I am on day 4 of a 5 day fast.
Today, I had coffee. Yesterday, I had some juice.
I felt that I have failed my fast. I want to believe that the LORD will not bless me because of that.
This is a works-based mindset and perhaps the fruit of the fast. This alone might be worth the price of admission.
God will bless me because I am His. I dont need to work for His love. Yes, there are some things that you press into. I have gone without food for several days. I have drank water 90% of the time. I have afflicted my soul. I didnt get it 100% perfect.
But, I believe, as we approach Pentacost that the LORD is going to pour Himself into me in a new way. And, that is what I really want.
More of Him.
It is amazing how we often feel the need to do things perfectly to earn the love of those we are close to.