Breaking the Fast.

Sunday marks the end of our 21 day fast! 

You will want to break your fast Biblically.  Break your fast with the same sincerity that you have shown during the fast. Please, don't immediately begin consuming rich foods and think that you have to make up for the time you have fasted.  Your body has gone through a cleansing process. Why not let this fast be the kick start for a new healthy eating lifestyle?

The term "breakfast" comes from the biblical phrase "breaking the fast." The term occurs in the original language of John 21:12,15. "So when they had eaten breakfast (broken the fast), Jesus said to Simon Peter" (v.15). When you break your fast, you should be in fellowship with Jesus. You fasted and sought the presence of God in your life; now exit the fast with Him.

Sunday @ TFH we will break our fast with a "holy meal." We will participate in the Lord's Supper.  The Jews understood both fasting and feasting, or celebrations. After times of repentance and humbling themselves before God, they would then celebrate His presence and promises.  The Day of Atonement, as a solemn occasion, was properly symbolized by a fast, but it was always ended by a great celebration unto the Lord.

So, do whatever it takes to be with us Sunday and let's break the fast together with a time of communion and celebration!. 

Comments about fasting.

I want to share some comments about fasting from some great church leaders:

If you say I will fast when God lays it on me, you never will. You are too cold and indifferent. Take the yoke upon you.  Dwight L. Moody

As men and women are beginning to consider the days and times through which we are passing with a new seriousness, and as many are beginning to look for revival and reawakening, the question of fasting has become more and more important.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Fasting has gone almost completely out of the life of the ordinary person. Jesus condemned the wrong kind of fasting, but He never meant that fasting should be completely eliminated from life and living. We would do well to practice it in our own way and according to our own need.   William Barclay

There are indications that New Testament Christians were specially sensitive to the Spirit's communications during fasting.  F. F. Bruce

We should fast when we are concerned for God's work. I believe the greatest thing a church could has is a staff, and leaders who fast and pray - not when the church burns down, but in order to get the church on fire.  Fasting brings about a supernatural work in our lives.   Charles Stanley

Why don't you take time to add your comments about fasting by clicking the (no)comments section below.

Promises to Claim!

Isaiah 58 gives us great insight to fasting.  The first 14 verses should be read, meditated, and prayed over in order that we thoroughly understand the significance  and promises of fasting God's way.

Jack Taylor suggests that good outline for our study may be:

• Man's question to God, "Why have you not honored our fasts?" (vv.1-3)
• God's answer to man, "Your life contradicts your fast" (vv.3-5)
• God's question to man, "Is this the kind of fast I desire?" (v.5)
• God's answer to His own question, "My kind of fast produces genuine godliness and immense blessing" (vv.6-14)

Yesterday we looked at the promises available to us when we fast according to God's principles.  Today we want to continue to examine the promises that we can claim during the right fast.

"The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard."  (Is. 58:8c) This is an amazing promise! As you advance against the kingdom of darkness, you never have to worry about the enemy sneaking up on you from behind.  The glory of God will follow you wherever you go. Your influence will go before you, and the glory of God will be your rear guard.  So, don't fear you are covered with the greatest protection that you could ever imagine.

"Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' " (Is. 58:9) Here is a another great promise to claim as you fast - your prayers will be answered speedily.  It's not that God doesn't want to answer prayer or can't answer it, but there is interference in the spiritual atmosphere that tries to hinder the answer from being received.  Fasting helps smash through the resistance and brings the will of God to earth in the areas that you are praying about.

"Then your light will shine in the dark; your darkest hour will be like the noonday sun." (Is. 58:10) No matter how dark the night that you are facing you will have light, in fact you will be light to the darkness all around you. The darker the night, the brighter your light will shine. There are people all around you who have lost their way in the darkness of this world, but your light will direct them to the Father of Lights.

"The LORD will guide you continually,"   (Is. 58:11) This is one of the most helpful promises in this passage.  We all need direction and guidance, but this suggests that after the fast comes a level of guidance that will be ever with you as you follow Christ. 

Promises to Claim!

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The fast God desires is not an empty, passionless, religious act that produces no fruit. God cannot bless that. God has a specific purpose for fasting and prayer. Isaiah 58 lists some promises we can claim from fasting with the right attitude and focus.

8 "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard."

9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Isaiah 58:8-12 (NIV)

The first promise is found in verse eight: ^“Then your light will break forth like the dawn.” This seems to be a promise of illumination. For "light to break forth", there must be an obvious reference to the dawn of a new day. Therefore, the promise offers us a new day of spiritual illumination. I have noticed that during prolonged times of fasting the mind often takes on a new clarity, the Bible seems to light up with revelation. You can read a familiar passage, yet see things that were never revealed in the previous readings. 

The second promise says: “your healing will quickly appear.” I think this can refer to spiritual or physical health. After fasting, your spiritual health will be greater than before. Struggles and hindrances that affected you will be healed. It also refers to physical healing since the Scriptures teach that it is the will of God that we should prosper and be in health (bodily), even as our soul prospers. (3 John 2)

The third promise proclaims, "your righteousness will go before you." This seems to suggest that after the fast others will see Jesus in you in a greater way. You will have a "spiritual influence" that will bring increase to the Kingdom of God.

Be sure that you are spending time in the Word, listening to what Father wants to say to you and claiming the promises that are to be yours. 

I'll share more promises in the next few days.

 

Daniel Fast - Spiritual Committment

The Daniel Fast consists of more than just a diet adjustment or not eating certain foods. The Daniel Fast is based on a spiritual commitment to God. 

 "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself"
(Daniel 1:8 (NKJV)  

He negotiated the details with his overseer but the whole process started with a spiritual commitment to God.  

Daniel considered this a test to his walk with God and would not allow anything to hinder his relationship. Is there any area in your life where you have been compromising instead of committing? If so, take time right now to purpose in your heart that you will not defile your walk with God. 

The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. The results of fasting and staying committed to God were ongoing in the lives of Daniel and his friends. 

"God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams." (Daniel 1:17 (NLT)  

 The insight God gave them evidently was the result of their fast.

Just doing without certain food for 21 days does not make us smarter. God gives wisdom and knowledge to those who have the self discipline to withhold food and spend time in prayer, reading His word and seeking His will.   

Re-purpose in your heart today that this last week of the your fast you will be open and sensitive to what God wants to reveal to you. 

To Free the Captives!

 God reveals an amazing promise in Isaiah 58:6 -  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 

God reveals through Isaiah the nature of the fast that He has chosen.  It is to loose people from oppression and bondage.  He is proclaiming a breakthrough of liberation!  

The primary reference is, of course, to literal slavery.  But for us there is a spiritual application. People today may not be bound with chains and fetters, but with the invisible shackles of evil.  They fight oppression, which is not social but spiritual, even satanic. The discerning eye can recognize that many we meet are oppressed by the devil, vexed by demons, bound by forces that they do not understand and from which they cannot break free.

Sadly, even some Christians are bound by fear, resentment, jealousy and sinful lifestyles.

But how do they get free? Trying harder, praying longer, exercising faith and confessing the Word for freedom maybe a good place to start but the prophet suggests that we add the fasting dimension to our battle.

And that is exactly what you have been doing! Fasting, with the proper focus, strengthens the intercessor to remain persistent  until the enemy is compelled to loosen his grasp on the captive. Fasting will also give authority to speak the commanding word that effects the release.  This is one of the benefits from the fast that we are prayerfully expecting. 

Today, Proclaim breakthrough liberation over your life and others that you know are bound!

Half-way Danger Zone!

Congratulations, you are over half-way finished with your 21 Day Fast!  This is day 11 of your journey.  Maybe you have found it a challenging but rewarding time, or perhaps you have a bit of guilt because you were not as disciplined and focused as you wanted to be. Either way, you have invested time, effort, discipline, and prayer into the last 11 days.  Now is not a time to settle back and get discouraged, but it's a time to dig in with a greater intensity of commitment to the goals you set at the start of this journey. 

You are entering the "half-way danger zone".  Everyone knows that when a project gets half way completed it is easy to slack off and glide, thereby sabotaging the project. There's the diet you were on to lose 20 pounds and at the loss of 11 you began to reward yourself with few extra calories and before you knew it you gained the other back. Or there is that project to clean out the garage that has been closing in on your car. You began and got half-way through and got discouraged because there was so much more to do. So you decided that half-way, after all, is better than what it was. 

Nehemiah faced this "danger zone" as he was leading the project to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. The story is found in Nehemiah 4. When the wall was half way completed the people became discouraged because there was so much yet to be done and the enemy was trying to create confusion with their words.  But Nehemiah re-focused the team to be on guard against the enemy's defeating words and to finish what they had started with the help of God. They not only finished but finished in recording breaking time.

Take time today to recommit to finishing strong!  I believe your sensitivity to the things of God will become greater in these last few days. You will be amazed at how clearly you hear the direction of Your Master.  Together, we'll complete this spiritual challenge. 

Prayer and Fasting - the real dynamic duo!

Jesus gave His disciples the dynamic formula that helps bring change, it's prayer that is enriched by fasting.

So Jesus said to them... if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 17:20-21 (NKJV) 

There have been times that we have made earnest prayers to God for some specific need, with the assurance that this was in the will of God, and yet there has been no answer from heaven.  And we ask, "why?" 

I don't assume to know the total answer to that question but I do know that when Jesus' disciples asked why they couldn't bring deliverance to a troubled young man, Jesus said it requires fasting with our prayer. This is one of those areas where scripture states facts, but does not explain them. 

Prayer is simple yet complex, it is talking to our Father but it is also warfare, wrestling with opposing forces. There is the constant element of continuing in prayer until we see the answer.

Andrew Murray says, "Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, to sacrifice ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God."

Here are some lessons I have learned about prayer and fasting:

• I seem to pray at a deeper spiritual level when I add fasting to my prayer.
• I free up more time to pray when I don't eat.
• I am reminded to pray every time I feel hunger pangs.
• There is breakthrough when I participate in corporate church prayer.

JOIN ME TONIGHT AT TFH FOR CORPORATE PRAYER - 6:30-7:30PM!

Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing!

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When you held days of fasting… were you doing it for me? Zechariah 7:5 (MSG)

Some people say, “why should I fast, what do I get from fasting?” This question reveals an issue that hinders breakthrough with God. It points to a self-centered “all about me” attitude. Don’t get me wrong, there are personal benefits from fasting such as weight loss, physical healing, taking control of your appetite and intensifying your spiritual walk. I am not suggesting that it is not right to seek these things, but our main focus must be the main thing.

When Jesus addressed the subject of fasting, it was about the motive. He is not merely concerned with what we do, but why we do it. A right thing may lose its benefit in the sight of God if it is done with a wrong motive. 

Jesus warned us that when we fast we shouldn't let our motive be to impress people, or  that we are super saints. 

 “When you fast, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already." Matthew 6:16 (AMP)

 They were not fasting to the Lord but to the pride of their own hearts. 

As we are fasting, let's keep the main thing the main thing – our basic motive should be to honor and glorify Him - to keep our eyes focused on Him, not selfish motives for the gratification of personal desires and ambitions.  

In this way, we are preserved from ever permitting the blessings to mean more to us than the Blesser.

Second Week Focus

Welcome to our second week of Fasting with Prayer.   

Last week our fasting/prayer focus was on a personal time of repentance. The result of last week’s time of fasting was setting your mind toward God. Fasting brings about a supernatural work in our lives.  God will not entrust supernatural power to those whose lives are not under total control.  Why would God want to release his supernatural energy, power, and favor to a person whose heart is not totally yielded to Him?

This week our focus moves toward the church – a time of Revisioning. I believe the greatest thing a church could do is fast and pray to see God’s will accomplished. Throughout history revival has come as a result of the church setting aside a corporate time for fasting and prayer.  

Here are the suggested areas we will pray about this week:

·      For God’s glory to fill our church.

·      Raise the Bar – five year TFH Vision.

·      An increase anointing for empowerment

·      A release of the miraculous in healing, finances, marriages, and relationships.

Be sure to check out these resources by clicking here to help you during the fast.  Also, if you have a story to tell, please click here to send an email.

Fasting for Direction and Guidance

There's one prayer request that comes in almost every Sunday - "I need direction and guidance in my life." During this fast, be ready for God to bring clarity and direction into your life.  

As you read of fasting in the Bible, it is often in the context of God giving a revelation or guidance to people. It was true when Daniel fasted, the angel Gabriel came and told him of things to come, including the very year Jesus was to be born. (Daniel 10).

It happened also in Acts 13:14 when Paul and Barnabas "ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them." They received guidance to plant churches as they fasted. 

Another example is in Acts 10, Cornelius fasted and God gave him direction to send for Peter who would tell him what to do. 

You do not have to wander around without direction or guidance, your Father in heaven wants to bring clarity and focus to your path. As He reveals steps for you to take, it is important to be obedient to His direction. Many times people are wanting God to give them guidance, but they have not obeyed the last words that they received. Remember, He meets us at our point of obedience. You may need to return to the previous direction He gave you and obey that before you receive more direction.  

Remember, it's the things no one sees you do, that produce the results that you want.

During these 21 days of prayer and fasting, it will be a challenging, but victorious time that will affect your future. So stick with it, and listen to what God is saying. He has a great plan for you!

What has Father been saying to you during these first 5 days? What scripture has He highlighted for you? I really have enjoyed reading your comments at the bottom of this blog, they have been very encouraging.

Maybe you are thinking all I am hearing right now is my stomach growling - saying “feed me, feed me” or as I heard someone today yell, “I need a cheeseburger.”

Hang in there, turn that hunger toward a hunger to know Jesus better. At times like this we learn just how much our bodies try to dictate to us.

I promise you, as you continue on this journey, you WILL hear His voice with a reawakened awareness. I would recommend that you use a personal journal which will help you capture and record all the incredible things God is speaking into your life.

A great, simple way to journal your devotional time is to use the SOAP method. (Wayne Cordeiro has some great material about this in his book, Divine Mentor. Look to the banner at the right to order.) 

SOAP stands for:

Scripture

Observation

Application

Prayer

It works like this:

S for Scripture. 
Read prayerfully. Take notice of which scripture(s) catches your attention and circle it in your Bible. When you’re done, reread the verse you circled and rewrite it in your journal.

O for Observation. 
Focus on that scripture, then tune in and listen to what God is saying to you through His Word. What is it about this verse that especially stands out? What does God want to reveal to you or teach you? Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide and show you what God is saying.

A for Application. 
Think of how this verse applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or correction for a particular area of your life. Use your journal to write how this verse applies to you today.

P for Prayer.  
Wrap up your time in prayer. Talk to God about what you have just read. This can be as simple as thanking him for revealing a truth from the scripture, or it may be asking Him for greater insight or how to apply this to your life. Remember prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue.

This is the method I use daily, it’s as simple or deep as you want it to be. But you are able to record and cherish what God is saying to you. Many times I re-read the insights in my journal to bring encouragement by remembering His Words.

You are doing great! I know God is sharing things with you because His word tells us if we abide in Him and He abides in us, we can ask anything and it will be done according to His will.

Blessings on you!

Fasting For Specific Needs

As you have begun this Journey of Fasting it is good to remember that whatever your needs may be this time of fasting, with prayer, is a powerful spiritual tool.  Maybe you need direction, protection or deliverance.  Fasting is a private discipline with rewards that are seen publicly. 

We have suggested that during this week you focus on YOU.  This is a time for Repentance and a humbling of ourselves before God.  Maybe you need to let go of your past, be free from addictions and bad habits or perhaps you simply desire a greater hunger for the presence of God.  Sometimes we can feel frustrated with areas of our life that seem to hold us in bondage.  In Mark 9, Jesus' disciples were frustrated because they couldn't cast out an evil spirit.  Jesus said, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29). 

Through fasting, with prayer, we can break free from the issues in our life that are not pleasing to God.  "Is this not the fast that I have chosen; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6). One of the keys to deliverance is fasting and prayer.

Maybe you are struggling with the emotional bondage of depression or anxiety.  Elijah battled negative emotional feelings when he learned of Jezebel's threats against him.  He was depressed and even suicidal. (1 Kings 19:4)

That is when an angel came to Elijah and instructed him to journey back into the presence of God.  The Bible tells us that Elijah fasted for 40 days as he traveled to the mountain of God.  God gave him victory from the depression and fear and gave him hope, comfort and direction. 

Prayer for the Day:  Thank You, Lord, I humbly repent before you.  Forgive me for sins and failures in my life.   I ask that you renew me as I push back my plate and as I pull away from the TV and read your Word during this time of fasting. 

Starting your Fast!

 This is a blog from Jentzen Franklin that I thought was worth sharing today:

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

It is no secret that denying the flesh is difficult. Paul talks about it in Romans; What we want to do we don’t do and what we don’t want to do, that we do. Fasting may not be easy but the presence of God is more than worth it!

Don’t get so focused on how and what to fast that you lose sight of why you’re fasting. It is a time of denying your flesh and feeding your spirit—pray and read the Word daily! 

Get your plan prepared. Be sure you have a clear goal for your fast. Is it direction, restoration of a relationship, healing or financial breakthrough?  Why are you fasting?

Get your spirit prepared. Confess your sins to God. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal areas of your life that need to change (Psalm 139:23-24). 

Get your body prepared. If you have health concerns, consult your doctor. If you have poor eating habits or addictions, this is your chance to create a healthy change. Seek the Lord and get freedom!

Prepare your menu. What you fast is up to you. You do not have to follow any specific diet to join the corporate fast. Some choose a full fast in which they only drink liquids. Others fast like Daniel, abstaining from breads and meats and only drink water. Some people fast their favorite coffee drink, abstain from all sweets, or fast one meal a day. There are many types of fasts. God will honor your best sacrifice. 

Remember when you fast, it is common to experience headaches and irritability as your body detoxifies and experiences withdrawals from caffeine and sugar. And naturally, you will feel hunger. Take advantage of these moments as a reminder of why you’re fasting and pause to pray and seek the Lord.

Don’t wait for the perfect time to begin and don’t quit if you stumble. Remember, it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58:6-9). May God greatly bless you as you begin your fast!

Fasting on Purpose

Biblical fasting is more than just doing without food.  It is a time to direct your private discipline toward God on purpose.

When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.

What is the Fasting Purpose for you?

1. Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
2. Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
3. Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
4. Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
5. Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
6. Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
7. Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
8. Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
9. Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?

The Prophet Isaiah talked about fasting on purpose “[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”(Isaiah 58:6)

There are several great promises in this verse.  As you fast and pray let this verse serve as a promise from God.  There are many of our family and friends that need to experience the freedom in areas of their life. Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times and we know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!
Ask the Lord to show you areas to focus on during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that, as we pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!