21 Days of Dedication, Consecration, Submission, and Thanksgiving

 

Lingering with the Holy Ghost is the secret to changing your world every day this year. It’s the surest way to knowing the voice of God. Jesus knew this, and so, before others would get up in morning, He would find Himself a solitary place to fellowship with the Holy Ghost. Why was this so important to Jesus? It was important because it was the only way to keep His spiritual fervor.  Jesus could have excused daily fellowship with the Father on the grounds of previous prayer times, but He didn’t.  And if Jesus would not skip a day without fellowshipping with the Holy Ghost, why would anyone think, or do otherwise especially as we begin this glorious year.

 

Jesus said in Matthew 6:16, “…when you fast…,” and in Mark 11:24, “...when you pray….” He did not say, “If you fast,” or “if you pray,” thus, inferring that prayer and fasting are non-negotiable. So, beginning from January 2, 2023, through January 22, 2023, the Lord has instructed us to fast and pray. If the term “fasting” is new to you, continue reading to gain some insight.

 

The term “fasting” refers to a period of abstinence from food or other items or activities that offer pleasure to the flesh for the purpose of engaging in focused study, prayer, and meditation with a clear purpose in mind. The Bible is filled with remarkable results, and unprecedented testimonies that were produced as a result of people praying and fasting. Through fasting and praying, we are not only able to record tremendous results in our personal lives, but also, we are able to effect changes in our communities and around the world.  

 

BENEFITS OF FASTING

 

Fasting enhances our effectiveness in the things of the spirit. Romans 8:6 tells us that “…to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” And in John 6:63, Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing….” When we fast, we are more easily led by the Spirit, and through fasting, we can tame the flesh, and energize the spirit.

 

Someone may ask, “How exactly does fasting help one to tame the flesh and energize the spirit?” I will explain. One of the cravings of the body is food. It is a craving that is connected to the senses. When we fast, we deliberately abstain from food even though our body craves for it. By resisting the urge to eat, and focusing on activities that build the spirit, we improve our mastery over the cravings of the body. Of course, we can engage in activities that build our spirit without abstaining from food, but the abstinence from food adds a level of seriousness and discipline to the exercise.

 

Fasting helps to sharpen our ability to receive and hear from God. It is like raising a spiritual antenna to pick the finer signals of the Spirit’s communication. But how does this happen? The fasting exercise promotes focus and undivided attention to the studying of the Word and prayer.  During periods of fasting, there should be a deliberate cessation of all unnecessary activities, and a conscious increase of activities that engage the spirit. Doing so helps to un-clutter the mind, and to remove the “noise” or interference that often prevents us from hearing God’s voice. During periods of fasting, many have received clear directions and heard the voice of God more clearly. Fasting can also be a vehicle by which we effect dramatic and urgent change in our lives, and in the lives of those around us. In James 5:17 AMP, the Scripture assures us that “...the earnest (heartfelt)…prayer of a righteous man makes power available (dynamic)…” In other words, by praying and fasting, you can unleash the power to effect change, shift things, and re-arrange things, both in the present and in the future.

 

Whenever a fast is declared, the stakes are raised; there is a level of seriousness, and an urgency to address the matter at hand. This helps you to be earnest in your prayers, and certainly, when you pray with such seriousness, it will be heartfelt, and results are guaranteed!

 

FASTING THE RIGHT WAY, MAKING IT EFFECTIVE

 

It is important to note that fasting is not an effort to change God. When we fast, we are the ones that are changed, for the Scripture says in Malachi 3:6, “...I am the Lord, I change not…” With this in focus, here are some steps that you can take to make your fast more effective:

• Have a clear objective in focus. Ask yourself, “What is my expectation from this fast?”

• Include regular intervals of praying, studying and meditating on the Word.

• Minimize unnecessary activities and distractions. Though solitude may not always be achievable, strive to be “alone” with the Spirit as much as possible.

 

WHO SHOULD FAST, AND WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FAST?

 

It is quite common for people to fast when they are in dire need or in trouble, but you don’t need to be in trouble or in a messy situation to be compelled to fast. We can fast to improve our spiritual acumen, stay ahead of situations, make general improvements in our lives, and to prepare for a greater future.

While anyone can fast at any time, there are special times when the Spirit of God leads us to Fast. These are special fasting times that should not to be missed because they carry an unusual accuracy and grace. This is one of those times. The Lord has instructed that we fast January 2-22. This call to fast is to better align us with the plans and purposes of the Spirit of God for 2023.

 

In conclusion, as you fast, pray, and commune with the Spirit for the next 21 days, it’s important that you walk in love that is characterized by generosity, because unforgiveness and anger toward anyone can cause your fast to be futile. Jesus said in Mark 11:25, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

 

I trust that you will follow through with the Spirit of God as He guides you into higher levels of His glory.

 

 

To participate, please call (774) 220-4000 access code 45414# during the prayer times listed below:

 

Mondays-Saturday, 12am, 6am, 12noon and 6Pm via the conference number.

Sundays: 6pm via the conference number.

 

 

WHAT TO EAT

 

YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING BUT MEAT, POUTRY AND SEAFOOD AFTER 6PM.. 

 

We will suggest staying on a vegetables diet during the fast.   

 

PORTIONS SHOULD BE NO LARGER THAN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

 

***If you have any known health condition, please consult with your physician, before going on the fast***