Daily Fast Fuel

Pruning Creates the Most Beautiful Roses

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 03:00:00 +0000

I am not a gardener.

I have tried.

Herb gardens.

Vegetable gardens.

Name it, I've tried it.

And every time, I kill each plant.

Why?

Neglect. I forget to weed. I forget to clear away that which chokes that dear plant.

I don't tend to the garden’s needs. I let it get overgrown.

It's just not my thing.

Beautiful bounty comes from pruning.

It's hard work.

But necessary.

Ask anyone who nurtures roses. The most beautiful, robust, and hearty roses will only bloom if one first prunes the rose that SEEMS to be the most beautiful. It’s almost heartbreaking to snip that first vibrant rose, but doing so will surprise one’s senses when one more striking blooms from underneath.

Before I initiated and we started Daily Fast Fuel in 2011, we took months to pray. We asked God to lead us to writers. We met often to discuss themes. We considered our craft as writers to be a source of hope and ministry for our readers. We even launched a beta site to get feedback before going live. Daily Fast Fuel was not a hasty creation.

Which is why this post may seem surprising.

Those of us from the original team are sensing a strong need for a pruning of Daily Fast Fuel.

What does this mean?

Simply put, it's time for a hiatus. A retreat. Some soul-care time away from our weekly spiritual musings. We are hearing a call to step back, regroup, fill up, and look ahead.

The journey is not over. The journey may be just beginning.

We do not have a definite timeline as when Daily Fast Fuel will return, but we all agree that our mission here is not over, shut, or complete.

Would you pray with us as we venture out on the open road to see what God has planned for us? We are open to His weeding, and, dare I say, snips, in order to create something even more special for you, dear readers.

Know that when He has made our path clear, we will return to serve you with daily nuggets of nourishment from scripture. For that has always been our mission. That our small portions would fuel you throughout your day.

This is not farewell.

Just, so long for NOW.

If you would like to keep up with us, many of us have personal blogs where you can check in from time to time, or subscribe if you so choose.

Be blessed. We are being obedient to a new direction. And we will be back to collect you! Thank you for your support, grace, and understanding.

Your original Daily Fast Food crew,

Joline

www.thecuppajo.com

Katie

www.mynext20.com

Debbie

debbielegg.blogspot.com

talkyourleggoff.com

Mind-Blowingly Awesome Psalm 23:6

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 03:00:00 +0000

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

If you know me, you know I like to know Why.

This time, for this verse, I’m more interested in When.

I mean, I’ve got the Surely part down. Certainly. Reliably. Indeed.

Now I want to know WHEN will God’s goodness and love follow me?

The answer: All the days of my life.

Not some days. Not most days. ALL days. Not missing any. Not skipping a few here and there. No vacation. No potty break.

God’s goodness and love, following me and you, all the days of our lives.

Awesome.

And WHEN shall we dwell in the house of the Lord?

The answer: Forever.

Always. Never ending. Eternity. Also no vacation and no potty break.

Also awesome.

And BONUS, goodness and love will follow us… into the house of the Lord forever. (See how I did that?)

Because that’s what Heaven is (among many more things than we can’t begin to imagine). It’s goodness and love 24/7 (even though there won’t actually be 24/7). Heaven is where He is, and where we will be. Goodness and love have always been there, and always will be, because He is there.

And He is here. Around us. With us. Inside us. So goodness and love have no choice but to follow us because they follow Him, in us.

That’s more than awesome. That’s mind-blowingly awesome.

And since we’ve got When, we can now tackle Why.

The answer: He loves us.

Which is unbelievably mind-blowingly awesome.

Thank You, God. Love you, too.

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

C'mon A My House

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 11:22:00 +0000

The last verse of Psalm 23:

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

When I read this verse, I take comfort in the idea that God and I will be hanging together. forever. The funny thing is, at least on this side of heaven, I tend to think of having God over to my house.

God, would you come over and help me with my kids?

God, would you come over and bring some money with you?

