IMP ACT FASTING GUIDE

Transcription

1 IMP ACT FASTING GUIDE

2 IMP ACT BBFC Impact 2019 Fast: Prepare Yourself What Is Fasting? Christian fasting is a believer s voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes. Fasting is not: Abstaining from things such as social media (while good, social media is not food); A detox or diet (while good, neither of these is spiritual); A forced act (it is voluntary); A way to get God to perform your will; rather it is both aligning yourself with and preparing to receive His will. We live in a gluttonous, denial-less, self-indulgent society, so the discipline of fasting is a most counter-cultural idea. Nevertheless, fasting is a necessary part of the Christian life. For it is a discipline that Jesus Himself undertook in Luke 4. Fasting is, for believers, rooted in a relationship with Christ and practiced with the desire to become more like Christ. Biblical Purposes for Fasting Scripture sets forth many purposes for fasting, but we will look at them in ten major categories. Notice that none of the purposes is to earn God s favor. It is useless to fast as a way to impress God and earn His acceptance. Faith in the work of Jesus Christ makes us acceptable to God, not our efforts, regardless of their intensity or sincerity. JANUARY 7-27

3 Fasting is more for US than it is for God, for it draws us closer to Him so that He might perform greater works through us a yielded vessels. To strengthen prayer (Ezra 8:23, Nehemiah 1:4, Acts 13:3) To seek God s guidance (Acts 14:23) To express grief (Judges 20:26-28) To seek deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3-4; Esther 4:16; Psalm 109:20-24) To express repentance and to return to God (1 Samuel 7:6; Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:5-8) To humble oneself before God (1 Kings 21:27-29; Psalm 35:13) To express concern for the work of God (Nehemiah 1:3-4; Daniel 9:3) To minister to the needs of others (Isaiah 58:6-7) To overcome temptation and dedicate yourself (Matthew 4:1-11) To express love and worship to God (Luke 2:37) Kinds of Fasts Fasting, in the biblical sense, can be private (Matthew 6:16-18), corporate/congregational (Joel 2:15-16; Acts 13:2), and even national (2 Chronicles 20:3, Nehemiah 9:1, Esther 4:16, Jonah 3:5-8). This speaks to the participants, and not to the content of the fast. In addition to being private, corporate, or national, there are 3 main kinds of fasts that are of particular note in scripture: Absolute Fast Avoidance of all food and liquid, even water (Esther 4:16; Deuteronomy 9:9, Acts 9:9). Normal Fast Abstaining from all food, but not from water (Luke 4:2). Partial Fast Exclusion of certain foods for spiritual purposes, but not complete abstinence from all food (Matthew 3:4, Daniel 1:12-16, Daniel 10:2-3). BBFC IMPACT 2019 FAST

4 Fasting can be a testimony even one directed to yourself that you find your greatest pleasure and enjoyment in life from God. It s a way of demonstrating to yourself that you love God more than food, that seeking Him is more important to you than eating, that Jesus the Bread of heaven (John 6: 51) is more satisfying to you than earthly bread. When you fast you remind yourself that unlike many, your stomach is not your god (Philippians 3: 19). Rather, it is the servant of the true God, because you re willing to sublimate your stomach s desires to those of the Spirit. BBFC Impact 2019 Fast: January 7-27 As a body, we will corporately undertake a Daniel-type Partial Fast, as is exemplified in Daniel 10:2-3. We will fast for three full weeks, from January 7 to January 27. Why Are We Fasting? Our purpose for fasting is to individually and corporately express our Our 2019 Church theme is Better Together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). It is God s will that we live out our faith in community with each other. So, our purpose for fasting is to individually and corporately express concern for the work of God as well as to overcome the temptation of doing things the way the world dictates. We desire to draw closer to Him so that we might recommit, redirect and refocus our affections and efforts to make a greater impact for the cause of Christ in Our greater impact will only be realized when we sacrifice and surrender our individual wills to His ultimate will for our lives. As we JANUARY 7-27

