Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. | Joshua 1:9

Fasting is an important spiritual discipline. It helps us deny the demands of our body in order to place a greater focus on Jesus. Fasting has powerful spiritual effects: it humbles us and draws us closer to God, it promotes brokenness and repentance in the heart of the believer, it reveals deeper truths from the Word of God, ignites our prayer and creates a greater spiritual sensitivity. It can bring revival, break spiritual strongholds, and change lives.

• - Do you want to encounter God in a deeper way?
• - Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
• - Is there a dream inside you that only God can make possible?
• - Do you desire a heightened sensitivity to the voice and heart of God?
• - Do you need to break free from sin that has been holding you hostage?
• - Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
• - Do you want to know more of God’s will for your life?

Fasting is simply going without all or some foods for a specified length of time, while using the time and focus normally given to eating for Scripture reading, meditation and prayer. It is our heart that EVERYONE has a great experience with fasting! We have provided SEVERAL DIFFERENT TRACKS for you to consider. Fasting can be an amazing opportunity to get closer to Him. We encourage you to seek His heart for you as you determine what to do.

1 | BEGINNER

"I have little to no experience fasting, and I’m really excited about getting started!"

Commit to fasting ONE FULL MEAL per day, for each of the 21 days. We strongly recommend taking time to PRAY and READ your Bible during the meal you are giving up - this will be a HUGE catalyst in getting closer to Him.

Choose a meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) that will be easiest for you to pray during that time. Plan NOT to snack between meals, to ensure there is a period of time going without food.

2 | INTERMEDIATE

"I have some experience fasting, and am ready to take it to another level."

Commit to the DANIEL FAST for 21 straight days. It is a method of fasting that people all over the world are using as they seek God. This partial fast is taken from the Scriptures, and there are two anchoring passages for it. In Daniel 1, the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits). Also, in Daniel 10, we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any precious foods, and no wine for 21 days. Scriptural guidelines for this fast: An all-natural menu, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.

For more information on Daniel Fast-friendly recipes, search online to research. Again, we strongly recommend setting aside daily time to PRAY and READ your Bible!

3 | EXPERIENCED

"I have A LOT of experience fasting, and am ready for a challenge."

Commit to the LIQUIDS ONLY fast. You abstain from all solid food for your entire fast period. You can drink any type of liquids, including fruit juices and milk to liquid food supplements. To your stomach, this is like a full blown fast, but you are not denying your body nutrients.

*HEALTH NOTE: We recommend that you stop fasting if you are showing signs of health problems. Hunger pangs are normal for a fast, but health problems are not - consult a healthcare professional for any health-related questions.

MEDIA FAST

No matter which fast you choose, you can also commit to not using any media/electronics for recreational or relaxing reasons, including TV, Internet, Music, Movies, Car Radio, Cell Phone, Tablets, Social Media, Video Games, etc. Especially encouraged for those who are always connected to some type of media. It is also an alternative for those who cannot fast food because of health reasons.

Week 1 | MEDIA

Ex: news, Netflix, social media

Week 2 | FOOD

Ex: fasting from meals

Week 3 | ONE THING YOU CAN’T GO A DAY WITHOUT

ex: social media, coffee, energy drinks

You will probably need to make physical adjustments, as well as modify your schedule to accommodate your fast.

Fasting is a sacrificial act of worship to God - it glorifies Him. When you fast, you will draw nearer to God and become more spiritually sensitive, as well receive the blessings God reserves for those that pursue Him. Remember Satan will try anything to distract or discourage you. You may encounter problems at work, discord at home - even spiritual attack. Stay the course, and God will faithfully guide you to Himself.

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

Mental Considerations

Particularly at the beginning, your body will undergo discomfort as it detoxifies and rids itself of poisons. You can prepare for this somewhat by stopping intake of caffeine, sugar and other addictive substances before you being fasting. The key to remember is that a healthy adult can comfortably go many days without eating and not suffer lasting ill-effects. Much of the struggle is in your mind. Use this to increase your awareness of your need for Jesus, the Bread of Life.

Physical Considerations

Your body will weaken somewhat the longer your fast goes. You may need to modify your working schedule, rest more often, and generally be aware of your physical limits.

Spiritual Considerations

Don’t let the act of fasting itself be the focus of your fast. Dedicate time to prayer, Scripture reading and worship. The point is to exchange physical considerations for spiritual ones.