some come off their medication due to the healing they experience during the fast — and never go back! Frankly, it is hard to separate the power of fasting and the power of God.  Supernatural things happen when you fast.  It is wise to get medical advice, but earnestly consult God.  Pray and ask God to reveal His plan for you. We serve a supernatural God and He may have something in store for you in the form of a miraculous touch.  So pray, seek medical advice, use wisdom and proceed in peace with whatever works in your situation. 

 
  

 Do you have a question on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

 

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

 

 
Lori Signature
 
Lori Greenwood, ThD

 

Blessings,

The Pre-Fast Preparation

  • April 17, 2009 8:45 am

PRE-FAST PREPARATION — If you remember from last week’s fasting blog, I mentioned that some may be contemplating entering a fast to coincide with Moses original 40-day fast as recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 34. (April 19 to May 28, 2009) If this sort of endurance fasting is new to you, you may be wondering if 40 days is something that is within your reach, or not? 

 

When I was still pretty green in ministry, I was encouraged by Pastor Bob Rogers to begin to develop myself in fasting.  Little did I know where I was headed!  Dr. Rogers is the pastor of Evangel Prayer Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and has trained-up a large church of fasters. His church engages in something they call the Pre-Fast Diet when they’re getting geared up to enter long fasts.  While fasting brings you closer to God and is a scriptural way to humble yourself, there are also physical benefits to fasting, like weight loss.  Fasting should not be confused with dieting, howbeit, altering your dietary habits heading into a fast can really help you go the distance.  With that in mind, I’d like to share Dr. Rogers pre-fasting menu with you!  Read on –
 
Below is a pre-fasting diet which will help you prepare your body for a long fast. It not only cleanses the body from toxins, but stimulates metabolism of your body. You will probably lose seven to twelve pounds in one week, depending on your present body weight.

 

Cabbage Vegetable Soup — 6 large green onions, 2 green peppers, 1 or 2 large cans of tomatoes, 1 bunch of celery, 1 large head of cabbage, 1 pkg of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Season with salt, pepper, curry, parsley, etc., if desired, or 6 bouillon cubes. (Note: Half of this recipe was made and used according to following instructions by two people for four days. We kept it continually hot in a crock pot.) Cut vegetables in small to medium pieces and cover with water. Boil fast for ten minutes. Reduce to simmer and continue cooking until vegetables are tender. This can be eaten anytime you are hungry. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want at any time of the day. This soup will not add calories; the more you eat, the more you lose. If eaten alone for indefinite periods, you would suffer malnutrition. Fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during day.

Day One 

All fruits except bananas. Your first day should consist of all the fruit you want, except bananas. Cantaloupes and watermelons are lower in calories than most fruits. Eat only your soup and fruits the first day. For drinks – unsweetened tea, cranberry juice, or water. Day Two 

All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with all the fresh, raw, or cooked vegetables of your choice. Try to eat green, leafy vegetables and stay away from dry beans, peas, and corn. Eat all the vegetables you want along with your soup. At dinner time on this day, reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Eat all the soup you want this day, but don’t eat fruits. Day Three 

Mix day one and day two. Eat all the soup, fruit, and vegetables you want. You CAN’T have a baked potato this day. IF YOU HAVE EATEN AS ABOVE FOR THREE DAYS AND HAVE NOT CHEATED, YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU WILL HAVE LOST FIVE TO SEVEN POUNDS.

To read Day Four and more, click here.
 
How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Leviticus 16:29-31 and Luke 2:37

 

Here are a few more scriptures:

 
Leviticus 23:14 — Fasting occurred before the wave offering was made: “And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”

Mark 9:29 – Fasting brings deliverance power: “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

 
 
 

 

 

Q&A on Fasting

This week’s question comes from Pastor Robinson in Nigeria, who asks:

 

Q: I want to know the hours of fasting, if one takes a fast from 6am to 12pm, 6am to 3pm, 6am to 6pm — can you tell me is this the proper way of fasting?

 

A: The bible outlines a few different times and lengths of fasts.  I’ll cover them here in order from shortest to longest. 

 

Half Day — In the Old Testament, the Jewish nation had a habit of observing a half-day fast where they abstained from taking any food from the time they awoke until 3:00 PM in the afternoon. 

 

1 Day — A 24-hour fast occurred on the Day of Atonement.  Jeremiah 36:6 

 

3 Day — There are fasts of 3-day duration recorded in Esther Ch. 4 & Mat.15:32. 

 

7 Day — A 7-day fast broke a curse off of a nation in 1 Samuel 31:13 

 

14 Day — The Apostle Paul and the crew of the ship he was on endured a 14-day fast as recorded in Acts 27:33. 

 

21 Day — Daniel fasted for 21 days.  Read Daniel 10:3 

 

40 Day — Moses, Elijah and Jesus all fasted for 40-day durations. Exodus 24:18, 1 Kings 19:7-8, Matthew 4:1-2.

 
 

 Do you have a question on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

 

Blessings,

Lori Greenwood, ThD

Does Fasting Cause Malnutrition?

  • April 6, 2009 9:14 am

As you consider whether or not fasting is right for you, I hope that Fasting Facts will provide some answers, information and encouragement! 
Q&A on Fasting

Q: Doesn’t fasting cause malnutrition?  What’s the difference?

A: Fasting is certainly different than malnutrition. If I consumed a poor quality diet for a month it could result in malnutrition.  I would experience a lowered quality of life, feeling tired, irritable and possibly ill. Fasting for a month, on the other hand, would give my body the opportunity to ”clean house” and heal. When free from daily digestion, the body’s ability for self-restoration and detoxification is heightened. 

How Scriptural is Fasting?

 

Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

 

Last week we looked at Genesis 24:33, Psalm 35:13 and Daniel 9:3. 

 

Here are a few more scriptures:

 
Exodus 34:28 KJV – Moses’ first 40-day fast while at Mt. Sinai:  ”And Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.”
 
Psalm 69:9-10 Message – When David fasted others treated him with contempt:  I love you Lord more than I can say. Because I’m madly in love with you, They blame me for everything they dislike about you. When I poured myself out in prayer and fasting, all it got me was more contempt.
Ready to start fasting?  Read the book: http://www.lorigreenwood.org/wilderness.html