In preparation to our time of prayer and fasting, here are some options that may help you decide how you will engage in this time of corporate prayer and fasting we are doing as a Church. 

Interestingly enough, in the New Testament, there is no required length of time to fast or frequency of fasting. But we are expected to fast, for Jesus said when not if! So this leaves a lot of liberty around fasting. I list below some different ways to fast. Please keep in mind, what matters is what you DO when you fast. 

Three types of Fasts in the Bible

• The Absolute Fast – No Food, No Water.
  • There are four instances of this type of fast.
    • Esther and the Jews facing execution at the hand of Haman. – Esther 4:16
    • Moses on Mount Sinai when receiving the Law. – Exodus 34:28
    • Ezra for the remainder of a day when seeing how the priests and leaders had allowed Israel to forsake the Law during his absence. – Ezra 10:6
    • Paul after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and is confronted with the fact that in his zeal he has been fighting against God. – Acts 9:9 
  • I don’t suggest this type of fast and have never done it! Neither did Jesus, so think about that. 
• The Normal Fast – No Food. 
  • In Scripture, this is the most commonly occurring fast.
  • It’s what Jesus did for 40 days as described in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. 
  • This is the type of fast the Nation of Israel engaged in on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29) and the the Prophet Isaiah speaks of in Isaiah 58. 
  • This is the fast I have done many, many times. You can too!
• The Partial Fast – Certain foods. 
  • This is the type of fast Daniel did in the later part of his life as described in Daniel 10:3 
  • Concerning this type of fast, I think it’s important to remember a few key points:
    • It’s the only one of it’s kind in the entire Bible. 
    • Daniel did not set out to pray and fast for 21 days – the answer to his prayer and fasting came on the 21st day. Daniel was entering into this time of prayer and fasting with the intentions of not breaking it until he got understanding, revelation, and an answer -21 days or 21 years. 
    • Daniel was in the later stages of his life, probably mid-80s. 
  • I usually do not suggest this type of fast. Oftentimes, people become more consume with meal planning and recipes of what they can eat than spending more time in prayer and the Word! Which is the entire point of fasting. 

Having listed the types of fasts that we see in the Bible, here are some suggestions of ways you can pray and fast!

1. Normal Fast a meal.
2. Normal Fast for one or more days. 
3. Normal Fast from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. (After 6 p.m. eat as normal.)

Again, there is much liberty around this spiritual discipline of fasting. What is most important is that YOU make the decision, stick to it, and give the Lord something to bless! 

Please remember, if you’re pregnant, nursing, under 18, over 70, or sick you are “exempt” from fasting. As mentioned previously, I borrowed these guidelines. The first two are obvious. But as far as age, again it is up to you. You know your current state of health and walk with God – I don’t.

And of course everyone is expected to pray! Please attend the services regardless of how or when you’re fasting, to join us for church-wide prayer!

God Bless!

Pastor A.J. 

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3 Necessary Keys to getting Closer to God:

Main text: James 4:6-10

1. Humility – the Lord works with, intervenes, hears, and blesses the humble.                  – The Lord wars with the proud!                   – Job 22:29, Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 3:34, Matthew 23:12, 1 Peter 5:5-6
2. Holiness – A call to repentance, cleansing, and purity.
                    – The clean one ascend the Hill of the Lord!                 – Psalm 15, Psalm 24:3-6, 2 Corinthians 7:1
3. Desire – Draw near            – It is a spiritual principle: As I come close to God, He’ll come close to me.            – 2 Chronicles 15:2, Zechariah 1:3, Jeremiah 29:12-13

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9 Reasons to Read Your Bible Everyday!

1. The Lord is His Word! – John 1:1-5
2. The Word carries Creative Power. – John 1:3, Hebrews 11:3
3. The Word is food to My Spirit. – 1 Peter 2:1-3, Hebrews 5:12-14, Matthew 4:4
4. The Word is My Weapon. – Matthew 4, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12
5. The Word brings Revelation. – Hebrews 4:13, Psalm 119:105, 130
6. The Word keeps me clean! – Psalm 119:9-11, Ephesians 5:26-27, John 17:17
7. The Word keeps me correct. – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
8. The Word makes me complete. 2 Timothy 3:17
9. The Word makes me wise. – 2 Timothy 3:15, Psalm 119:97-104

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Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

There are two foundations we can choose from that we will build our life upon. Rock and Sand.

The foundation of rock is the stable foundation of taking action on God’s Word. When we commit to hear and obey the Word of God we can’t go wrong! We see this principle of hearing and obeying extremely clear in James chapter one verses 22-25 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” The Blessing of the Lord in any and every area of our life is attached to our faithfulness, our obedience to act on His Word. If not, we are just forgetful hearers! We look in the mirror of God’s Word but we do not use its reflecting power to change and take action on what we see – at that point the Word, though powerful, profits us nothing.

The foundation of sand is the unstable, ever-changing, approval-seeking, hearing-only foundation that crumbles under the weight of pressure. The builder who chooses sand as his foundation is the person who hears the same Word as the builder who chose the rock, but he does not change his ways to conform to the wisdom and instruction of the Word. He chooses his own way, he chooses shifting sand. Notice what Proverbs 14:26 says “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Many times we miss this key 🔑 point but it’s plainly written in verse 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” and verse 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” Will we be counted among the wise or the foolish? The choice is completely ours!

The power of God’s Word is released in our lives by living faith and living faith has corresponding action! James chapter two verse 26 states a powerful truth “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Dead faith never produced anything but Living faith produces the promises of God in our lives!

