Greater Love Reformed Baptist Church
2024 Winter Fast
Fasting Theme: Deliverance
The theme of our fast us Deliverance. When I speak of deliverance for the Christian I am not talking about people casting out a demon or spirit that is “within” them. Deliverance for many are fixated on casting out an “anger spirit,” a “depressed spirit,” or a “grief spirit.”, etc.Those who practice deliverance believe that they can deliver individuals from “soul ties,” “spiritual strongholds,” “curses,” and “hexes.
What I do believe is that believers may be tempted, deceived, accused by Satan and may yield to these attacks (though they do not have to). If they do not resist Satan (James. 4:7; 1 Peter. 5:8-9), they may become entangled in the behavior so deeply that they cannot escape it without special help from other believers (1 Corinthians. 5:1-5; Hebrews 12:1-13).
I believe our journey in sanctification comes with the “old man”(Eph 4:2-24) that still has with it the old habits, sins, fears, behaviors, struggles, ideas, views that are in our old nature. However as we grow in Christ We are being changed hence delivered from diverse aspects of our life that are ungodly. Our fast will focus on “examining” ourselves(1 Cor. 11:28) for the sins, issues and struggles that have “entangled” us and that we need to “lay aside” ( Heb. 12:1).
Our prayer and fasting will help us see the power of God that is available to us through His Spirit. Throughout the day I will text out things may of us may be dealing with and need deliverance from. Our hope is that through this fast God will minister to us as review the struggles and sins and implement repentance and calling to God in prayer for deliverance.
Fasting Guidelines
What is fasting? And why should we do it? The most basic definition of fasting is an abstinence from food for a set period of time for: 1) seeking the will of God 2) aligning ourselves with the will of God, 3) repentance, 4) self reflection, 5) strengthening ourselves spiritually, 6) resolving spiritual conflict,7) increasing faith, 8) making major life decisions, 9)seeking God’s purpose in your life, or 10) revival, 11) enduring personal trials and 12) healing from sickness.
There are also times in our life when our fleshly desires overtake our spiritual duties and needs. Therefore, the desires of our flesh and these physical distractions must be removed for a time. We then can be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and align our will with His.
As Christians, believe it or not, there are lots of events in our journey that call for fasting. However, along with fasting, there should also be intentional prayer, repentance, self-examination, sobriety, and focused attention on the word of God.
Fasting and prayer: Your goal in fasting is to become closer to God by voluntarily denying the demands of your flesh and increasing your times of prayer. This can’t be emphasized enough, don’t forget to pray, pray, pray during your fast; it is vital. Make a strong effort to pray early in the morning while your day is still quiet. Every individual should pray at least three times a day. This can be at each meal or at predetermined times in your day. Praying as you fast will help as your mind will occasionally wonder about food and crave it. As the urging for food arises, instead of feeding our flesh, we will call on God and He will feed our soul giving us spiritual nourishment.
Study the Scriptures with a new intensity. The scriptures feed your spirit. It is suggested to partake of at least three scripture readings per day to strengthen the spirit while denying the flesh. Attempt to read scripture and pray before each meal.
Use the Biblical Model: Do a personal study of fasting. In the book of Daniel, chapters 2 and 10, Daniel describes two examples of his personal fasting and the dramatic results. Isaiah described God's chosen fast in Isaiah 58. Jesus fasted in the wilderness in Matthew 4 and spoke of the necessity of fasting for believers. It was a normal part of early church life. Fasting is one way we respond to the admonition throughout the Scriptures to die to our self-will and not accommodate the desires of the flesh.
As we fast we limit the desires of our fleshly body and prioritize our spirit. When we feed our craving with spiritual things rather than physical pleasures the spirit is strengthened and the flesh becomes weak. This pattern of putting spiritual things before the physical eventually leads to an increased desire for spiritual things and for God. When we crave food we will feast on the word of God and pray instead. It is amazing how spiritual things can satiate physical cravings. We are simply teaching the flesh that it is not in charge by meeting its needs second to our spiritual needs.
Following your own conscience: The precise details of your fast are between you and God. In Romans 14, the apostle Paul describes how we should relate in love to one another in the matter of what we eat or choose not to eat. He says, "Each person is free to follow the convictions of his own conscience" (Romans 14, The Message). If you fast often, you may need to turn up your fasting to another level during this time. If this is your first fast, you may not be able to endure as many restrictions as someone else who fasts frequently. In the future, live a "fasted lifestyle," increasingly accommodating God and not the flesh.
