2023 FAST – FRIDAY JAN. 2nd-23rd

Greetings in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus. For well over a decade we have as a body of believers participated in a season of 21 days of fasting and prayer at the beginning of each year.

We have seen the Lord perform many miracles in the form of healings,helps,and a multitude of answered prayers as we have sought the Him collectively as a body during this “Corporate Private” fast.

In regards to that we ask each one that feels led to be a part to seek the Lord in which type of fast that they may be led to do. Those can include absolute, partial, Daniel or other types of fasts. The key is to “fast unto God”. This is not to be looked upon as a contest or anything that involves self other than

“sacrifice “as bringing our own bodies into submission as a form of “Worship” unto Him .

Jesus uses this following passage as “model” for us and it serves us with a great outline and instruction as the “when” not “if” we fast and not to let it be self-seeking or serving. Give notice to the “secret and reward” aspect.

“When not If”

Mt 6:16 ¶ Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.

Mt 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face.

Mt 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

“Secret and Reward”

I believe this year will be one of the most important that we have ever took part in. Our nation stands in GREAT need of prayer to say the least at the national level and at a personal level it has never been more needed RIGHT NOW!!To not only awaken slumbering hearts but also to quicken every Believer to be strengthened in the power of the HOLY GHOST to take a stand against the wiles of the devil and the attack against the Christian principles which we adhere to from the Word of God!!

*PURPOSE IN YOUR HEART-

Da 1:8 ¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

*The word “purpose” means to commit, ordain , order and even rehearse as it is used in this verse.

Lets commit to a time of seeking God for a great Revival and turning back to Him for this Nation!!

Daniel was a man of great wisdom that I believe was appointed unto him from the Lord and it was evident as we can see Daniel never lost his “purpose” because he never forgot his God!!

There are multiple scripture references in regards to fasting. One of those that truly gives some much needed insight is found in Isaiah 58…the whole chapter.

While this is just a short introduction to fasting and prayer and it is our Hope that you would join with us in believing for a GREAT REVIVAL that will not only flourish thru the hearts of ALL but will endure until JESUS comes back !!!!

BE ENCOURAGED AND IN GREAT EXPECTATION

Bro Wayne

PREPARING YOUR FAST

STEP 1: Set Your Objective

Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.

STEP 2: Make Your Commitment

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:

How long you will fast – one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.)
The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often).
What physical or social activities you will restrict.
How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word.

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon it.

STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).
Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16,17).

STEP 4: Prepare Yourself Physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.

Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

Do not rush into your fast.
Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician’s supervision.
Limit your activity.
Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.” Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.

Tips on Juice Fasting

Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue.
The best juices are made from fresh watermelon, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, or leafy green vegetables. In cold weather, you may enjoy a warm vegetable broth.
Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomach’s sake.
Avoid caffeinated drinks.

The Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast is a widely utilized fast based on the book of Daniel. It involves a 21 day ad libitum food intake period, devoid of animal products and preservatives, and inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. But how you break your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being.

STEP 5: End Your Fast Gradually

Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health.

Here are some suggestions to help you end your fast properly:

Break an extended water fast with fruit such as watermelon.
While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices, add the following:
- First day: Add a raw salad.
- Second day: Add baked or boiled potato, no butter or seasoning.
- Third day: Add a steamed vegetable.
- Thereafter: Begin to reintroduce your normal diet.
Gradually return to regular eating with several small snacks during the first few days. Start with a little soup and fresh fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Advance to a few tablespoons of solid foods such as raw fruits and vegetables or a raw salad and baked potato.

STEP 6: Expect Results

If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God’s face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. You will see answers to your prayers.

A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh in-fillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians.

It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged. You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or your may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honour you for your faithfulness.

17 Ways to Experience & Maintain Personal Revival

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life.
Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you. Make restitution where God leads.
Examine your motives in every word and deed. Ask the Lord to search and cleanse your heart daily.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guard your walk against complacency and mediocrity.
Praise and give thanks to God continually in all ways on all days, regardless of your circumstances.
Refuse to obey your carnal (worldy) nature (Galatians 5:16,17).
Surrender your life to Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Develop utter dependence on Him with total submission and humility.
Study the attributes of God.
Hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
Love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
Appropriate the continual fullness and control of the Holy Spirit by faith on the basis of God’s command (Ephesians 5:18) and promise (1 John 5:14,15).
Read, study, meditate on, and memorize God’s holy, inspired, inerrant Word daily (Colossians 3:16).
Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Fast and pray one 24-hour period each week. Prayerfully consider becoming one of the two million Christians who will fast for forty days before the end of the year 2000.
Seek to share Christ daily as a way of life.
Determine to live a holy, godly life of obedience and faith.
Start or join a home or church Bible study group that emphasizes revival and a holy life.

21 FOR 21

Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

(THE CHARGE TO JOSHUA)

Jos 14:11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Jos 14:12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

(CALEB’S INHERITANCE)

Ps 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.(READ THIS WHOLE PSALM…”WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?”)

Pr 18:10 ¶ The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Da 10:18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, Da 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

(DANIEL RECEIVING STRENGTH IN THE 21 DAY FAST)

Na 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Hag 2:4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

Hag 2:5 According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.

Hag 2:6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;

Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

Lu 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.(JESUS OUR EXAMPLE)

Ro 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Ro 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.