Fasting-----21 Days of Refreshing...

March 13-April 2, 2010

  Refresh--to make fresh or vigorous again; to restore vigor or energy to; to give new strength to; to recreate; to REVIVE!

FASTING—is in general the abstinence from food or drink, a term common to the various Teutonic tongues.  Some derive the word from a root whose primary signification means to hold; to keep, to observe or to restrain one’s self.  The Latin term Jejunium denotes an animal intestine which is always empty.  It may denote abstinence from all kinds of food and drink for a given period.  Fasting dates back to the Old Testament and has continued throughout the Christian church.  William Bradford—one of our founding fathers—called a day of fast for our new nation on November 15, 1636 at the Plymouth colony. 

Moses, Elijah and Christ all exercised the 40 day fast in scripture. 

MOSES fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods  (Deuteronomy 9:9-18) and Jesus (Mt. 4:2 and Luke 4:2) also fasted the 40 days and reminded His followers to fast “when you fast,” not if you fast.

REASONS TO FAST:

Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the first love for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.  Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Ps. 35:13, Ezra 8:21) King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.” Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.  The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you.  Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.  Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life. 

WHEN TO BEGIN:

Lakeview’s fast will begin on March 13 and extend through April 2, 2010(21 Days).  Participants are urged to fast at least one day during this time or for several non-consecutive days unless you feel directed to fast several consecutive days. Generally, children do not fast unless they feel the urging of the Spirit to do so.

TYPES OF FASTING:

Complete fast—no food or drink at all.  This is not recommended for prolonged periods of time and not recommended at all for anyone who has been ill or who is elderly.  One thing to remember is that even Jesus did not do without water.   After his 40 day fast in the wilderness the scripture said he, "was hungered"; it does not say he was "thirsty" (see Matthew 4)

Partial Fast—no food or drink for certain times of the day—some call this a 24 hour fast in which the supper meal is eaten and then food or drink is not consumed again until supper the following day. Again, Jesus himself did not do without water according to Matthew 4.

Daniel Fast—This is found in Daniel 1:11-15.  The fast consists of water, vegetables, fruit or fruit juices.  Vegetable juices may also be consumed. 

Sweets Fast---This type of fast eliminates all sweets and sugars from the diet.  Honey and maple syrup (because these are natural sugars) are considered okay to consume.

IDEAS TO HELP DURING FASTING

Fasting can be done for several days but not several days in succession.  For example, fast one day, then return to your regular diet and then fast the next day.  Or fast two days and eat regularly for 3 days and then return to the fast.  Do what you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to do.

Pray—Pray and study the word daily to gain strength and to maximize your spiritual experience during your fast.

One way to maintain nutritional balance during a prolonged fast of any kind is to consume the following liquid:

One gallon distilled water

1 ½ cup lemon juice

¾ cup pure maple syrup

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. 

The lemon juice ads flavor and vitamin C, the maple syrup provides energy, and the cayenne pepper as an herb acts to open small blood vessels which is believed to help cleanse the body of stored toxins. 

Fruit juices can be combined for a more flavorful treat.  But remember that too much fruit juice can drive up the blood sugar level in some individuals. 

One fruit combination recommended:

Watermelon (a blender full)

Fresh apple juice (not a lot)

Green juice blend such as celery, romaine lettuce, carrots in equal proportions

Another key factor in maintaining optimum health during a fast is to limit your physical activity. 

Sources:  www.billbright.com

Prince, Derek, Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting.Whitaker House. 1973.

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