God, would you come over and bring some peace with you?

God, would you come over and keep us safe?

When I think about having God over to my house, it seems that I think more in terms of what He can provide for me, and perhaps, how worthy I am to receive those provisions. God’s visits seem to be more about my needs and my timing.

It is such a different ball game, however, if I turn that idea around and consider going over to God’s house.

God, may I come over to your house?

God, can you make room for my kids?

God, I’ve had a rough day. May I come hang a while?

God, I never feel more safe than when I am in your house. May I stay?

It seems when I think about dwelling with God as a place I must go TO, so many things change. I think less about how worthy I am, and more about how hospitable and generous He is to share His life with me. He opens his doors to me and I am welcome anytime. His dwelling place is so powerful, I will want to stay forever and bring my loved ones with me. My visits to God’s house seem to be more about His mercy, His timing, and His love.

I am reminded that I must be willing to leave my house, and all the things I cling to. Only then will I dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen.

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Psalm 23: The Last Word

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:33:00 +0000

This week we Daily Fast Fuel gals wrap up our musings on Psalm 23 as we consider the final verse:

v.6 "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

What do you think of when you read this popular verse? What comforts and assurances does it bring to your mind? Pray with us this week that we get to the heart of the matter, that the meditations of our hearts will be pleasing in God's eyes.

Amen.

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Clearing a Path

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 03:00:00 +0000

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Luke 4. Jesus defeats Satan in The Big Temptation. Then He heads home to Nazareth, announcing His purpose and the beginning of His ministry. The hometown crowd is less than impressed and ready to throw Him off a cliff. In fact, they DO try to throw Him off a cliff. But then:

He walked right through the crowd and went on his way. (V30)

WHAAAAT?

First of all, talk about being IN THE PRESENCE of enemies. We’re talking shoulder to shoulder. Hands pushing, pulling, gripping. Forcing Him to walk--to His DEATH. You can’t get much more In The Presence than that.

Secondly, these were not garden variety enemies. These were Frenemies. They were His neighbors. His childhood buddies. The kids He played Red Light Green Light with. The parents who gave Him messages to give to His mother. They watched Him grow up--for THIRTY YEARS.

NOW they want to KILL Him--NOT for what He DID to them, but simply for the words He spoke.

Have you ever had enemies that vile? Me neither.

Back to Luke 4. “His way” took Him to Capernaum. There they were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. (V32) He drove out many spirits and healed many diseases.

The people of Capernaum wanted Him to stay with them (and probably eat at their tables), recognized His holiness (being anointed with oil declared you set apart, holy) and told everyone in the area about Him (His cup overflowed for sure).

What His Frenemies (and The Enemy) intended for evil, God turned into good.

Have you ever seen a God that good? Me too.

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Letter from a Servant

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:36:00 +0000

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." – Psalm 23:5

As I read Psalm 23:5 this week. I couldn't help but think about those who are persecuting Christians even as I write these words. I imagine verse 5 was written for them.

Dear Pursuers,

You have thought me just a lowly shepherd, wandering the hills with almost nothing to my name, keeping watch over a flock of sheep so inconsequential that no one else in the world would miss them should you devour them.

You have underestimated me.

I have a sovereignty that watches over a flock of 7 billion.

I have the strength, the courage, and the power to hold you in your place while I let my children rest within arm’s length of you.

I have the means to provide an overflowing and unending amount of nourishment to my flock.

I have all of this, and still, I choose to lead by serving.

I also have an empty chair.

It’s yours if you want it.

Just come to the door and knock.

Ask, and I will show you how lavishly I love.

Signed,

The Shepherd King

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Psalm 23:5

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 04:22:00 +0000

Howdy Readers! The Daily Fast Fuel gals continue to spend our time in Psalm 23, this week, we focus on verse 5:

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

Oh Lord, may the meditations of our hearts and the words that we write be pleasing in your eyes! Amen.

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Time in Death Valley

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 03:00:00 +0000

I am SO OVER these last few weeks.

