Ok, so now some practical ways to give yourself to the Lord and say “Come Lord Jesus”

FAST.  Jesus Himself said about His followers, “The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”  Matthew 9:15.  This shows us clearly that the purpose of fasting is to get His Presence with us.  We want Him to be with us!  So, we fast to say “Come, Lord Jesus”, be with me!  It tenderizes our heart/spirit to receive more of Him.

Fasting can be food (of course this is primarily what Jesus was talking about), or giving up other things that we count as “necessary”, to bring ourselves into a place of greater dependence on His Presence.  This can include giving up some sleep, giving money to worthy ministries, giving time to more seeking of God and less of our own gains, etc.  Let the Holy Spirit speak and lead you in how to go about your “fasting” during this season. 

Practical Tips:

1. Pray.  Of course this seems obvious.  But, setting aside specific time for extended prayer can actually be very difficult (it will be resisted, by your flesh and by the devil).  It’s best to make it a routine – same time, same place every day, like an appointment you don’t want to miss.  I advise using the church sanctuary for this – it is a space set aside specifically for this purpose during this time, and does not have the distractions or familiarity of home, and therefore can be helpful to focusing.  We also have live prayer webstreaming from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, which can help inspire your prayer times.
2. Make a Plan.  Especially  for your study of the Bible.  Of course, we’re going to be studying the book of Revelation, one chapter a day.  Start there, but you may want to do more.  You could easily get through the New Testament if you wanted to.  So, make a plan and keep at it.  If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail, as they say. J    
3. Change your habits.  If you normally watch a certain amount of TV or read fiction for pleasure on a daily basis, why not set these things aside for time in worship, meditation, Bible study and/or service to the poor or your family (see Isaiah 58:6-7, “Is this not the fast that I have chosen?”)
4. Journal.  Commonly during a time a consecration/fasting, we have a special sense of the Lord’s nearness, and find ourselves hearing His voice.  It’s during times like this that He may give you a “word” for this year, or direction for certain areas of your life, or even call you to give yourself to a certain ministry.  Keep a journal handy and write it all down!!  It’s so easy to forget in the chaos of life what we heard in the secret place.  If God is speaking, we should take it seriously!

Next we’ll look at some helpful insights on Revelation to assist us before we dive in (and, where are all of your thoughts on Revelation, anyway??), and I’ll share some helpful resources, too.

Here’s the question this time (ahem, some answers would be nice!) — What are some things that you have found helpful in drawing near to God and making space for him to Come to you?