7 Day Fast
This past year has been full of challenges both spiritually and physically. Many are looking for answers and peace. We are asking God for miracles as we move into the future.But if we slow down and remember where our peace comes from and we begin to seek God, we will find that we can overcome anything with Him. It’s so important that we make God a priority and put Him first in our lives.
Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
One way to seek God first is through fasting and prayer, and this is our desire in this 7 day fast. I am inviting you to join Vicki and I this Sunday, February 5th, as we begin to seek God first with all of our heart and experience a greater sensitivity to the voice of God. Together we can experience a greater sensitivity to the voice of God, and seek His touch on our lives. Pastor Tommy Thompson
WHAT IS FASTING?
Fasting is refraining from food and other things, for a spiritual purpose. When you eliminate food from your diet, or amusements from your life for a period of time, your spirit becomes uncluttered leaving room for intimacy with God.
WHY DO WE FAST?
In Matthew 6, Jesus gives each Christian three duties: giving, prayer, and fasting. When we practice these three duties privately, God promises to reward us publicly. Whether you want to draw closer to God, or need a breakthrough in your life, fasting is a source of power from God.
WHY SHOULD I FAST?
- Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
- Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
- Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
- Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
- Do you need to break away from bondages and addictions that have been holding you hostage?
- Is there a friend or loved one that needs salvation?
- Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?
Corporate Fasting:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
TYPES OF FASTS
There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
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. Learn More
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.
FASTING TIPS
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability 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.
How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
THE DANIEL FAST – WHAT TO EAT
FRUITS
Fresh, frozen, dried, cooked or juiced. Try to avoid added sugar or preservatives.
COMMON CHOICES: apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon
VEGETABLES
Fresh, frozen, dried, cooked or juiced. Try to avoid added sugar or preservatives.
COMMON CHOICES: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cilantro, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, greens, green beans, garlic, ginger root, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsley, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini
WHOLE GRAINS
Many people also include whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
COMMON CHOICES: barley, brown rice, grits, millet, quinoa, oats
NUTS & SEEDS
Many people also eat nut butters including peanut butter and almond butter. Try to avoid choices with added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
COMMON CHOICES: unsalted almonds, cashews, chia, flax, pine, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts
LEGUMES & BEANS
If you use canned beans, look for organic and/or low-sodium
COMMON CHOICES: black beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, split peas, white beans
BEVERAGES
Water & fresh pressed fruit or vegetable juice
Steps to complete the Daniel Fast
Step 1: Be Specific
Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.
- The king’s food was against dietary laws.
- Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
- The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.
Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline
Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:
- Your food choices. The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
- Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
- Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.
Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin’s Role in Poor Health
Notice James 5:13-16:
- Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
- Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
- Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
- Repentance is linked to health according to James.
- Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
- Sick people must desire to be well
- The anointing oil could mean Medicine for healing, or symbolic of the Holy Spirit,
- Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
- In Greek there are several words for “sick”. James uses “Kanino”, which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
- Attitude is important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others
Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.
Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat
Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.
Step 7: Yield All Results to God
Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).
When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.
Visit https://ultimatedanielfast.com/ to learn more about the Daniel Fast
(Some content from Fasting by Jentzen Franklin)