“This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you.”
(Leviticus 16:29)

This particular turn of phrase is truly fascinating. It occurs throughout the Old Testament, turning up in interesting places. At first glance, it doesn’t make much sense to the Western reader of English translations.

‛ânâh nephesh

In the Hebrew, the word ‛ânâh means “to humble, afflict, be humiliated, weaken oneself.” Nephesh is the word for “soul” or “living being” used frequently in the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis as God created the living beings and eventually breathed the breath of life into the clay he formed. It resulted in a “living soul” that God named “Adam.”

Used together, these two words form a Hebrew idiom or euphemism of sorts meaning, “to fast.”

If you’ve ever explored the connection between the body and the soul, you’ll know that there are lots of fascinating questions. Can the body live apart from the soul? What is the difference between the brain and the mind? Are our memories actually stored in cells?

Regardless, however, of where the lines between the two get drawn, one thing is clear: they are connected. And nothing illustrates this more perfectly than the principles of fasting. By denying oneself in one area (in this case: food), one is actually afflicting or humbling his entire person. If you apply this phrase to the more Greek concept of the soul as the “mind, will, & emotions,” it becomes even more interesting. What, if anything, competes more with the human spirit (not to mention the Holy Spirit) for clarity in our lives than our “soul?”

A Time to Fast

Given the current economic situation, the rapidly-changing business environment, and the general uncertainty that pervades much of what is familiar in this season, it is perhaps more obvious than usual just how desperately we need to actively listen to the Source of all Wisdom.

I typically like to start out the year by setting vision, striving for clarity and focus, and re-evaulating almost everything. But since the soul can be such a cluttered place — full of plans, regrets, desires, dreams, wishes and wants — this process can prove to be difficult. This year more than ever, I really don’t want to follow the leading of my own thoughts and desires. I want God’s thoughts and desires.

I knew it was going to require some additional effort. So imagine my delight when my good friend called a fast for all those associated with the congregation he pastors. And he evidently wasn’t playing games either — he called a 21-day fast. He’s using some wisdom — giving people options regarding specifically how they intend to carry it out, breaking it up into phases (liquids only, a “Daniel” fast, etc.), and even distributing some information regarding medical risks and so forth. Nevertheless, it’s a 3-week period of “afflicting the soul.”

I don’t know about you, but my soul can use some “afflicting.” I want to demote my own thinking, reasoning, and ill-informed perspective (at least relative to the viewpoint that my Father holds). I want to weaken the grip that my dysfunctions and personal ambitions have on my present and future.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8 AMP)

After all, He knows what’s coming… how to be prepared… and what to do better than anyone. And He is not silent. I just tend to have too much interfering with my “reception.” I’m determined to clear the air so I can hear from Him accurately.

Care to join me?

Throughout the past year or so, an unusual recurring theme has found its way into any number of conversations I’ve been a part of — primarily in a business context.

What kind of economic shake-up is coming? And… how can we be best prepared for it?

On a local level, a group of Kingdom-minded leaders — both from the business and “traditional ecclesiastical ministry” sectors — have been gathering with the intention of forging relationship and creating strategic plans for the region.

On a national and international level, people that I’ve been privileged to connect to — authors, thought leaders, small business owners and others — have all played a role in this odd drama.

What’s unusual is that in some cases, I’ve not even brought the subject up. In other cases, I’ve noticed what people said and have asked more questions to find out more.

To the point, the conversations have several common threads:

• there is some sort of economic shakeup coming, potentially including the failure or replacement of our money system
• investment in relationships now will be the most valuable asset we have on the other side of whatever may occur
• in the Kingdom of God, collaboration isn’t just a good idea, it’s an essential requirement for us to fulfill our God-given purpose
• the role of independent small business is significant

I don’t pay attention to the media looking for validation of what God seems to be speaking. That being said, when I hear a similar sound being made in other contexts, it makes me pay attention.

One of the networks had a guest on yesterday by the name of Gerald Celente. I hadn’t heard of him before and know nothing about him except what I heard and a very little bit that I’ve read. What’s most significant to me is the substance of what he had to say. I located some predictions he made recently that have appeared on the web, which are more complete than the brief segment in which he appeared on televsion.

After reading it, I invite you to come back here so that we can dialogue about what he said using the “comment” functions on this site. Be sure to check the box that says “Notify me of followup comments via e-mail” so you can stay up-to-date on what others are saying. (You can control your preferences yourself on this by coming back here or by using the link in any message you receive.)

You can find Mr. Celente’s predictions here. (You may want to scroll down a bit to get to the bold subheadline that says “Interview” with a photograph of Mr. Celente.)

I’m looking forward to dialoguing with you after you’ve had a chance to check out what he had to say.