It seems that everywhere I turn there is death. Dear friends had to unexpectedly bury their brother. Robin Williams committed suicide. A classmate of mine lost his wife because of a hornet sting. A friend told me of losing his two week old son – it was decades ago but the pain is always present. This very morning I attended the funeral of a sweet cousin who battled cancer for a long time. I have several more instances but I will spare you.

Modern Bible translations render Psalm 23:4 as, “the darkest valley” or “a valley of deep darkness.” In this case I think the old school King James Version has them beat with “the valley of the shadow of death.”

What could be more awful than that?

I’ll tell you. It would be not seeing past the valleys, the shadows, and the death.

You see, the presence of a valley means there must be a mountain.

The presence of a shadow means there must be light.

The presence of death means there must be life.

You can’t have one without the other.

I think David, who wrote Psalm 23, taught this lesson well to his son, Solomon, who wrote Ecclesiastes 3:

There is a timefor everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die…
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance…

The valley of the shadow of death leads to the mountain of light and life.

What could be more wonderful than that?

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

C'mon. We're going in.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 05:34:00 +0000

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4

I’ve probably read this verse a million times. I wondered what new wisdom it could possibly hold for me as I considered it for this week’s post. Lo and behold, the Living Word did not disappoint and has wowed me once again. I was surprised by what struck me.

It wasn’t the “darkest valley” part, the fact that all of us have our troubles to bear. Been there, got that.

It wasn’t the “fear no evil” part, although, I admit I still don’t understand the “peace that goes beyond understanding.” Guess that’s why they call it that.

It wasn’t the “for you are with me” part. I know you are with me God. Always.

It wasn’t even the wild “rod and staff” comforting thing, although that is just plain cool. (Did you know that the rod was used to protect against foes while the staff was used to keep the sheep, themselves, out of trouble? In essence, God our Shepherd is prepared to protect us from our enemies AND from ourselves??)

No, the thing that wowed me was something else.

It was the “walking” thing.

It was the idea that in the darkest of valleys, where no one could blame me for being afraid, and where I would need to be accompanied, protected, and guided because the dangers are real...I am walking. As in, moving forward.

It was the idea that God does not tuck me safely away from the evils of this world, but rather, He is a moving and dynamic protector. Because, regardless of what the valley may hold for me, I must keep going.

It was the idea that walking through the darkest valley is quite emboldening. While God could shield me from the world (while I lie, shaking, in a fetal position), He instead grabs His rod and His staff and says to me, “C’mon. We’re going in.”

Wow.

“Even though I walk…”

Let’s go, Jesus.

Amen.

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

In the Valleys

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 19:44:00 +0000

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4

This week our crew will be pausing to reflect on the promise of God to be with us when we find ourselves in the valleys of life. Join us as we explore the majesty of His goodness that remains when the landscape around us looks less than appealing.

Sara Rust is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Restoring Waterfalls

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:00:00 +0000

He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2,3 NASB)

He restores my soul.

Oh, how I love that! Oh, how I need that!

The word David uses for restore is shuwb (pronounced shoob). It also means turn back, return, come back, bring back, refresh, repair.

Who of us doesn’t need a little shuwb, a little restoration, and probably in every area of our lives?

We need relational restoration, financial restoration, spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, schedule, even motivational restoration.

The thing is, if we allow Him to restore our souls, every other area of our lives will be affected.

It has to start there, in the depths of the deep soul.

O my God, my soul is in despair within me….

Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; (Psalm 42)

Hmmm…waterfalls…and quiet waters…

Water from above cascading down, mingling and flowing into deep, still, quiet pools.

The thundering flood of Living Water poured into us quiets, stills, renews, revives.

Restores.

Lord, we invite Your rivers of living water to fill our parched souls, that we may never thirst again.

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

When the Shepherd Has to Thrown Down

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 06:57:00 +0000

Last week I wrote about when Shepherds carry a weapon (In my case, a frying pan). This week, I am returning to that theme to make sure we’re all clear about when and why said Shepherd might also have to, shall we say,….“throw down”.

