|
Guidelines
It is a time for us at First Holiness Church (FHC) to sacrifice a portion of our time to God. Our vision is to touch lives by the light and in order to do that effectively we need to have seasons where we are purposefully seeking God for direction and guidance as Daniel (Daniel 10). So, we will be praying and fasting for 21 days for understanding of the vision God has for us corporately and individually. I am excited that you are deciding to make this commitment with us. I know that God will work in ways you could never imagine.
What is Fasting?
Fast in the Hebrew means “to cover over” (the mouth) and in the Greek “to abstain from”, which was usually in reference to food. Fasting is a spiritual discipline designed to better connect us with God. A person fasts in order to deepen their relationship with God and to walk in step with His plan and purpose. When we fast we are abstaining from food in order to draw closer to God. This is accomplished through Bible reading, praying and Faith Confessions. The overall goal is to experience a genuine hunger for spending time with God and to gain self-control, to be dominated by the spirit, and not by the flesh.
Why should I fast?
If you are a Member/Visiting Friend of FHC, you ought to be determined to be in the flow of what the Lord is saying to us. I want to see our faith grow, and I want us to experience God like we never have before. So I am urging you to fast with us. In addition, there are many benefits to fasting. Here are some of the benefits of fasting:
Fasting:
1. A practice that Jesus has commanded in His Word.
2. Moves God, and Moves you!
3. Quiets your flesh, making it easier to hear The Spirit, and your spirit.
4. Breaks the bondage of oppression.
5. Strengthens your spirit as you dedicate that time to prayer.
6. Creates a bond with your church family as we unite together in prayer.
7. Cleanses toxins from your body.
How should I fast?
Before beginning a fast, write down a plan and make a verbal commitment to the Lord. When you approach it with determination, you’ll be less likely to waiver in weak moments. You may be surprised to find that fasting is not as daunting as you may think. But if you do find it to be a battle, don’t lose heart, God knows your weaknesses. His fasting principles allow you the flexibility to take care of your job and duties while still making a sacrifice to honor Him. If the traditional full fast has always made you shy away from this important principle, you may be surprised to know that there are actually many different types of fasts. Find the fast or combination of fasts that fits your needs.
Fasting Options:
These are all some options, but please join with us. Do something!
1. Sun up to sun down or from 6am to 3pm.
2. One meal per day, and nothing sweet
3. No coffee, or soda or tea
4. The Daniel Fast -is a fast from meats, sweets, and breads, for a specific time period (Daniel 10:2-3). The easiest way to think of this fast is you should eat vegetables, fruits and drink only water. I have included a list of foods to eat and foods to avoid.
5. No meats & no sweets
NOTE: If you have any condition which would prohibit you from fasting, there are other options. Choose something from your daily routine (i.e. specific foods, television, other technology, etc.) and fast in that manner for the next 21 days. Remember, the details are not as important as the spirit in which you participate.
If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast.
Some Fasting Scriptures:
2 Chronicles 20:1-15 Ezra 8:21-23
Isaiah 58:1-9 Joel 1:13-14
Jonah 3:3-10 Matthew 4:2
Matthew 6:16-17 Mark 2:19-20
Acts 13:2-3 Acts 14:23
Resources:
Fasting by Jentezen Franklin available in the Destiny Bookstore.
Practical Tips:
Drink lots of water!
Water transports nutrients, carries away wastes, & hydrates cells, so drink up!
Did you know?
Drinking cold beverages makes your body work harder to stay at a normal temperature. During periods of fasting, this could consume lots of energy and make you tired. To help preserve energy, consider drinking beverages at room temperature.
What to Expect:
When you fast your body eliminates toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability, especially during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face.
DANIEL FAST GUIDELINES:
Foods to Eat
WHOLE GRAINS: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
LEGUMES: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
FRUITS: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
VEGETABLES: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger Root, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
LIQUIDS: Water (as much as possible), Unsweetened Soy Milk, Herbal (caffeine free) Tea, Natural Fruit Juice (no added sugar)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (small quantities), Honey
Foods to Avoid
Meat, Poultry, Fish
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine, Coffee, Tea (including decaf)
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar or Sugar Substitutes
White Flour
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
All Breads
Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, etc.)
* Important reminder: Be sure to drink as much water as possible throughout the fast. A great goal is to drink a gallon of water a day!
Back to Top |
|
