DAY 1 | Faith Hacks
Fasting
Fasting is not going without food for a period of time; that's called dieting. Fasting is refraining from food/things for a spiritual purpose. Fasting brings spiritual renewal and incredible benefits. It's about connecting with God at a fresh and intimate level.
Fasting breaks bondage. (Is 58:6) "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens…
Fasting releases God's abundance. (Joel 2: 20-26) "Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly…He will send you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten… You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God…"
Fasting Hacks Remember, fasting is about connecting with God. It's not about food. Take extra time to get into God's Word and pray. Don't just sit in front of the TV – all you see is lots of food commercials – pizza – chilies - super hamburgers. The devil will see to that. Read - Worship – Journal – pray.
Press through the discomfort. When you fast, you will get hungry. When I fast for a few days, sometimes I experience the lack of energy and physical effects of toxins leaving my body. But once you get past a few days, you will get in the zone. Push through, you got this! Drink plenty of water and go to that deep place with The Lord.
Keep it personal. This is not to show other people how spiritual you are. Jesus said that when you fast…don't go out of your way to impress others or make it look like you're suffering. This is not about public recognition; this is a private discipline.
There are different kinds of fasts:
A total fast: Go without food for a certain number of days – drink water – some take clear broth or juice from time to time to maintain strength. A selective fast: removing certain foods - a Daniel fast removes meats, sweets, breads - consume water - juice - fruits - vegetables. Partial fast: sometimes called the Jewish fast - fast from the evening of one day till 3 pm the next day. A soul fast: common for those who have never had experience fasting or have health issues that will prevent them from fasting food - abstain from an activity - TV or social media - internet. The Bible speaks of 1/2 day fast – one day fast – three days – a week – 21 days – 40 days. I like to fast every day from midnight to breakfast. Do what you can, just do something!
As a church we are setting apart the next 21 days, If Daniel did it, so can we.
Remember this, if it means something to you… it means something to the Lord.
Affirmation
speak this over yourself Fasting connects me with God at a profound level, bringing spiritual renewal and opening the way for His abundance in my life.
Reflection
What Kind of Fast are you going to choose? What kind of Chains are you believing God to break in 2024? What kind of Blessing are you hoping gets released to you in 2024?