Today is day 3 of the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting at Bridges of Hope Fellowship. This will end the regular fast of only water and juices. Tomorrow will begin the Daniel portion of the fast. Already, we are seeing God do great things in the lives of people at BOHF. It's not too late to join us, if you haven't already. Just jump in and start where we are!
When we give, pray, and fast (Matthew 6), we are creating a 3 fold cord that is not easily broken, according to Ecclesiastes. So, when we are doing these 3 things, we are releasing the 30, 60, and 100 fold blessings into our lives.
During this time, we are to be reading the Word, praying, fasting, and meditating. However, I've found that lot's of people don't really know how to properly meditate on the Word. So, I've decided to share some practical advice on meditating on Scripture.
How To Meditate On God's Word
The "2proapt" Method
PRAY - Ask God to speak to you.
PREVIEW - Read through the passage quickly for an overview.
READ - Read the passage a second time slowly and contemplatively.
OBSERVE - Go back and underline key words, circle words/phrases that are repeated, highlight the most meaningful verse to you from the passage.
APPLY - Choose one specific way to put into practice the truth you have discovered from the passage.
PRAY - Ask God for power and wisdom to follow through with your application that you've decided upon.
TELL - Share with at least one person what new insight, truth, or application you have made in response to God's Word to you.
I hope this is helpful for you in receiving a fresh word from God each time you read His Word and meditate on the scriptures. May God's Truths come alive in your daily walk with Him!
Showing posts with label fasting 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fasting 2011. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Fasting Quick Tips
Today is day 2 of the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting at Bridges of Hope Fellowship. Since the BIG snow last night, I've just spent the day with my family, read the Word, prayed, and drank lots of water and fruit juice.
I thought I'd take a few minutes tonight to give you a few Fasting Quick Tips that might be of some help to you during this 21 days. Some of these tips won't apply to those of you who are already in the fast, but most will.
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4, 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face.
How to End
Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
These tips are simply things I've learned over the years in my own fasts. I hope they can be of some help to you, both now and in your future fasts.
I thought I'd take a few minutes tonight to give you a few Fasting Quick Tips that might be of some help to you during this 21 days. Some of these tips won't apply to those of you who are already in the fast, but most will.
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4, 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face.
How to End
Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
These tips are simply things I've learned over the years in my own fasts. I hope they can be of some help to you, both now and in your future fasts.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Join the Fasting Movement!
Dear Friend,
I am asking you to join me in a 21-day fast to seek and honor God in 2011. "I beseech you therefore; brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). By participating in a corporate fast, we have found that God meets with us in very unique and special ways. His presence grows greater and greater with each day of the fast. Without fail, He always shows up!
Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. It's not a punishment; it's a privilege! By making fasting a way of life, you can get closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before. Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives. Through fasting, you can experience a release from the bondage of sin ... restoration in your relationships ... financial blessings ... spiritual renewal ... supernatural healing and so much more!
Another reward of fasting has to do with your future. God has given you a vision, a divine dream for your life. When you fast, you open up the blessings and opportunities He has provided for you to pursue that dream. As you fast, pray for God's direction and guidance. Focus your faith on your dream and God will show you how you can turn your vision into a reality. Begin pursuing your divine dream today and make the rewards of fasting part of your lifestyle.
I want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific areas we will be focusing on together are increase, both physical and spiritual. When praying for increase, we are believing God for increase in spiritual maturity for our members, salvation for the lost, new families, increase in finances, wisdom, influence, and resources. Also, we ask that each individual seek God in prayer about one thing in your personal life to believe God for.
A great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will "undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free." We are living in tough economic times and I know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, I am believing that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!
I'm so excited that you have decided to take the next step in your spiritual walk through the life-changing principal of fasting. Seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. Start with a clear goal and make a commitment to stick to your fast. Be ready to grow in your walk like never before as you seek the Lord through the Biblical principles of prayer and fasting. Remember, "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!" (Hebrews 11:6)
Building bridges of HOPE,
Pastor D
Special Note:
I recommend that you always consult your physician prior to beginning any type of fast. If you are poor in health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, we especially urge you to consult a physician before beginning your fast. There are different types of fasts recommended at www.GetHope.info Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on this First Fruits Fast in a way that is healthy for you.
I am asking you to join me in a 21-day fast to seek and honor God in 2011. "I beseech you therefore; brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). By participating in a corporate fast, we have found that God meets with us in very unique and special ways. His presence grows greater and greater with each day of the fast. Without fail, He always shows up!
Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. It's not a punishment; it's a privilege! By making fasting a way of life, you can get closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before. Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives. Through fasting, you can experience a release from the bondage of sin ... restoration in your relationships ... financial blessings ... spiritual renewal ... supernatural healing and so much more!
Another reward of fasting has to do with your future. God has given you a vision, a divine dream for your life. When you fast, you open up the blessings and opportunities He has provided for you to pursue that dream. As you fast, pray for God's direction and guidance. Focus your faith on your dream and God will show you how you can turn your vision into a reality. Begin pursuing your divine dream today and make the rewards of fasting part of your lifestyle.
I want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific areas we will be focusing on together are increase, both physical and spiritual. When praying for increase, we are believing God for increase in spiritual maturity for our members, salvation for the lost, new families, increase in finances, wisdom, influence, and resources. Also, we ask that each individual seek God in prayer about one thing in your personal life to believe God for.
A great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will "undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free." We are living in tough economic times and I know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, I am believing that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!
I'm so excited that you have decided to take the next step in your spiritual walk through the life-changing principal of fasting. Seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. Start with a clear goal and make a commitment to stick to your fast. Be ready to grow in your walk like never before as you seek the Lord through the Biblical principles of prayer and fasting. Remember, "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!" (Hebrews 11:6)
Building bridges of HOPE,
Pastor D
Special Note:
I recommend that you always consult your physician prior to beginning any type of fast. If you are poor in health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, we especially urge you to consult a physician before beginning your fast. There are different types of fasts recommended at www.GetHope.info Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on this First Fruits Fast in a way that is healthy for you.
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