FASTING FOR 2018 THE PURPOSE OF FASTING

Transcription

1 FASTING FOR 2018 Fasting is one of the pillars of the Christian faith that should be practiced regularly. All the greatest saints in the Bible like Moses, David, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Anna, Paul, Peter and our Savior himself, Jesus Christ fasted. These saints committed themselves to high standards in practice of their faith so that God could use them to fulfill His purpose. Fasting is a revelation command for those who want GOD S BEST believers who have a desperate desire for deeper intimacy with the Lord and an insatiable hunger for God's perfect will. Fasting is definitely the secret to obtaining divine open doors, miraculous provision, favor, blessing, power and the tender touch of God upon our lives. As we fast and pray personally and corporately, we will experience supernatural blessings. It will become a spiritual weapon designed to guarantee your victory in every battle of life. Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose; moreover, it is also going without food and/or drink for an agreed period of time. This brings one into a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with the Lord. Fasting is not a religious affliction, but a spiritual catalyst in prayer; it enhances the potency of our prayers (Isa 58:9; Matt 17:21). It is God s design and command. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for fast is tsum. It means to cover over the mouth. In the New Testament, the Greek word is nesteuo. It means to abstain for a time from food. Jesus promised that those who engage in secret fasting would be openly rewarded (Matt. 6:18; Isaiah 58). Many results are instant while others are gradual. We are prophesying the unlocking of doors for God s unlimited results in our lives, family and church according to Isaiah 58. This fasting will bring sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, guaranteed sound health, spiritual access, delivered breakthroughs, new anointing, speedy answers to prayer, the power to overcome and subdue every act of wickedness and closeness with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. These kingdom resources often come not by a one-time fast, but by a lifestyle of fasting. Jesus went on to further say, "Nothing will be impossible..." (Matt. 17:20). THE PURPOSE OF FASTING Since Fasting is a conscious, intentional decision to abstain for a time from the pleasure of eating in order to gain absolute spiritual strength, we will see what it involves:

2 1. Seeking our God This is first and most important for every believer to seek the face of God. It really means that you will abstain from other things that you find pleasure in to give your whole heart totally to God in prayer. 2. God takes First Place Fasting also means putting God first. That means you want to be with God more than you to spend time with other people, places or things. In this way, fasting is a point of intimacy with God. 3. Creating a Prayer Environment Fasting is a time to foster a sensitive environment for the working of prayer. It enables us to see the fulfillment of God s Word and purposes for us as individuals and as the body of Christ 4. Interceding for Others Majority of the fasting cases in the Bible was on behalf of the needs of others, where it was a national problem or a family situation. They fasted to bring God in their circumstances. 5. It also involves You Fasting for your personal life is powerful for every Christian. It will increase your spiritual capacity. It brings the body under subjection to what the spirit desires. In other words, you discipline your body so that the body becomes a servant of the Lord, rather than the master of your spirit. Fasting does not change God; it changes us, and it transforms our prayers. During this season of fasting, we are going to do three things: we are going to pray, fast and give (Matt. 6). This is how you present your body to God as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1). Remember, a three-fold cord is not broken easily (Ecc. 4:12). 3 TYPES OF FASTS A. Normal or Common Fast - It is abstaining from all forms of food for a time, except liquid or water. (Matt. 4:2) B. Absolute Fast - It is fasting without food and water. (Acts 9:9/ Esther 4:16).

3 C. Partial Fast - It is a fast of fruits and vegetables. It is also giving up particular foods and drinks for an extended period of time (Dan. 10:2). This year, our motto or maxim is Come Up Higher!, fasting will produce results from the Lord. For the next 21 days, we will corporately be participating in the Normal/ Common Fast; however, you may choose to involve yourself in one of the other fasting types. For us to experience the benefit of this fast, obedience is the key (Isaiah 1:19). INSTRUCTIONS 1. This fast runs from Tuesday, January 2, 2018, and ends Monday, January 22, It is important that you recognize the following instructions that will prepare you for The fast will officially begin on Saturday, January 2, 2018, and can end daily at one of the three times: 12 noon for diabetics, medical conditions, pregnant or nursing mothers 3:00pm 6:00 pm This time will complete a full day fast. Abstain from all meat kind the first 5 days after you break your fast (Jan 2-6, 2018). Break with only vegetables and fruits. (If you feel led to do the 21 days with fruits and vegetables, you are certainly welcome. We are expecting God s Power on the first 5 days to overshadow you. 3. On New Year's Day, we will reflect on the New Me instead of the New Year. It will be a time of preparation. This 21 Days of Fast and Prayer will be one of the MOST IMPORTANT CONSECRATION TIME of your life. It will prepare you for the unexpected in During this fast, liquid is optional (tea, water or juice). 5. During this fast, find greater opportunities to give of yourself and increase your prayer life. 6. During this fast, surround yourself with Christian media (CD s, music, videos, DVD s, Christian programs and ministry tapes from EWEM Bookstore etc). 7. VERY IMPORTANT--Abstain from confusion, negative confrontation, disputes and satanic traps. 8. Pray throughout the fast day--remember to USE YOUR PRAYER LANGUAGE! If you do not have one, now is the opportune time to seek for it. 9. WISE PREPARATION--the day before you begin this 21 day fast, prepare your system by taking 3 to 6 bottle caps full of extra virgin olive oil and 3 bottles of water with lemon squeezed in it. (JAN 1 s ) 10. WEEKENDS--These fast days will be broken at 12 noon by everyone (Saturday and Sunday).

