The discipline of fasting is available to strengthen you spiritually and to help you overcome barriers that might keep you from living the victorious Christian life.
For such a time as this, teaching such as this is needed because:
• More than ever before, believers are in bondage to demonic powers and need strength to stand against sin,
• Believers throughout the world need solutions to many complex problems and threatening situations they are facing,
• The Church is in desperate need of revival, and every tribe and tongue and nation is in desperate need of evangelization,
• The world in general and the church in particular are crying out for people of character and integrity-people who have found in Christ the emotional healing and strength to overcome sinful and destructive habits,
• The abundance of food has insulated North American believers from the realities of starvation and malnutrition in the two thirds world,
• The media has so captured the national attention that even believers are operating according to principles completely alien to God’s will for their lives,
• Even with the abundance of food and medical technology in North America, people are not necessarily healthier,
• A great many believers have become so entangled in economic and social pursuits that they need to be set free to establish their testimonies and to influence others for Christ’s, and
• The growing influence of demonic forces and the waning influence of biblical Christianity in North America, and the fact that believers need protection from the evil one.
If you are serious enough about the personal and social tasks before you as a Christian to take up the discipline of fasting, you can expect resistance, interference, and opposition. Plan for it! Do not be caught unaware.
God’s Purpose for Fasting
Isaiah 58:6-8: “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? and the righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.”
In theory, Isaiah 58:6-8, teaches us warnings, as well as positive results that can occur when we submit ourselves to the discipline of fasting. The purpose of all worship, including fasting is to change the worshipper in ways that have social and interpersonal impact. It should not just gratify ourselves but also empower us to change the world.
Emphasis:
Simplicity Keep the main thing the main thing.
Sincerity Activate and manifest the fruit of the spirit.
Sacrifice Uncommon giving of time, talents, and treasure to see our uncommon vision unfold.
A consecration is an urgent call by a spiritual leader for those whom he or she leads to come together humbling themselves before God. It is an occasion for corporate repentance and seeking God’s direction and guidance concerning spiritual matters.
Theme for this Consecration:
A servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God
Consecration Purpose
Humbling Ourselves (Ps. 69:10-13; II Chron. 7:14)
For Divine Direction (Acts 13:2-3)
For Divine Deliverance (Mark 9:29)
For Divine Visitation (Acts 10:30)
Freedom from wickedness. (Is. 58:6)
Loose heavy burdens (Is. 58:6)
Break every yoke (Is. 58:6; 10:27)
Give to homeless (Is. 58:7; Prov. 19:17)
Receive Revelation. (Is. 58:8)
To receive Divine Health (Is. 58:8)
For Manifested Glory (Is. 58:8)
To have answered prayers (Is. 58:9)
To Remove judgmental and evil speaking from our midst (Is. 58:9)
A 21-Day Call to Consecration
Fasting Schedule
Sunday, January 9th – Saturday, January 29th
Week 1 & Week 2
Eat only one meal the day of your fast
Fish and Chicken ONLY Allowed
Week 3
Soups and Vegetables (No Meat)
Saturday, Jan 29th Full Fast (Nothing)
Types of Food Included in the Consecration:
Starches (pasta, rice & potatoes), Vegetables, Fruit, Bread, Soups, Water (caffeine free coffee and herbal teas permitted)
Types of Food to Avoid in the Consecration:
Red Meats, Fried Foods, Snack Foods, Sweets, Soft Drinks, Desserts
Drink Plenty of Water Each Day
If you have a medical condition that requires you to eat at particular times and/or eat while taking medications, please follow the instructions of your physician.
Restricted Activities:
Secular radio, secular magazines and books, social media, conversation, excessive talking on the telephone, purchase of unnecessary items