Yes, you read that right.

Psst...Um, Katie?...I thought the scripture for this week was that sweet little number about green pastures and still waters?

It sure is! In fact, before I explain why the Shepherd has his dukes up, let’s review:

Psalm 23: 2,3

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Here’s the thing. My thoughts this week have never strayed far from the plight of the persecuted Iraqi people who seem to be at the mercy of the worst terror this world has seen in generations. Truth be told, I have been filled with dread and even nausea at some of the news reports I have read. It is pure evil in action.

As I prayed about this week’s post, I was quick to dig in my heels. How excited can I get to write about Psalm 23:2,3, which would be among the very last verses of scripture that I would consider offering to a mother who is watching her children die of thirst? How is that encouraging? “What still waters?”, I challenged. (I argue a lot with God, don’t I?)

But God was quick to respond. He reminded me of the Truth.

The Shepherd makes you lie down in green pastures. The Shepherd leads you beside still waters. The Shepherd does all he can to guide you down the right paths.

But the Shepherd isn’t the only one wandering around out there with a vested interest in the herd.

“Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8

“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.” - Proverbs 28:15

Good thing shepherds aren’t unfamiliar with lions and bears…

“But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth.’” - 1 Samuel 17:34

Our Shepherd will always lead us to a place that refreshes our soul. He will never lead us to a place of destruction. If we find ourselves in such a place, it is not because of His will, but because we have been hunted. God does not lead us to soul-wrenching places...but He will always go after us there.

“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the people might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” - 2 Timothy 4:17

Sweet Jesus, dear Shepherd...go get ‘em.

In your Holy name we pray.

Amen.

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

More than a Shepherd

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 20:00:00 +0000

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

As I ponder these verses again, and the one who shared them, I think of David, the warrior king, but shepherd boy describing God as the great shepherd. A God who leads us to peaceful places, beside a constant flow of life, refreshing our deepest places all to boast in the goodness of His name.

And all I can hear the Spirit say is, “I’m so much better than a shepherd.”

“You are not just my livelihood, like a herd of sheep I tend to out of obligation.

You are my passionate possession.

My family.

My children.

I do not just lead you to peace,

I am peace within you,

A constant flow of life

From deep within.

It is my JOY to lead you in ways that bring you life,

My name declares that I am faithful and true.

That I am for you.

That I am with you.

I will shepherd you, care for you, guide you – but I am so much more than a shepherd.

I am a Father.

I am YOUR Father.

A shepherd’s love is no match for father’s.”

As beautiful as David’s words have always been to me, I hear the nudge of the Father, “I’m so much better than David thought.”

Psalm 23: 2-3

Sara Rust is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Green Pastures, Quiet Waters, Loving Restoration

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 03:00:00 +0000

*Sigh*

Yeah, I love me some green pastures and quiet waters. Even better if The One Who Loves Me leads and guides me there.

How about you? Do you need some refreshing?

Join my Daily Fast Fuel Sisters and me as we ponder (no pun intended) Psalm 23:2 and 3, and take this week to grow closer to The One Who Restores Our Souls.

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Say It With Me

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 03:00:00 +0000

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. (NLT)

THE Lord is my shepherd.

The LORD is my shepherd.

The Lord IS my shepherd.

The Lord is MY shepherd.

The Lord is my SHEPHERD.

I have all that I need.

I HAVE all that I need.

I have ALL THAT I need.

I have all that I need.

I have all that I NEED.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.(Lamentations 3:22,23 NIV)

Let all that I am praise the Lord;

may I never forget the good things he does for me. (Psalm 103:2 NLT)

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

I Lack Nothing. Dangit.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:10:00 +0000

I was feeling pretty grumbly today after a long work day and a difficult bedtime with the kiddos. I started my third job of the day (all the stuff I am responsible for after the kids are in bed) choosing to feast on some pretty big helpings of self-pity and covetousness.