Accountability and support groups. You will probably be most successful if you make yourself accountable to at least one other person during the fast. You may want to form a group of five to seven people who meet occasionally or talk by phone to encourage one another. If someone falls and eats the wrong foods, do not condemn them. Help them start again. Walk in love and mercy.
Restricting television and entertainment. It will be difficult to grow spiritually if you feed yourself on television and movies during this time. It is important to restrict all forms of media except as needed for employment during the fast including: television, radio, computers, magazines or newspapers. The flesh is extremely sensitive to many types of media and enjoys feeding our desires and the mind through visual, and audible entertainment and distractions. Instead replace media with devotional readings and praise music.
Spiritual benefits. You can expect to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit during this time. This may result in greater discernment, dreams and great insight in the word of God. As you proactively deny the flesh to partake in spiritual food you may also become very sensitive to the longings of the flesh. The flesh becomes hungry for fulfillment as you deny it, making you more aware of its pull on your conscience and will. As you pray when you feel this pulling of the flesh you will start to recognize an increase in spiritual strength and less of a desire to fulfill the desires of the flesh. When the fast is over, you should have a new spiritual strength from overcoming the carvings that usually control your life and from dedicating yourself to God.
Important exceptions: Anyone with a medical condition related to eating or under the treatment of a physician must consult their doctor before beginning a fast. Children, especially small children, will have special needs that must be considered. Under these conditions, find some sacrifice in the area of food that can be made without endangering your health. Also, if you have extreme difficulty with the fast, such as impairment of your ability to work at your job, you will have to make adjustments. This is not a failure of will but wisdom. Seek the Lord and discuss it with other Christians involved in the fast to find alternatives.
"God's kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach . . . It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ.
Types of Fast
1. Total Fast:
Abstain from solid foods partaking of only liquids. Typically a person will drink water only. However, for many, health issues may be of concern, therefore one may use pure fruit juice or vegetable juice or a blend of both. Also liquid meal drinks are an option- with no sugar or caffeine for those with other health restrictions.
2. Daniel Fast:
During a “Daniel Fast” a person abstains from ALL meats and sugars, drinking water and eating only vegetables, fruits, nuts (with no salt or sugar) and natural grains that are sugar free.(Dan 10:2-13)
Altered version: Use the “Daniel Fast” throughout the day with the use of vegetables, fruit, etc., then add a piece of fish or chicken at the end of the day, with your last meal.
3. Meal a Day Fast:
Abstain from all meals except one predetermined, reasonable meal per day. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4. Gradual Fast:
First day or two days (or three days for those doing ten day fast)- TOTAL FAST
Next two days (or three days for those doing ten day fast)- DANIEL FAST
Last three days (or four days for those doing ten day fast)- MEAL A DAY FAST
The Daniel Fast Guidelines
In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
Daniel 10:2, 3
Overview of the fast: The Daniel fast drastically restricts normal food intake by cutting away many of the foods you commonly eat to satisfy your appetite. During the Daniel fast, there will be a sense of hunger much of the time and a sense of sacrifice even when we eat. We recommend that you restrict yourself to only one meal a day, leaving a small hunger.
Prepare for your Daniel Fast
When you shop for food remember to READ THE LABELS to make sure the only ingredients in packaged foods are suitable for the Daniel Fast. You will want to be especially aware of chemicals, dairy products and sweeteners - all of which are not allowed on the Daniel Fast.
Side Effects
During the Daniel Fast you will not consume any sugar or sweeteners of any kind, nor will you have any caffeine or artificial chemicals. Many people experience a physical detox during the first few days of the fast including headaches, fatigue, leg cramps and other typical symptoms.
You can reduce these effects by weaning yourself from these foods before the fast begins and also by drinking at least 1/2 gallon of filtered water each day before, during and after the fasting period.
Anytime you have concerns about symptoms you may experience, be sure to contact your health professional. Fasting should never be harmful to the body!
Foods to include on 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 and unsweetened 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 and 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.
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners and artificial sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice. All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed foods products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips. All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.