Greetings NLCC family,
For those who would like to do the Daniel Fast for the Corporate Fasting and Prayer that will start on this Sunday night, January 9th at midnight to Sunday night, January 30th at midnight, please see the below information concerning the Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is recommended but please fast as the Lord leads you.
Now the Fast: This is a refresher for those that know and insight for those who may not:
I want to give some biblical passages and basic info regarding fasting. Our fast is what some call a partial fast as will be described below.
Scripture:
-Moses fasted at least two forty-day periods, Exodus 24:18, 34:28.
-Queen Esther fasted before seeing the king, Esther 4:15-17.
-Ezra the priest fasted for God’s protection, Ezra 8:21-23.
-Daniel the prophet fasted for the fulfillment of God’s promises, and received mighty revelations from God, Daniel 10:3.
-Jesus fasted and spoke the Word of God to overcome Satan, Matthew 4:1-10; Luke 4:1-13.
-After fasting, Jesus begins His public ministry, in the power of the HS, Luke 4:14.
-Elijah fasted 40 days, 1 Kings 19:8.
-The elders and Christians in Antioch fasted and ministered to God, as a result the HS called Paul and Barnabas’ to the Gentiles, Acts 13:2, 3.
-We at times fast and pray before undertaking something major in ministry such as building or a trip overseas etc.
-Jesus says to us in Matthew 6:16, “When you fast…” not “If you fast”. As disciples of the Lord, we should be fasting regularly.
-King David and Ezra said, it’s a way to humble ourselves, Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21.
-Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for the Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ, Jeremiah 29:13, Luke 11:9.
Purpose:
-Fasting allows the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, leading to brokenness, repentance, and renewal. The Holy Spirit can open the Scriptures up to us in a whole new way.
-Fasting can strengthen our prayer life and lead us to receiving answers consistently.
-Fasting is a way of reviving the soul and repairing broken relationships.
-Fasting and prayer opens up heavens doors and windows allowing God to hear earth, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
-Fasting builds up spiritual muscles and if you can’t do the entire days, do what you can.
No formula for fasting:
There is no true formula to fasting, no wrong or right. Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days. When we feel in our spirits it’s ideal to fast, we do so. When asked if we can, we comply.
Bible Types of Fasts
- A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel, 1:8-17, 10:3. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist denomination, fasted every Wednesday and Friday and required all of his ministers to do the same. Midnight one night until 4 the next day, we have done these.
- Total fast, no food and no water. Most of these are 1-3 days. Paul fasted for 3 days, Acts 9:9. Our church in Louisville did this once a year. We were there for one year and joined them, no food and little water for 3 days.
- Spiritual or supernatural fast, Jesus, Moses and Elijah did so for forty days, Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8, Matthew 4:2. Make sure God is truly leading before trying this type of fast.
Motive:
Fasting is spiritual and since God is a spirit, fasting helps us to tune our spiritual radio into God’s signal if you will. We desire to better hear with our spiritual ears, see with our spiritual eyes and understand with a spiritual heart.
1.We fast and pray for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for problems to be resolved, for mercy and grace to handle some difficulties. We seek God for some open doors, for protection and for some victories. We seek Him for assistance to better worship, praise and give thanks.
2.Fasting is very helpful in learning patience. It takes patience and endurance to fast for more than a day.
3.It helps us focus in the midst of daily distractions.
4.Pray throughout the day as your schedule permits for help and insight.
5.Seek God for wisdom in 2018 to aid in better decision making (treasure, time, and talent management). Seek wisdom in who to give your quality time to, who to keep close and yes strength to let some go if needed.
6.Please use wisdom and consider your health and mental capacity.
Family, the Daniel fast, for the most part means no meat and regular breads, or sweets. If you can, this means veggies, soups, water, fruit juices for energy (smoothie). No sodas and coffee if you can.
Helpful Hints:
In the mornings…Develop a habit, spend some time in the word, prayer, and praise. Ask God to speak to you to help you stay focused and effective. Ask Him to use you in a greater way. Pray for your growth, your family, friends, coworkers, nation, Israel, and NLCC. Pray for our military, police, fireman, doctors, elected officials, teachers, etc. Use the scriptures (Psalms) as a way of praying the Word of God.
In the evenings, set aside some time to be still and reflect on the day and how effective you were. Talk to God about it. Call a friend and pray for a few minutes. Try to avoid television and video games if you can.
ACTS – prayer tool to stay on point…
Adoration – is to adore God, to worship him and to fulfill the commandment to love him.
Confession – of sins and areas we struggle in. All of us miss the mark in something.
Thanksgiving – giving thanks for all the things God has and is doing in your life.
Salutation – ask God for your needs and the needs of others, be clear and specific.
Insight from the Internet: Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast…
All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon.
All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, 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, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils, including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. Note from me “fruit juice or smoothies for energy.”
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
This is just a guide and as adults, we will use wisdom. We have leaders and members who are available and have done this each year.
Expect Results: If we are sincere and humble ourselves before the Lord, we should see results…
Be blessed,
JM Hutchins