Posted in Christian
Today is fasting to turn the tide for autism. But what if one has a medical condition to prevent fasting, or is pregnant, or perhaps nursing a baby (or babies!)?Have a favorite food you can give up? How about coffee or other caffeine products? TV, videos, electronic games of some sort, etc?
Or how about the computer? (I think that's for the more "advanced" among us...
).Check here for more info on fasting for autism.
"When you fast do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received 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, NIV)
Looking for a great devotional? Joni Eareckson Tada has a wonderful devotional that you can sign up for daily through her website Joni & Friends. Her devotionals have really been a blessing, & I think most are very appropriate & helpful for those of us raising special needs children.
I'll post today's here as an example. Many of us with autistic children struggle with envy toward others with "NT" children. It can be especially difficult for Christian parents. Her devotional today touches the heart of that matter, & puts things in proper perspective. I hope it's a blessing to someone today.
Joni and Friends Daily Devotional
April 23, 2008
A Lesson from a Sprig
"Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
Psalm 73: 1-3
It's a fact that those who don't believe often possess polished reputations and shining health. Their children graduate from Stanford University, and the Chamber of Commerce bestows on them community-service awards. They may even nod approvingly at your religious beliefs. From all appearances, few Christians seem to measure up to these pillars of the community.
For perspective, note this excellent expression by St. Augustine: "It is better to be the meanest number of the body than to be the highest and most important member and cut off from the body; it is better to be a little sprig in the tree joined to the root than to be an arm cut off from the root." *[1]
Augustine was right. When a great arm of a tree is cut off, it may be thick and lush with green leaves, but the little sprig on the tree is in a much better condition because it is joined to the tree. The other will wither and die in a short time. So it is with people of the world whom we envy. They are like great boughs cut off from the tree, for although they have talents and riches, they have no union with God.
Please don't envy those who seem to have it better. You may live in a poor condition, you may lack riches, but you are joined to the Root of Jesse, the Vine, the Branch of the Lord.
Prayer:
"God, please save the wicked! And save me from envying as I pray for them with compassion and empathy."
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
[1]* Burroughs, Jeremiah, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, The Banner of Truth Trust, Pennsylvania, 1992, p. 196.
Taken from Diamonds in the Dust. Copyright © 1993 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530
