Growth Resolution Fast
Greetings in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ:
May the God of the Comeback be gracious unto you as we prepare to sacrifice the desires of the flesh for greater intimacy with our Lord. This fast is a season of setting ourselves aside in order for God to intensify our intimacy with Christ and our impact on our community. We anticipate God giving us personal breakthroughs and social breakouts. As you read Isaiah 58, you will observe that a fast that is pleasing to the Lord is ultimately an act of worship, a time of personal spiritual renewal, and social impact for the disenfranchised.
Our church is going to embark upon a 40-Day Experience titled the Growth Resolution. This is a time for all who are desirous of greater intimacy with Christ to make a greater impact in their community by engaging Christ through this fast. We have an opportunity to impact eternity in time. I can’t wait to see how God transforms our lives and unleashes us into our community over these next forty days. The goal is not the forty days but the renewal and alignment that accompany a full focus on our God.
Enclosed in this booklet is a review of the DNA of Destiny Church. Also enclosed is an overview of fasting that will be helpful to read. You can pick up a Growth Resolution Folder that will include a template for journaling your experience. If you have never experienced journaling, it will be an enlightening experience. Our focus in the journal is the “Recovery of Joy!”
May you experience the JOY OF CHRIST as you set apart this time to Christ.
Biblical Model of Fasting:
Fasting is described as a one of the spiritual disciplines. In the book of Daniel, chapter 1, Daniel describes an example of his personal fasting and the dramatic results. Isaiah described God's chosen fast in Isaiah 58. Jesus fasted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and spoke of the necessity of fasting for believers. Spiritual fasting entails setting aside activities as well as reducing the intake of food and replacing these activities with the exercise of prayer and preoccupation with spiritual concerns. Fasting is a physical experience that reflects a spiritual commitment. (Matt 6:16-18; Ps 35:13; Ezra 8:23)
Types of Fast:
1. Absolute Fast: No water, no food, no entertainment.
2. Normal/Routine Fast: No food, fluids as needed and desired.
3. Partial Fast: Vegetables and/or Fruit Only, fluids as needed and desired.
4. Simulated Fast: This one is for those that cannot abstain from food but sacrificing a habit in lieu of food.
Following your own conscience:
The precise details of your fast are between you and God. The apostle Paul says, "Each person is free to follow the convictions of his own conscience" (Romans 14, The Message). If you fast often, you may need to turn up your fasting another level during this time. If this is your first fast, you may not be able to endure as many restrictions as someone else who fasts frequently. In the future, live a "fasted lifestyle," increasingly accommodating God and not the flesh.
Restricting television and entertainment:
It will be difficult for you to consecrate yourself if you feed yourself on television and movies during this time.
Students & Children:
Children are encouraged to join in with their parents in the daily readings and utilize the questions at the end of each chapter for open discussion. However, a modified version of the fast should be utilized especially for small children. They will be encouraged to give up sweets during the fast, as opposed to a stricter regimen.