Day 24

No sugar or dairy, (September 2017, very first fast)

In the Old Testament, “God wanted His representatives clothed in a very particular way, reflecting the dignity of their role and the beauty and purity of the God they served. There were regulations about [each part of the garment, even the undergarments]” (Joni Eareckson Tada, reflecting on Exodus 28). She further compares the priestly representatives to our priesthood as Christians,

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Then she offers the question, “And how are we to dress as God’s royal priests? Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, [and] patience (Colossians 3:12). Rather than being compelled by Old Testament law, we are compelled by the liberating mercies of God. Dress yourself today in clothing that will draw attention . . . to Him.” Paul’s little book to the Galatians identifies the fruit that should be ripe within us drawing attention to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives (5:22-23).

We are His representatives – The Living Bible states, “you are priests of the King . . . all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”

Dear heavenly Father, I want to represent you well. Help me not to live a life of indulgences, but to reflect a life of dependency on You, and display self-control (spiritual fruit). May I also be an example of self-control to my grandson as I teach him the tools he will need for maneuvering through hard times when he wants to get angry or throw a temper-tantrum. Thanks to Megan Scheibner in Toddler Toolbox, we are practicing these very important tools.

How are you at displaying self-control? And are you drawing attention to the ONE who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light?