Now at this point we can clearly see it is not enough just to hear but, in faith, take action and obey! It’s not enough to hear about the power of prayer but we must actually take time to pray! It’s not enough to believe in the power of the Gospel to save people we must tell someone of the Good News that Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost! It is not enough to believe that God will bless us we must be givers! It is not enough to believe that God is our Healer we must pray the prayer of faith to see them recover. It is not enough to believe God is our peace we must keep our minds on Him to experience peace. It is not enough just to hear but we must also do!

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Isaiah 41:17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Insight on the Word

Drought sometimes comes because of the decisions of those who lead and run our country. “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go. A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.” (Jeremiah 50:33, 38)

We ourselves can make bad decisions and bring on drought which can bring great harm to us. Jacob the supplanter said: “the drought consumed me.” (Genesis 31:40)

For the believer however, God has given many promises to deliver us in drought. We can be confident that God will lead us out of drought and bring us to water, even if it takes a miracle. “Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;” (Deuteronomy 8:15)

In the midst of drought, God promises to guide and satisfy our souls to the point that our lives are like a well watered garden! “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” (Isaiah 58:11)

When God takes care of us during drought we are blessed and our life is sustained! But in addition, God get’s the glory for others: “…see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this.” (Isaiah 41:20)

Speak the Word — When there is no water God will satisfy my thirst! (Isaiah 41:17)

Daily Bible Reading — 2 Samuel 5 – 8

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Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Insight on the Word

While the wicked may suffer loss during time of famine this is not to be the case with the righteous. “The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.” (Proverbs 10:3) Famine is frightening to the wicked but to the child of God who trust His Lord, it is nothing but a laughing matter. “At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh.” (Job 5:22)

The Lord does not give us “just barely get by” in famine but He promises to satisfy us. “The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: …and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” (Psalm 37:18-19) Being taken care of in famine has two prerequisites: trust the Lord and doing good. “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)

In Genesis 26 we are told there was a famine in the land. However when Isaac believed God and was obedient he “sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.” (Genesis 26:12) Like Isaac, our trust and faith in the Lord is to be so great that we are to: “take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” (Matthew 6:31) After all our “heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:31) For the truth is as we seek “first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) In famine we have nothing to fear for we have God’s promise, He will “keep them alive in famine.”

Speak the Word — If famine comes, God will keep me alive.! (Psalms 33:19)

Daily Bible Reading — 2 Samuel 1 – 4

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Psalm 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Insight on the Word

A long healthy and happy life is the dream of mankind. God our creator placed us on earth with the desire to live, and a desire to live a long time! The Bible is the instruction book for a long and happy life.

Long life comes when we keep the commandments. “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Long comes when we have wisdom and use understanding. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.”  (Proverbs 3:13, 16) On the other hand for those who disobey God’s Word, “the way of transgressors is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15)

Long life is promised when we honour our father and mother. “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12)

This life does not have to be lived alone in our own strength. God promises: “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”  (Isaiah 46:4) All along life’s journey God “hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

God promised to show us His “salvation.” The word salvation is an all-inclusive word, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes. It includes deliverance, health, help, welfare, safety, victory, defense, avenge, rescue, and preservation. With God on our side providing this kind of salvation, we can truly live a long satisfied life!

Speak the Word —  I will live a long life fully satisfied in the Lord! (Psalms 91:16)

Daily Bible Reading — 1 Samuel 29 – 31

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1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Insight on the Word

Death in the mind of those who don’t know the Lord is the end! But for the child of God death is simply a doorway into the next life where we live forever!

One day Jesus is coming back to this earth as He promised. “…I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3) And, for those who are alive at his coming we are told: “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) There will be no sting of death. For those who have already died however, from the grave “the dead shall be raised incorruptible,” (1 Corinthians 15:52) Death gives up and the grave will have no victory.

Because of this we should live our lives without the fear of death. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:4)

The lifestyle of believers who do not fear death has three components: Stedfastness, settled and firm in the truth. Unmoveable, allowing nothing to shake our faith. And always abounding in the word of the Lord. Loving, living, sharing, blessing and telling others about Jesus! While some fear death and others mourn those who have died, this is not the case for believers. Whether we live or die, there is victory over death!

Speak the Word — Through Christ I have victory over death! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Daily Bible Reading — 1 Samuel 25 – 28

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1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Insight on the Word

Born of God! What a wonderful family relationship the believer enjoys. The book of 1 John is filled with understanding concerning our New Birth blessings. Eight blessings of the new birth found in 1 John are:

1. Power to do righteousness. (1 John 2:29)
2. Actual son-ship. (1John 3:1-3)
3. Freedom from sin. (1John 2:9; 5:18)
4. Love for the brethren. (1John 4:7-8; 3:14-18; 5:1)
5. Love for God. (1John 4:19; 5:1-3)
6. Power to keep the New Testament commandments. (1John 5:2-3)
7. Power to overcome the world. (1John 5:4-5)
8. Freedom from Satan. (1John 5:18)

These blessings of the New Birth allow us to have power to overcome the world, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.” All of these blessings however are only effective as we act on and live out our faith. It is then that the victory is ours, “and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Our faith in God’s life living in us, equips us to be world overcomers! “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) The Bible says: “…the worlds were framed by the word of God.” (Hebrews 11:3) And just as God framed the worlds by His Word, we too having faith in that same Word, can frame our world into a life of victory!

Speak the Word — I am born of God, therefore I overcome the world! (1 John 5:4)

Daily Bible Reading — 1 Samuel 21 – 24

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