As we approach 2011, I would suggest reflecting on 2010. How was 2010 for you? Did you accomplish the goals you wanted to. Did it end well? 2011 is another year, a year of new beginnings, new goals, accomplishments and a new start. As we dedicate them to God, also realize that we have our part to play.Write down goals for 2011 discuss with partner and how to accomplish them.
This week and first & second weeks in January 2011 should be a time of reflection, consecration and dedication unto God. We should spend time in fasting and prayers.
After Moses fasted for forty days, he was swept up into new place and received the ten commandments. After Jesus fasted for forty days, the Holy Spirit empowered his life, ministry of healing and preaching was launched.
Fasting cleanses the body, soul and spirit. In the bible those who sought God and desired to enter into deeper spiritual realms used fasting as a powerful tool. Actual definition of fasting means"to abstain from food partially or completely." When accomplished through the direction of the Holy Spirit, has the power to break the control of the flesh.When struggling with food, sex, out of control emotions, money, television, internet, fasting helps break the power of such. It brings your mind and spirit under God's submission.
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." If your flesh rules you, you will acutally be drawn to the very things, people and foods that can destroy you.
The process of crucifying the flesh must be accomplished through prayer, renewing the mind daily with God's word and watching words spoken from our lips. Fasting is the dynamite that makes all such efforts easier and more effective.
Types of fasting:
Corporate fasting for the church and large amount of people.
Leviticus 16:29 " This shall be a statue forever to you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all.
Esther fasting: Queen Esther decided to take a 3 day dry fasting of no food or water. To save her people from destruction. "Go gather together all the jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast s you do. When this is done, I will go to the King even though it is against the law, And if I perish I perish." Esther 4:16.
3 day fasting is for deliverance, divine favor and protection. It moves the hand of God mightily, changes the heart of men, breaks strongholds,help turn hurting individuals back to God, accelerates answers to prayers. I can attest to this, after fasting dry for 3 days and 1 month later blessed with my daugther.
Ezra Fast: the trip to Jerusalem was dangerous. Ezra needed protection to lead the jews back to their home city. Ezra 8 :21 "I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions" For protection security and direction.
Elijah and Moses Fast: Never go on a forty day fast without a special word from God, no matter how heavy your yoke. Even then, your physician must closely monitor such a lengthy fast. Elijah didn't eat or drink, and the power of the terror, despondency and depression that had assailed his mind and overwhelmed his emotions was broken. Elijah and Moses went on a supernatural fast in which they ingested neither food or water. Jesus, however, went on a forty day fast and drank water, but ate no food.
Interestingly, on the Mount of Transfiguration, Elijah and Moses-the two men who had fasted for forty days without food or water - were there with Jesus. All three who stood on the Mount together had undergone a forty-day fast.
"And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him." Matthew 17:3.
This kind of fasting help combat spiritual enemies, births forth ministry, gifts and prayers that have been hindered.
Daniel Fast I:
" Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine... Please test your servants for ten days" give us nothing but vegetable to eat and water to drink" Daniel 1:8 &12. In verse 15 they looked healthier than the other men. God granted them favor, wisdom and insight far above anyone around them. This fasting helps crucify the flesh.
Daniel Fast II:
Fast where Daniel took nothing but water. "In those days, I Daniel, was mourning three full weeks 21 days. I ate no pleasant bread, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I annoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." Daniel 10:2-3 . This fasting is great for breakthroughs.
Disciples Fast:
The disciples encountered some resistance to the healing power of God, when the disciples could not Jesus healed the boy. Read Matthew 17:15.The Bible describes the disciples' fast to break strongholds in Isaiah 58:6. IT beaks yokes, bondages of any kinds, sets people free and for empowered ministry.
Repentance: Repent for our sins, family, parents and generations. Ask blood of Jesus to cleanse us.
Writing payer goals: During fasting it is very crucial you are very specific in what you want God to do. Write down what God says about your request. if praying for a child - write down God's word saying - fruitfulness and blessing the barren, if praying for a spouse - write down scripture about marriage. etc. During fasting speak those scripture aloud while praying.
Worship & God's Word - Meditate on worship music/ any music you love that ushers you into the presence of God. Also meditate on scriptures you are praying about.
Fast on weekends where no distractions and focus on fast. Day before your fast eat fruits and vegetables/soups.
Suggested Juice Fasting Recipes:
2 apples, 1/4 slice ginger, 1/2 small lemon and 1 scoop green superfood
1 pink grapefrui peeled, 1/2 small lemon, 1 apple, 1 scoop green superfood
4 carrots, 1 apple, 1/2 beet, 1 scoop green superfood
watermelon alone juiced to make enough 8 oz
2 carrots, 1 beet, 1/2 cucumber, 1 apple
Take it morning afternoon and dinner during fast you choose. Take Green tea in the morning and for lunch. Green tea is high in polyphenols, has 200 times more antioxidant power than vitamin e AND 500 times more than vitanin C.
For those with sensitive digestive tracts, they do better when fruit juice is separated from vegetable juice. Or can indentify what item causes problem and remove them.
For diabetic or hypoglycemia add 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or rice meal into juice
The Lemonade fast "Master Cleanse"
2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon/lime juice
1 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup
1/10 tsp cyenne pepper
8 oz spring/ filtered water
liquid stevia/honey to taste
Mix and drink 8-12 glasses a day. eat/ drink nothing but water and tea for a day.
This is quite popular and even Bey once have done it.
Breaking your fast - reintroduce foods gradually with fruits, soups and then vegetables & food last.
Giving: After fast, make sure you give as God leads you. There is something powerful that happens giving money to whom God leads after fasting. It will accelerate answers to your prayers very quickly.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts. If I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:10-11.
Those who have no time to juice I would suggest getting a protein food like - Living Fuel living protein - great for diabetics, athletes, active life style and vegetarians $37.97. , living fuel superberry original $77.97,
Jarrow Formulas brown rice protein $8.81 on vitacost, NutriBiotic Vegan Rice Protein Drink Vanilla $26.06 vitacost, Olympian Labs Pea Protein Natural Vanilla $21.99 vitacost, Biochem Sports Vegan Protein Vanilla -- 12 Servings $12.10 vitacost. Also available in chocolate.
Remeber your body is the temple of God. We should do periodic juice fasts/ any fasts led by God every month/2-3 months to enhance our spiritual journey and keep our bodies in health. Once you become accustomed to fasting for 2-3 days, you may choose to increase it a little. Fasting is a powerful tool for health, cleansing, healing, strength and spiritual empowerment 7 for self or for others. First commit that time to God for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Devote it to reading God's word, prayer and worship.Remove every distraction = phone, internet and sex. If married inform spouse before fasting to be in agreement.
If you have never accepted Christ, would you please do so, It does not harm or kill. Why not invite Christ into your heart. Reaper this prayer
"Dear Jesus, I repent for all of my sins. I repent for the sins that have brought bondage and fear into my life and into the lives of others. I thank you for dying on the cross for me so that I might be free. I receive your forgiveness right now. Jesus, come into my heart, for I give my life to You. In Jesus' name. Amen."
I also suggest reading Toxic Relief by Don Colbert M.D. Some notes are culled from. Please do not attempt to fast without consulting your doctor.
Happy New Year everyone!!! 2011 would be a year of Double dose. doubles dose of blessings, deeper relationship with God, double dose of increase in ministry, career and ministry. We need to step up our game and stop being fake. We either are fully with God or against him. God is searching for those who are willing to let go, serve him fully and be a vessel through which we can be a blessing to others. Remember to keep presidents and leaders in your prayers.
This Video sums it up!! Love You Readers!!!!
Happy New Year everyone!!! What will you do in 2011 to prove your love to God? God has been so good to you in 2010 and we owe it to him to love him with our hearts, soul and most importantly our actions!