Dear Beloved, my peace and love to you. We are now in the Lenten Season, in which we follow Jesus on his 40 days of fasting and praying. During this time, we fast from certain types of foods, and negative thoughts. We also pray throughout the day, and read the Bible. (Read Daniel Chapter 1).

We do not lose, with the stuff we have chosen to use, so we keep our thoughts and minds on Jesus the Christ, and His teachings. First, we ask God's forgiveness, Then we forgive ourselves. We forgive ourselves for offending ourselves, and others, by words, thoughts, and deeds. We also ask others to forgive us, if we have offended them, in words, thoughts, and deeds.

Then, we repeat positive affirmations. An affirmation is a positive statement of truth, that we inculcate through faith. We repeat these affirmations, until the truth is established in our consciousness. Some affirmations that you can use are:- 'I am free in God, strong, wise, loving, and peaceful.' 'My faith is in God.' 'I am formed in God's image and likeness.' 'My faith is in God.' 'I am free, i am unlimited, there are no chains that bind me.' 'Divine order is now established in my life and affairs.'

Everyday, for these forty days, let us focus on the twelve faculties within us namely:- Faith, Strength, Wisdom, Love, Power, Imagination, Understanding, Will, Order, Zeal, Renunciation,, and Life. At the end of the forty days journey, if we are faithful, we will reap the faithfulness of God. His favor will surround us, in all circumstances. Let this season be rewarding, and successful, in that we accomplish goals, that we set for ourselves. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus set a precedent for us to follow. Each of them observed a forty day period of fasting, and praying, as a preparation for spiritual work.

Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, at the conclusion of his period of fasting and praying. Elijah talked with God on Mount Horeb, at the conclusion of his period of fasting and praying. Jesus began His great spiritual ministry at the close of His Fasting and praying in the Wilderness. Praying and fasting are personal to each of us, but the objective is universal. When we fast and pray, we purify, and cleanse the soul, so we can feel the presence of God fully. We must place all our burdens on God, and as we link our minds with God's mind, the Lord makes a way out of no way.

Beloved, continue your journey with joy, and expect definite results. You are free to inform me of God's goodness in your lives. May God bless us richly. Thank You.

Rev. Dr. Vilma Chesney