Imagine my delight when I remembered that tonight was my turn here at the Daily Fast Fuel to write about verse “1” of the 23rd Psalm. Oh...that’s right. <Insert heavy sarcasm here> “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.” Dangit. I lack nothing?? Really?

I tried a few reframing thoughts to get myself in the game: “Self, remember that you didn’t wake up in a bomb shelter today, or wonder where your food was coming from.”

No good. I’m still drenched in enough selfishness tonight to feel a bitter about the "nothingness" that I lack. I’m an honest sinner. What can I say? I try to keep things real around here. (you're welcome.)

So I tried scripture instead (crazy, I know). As I recall, the translation of Psalm 23 which I remembered from my youth didn't even say “I lack nothing.” It said, “I shall not want”. I don’t particularly like that version much better, but I figured, hey, maybe if I dig a little, I’ll find a translation that I DO like. Here’s what I found:

New International Version: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

New Living Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I have all that I need.

English Standard Version: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Holman Christian Standard Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

God’s Word Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need.

King James 2000 Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not lack.

Guess what?

I don’t like those either.

Then the Lord hit me over the head with a frying pan.

When I came to... I saw this:

New International Version: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

New Living Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I have all that I need.

English Standard Version: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Holman Christian Standard Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

God’s Word Translation: The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need.

King James 2000 Bible: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not lack.

There seems to be one thing all the translations agree upon. (Dangit.)

You know why sheep wander off?

Because they focus on what is right in front of them.

They focus on WHAT is missing instead of WHO is missing.

They quit paying attention to their Shepherd and whatever it is that He’s up to.

Good thing my Shepherd carries a frying pan.

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

How Full is your Glass?

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 20:18:00 +0000

The Lord is my shepherd.
I have no lack.

Psalm 23:1

No lack. No lack. No lack.

Along my journey with God I've looked at this scripture and scratched my head at times. There are moments or seasons when I feel like I'm lacking - in joy, in finances, in patience, in discipline. Or I look at the world - the stories of suffering, of famines, of war. Surely we are lacking?

But I'm beginning to think perhaps, there is no lack, I've just been sleeping.

Unaware of the greatness and goodness of God which dwells all around and even within me, His kid.

I lack nothing because He is my shepherd. He takes JOY in taking care of me, in guiding me, in providing for me, in being present and moving around me and in me in ways I'm not always aware of.

He can handle all of my life, my questions, my confusion. I lack nothing in Him. He is a good Father.

Isaiah 6:3 "...The whole earth is FULL of his glory (goodness)."

Isaiah shared that the angels he saw in his encounter with God proclaimed the WHOLE earth is FULL of His glory. You can not hide from it. It's everywhere. Right now in your kitchen, your cubicle, your home. He is present. His goodness is resident. There is light and love there, even if you find yourself in a place that feels so dark. He is not a glass half empty, God. He has FILLED our land with Himself. He has even filled US with Himself.

When I think that the whole world is working against me,

I need to remember the entirety of heaven is conspiring FOR me, for I lack nothing.

You are a treasured son or daughter. May you feel His presence in your life today and His great JOY in caring for you. God, let us awaken to the FULLNESS.

Sara Rust is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

I Lack Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 13:38:00 +0000

How can it be August already? But here we are. And this month the Daily Fast Fuel gals are doing something really special. We are going to explore the 23rd Psalm one piece at a time.

If you have never studied scripture this way, you are in for a real treat. We will spend each week exploring just one verse. Intense focus, folks! Five writers praying for wisdom from our Lord, about just one small piece in the Bible. If you have any doubt that we will have many new things to explore this week from the simple little verse, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing,” then you haven’t really seen the Living Word in action.

So, hang on to your hats! And while you’re hanging, I invite you to explore the verses with us. Crack open that Bible and read along. Pray that the Word will come alive in a new way for us all.

Here we go…!!

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Porkburgers for Jesus

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 03:00:00 +0000

On warm weather weekends (and some weekday lunchtimes) in Fairfield, Illinois, you can hardly throw a rock without hitting a porkburger sale.

The Rural Fire Department and FFA originally brought porkburger sales to Fairfield in the 1980s, but it was the local Food Park grocery store that started hosting them on a regular basis. If you need funding for a mission trip, are a non-profit, or need help with catastrophic medical expenses, this is a good deal.

I cannot begin to tally up all of the money and good will that has been raised in and for this community and beyond in the past 30 years, all by grilling a simple burger that’s made out of pork instead of beef. Add a bag of chips and a soda and you’ve got a complete meal.

Porkburger sales are even successful the weekend after a large event like the county fair. Folks just like to help folks who need it. “Keep the change” is a phrase you often hear. "Thank you" is a phrase you hear even more.

To me, this is what it’s all about. Government programs, even church-run programs, can be helpful, but nothing compares to the one-on-one, neighbor-helping-neighbor approach. And everyone’s got to eat, right? You give, you get, it’s all good.

And since every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17), I dare say that if Jesus were walking the earth today He might be one of the guys behind the grill. I bet He could feed the entire town, which interestingly enough, houses about 5,000 residents.

I wonder if He would also change water into soda?

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Within Arm's Reach

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 05:47:00 +0000

This week at the Daily Fast Fuel we are looking to our local news for evidence of God at work. I am grateful for this, because local is tangible. It’s home town. Right up the street. It’s folks you know. Within arm’s reach.

The international news, by large contrast, is a whole other story. And those stories, of late, have been overwhelmingly sad. I don’t know about you, but when I read or hear about some of the crazy stuff going on in our world today I am overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness.

I ache to know how I can make a difference. Though I desire to have an impact, some of those issues are so far away and so BIG, I don’t know how I can help. I imagine you feel much the same.

Sometimes the heartbreaks of the world seem unreachable. But really, they are within arm’s reach.

Every person on this earth has the potential and, with Jesus, the power, to enact change. We just need to realize how powerful our arm’s reach can be. Can you imagine how different the world would be if everyone loved those within reach of them?

This is not to over-simplify very complicated problems in international news today. However, when you and I have days in which we wonder, “What can I do?” I say this. If you can’t enact change 2,000 miles away, then channel that energy and compassion into loving those within arm’s reach. If the person you reach for does the same, it won’t be long before we will reach around the world.

I looked no further than my local news to find an example of a gal who did just that:

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/east_montgomery/living/the-rose-co-founder-honored-with-th-annual-shrimp-boil/article_c9222cdd-04e3-5ef9-8f0e-2e79c284dc90.html

Dr. Dixie Melillo is a co-founder of a non-profit breast health organization called “The Rose”. What began as an observation of local uninsured women who were missing out on vital preventative screenings, has evolved into an organization which serves women in 25 countries!

We can make a world-wide difference. We just need to embrace the power of loving those whom God has placed within arm’s reach.

Can I get an AMEN?

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Read All About It!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:27:00 +0000

God is in the news. Sometimes we may not see Him...or the story. Maybe it was just a neighbor up the street who did something amazing for the local school. Maybe it was an outreach group who fixed an elderly man's fence. Whatever it may be, we know God is working all around us!

This week, we're going to share with you a cool story or two of where we see God working in our communities. Let us know where you have seen an example of God working in your local news recently!

Lisa Arnold is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Love In Action

noreply@blogger.com ( Debbie Legg) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 03:00:00 +0000

What God wants from us, most of all, is our hearts.

And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.” (Isaiah 29:13 NLT)

I’ve really been led lately to take a step back and examine why I do what I do, say what I say, feel and think what I feel and think. What is the condition of my heart? What motivates it? The closer I grow to Jesus the more love is a motivating factor, but there are many others at play as well.

I’m realizing just how motivated I am by self-protection. Fear of what others think of me is huge, too. Selfishness. Pride. Impatience. Diminishment. Abandonment. Discouragement. Believing the lies of the Enemy. My heart is full of these things and they wrestle with love for prominence.

