It's the second last day of my brain fast today, and it's never been more tempting to break it. Today is a self-imposed day of rest for me, and I've never had such a battle in my mind, with thoughts rationalising that it's OK to break it, just pick up that 8 Days magazine or Lifestyle!, you deserve it, etc etc. Truly the mind is the devil's playing field, the part that he loves to have a stronghold over, because what controls the mind controls the man. But really praise God that He provided a way out from under it, and I've spent the time committing to read another power Christian book The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee. I'm still at the first chapter, but already, pow, simple truths made revelation. Watchman Nee writes about the blood of Christ:

What then of our attitude to Satan? This is important, for he accuses us not only before God but in our own conscience also. 'You have sinned, and you keep on sinning. You are weak, and God can have nothing more to do with you.' This is his argument. And our temptation is to look within and in self-defence to try to find in ourselves, in our feelings or our behaviour, some ground for believing that Satan is wrong. Alternatively we are tempted to admit our helplessness and, going to the other extreme, to yield to depression and despair. Thus accusation becomes one of the greatest and most effective of Satan's weapons. He points to our sins and seeks to charge us with them before God, and if we accept his accusations we go down immediately.

Now the reason why we so readily accept his accusations is that we are still hoping to have some righteousness of our own. The ground of our expectation is wrong... But if we have learned to put no confidence in the flesh, we shall not wonder if we sin, for the very nature of the flesh is to sin. ... Never should we try to answer Satan with our good conduct but always with the Blood. Yes, we are sinful, but praise God! the Blood cleanses us from every sin!

Incidentally, today is also the third day of the 40-Day fast for Singapore. And guess what I'm fasting from? BREAD! Don't mock me now - those who know me well will know how much of a challenge this is. Already I'm getting withdrawal symptoms... Kept dreaming of pretzels today...



And this fast is perhaps even tougher than abstaining a meal, because at least there's something at the end of the day to look forward to. But a bread fast has its end after an extended period...a more drawn out period! BUT it's something to rejoice in, because it builds perseverance, discipline, and true desperation that what is desired for comes to pass.

The world calls for instant gratification - but real joy and satisfaction comes in paying the price for the reward. It's not going to be easy - but it's going to be worth it!

Meanwhile, work begins on 25 July, my official starting date with GE. I'm really excited, cos it's a new phase and major milestone in my life, BUT I remain sober in spirit, because I know it is going to be a tough journey ahead, a time of molding and strengthening. But at the same time, I know I can be "strong and courageous, because the Lord is with me". That's all that's needed.