The Church Girls Guide To Fasting Day 9: My Testimony "I was considered for this"

    

     It was not until recently when I realized just how amazing God is when he worked miracles in my own life. I was the person that I hated the most. I couldn't stand the view in my mirror. After High School, I went to college with the same issues and feelings toward myself. The first semester of my freshman year, I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I began having grand mal seizures. I was have grand mal seizures 3 or 4 times a day when I had them. This pain added to the pain that I was already experiencing. It gave me one more reason to hate myself. I had to drop out of college, I gained over 100 pounds due to side effects of my medication, and I became suicidal. I felt as if nothing or no one could help me out of the place I was in. I started cutting my skin to mask the emotional pain that I was feeling. This was the darkest place I had ever been in throughout my young life. 

    I had been raised in church my entire life and I realized that God was the only person that I could turn to. I remembered a scripture, Psalm 121:1-2:

I will life up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth. 

                                                                                    -Psalm 121:1-2
 

     I knew that the only person who could bring me out of my dark place was the Lord. I began going to noon day prayer at my church as well as Monday night prayer. I would pray and seek God even  if I was the only person praying. I began fasting and mediating on the word of God. I started working out and making healthier food options. I made sure that I was getting enough sleep while also making sure that I wasn't sleeping too much. God only allowed me to have epilepsy for four years! My mind is healed, my body is healed of a sickness that many people have their entire lives. When we have faith in God we will learn to understand that we are considered for the trials and tribulations God has allowed us to endure because he knew that although it may not be good to us, it is good for us. I have experienced more growth in a few years that many people twice my age may not have because I was considered for this.
     I encourage all of you to be strong and know that God is always with you no matter what you going through. He is telling you "I'll be with you always", you just have to want to be with him too! The Victory is Yours!

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

Michelle Williams "Journey to Freedom":CD Review

Hey Everyone!

   I have been hearing so many great things about Michelle Williams most recent album "Journey to Freedom" and I could not help but want to listen to it! The CD was released September 9, 2014 by Light Records and include amazing songs like; "Say Yes" , "Free", "Need Your Help" and many more! I listened to the CD in its entirety today and I fell deeply in love! If I had to give this record a rating I would give it 5 stars out of 5. I hope Michelle continues to give us music like this from here on out! 

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 8: Prayer

    Father today I pray for the strength of the women and supporters of Church Girl Chic. I pray that the weak may say that they are strong. With every step that they take give them the strength to know that you support each step that is taken. Strengthen their minds to know understand that rejection from man is not greater than acceptance from you. Whatever they may be going through, give them the strength to overcome. Your words says that we are more than conquerors, so father give us a conquering spirit. A Conquering spirit that may allow us to continue life no matter what comes our way. We thank you for open doors. We thank you for paved journeys. Father we thank you for this new found strength that you have bestowed on us. Lord we love and thank you.  In Jesus name we pray. Thank God.

~Amen

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 7: God Are you There?

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."- Psalms 46:1

    Over the past few days life has really been showing me how life can happen. Even throughout the fast, I asked God, "are you really there?". When we have those thoughts and those feelings, we must step back and really seek God not to fix the problem but to understand his will for our lives. I began to realize that God is my strength and my fortress. He is my redeemer and has always been faithful to me! He has always provided for me and had created doors for me that could not be shut my man or the devil himself! 

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" -Psalm 18:2

    We may have those times when we feel alone and unwanted. But God is always there. In your time of depression or feelings of loneliness remember that God will never leave your nor forsake you. Remember that God may have wanted you alone to avoid distractions or even remove people from your life that you would not have let go if it were not for God himself. You may be alone but with God you will never be lonely!

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

-Deuteronomy 31:8

God Bless


Prayer

Father today I pray for the person who feels lonely. I ask you today to touch their hearts and give them an understanding of  what your will is for them. Guard their hearts Lord and allow them to know with your they will never be lonely. Father I thank you for the deliverance of depression or doubt in their lives because you are a God of help and deliverance. Open the eyes of their hearts Lord so that they may live in your purpose. 

Amen

Fall Into a Leather Jacket This Season: Guest Post by Samantha Godette

By: Samantha Godette

Faithful Fashionable Diva

    

   Fall is here and winter is around the corner. There are many items that divas such as ourselves should have in our closet this year. 
   One item that is hot this fall is the leather jacket. The leather jacket is popping up everywhere this season. It is being paired with jeans and sneakers as well as skirts and boots. You can't go wrong with a cute leather jacket on. If an outfit needs that extra pop...it will do just that. Make it Pop!

