Fasting That Lasts

My oldest son, Michael, is a guitar player.  He caught the bug playing Guitar Hero and soon decided he wanted to play the real thing.  However, if you know anything about Guitar Hero, some of the music that he was “cutting his teeth” on was not what I wanted him listening to.  I was patient.  Rather than dropping the hammer, I backed off and trusted God.  I kept encouraging him to learn some worship music.  He did.  But his favorites were still the iconic riffs of the 70’s and 80’s.

Several years ago, as our annual fast was concluding, he informed his mother and I that he had fasted secular music for the three-week journey.  He did it on his own without telling us. I had not noticed.  Instead he had feasted his guitar prowess on Christian artists like Reliant K, Toby Mac and Family Force 5.  We were shocked.  We were very proud.  He then informed us of how much more he liked Christian music and how much better it made him feel.  My teenager experienced first-hand the power of fasting.

We are not a legalistic family by any means.  But that short, three weeks changed my teenage son.  That season of setting aside the carnal brought a deeper, long-term change.

In Matthew 6 Jesus teaches the disciples the three main responsibilities of any disciple.  He clearly says that we should give, pray and fast.  Of the three, fasting is certainly seen as more of an event rather than an ongoing habit.  We should give regularly.  Tithing and giving offerings is an important spiritual discipline.  We should pray.  Communion with the Father is vital to one’s spiritual pursuits.  However, fasting is not something we do every day…or every week…or every month.  However, fasting for a season can bring lasting change.

Fasting can become a lifestyle if you allow it.  One thing sacrificed during a fast may never be as important to you again.  The sweet savor of fellowship with Christ has a tendency to make everything else fade in importance.

This is the fifteenth year that I’ve led the church through a season of fasting to begin the New Year.  It has changed my life and certainly changed the life of my family.  As we continue this season of spiritual pursuit, be sensitive as to what is fading away and what is becoming more important.

Become “fasted” to Him and ”fastened” to Him.  He’ll never let you go.

Fasting for Results pt. 2

The Daniel Fast

We are just 3 days into our 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer.  We invite you and your family to join all The Altar family for what promises to be a powerful time each January of fasting and giving God first place in our year.  We are spending 21 days seeking God and believing Him for big things to come in 2019. January 6-27.

I’m posting a series of articles and observations to help you along the journey.  I’ve had several inquiries about a Daniel Fast.  This is another practical approach to fasting that may work well for you.

Normally, fasting means to abstain from food and/or drink for a certain period of time as a religious practice. However, it may extend to anything that may be a source of pleasure, satisfaction or personal gratification.

Many at The Altar will be participating in the Daniel Fast which means we deny ourselves sweets and meats and eat mostly fruits and vegetables. Below is an extensive list of what you can and cannot eat on the Daniel Fast. 

Hope this helps!

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon.

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Happy Fasting!

Pastor Marty