It is with great excitement and expectation that we announce our 21-Day corporate fast from January 3, 2010-January 24, 2011. Isaiah 58: 6 says, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free?” We are entering in this fast in short to; be obedient to the Word of God , to decrease our fleshly responses and increase God’s power operating in our lives, and to break every addiction that has hindered God’ s promises in our lives. These addictions can be to food, meanness, procrastination, shame, unforgiveness, or insecurity etc. Whatever it may be, if it diminishes your quality of life and your relationship with God, prayer and fasting is needed to walk in the fullness of God’s promises for your life. The following is some additional information on fasting:
Biblical Examples of Fasting and God’s Purpose
Protection
Ezra the priest fasted for God’s protection while carrying valuable things for God’s temple. We too can fast for God’s protection. (Ezra 8:21-23)
Purpose
Daniel the prophet fasted for the fulfillment of God’s promises, and received mighty revelations from God. (Daniel 10:3).
Power
Jesus fasted and spoke the Word of God to overcome Satan (See Matthew 4:1-10; Luke 4:1-13).
Jesus fasted to begin his public ministry, and have the power of God and the anointing. (Luke 4:14).
To Hear From God
Elijah needed to fast 40 days before he heard God’s voice again. (1 Kings 19:8)
Moses fasted to receive the Ten Commandments and the Law of God, and to see God’s glory and goodness.
The elders, prophets and teachers in Antioch fasted and ministered to God, which resulted in the launching of Paul and Barnabas’ apostolic ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2,3). Likewise we should fast and pray before getting involved in full time ministry and mission work. (christian-faith.com)
There are several different types of fasts and we ask that you please be in prayer and consult your physician for the fast that is appropriate for you.
Full Fast -Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast -Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
3-Day Fast- This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast- A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food, or eating at a certain time of the day i.e breakfast or lunch. (freechapel.org)
Over the next couple of weeks we will share additional scriptures on fasting for your edification. We also invite you to visit our Fasting Blog that Yevette or I will post daily to encourage, share our experiences and support you. We believe that the promises of God are true and look forward to the manifestation of His Word in each of your lives!