5 embark upon a New Year, the temptation is always to continue with the same old way of thinking. Fasting is a means for us to gain a spiritual perspective, to hear with increased clarity, and to respond with greater passion and compassion towards God s people. We are fasting to break the cycle of bad habits, poor thinking and the power of spiritual strongholds which have prevented us from experiencing true community with each other. What God wants to do through us, He will only do when we are together and on one accord (see Acts 2:1). We are fasting to prepare ourselves for the impact God wants to make through us in 2019! Fasting Commitment Corporate fasting is most effective when everyone is committed to the goal and to the process. To that end, will you commit to: 1. Fully participate in the fast for 21 days, according to the guidelines of this guide; 2. Spending at least 5 minutes per day reading and meditating on the focus scripture; 3. Spending at least 10 minutes praying and journaling daily; 4. Participating daily in a 7:14am or 7:14pm prayer conference call; and, 5. Believing God for miraculous results! I commit to the 4 statements above. Printed Name Signature Date Daily Prayer Call Information 7:14am and 7:14pm Dial-in Number PIN # BBFC IMPACT 2019 FAST

6 Impact 2019: Gradual-Release Fast In order to make our fast a rewarding experience, we have created a gradual-release fast. This fast makes arriving at our destination (consuming only unprocessed fruits, vegetables, legumes, and water) a more manageable undertaking. Week 1 (Jan. 7 - Jan. 13): Abstain from Sweets During the first week of the fast, we abstain from consuming foods containing refined sugar and sweeteners. Refined sugar is sugar other than fructose from fruit and vegetables, and lactose from dairy products We can consume: Meats (they can be breaded this week) Eggs Fresh, unprocessed Fruits (berries are best, but all fruits are allowed) Fresh, unprocessed Vegetables (no sugar or glaze added) Legumes (beans, peas, lentils) Plain Dairy Products (without added sugar) Whole Grain Foods (including breads and crackers with no added sugar) Rice and Pasta Chips and Popcorn (without added sugar from flavoring) Tortillas and wraps Raw Honey Water (unflavored). Add your own fresh fruit to create infused water Plain Coconut Water 100% Fruit Juice Tea (unsweetened or with raw honey) Coffee (black, with milk or cream that is unsweetened, and/ or with raw honey if desired) JANUARY 7-27

7 Week 1 (Jan. 7 - Jan. 13): Abstain from Sweets We should consume in moderation (we will call these cheats ): Butter (including alternatives such as Smart Balance, Country Crock, and I Can t Believe it s not Butter) Margarine Salt and Seasonings containing salt Pork Vegetable Oils (except Olive, Sesame and Coconut Oils) We should avoid: Desserts (cakes, cookies, donuts, pies, cobblers, and even granola bars with added sugar). Sweet Breads Sauces with sugar added (other than sugar from fresh fruit Sweetened Cereals with Sugar added. Meal Replacement Shakes or Bars containing sugar Smoothies or other Fruit Drinks with added sugar Sweetened Drinks (including diet or sugar-free options), except drinks sweetened with raw honey Sugar Substitutes such as stevia, Splenda, Equal Sports Drinks Artificially flavored foods Sugary Condiments, such as ketchup and relish Seasonings containing sugar BBFC IMPACT 2019 FAST

8 Week 2 (Jan. 14-Jan. 20): Abstain from Wheats During the second week of the fast, we abstain from foods containing wheat, in addition to continuing to abstain from foods containing sweets, which we began last week. We can consume: Meats (un-breaded) Eggs Fresh, unprocessed Fruits (berries are best, but all fruits are allowed)fresh, unprocessed Vegetables (no sugar or glaze added) Legumes (beans, peas, lentils) Brown Rice Certain grains: quinoa, millet, buckwheat, amaranth Plain Dairy Products (without added sugar) Raw Honey Water (unflavored). Add your own fresh fruit to create infused water Plain Coconut Water 100% Fruit Juice Tea (unsweetened or with raw honey) Coffee (black, with milk or cream that is unsweetened, and/ or with raw honey if desired) We should consume in moderation ( cheats ): Butter (including alternatives such as Smart Balance, Country Crock, and I Can t Believe it s not Butter, Margarine Salt and Seasonings containing salt Pork Vegetable Oils (except Olive, Sesame and Coconut Oils) We should avoid: All foods from the week #1 Avoid List Bread and Crackers Chips and Popcorn Tortillas and Wraps White Rice and other processed grains (granola, oats ) Pasta and Noodles (white, brown, or vegetable) JANUARY 7-27

