Fasting Basics

Fasting is a beautiful time when it is birthed from a desire to honor him.  However, it can be a huge burden when performed out of an obligation to a set of rules.  Simply put, fasting is the best way I have found to turn down the "I wants" in my life, and turn up the "He wants" in my life.  If we do not take time out everyday of our fast to fix our heart and mind's attention on him, then we are simply starving ourselves and missing the joy of fasting.  This will be the fourth year in a row Joanne and I have started our year with a 21 day fast.  Every year we thank God for those 21 days and can attribute specific God moments and trace back answered prayers to the time we fasted.   Fasting can be overwhelming for many, just read my previous post that has fasting notes that would take you several days to sort through!  That is why I believe in making it simple.  Here are 3 things I would encourage you to focus your time on before and during the fast:

1)  If we fail to plan, we plan to fail.  We must set a goal for how we approach our fast.  For 21 days, starting January 3, we will eat only fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  (no sweets, caffeine, dairy, or foods with yeast or preservatives)  Due to health restrictions, some may not be able to join us for this type of fast.  Please do not let that discourage you.  You can fast from something you love like sweets, or caffeine.  Others may choose to do a media fast where you do not watch tv or use the internet at home.  For more info on the Daniel Fast, visit http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/    
2)  Do not starve yourself!  Fasting is as much about what you do as what you don't do.  Everyday we will update this blog with a video devotional that will help you spend time with the Lord in each day.  We will be following the 21 day Fast devotional plan at http://youversion.com.
3)  My pastor Craig Groeschel said "To get unreasonable results, we have to do unreasonable things."  Ask God for something unreasonable!  For you this could be a loved one healed of cancer, or for you to become debt free in one year.  Ask God to give you an unreasonable goal and then devote time each day of the fast to ask God for it.

There are many ways to approach fasting.  Pick one that works for you and together let's pursue God's best for our lives in 2011.  Let's do this!!