Many get intimidated by leather.  They either think it is too pricey to invest in or they have images of Michael Jackson dancing in Thriller flashing in their heads. 

    Leather jackets are very affordable and many jackets that aren't genuine leather look great too. Faux leather jackets are affordable and look just as good. Yes, we all know that leather was popular in the 80's but a new era means a new style. Most trends return years later but are updated to fit the current time.

Here are a few jackets that are affordable and will accent any outfit.

Want More from Samantha? Check her blog out HERE  or follow the links below:

Blog

http://www.faithfulfashionablediva.com/

Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/faithfulfashionablediva

Pinterest

https://m.facebook.com/faithfulfashionablediva

The Church Girl's Guide To Fasting Day 6: Why Should we add fasting into our lives?

 

   Fasting is not just an act that has just surfaced as some sort of phenomenal in the Christian world. Fasting is has been an outward expression of a person's desire to have a closeness with God. It has been the key to breaking yokes and the pulling down of strongholds. I said in an earlier post that some demons are a little more resistant than others. This is displayed in the 17th Chapter of Matthew:

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

                                                                                               -Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
 
   Fasting should not be something that we do on occasion but something that we should add to our lifestyle. I know this because I only fasted every blue moon. I fasted like I was playing the lottery (only when I wanted something from God). Although, God wants to bless us we have to seek God first before blessings start pouring down (like our number was picked from the lottery). It should not only be a God I want tool. It should be a God I need you tool. A tool that invites God into our daily lives showing that we care more about his wants, his will and desires for our lives. I pray that this series has been a blessing to you.

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 5: Prayer

Lord, I pray that you continue to encourage and strengthen the readers and supporters of Church Girl Chic. I not only fast for me but I am fasting for them. Open doors of opportunities for them that no man can shut. Allow them to walk in your purpose and continue to be the light that you have created us to be Open our hearts to want to please you. Move our hands lord to do your work. Allow blessings to flow into their lives like never before. Continue to allow the dreamers to dream. Allow the visionaries to open their eyes to the vision that you have given them. Touch their families and their personal lives. Only you know what they need Lord. Let your will be done in the lives of the Church Girl Chic supporters. Lord as they seek you allow shackles to be broken. Deliver them from the things that is not like you. Live in their hearts Lord, so that they may continue to love you. Thank you Lord!

Amen

My Apologies

Hello Everyone,

   I wanted to apologize in the delay in the posts over the past couple of days. I went out of town this past weekend and forgot my computer and all of my other materials. I will have day 4-7 posted tonight so that everyone may continue to follow along. I love you all with the Love of God! 

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 4: Devotional

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God 
-Matthew 4:4 (NIV)


    Matthew 4;4 not only reveals to us what Jesus said to the tempting devil, this scripture reveals to us that our bodies not only require physical food, but the word of God to feed our spirits. Matthew 4 is a chapter that I meditate on regularly while fasting because it encourages me to speak the word of God while in tempting situations.
   Fasting allows us to train our flesh to be a little stronger while dealing with temptation. The flesh is trained to deny what it wants because your mind and spirit wants what God wants. It is not as easy as it seems because I have given in to temptation a lot in the past. However, the more I fast, the better I am able to stand against temptation.
    I know how it is, you really want to please God but you have your friends telling you to do the opposite of what will please God. You have your boyfriend insisting you to give in to what he wants and knows your flesh wants. We are human, everyone goes through this. In the 14th Chapter of Mark it states:

  Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

       -Mark 14:38 (NIV)
 
 Continue to seek God and pray for yourself. The flesh wants what it wants but so does the spirit! Exercise your faith through fasting and praying and watch how your life will change.

Prayer
Father, Thank you for giving us the strength to fight against temptation. Father we ask you to continue to strengthen our spirit so that we can continue live holy lives. Thank you for allowing us to connect with you. Thank you for a purpose driven life and thank you for the will to live the life you have designed for us. Open the eyes of our hearts so that we may be able to see you Father. We are strong women of God because that is who you say we are. We Love you Lord.

Amen


Much Love and God Bless!
~Crystal

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 3: Scriptures and Bible Study

    As I progress into Day 3 of this fasting series, I have found myself reading more and cutting out all of social media that has nothing to do with the blog and all TV. My desire to see God and develop a closer relationship with him has grown stronger! I find myself wanting to me more Christ-Like and wanting to push myself further in a fast than I have ever gone. My main primary focus is God and not me because everything I need is in God, everything I want is in God. My purpose is in God, my will is in God. As I seek God, I know that is where my blessing lies.
   I am so excited about the place that God is taking me and I take it as an honor to be able to share with you all my insights on such an amazing subject. Today we are going to look at some scripture references about fasting and really understand why fasting is an act that is imperative for our mind, body and spirit during our walk with Christ. We are not going to touch on every scripture, however, we are going to get an understanding of fasting through the word of God.