9 Week 3 (Jan ): Abstain from Sweets, Wheats, Meats, and Cheats! This week, we go in! For seven days, consume only: Fresh, unprocessed Fruits Fresh, unprocessed Vegetables Legumes (beans, peas, lentils) Brown Rice Certain grains: quinoa, millet, buckwheat, amaranth Water (can be infused) Plain Coconut Water 100% Fruit Juice Tea (unsweetened or with raw honey) Coffee (unsweetened, and/or with raw honey if desired, no cream)raw Honey Olive oil, coconut oil or sesame oil We should avoid: All items from the Week #1 List and the Week #2 Avoid Lists All cheats All items not listed on the Week #3 consume only list If you are wondering whether or not you can consume a food which not listed here, the safe answer is no; however, remember that fasting is voluntary. Do what you believe in your heart is best and that with which you believe the Lord will be most pleased. BBFC IMPACT 2019 FAST

10 Impact 2019: Gradual-Release Fast Helpful Tips and Reminders The first and most important thing to remember about fasting is that it is for a spiritual purpose. The moment you decide to do anything for a spiritual purpose, the enemy prepares to attack you (see Luke 4:3). This is important to remember because you will discover that, while you may think to yourself that giving up sweets or breads is not really a sacrifice for you (perhaps because you don t really eat those things as it is), you will become the target of temptations and attacks unlike those on normal days. Why? Because you have made a spiritual, not just a health or dietary, decision. The key to success on any fast or other undertaking is preparation. Before the fast begins, create a weekly shopping list based on the items we can consume. Do as much meal and snack preparation as you can because waiting until it s time to eat to make a food decision is a great way to make a poor food decision! You should also prepare in other ways for this fast: Determine your personal spiritual purpose(s) for fasting in advance. Without a purpose for fasting, you might as well eat! It will be helpful to write down your personal, spiritual purpose(s) for fasting, as well as your prayer requests and praise reports. This can become a powerful testimony later. We will be praying at 7:14 each morning and each evening, so you should prepare yourself to participate in this prayer time each day. If you are unable to join the prayer call at 7:14 each day, then clear some time that works best for your schedule and some personal space that you can JANUARY 7-27

11 Helpful Tips and Reminders devote to prayer. Included in this booklet is a 21-Day devotional. Scripture Guide and Prayer Journal. Plan now for how and when you will journal daily. Each day s journaling exercise should take about 15 minutes. If you have family or friends living with you who are not participating in the fast, invite them to join! If they refuse, it s okay to share with them that you will be undertaking this spiritual journey and solicit their prayers and support. Here are some dietary tips for the 21-Day Fast: Use Raw Honey as a sweetener for your drinks and even some foods. But don t overdo the honey! Add your own fresh fruit (especially berries) to boost flavor of plain yogurts; Slice fresh lemons, limes, kiwi, strawberries or other fruit and add them to your water. If you let the water sit overnight in a large pitcher, you have created delicious infused water; Use olive oil, coconut oil or sesame oil in place of butter; Consider substituting sweet potatoes for white potatoes; Your fast is between you and God! It is not an announcement to others as to how spiritual you are, nor is it an opportunity to brag about your own willpower or discipline. It is a time to grow closer to the Lord. Jesus instructs us as to our demeanor during fasting: And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:16-18, ESV). BBFC IMPACT 2019 FAST

12 Hunger during a fast is important and necessary, not as a distraction; but hunger helps you, by serving as a continual reminder of your spiritual purpose. When you feel hungry, that s a good time to remind yourself of your purpose and pray! twenty-one days of PRAYER & FASTING JANUARY 7-27

13 Impact 2019: 21-Day Scripture Guide and Prayer Journal How to Use this Prayer Journal This journal is intended to get all of us who are fasting into the practice of praying God s Word and writing our prayers. Prayer journaling is powerful because it gives us a record of our requests and God s responses. How powerful it is to go back and read your supplications, then to recall how God answered them! Each week, there is an introduction, which frames the prayer focus for the week. Carefully read these introductions. Then, each day of the week, you ll find focus scripture printed for you based upon the theme for the week. All scriptures are from the ESV, the version of the House for Bible-Based. Next, you ll find a guided prayer journal, so you can write a prayer based on the scripture for the day. The entire journal exercise is intended to take about 15 minutes, and it is best to do the activity at the same time each day. First thing in the morning is recommended; however, you can do the journal activity at any time. The goal is to journal consistently for 21 days! The extent to which prayer and journaling are effective completely depends on the degree to which you are honest and transparent. Some of the journal exercises call for you to be brutally honest with yourself before God (He knows anyway). You are even guided to name names in some sections. Therefore, you may wish to keep this journal out of plain sight. You want to be as open as possible as you work through the exercises each day.

14 Week #1 Focus: Why Are We Better Together Then the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him (Genesis 2:18). God s words in Genesis 2:18a, It is not good mark the first instance in the creation narrative in which God sees something that is not good. The man, God declares, should not be alone. So, God makes him a helper. With this act, God Himself makes relationships a priority. The word helper, while many assume it to mean wife or companion, is used at least 21 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. And its definition is far broader than wife. In fact, in the Hebrew, a helper is one who supports, defends, assists in conquering, protects, and aids in times of distress. So, God provided for Adam a suitable help. And He does the same for us. He has given us one another. And we are better together! This week, we will examine Biblical reasons why we are better together. The world would have us to believe that we don t necessarily need anyone, especially once we have been hurt or abused by another person. But God s Word paints a different picture. JANUARY 7-27

15 Monday, January 7 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV Reasons we are better together (from today s text): #1: #2: It is sometimes hard for me to see the benefits of being in relationship with others because: Help me to

16 Tuesday, January 8 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20, ESV Reason we are better together (from this text): #3: It is sometimes difficult for me to gather or come together with others because: Help me to

17 Wednesday, January 9 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17, ESV Reason we are better together (from this text): #4: I really need to be sharpened in the following areas in my life: Help me to

18 Thursday, January 10 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17, ESV Reasons we are better together (from today s text): #5: #6: Thank you for the following friends and brothers and/or sisters I believe You have put in my life: Help me to

19 Friday, January 11 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20, ESV Reason we are better together (from this text): #7: It is sometimes difficult for me to tell the difference between those who are wise and those who are fools in my life because: Help me to

20 Saturday, January 12 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16, ESV Reason we are better together (from this text): #8: It is sometimes difficult for me to share my sins with others and/ or pray with others because: Help me to

21 Sunday, January 13 From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16, ESV Reason we are better together (from this text): #9: I don t feel that I am working properly in the following areas: Help me to

22 Week #2 Focus: What Hinders Us from Coming Together? I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:1; 22-24, ESV). Paul, in Ephesians 4, encourages believers to make their walk match their talk. Literally, he is urging us to regulate our outward habits so that they are aligned with the inward new self we have been gifted through salvation. Paul s words indicate that the change in our outward habits is our responsibility ( put off and put on ). In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul gives us a lengthy comparison of these two selves: unworthy Walk (the old self ) Worthy Walk (the new self ) v. 18 Hardened heart v. 2 Humble, gentle, patient, loving v. 19 Greedy, callous, v. 22 Corrupt through deceitful desires v. 28 Works to share with those in need v. 25 Speaks the truth with ones neighbor v. 17 As the Gentiles v. 24 In the likeness of God v. 26 Holds on to anger (after the sun goes down) v. 31. Bitter, wrathful, angry, slanderous, malicious v. 26 Not holding grudges v. 32. Kind, tenderhearted, forgiving This week s focus may be a bit uncomfortable because you will be encouraged examine yourself and seek deliverance in those areas of your life which represent the old self. What hinders us from becoming a cohesive community is ultimately US. This week, we are asking God to deal with us in some key areas the areas which hinder us from coming together. JANUARY 7-27

23 Monday, January 14 For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 1 Corinthians 3:3, ESV Things which hinder us from coming together (from today s text): #1: While jealousy and strife may not be my issue(s), I confess that I am still of the flesh in the following areas: Deliver me from

24 Tuesday, January 15 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3, ESV Things which hinder us from coming together (from today s text): #2: Lack of I confess I act proudly or arrogantly in the following situation and/or around the following people: Deliver me from

25 Wednesday, January 16 The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 1 Corinthians 12:21, ESV Things which hinder us from coming together (from today s text): #3: Thinking we do not I confess that I have thought I didn t need certain other believers in my life because: Deliver me from

26 Thursday, January 17 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Luke 6:41, ESV Things which hinder us from coming together (from today s text): #4: Focusing more on than on I confess that I am overly critical of my brothers and sisters in Christ because: Deliver me from