Jesus is slowly revealing all of these to me. It’s overwhelming at times. There is so much to be cleaned up and thrown away.

Jesus was motivated entirely by love, both for His Father and for us. Everything we see Him do and say in scripture needs to be understood through the fact that He is love in action.

It all boils down to our motivation. I want to be entirely motivated by love, to be love in action.

I know it will be a lifelong process. I know there will be setbacks. I know I will never reach perfection.

But with His love for me, with me, in me, through me, motivating me, all things are possible.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. (Psalm 51:10 NASB)

Debbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

A Whisper of a Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:45:00 +0000

For many years I managed under the delusion that big change requires big time. When in reality, sometimes all you need to implement big change is a moment. And then another moment. And another, and so on. Moments can move mountains.

God has been using moments to move my mountains this year.

If you are a regular reader, you know that my family has endured several major losses this year. Even as I write this, I feel the pressure (perhaps imagined) to “quit writing about that already”. But the thing is, and those of you who have suffered loss like me know this...the grief is still there. Some days it feels as fresh as the first moment I discovered one of my loved ones was gone.

It doesn’t seem right. Time should move that along. We should be “all better” now. Sometimes I remind myself of the extent of my loss. Losing three loved ones in almost as many months would be exceedingly hard on anyone. And then sometimes I pressure myself to brush off the grief and move bravely into a new day because, after all, life must go on. And in the midst of this tug-of-war, I am not functioning like I used to. I hate that. I keep trying to make that stop.

What’s puzzling to me is that I seem to have no control over grief. Grief remains whether I choose it to or not. What’s the deal?

I asked God this one night recently. As I said, I haven’t been functioning at full capacity this year and I was feeling defeated (big change requires big time...and this will take forever). And in a whisper (which is how you speak to someone to whom you are sitting very close), He said to me, “Learn about grief. Dive in.” If you know me well, you know I avoid depressing books or movies. It's a self-care thing. But God reminded me of “A Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis. And in less than five minutes, I had it downloaded on my Kindle, and on page two I found this:

“No one ever told me about the laziness of grief. Except at my job - where the machine seems to run on much as usual - I loathe the slightest effort.”

In a moment, a big part of me healed. “That’s me”, I thought. That’s me.

My mountain just moved. Perhaps just an inch. But it moved.

Big change. Small moment. One whisper.

That's what I'm learning about God this year. What about you?

Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Unending Waves

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:11:00 +0000

Yesterday I spent the day at the Oregon coast. Oregon is one of God's beautiful ideas. I love the landscape and personality of this state. The Pacific Ocean is endearingly framed by this land.

I had some time to spend standing on a beach, watching colossal waves crash against rocks, then peter out near the shore where a group of carefree children where jumping and splashing and dancing in the white tides. The Lord was speaking to me of His goodness.

Do you see the ocean, my daughter? You can not fathom it's depth or it's breadth, and greater love have I for you than this. My goodness towards you - my delight in you is like the waves, crashing on the shore, a rhythm with no end. You think you have missed out, but look there again - another wave is coming. And another one follows.
And another.
And another.
My love towards you is unrelenting.

A young girl dancing in the waves caught my attention. She was running to and fro in the tide, giggling with glee when she stopped and smiled at me.

"Is it too cold?" I asked wondering if the Pacific Ocean's frigid temperatures had given her toes a jolt.

"No," she she proclaimed, "I'm laughing because the waves are so BIG."

I smiled in agreement.

Jesus, open my eyes to see the goodness that pursues me. And may I giggle with delight at the Truth that the love you have aimed at me is bigger than I could imagine.

"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is." Ephesians 3:18

Sara Rust is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Life Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 19:45:00 +0000

It may be summertime, but school remains in session for your spirit. God is fascinated and delighted in the journey of revealing to us who He is - and who we are in Him. This week our servers are dishing up some delicious nuggets of things we are learning about our Father and about ourselves. Grab a few napkins.

This could be juicy.

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3

Sara Rust is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.