4 11. BREAKING YOUR FAST DAILY--after breaking you're fast, only 1 meal may be eaten for the remainder of the day (this does not apply to diabetics; diabetics may also snack after the meal). There are no meal restrictions (food selections) for the daily meal. 12. BEGIN DAILY--12:00 Mid-night: END DAILY 13. VERY IMPORTANT--Remember to begin each prayer session and end each prayer session with a sincere and heartfelt time of praise and worship before our Wonderful Father. Praise and worship is a lethal weapon in the arsenal of every believer and should be employed not only before and after each time of prayer but also liberally throughout the fast. 14. Pray the following prayer points and read the following scriptures daily: PRAYER POINTS (JANUARY 2, 2018 JANUARY 22, 2018 In 2018, we are fasting for: We will come up higher (Rev 4:1; 11:12) Spiritual and Numeric Growth (Expansion) (2 Peter 3:18) You will experience New Anointing, Revelation, Healing, Holiness, Protection, God s Presence, Deliverance, Guidance, and Provision in every area of your life Total Commitment to God and His House (your church) Financial Breakthrough (Deut 28:1-14; Proverbs 13:22) United States, Nations, Church Leadership and Members Ask the Father for souls (John 10:29, Psalm 2:8) Holy Spirit Release them (people) with your wind (Acts 2:4-6) Holy Spirit should convict sinners for Salvation (John 16:8) The blood of Jesus to cover our lives and His Church from the enemy (Heb 9:22; Exodus 12:13) To remain humbled before God--a humbled and obedient spirit (1 Peter 5:6) Repentance before the Lord for past sins & disobedience: sins of commission and omission Angels to be assigned to our Church (Matt. 13:39; Acts 10:1-7) Building expansion--purchase of needed property (Ezra 6:3) Jesus should take first place in our lives (Matt 6:33) Strengthened & unified marital relationships God-ordained husbands/wives (for singles) (Prov 18:22) Pray for Signs and Wonders (Acts 4:30; 9:33-35) Pray for Israel (Psalm 122:6) Word of God have free course and be glorify (2 Thes. 3:1) Healing and Deliverance in the lives of the members (Obadiah 1:17) Pray that the Ministers speak the Word of God with boldness (Eph 6:19,20; Acts 4:29) Pray for The Apostle and the pastoral leadership

5 SCRIPTURE READINGS AND 21 DAYS OF SUPERNATURAL CHANGE WITH JESUS *Also supplement with (a) The Power of Confessing Prayers (b) Stubborn Prayers For Stubborn Problems (c) 8 Secrets to a Happy New Me (d)spiritual Medicine for Physical Problems Jan 2 - The Power Fasting and Prayer ( Isaiah 58:3-12) Jan 3 - The Power of Fasting and Prayer ( Matthew 17:14-21) Jan 4 - Giving ( Acts 10:1-4) Jan 5 - Attend Church Services Regularly ( Hebrews 10:23-25) Jan 6 - Always Be On Time (Galatians 4:1-4) Jan 7 -Call Heaven Every Morning like Jesus (Mark 1:35-39; Job 38:1-13) Jan 8 - Word Medicine for Sicknesses and Diseases (Isaiah 53:1-10) Jan 9 - Learn To Forgive ( Matthew 6:14-15) Jan 10 -Understanding Foundation/ Generation issues (Eze 18:1-4;Deut 5:9:Gal 3:1-13) Jan 11 - Attacking Financial Lack I (2 Kings 4:1-7;Prov 22:7) Jan 12 - Attacking Financial Lack II (Matt 17:24-27; Phil 4:13-19) Jan 13 - From Single to Marry (Ruth 4:1-12) Jan 14 - Prayers Against Evil Dreams (Daniel 4:1-5) Jan 15 - Pray In The Spirit More ( Acts 4:1-4) Jan 16 - Eat Healthy (Leviticus 7:23-24) Jan 17 - Be A Witness (Acts 1:8) Jan 18 - Get Out Of Debt (1 Kings 4:1,7) Jan 19 - Exercising (1Tim 4:8) Jan 20 - My Child/Children belong to God (1 Sam 1:15-28; Matt 19:13-15) Jan 21 - Tap Into The Anointing Oil Blessing (James 5:14-15) Jan 22 - Take Holy Communion Constantly ( John 6:53-54) ***Connect with the Prayer line during the 21 days fast and prayer (M-F). Prayer line number is PIN CODE