27 Friday, January 18 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 1 Peter 2:1, ESV Things which hinder us from coming together (from today s text): #5: #6: #7: #8: (ill-will towards; desire to injure or malign another) (intentionally setting out to trap or trick another) (to pretend or present a false picture of oneself) (speaking evil to or about another) I confess I have been guilty of one or all of these hindrance towards the following person/people: Deliver me from

28 Saturday, January 19 Don t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 1 Corinthians 6:3, ESV Things which hinder us from coming together (from today s text): #9: Inability to I confess that I currently have some unresolved (or poorly resolved, because I resorted to ungodly measures) issues with the following people: Deliver me from

29 Sunday, January 20 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Romans 14:1-3, ESV Things which hinder us from coming together (from today s text): #10: #11: I confess that I have despised or passed judgement on others because: Deliver me from

30 Week #3 Focus: How Do We Move Forward, Together? A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35, ESV). We are better together primarily because, as Jesus Himself tells us in John 13:35, it is impossible for the world to see Jesus in us unless we are unified with each other. The love that we show towards one another is the best testimony to the world that we belong to Jesus. After all, He is love (1 John 4:8). Why else is it important for the world to see us loving each other, as Christ loves us? It s attractive and brings others to Him. For it was His love that brought us to Him (Jeremiah 31:3); It sets us apart from the world. The world is divided and broken (Philippians 2:15), but we should not be! We are supposed to be different, indicating that we are no longer of the world (John 17:16); and, It both pleases and glorifies God, and this is why we were created (Isaiah 43:7). This week, we will focus on the how. What might it look like for us to move forward together how do we begin this week? As we are in week #3 of the fast, we are abstaining from all (artificial) sweets, wheats, cheats, and meats. In essence, we are abstaining from everything that has been processed or altered to make it more appealing or appetizing. While more appealing or appetizing for us, much of what we eat is also harmful. So this week, we will eat clean. This is quite symbolic. In order to walk in true unity with one another, we must also abstain from every harmful, worldly additive which has altered to our thinking, and we must see each other as God sees us unprocessed! JANUARY 7-27

31 Monday, January 21 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10, ESV Ways we should move forward together (from today s text): #1: There are people currently in my life whom I desire to love and honor more deeply. They are: Prepare the way for these relationships to be made stronger.

32 Tuesday, January 22 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works Hebrews 10:24, ESV Ways we should move forward together (from today s text): #2: Show me what it looks like to stir up another to love and good works. I think it looks like: Forgive me for failing to be as concerned about my brothers and sisters as You would have me to be.

33 Wednesday, January 23 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God s varied grace 1 Peter 4:10, ESV Ways we should move forward together (from today s text): #3: I have the following gifts, which I am currently not using in service to others: Forgive me for taking these gifts for granted. Ways that I can begin using these gifts to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ, in and outside of Church, are:

34 Thursday, January 24 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV Ways we should move forward together (from today s text): #4: The following people in my life could really use some encouraging: Forgive me for failing to see their presence in my life as an opportunity to build them up. Ways that I can build them up, beginning today, are:

35 Friday, January 25 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29, ESV Ways we should move forward together (from today s text): #5: I have made corrupting comments about the following people and/or on the following occasions: Forgive me for using my tongue to bring dishonor to You by speaking evil of them. I can use my words to build up and give grace to others, beginning today, are:

36 Saturday, January 26 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Proverbs 3:27, ESV Ways we should move forward together (from today s text): #6: I have withheld good from the following people, even though it was in my power to meet their need: Forgive me for allowing my own opinions about them to determine my treatment of them, instead of submitting to Your Word. I can do good to these people, beginning today, by:

37 Sunday, January 27 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger James 1:19, ESV Ways we should move forward together (from today s text): #7: #8: #9 I have quickly spoken or gotten angry at the following people or in the following situations: I have also been quick to ignore the following people: Forgive me for failing to respond according to Your Word. I believe in my heart that today marks the beginning of a new season in my life. One which will find me more thoughtful and responsive instead of thoughtless and reactive. I now know that my brothers and sisters and I are better together! Draw us closer to one another, so that the world we know we belong to You.

38 MY PRAYER JOURNAL NOTES

39 IMP ACT 2019

40 IMP ACT BBFC Impact 2019 Fast //January 7-27//