Daniel
   In the book of Daniel, the "Daniel Fast" was introduced to us. As stated in the last post, Daniel a palace assistant was taken into captivity to and trained for service. Daniel refused to eat of the kings table because he did not want to lose sight of God. Daniel and "his three friends" took part in eating nothing but fruits and vegetables. Daniel was faithful to his fast and because of this he was blessed by God.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.

                                                                                                             -Daniel 1:8-14 ESV

Jesus
   Jesus. Our Lord, Our Savior, My Homeboy. (haha). Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights being tempted my Satan and prevailing through it all. (Matthew 4:4; 4:5-7 and also Matthew 4:8-11). Jesus teaches us here in these scriptures that we should know and stand on the word of God during temptation. This chapter really taught me so much about fasting. We find ourselves being tempted like Jesus but some of us cannot react the way Jesus reacted because we either (Do not read and study our Bible, we do not pray, or we do not fast to resist fleshly desires. ) Now I am not saying I am not perfect. I have partaken in a sin, but I am forgiven and God has allowed me to realize that some things you have to pray and fast about.

..this kind goes out not but by prayer and fasting.

                                                                        -Matthew 17:21 KJV

Let's take a look into what else Jesus says about fasting

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

                                                                                                                    -Matthew 6:16-18 ESV

Praying for God's Will
    Here in the chapter of Acts we find Paul at the, beginning of his ministry, fasting for the will of God.

 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

                                                                                                                          -Acts 13:1-3
I hope this helps you all understand the idea of fasting and praying. Here are a few more scriptures for your studying.

Scriptures
Psalm 35:13
Luke 9:23-35
Matthew 26:41 (Why we have to strengthen our spirit) 
Ezra 8;21


Much Love and God Bless
~Crystal

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: Day 2

Today is day two of the fasting series and I can already feel a change in myself. I woke up before my alarm clock rang and knew that it was time for me to pray. I am so excited about what God has in store for me and all of you! Today we will focus on the types of fast, and when to fast. 

I read Radical Fasting by Dave Williams when I was a teenager and his book gave me so much insight on fasting. I mentioned in a previous post that I was brought up in a church that believed heavily on fasting and praying. I can not say that I am an expert on fasting, however, I have fasted long enough to know that it is life changing. I also read Fasting by Jentezen Franklin and I can honestly say that the two books really gave great insight on the types of fasts. 

Types of Fasts

• Corporate Fast- This is when the leader of a church or family calls a fast for the cleansing of the "body" (Not the physical body but the body of Christ). I remember my pastor would establish a corporate fast at the beginning of every year and I would always stuff myself with whatever I could because I knew for 21 days my favorites would be out of the question. This was before I was educated on what fasting was really about.
• Individual Fasts- This is a fast that can be declared for personal reasons
• Total "Full" Fast- To go without liquids or water for an established amount of days.
• Partial Fast- To fast a certain period of the day. Jentezen Franklin says from about 6:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m but because I know that I am a late night or early morning eater I chose to fast from midnight until noon because I know that this is when I would be the most challenged. 
• Daniels Fast- The prophet Daniel was put into captivity Babylon, he chose not to eat the pleasant foods of the Kings table. He went without breads, wine, and meats for three weeks ( Daniel 10:3)  This fast calls for a person to give up certain foods like meats, sweets and breads only being able to consume fruits, vegetables, water and juice. 

It is important to choose a fast that will not be necessarily "easy" for you. Learning to consecrate your flesh and bring it into submission is an important part of resisting temptation and the breaking of yokes. 

I pray that what ever fast that you choose throughout your life allows you to experience breakthroughs that you have never experienced before.

Scripture References and added readings

Daniel 10:3

Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew 9:14-15

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: Day 1

     As I prepared myself for this series, I asked God to not only allow me to be closer to him but for anyone who desired a closer relationship with him. I remember when I did not even completely understand the biblical principle of fasting. I wanted to share with you all what I have learned over the past few years. I need to hear from God in this point of my life more so now than ever and fasting has allowed me to consecrate my flesh so that I may be able to listen with my spiritual ears, rather than my fleshly being. A person may ask, "Crystal, what exactly is fasting?"

    Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food and drinks or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or several days (Wikipedia). Isaiah 58:6-7 explains the acceptable form of fasting: 

Isaiah 58:6-New International Version (NIV)

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice    and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free    and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them,    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

    I wrote in the last post the fasting is not only about giving up food for the sake of a fast. It is much deeper than going without food. It is about breaking the yokes in your life, developing a closer relationship with God and setting the oppressed free. If you are feeling oppressed in your life, if you feel as if all hope is gone, a fast is something that will aid in your freedom (Mark 9:29).  If you ONLY fast to lose weight, it is indeed a fast, however, there will be no spiritual benefits to that fast. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and I completely believe that fasting aided in my healing from God. I will talk more about this on Day 9.
   Now I am not saying that fasting and praying should be done to ONLY change an unfortunate circumstance to get a  positive outcome. Fasting and praying is a Bible based principle which allows us to experience breakthroughs, gain a better control of our flesh and develop a spiritual connection to God. I am a person that doesn't oppose of fasting to lose weight and lower health risks. Fasting is a great way to aid in a healthier lifestyle, however, again it should not be the only reason. There are many physical benefits of fasting. Studies have shown that fasting:

• Aids in weight loss
• Controls appetite
• Reduces the risk of cancer
• Controls blood sugar
• Increased metabolic rate

   Of course one should be aware of food allergies and health risks before starting. Which brings me back to the point of fasting not being just to stop eating food (Isaiah 58:6-7) but because the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Once we learn to bring our flesh into submission, we will find a lot of things a little less tempting which would help in our spiritual walk with Christ. 

Scripture References

Isiah 58:6-7

Mark 9:29

Matthew 26:41

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

What is "The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting?"

    When you think of fasting, what comes to your mind? Giving up your noon day lunches with your friends? Passing on the pizza that you eat with your family on the weekends, For the longest time, I believed that fasting was simply giving up food because the pastor organized a corporate fast for our church. However, as I have matured in my faith I have come to realize the importance of praying and fasting in my own walk with God. When a person engages in prayer and fasting, they are engaging in spiritual warfare. Some demons are more resistant than others. When we add prayer and fasting into our lives we are adequately preparing ourselves to engage in that spiritual warfare. 

    This 10 day fast is something that God put on my heart to share with the readers of Church Girl Chic. I believe that fasting is not something that a lot of people engage in or even know anything about. I believe that God is going to do something great in the lives of each and every person that joins in on this fast. From 12 midnight until 12 noon, I will be doing a total fast ( no food or water). I will do a Daniel's Fast in between ( only fruit and veggies for food. Water for your beverage.) If you want to add fish, I believe that it will be fine. *Remember it is not just about the food but the consecration of our flesh. 

Day 1: Will explain the biblical principal of fasting outlaying the spiritual as well as the physical benefits of fasting.

Day 2: Fasting Journal Entry 2. Will also explain the types of fasts

Day 3: Fasting Journal Entry 3. Day three will give biblical examples about fasting.

Day 4: Fasting Journal Entry 4. Devotional

Day 5: Fasting Journal Entry 5. Prayer,

Day 6: Fasting Journal Entry 6. Why should we add fasting into our lives.

Day 7: Fasting Journal Entry 7. Devotional

Day 8: Fasting Journal Entry 8. Prayer

Day 9: Fasting Journal Entry 9. Fasting Testimony

Day 10:Fasting Journal Entry 10. How Fasting will impact you life forever! 

Tips:

• Try to refrain from anything that will distract you ( Certain types of music, tv shows, etc.)
• Have a Journal handy to write down your feelings and experiences each day. You will find it easier to search for scriptures each day doing this because you are reading about the things that you endured that day.
• Choose a fast that will challenge you. Remember we are consecrating our flesh!  I will be doing a total fast from 12 midnight to 12 noon each day while doing a Daniels fast in between. 
• Remember to add prayer and scripture reading into your day to day activities. 
• Keep it focused on your relationship with God and watch God work! 

Remember if you have any prayer request email me at churchgirl8819@hotmail.com

Much Love and God Bless!!

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: You Are Invited!

 I am so happy to be writing this post. I have been having a roller coaster experience the past couple of months that has allowed me to experience highs and lows. I have a lot of big decisions to make soon and I  do not want to make those decisions based on emotions. I want to make these decisions after consulting with the Lord. I was always raised to not only pray but fast. The Lord has put on my heart to go on a 10 day fast starting October 6, 2014. I am inviting each and every one of you to join me on this journey! This journey will reveal what God has revealed to me about fasting and praying. There will be scriptures, prayers, fasting insight and more each day of the blog series. I am so excited about what is to come! 

 An introduction and details will be posted Sunday October 5th! 

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal