2014 is here. I’m starting the new year with hope, determination, focus and self discipline. Today is the day of newness.
I share what I share today not to toot my horn. Not to be “seen before men.” I share to inspire and motivate which has always been my goal here at gatherforbread.com. I share in hopes of inspiring you to make a change, do something you’ve never done before and mostly to reach out to God with all that you have.
I’ve had it set in mind for the last few months that I would begin the new year with a 21 day fast. I don’t share this here for you to think I’m strange, for you to respect me in some new light or for any other reason other that accountability.
I want to do this right. I want to do it well. One of the best ways for us to meet our goals is to write them down. It’s proven. So I share with you today because I want this in writing and I want to be held accountable. No, you won’t see me if I make a bad choice and go against my plan. But just knowing that I shared this with you will keep my determination going and my mind focused. If time permits I’d also like to give an update weekly on how it’s going.
Why am I fasting?
A. The bible teaches us to fast and pray. It’s not a thing of the past. It’s a thing of the present.
B. Deepen my relationship with God. In doing so, I hope to:
- Have renewed vision for the future.
- See where God is leading me in 2014.
- Increase prayer time. Pray specifically for break through in a few key areas in my life.
- Spend time in individual bible study. (I just bought my first concordance.)
Benefits of fasting:
1.It breaks bad habits. I’ve gotten very lax in my ‘diet’ over the last few months. This is a great way to boost me back to healthy eating again.
2. Health benefits.It rids your body of chemicals, toxins and sugars. This is a great thing.
3. Less hungering after food, more hungering after God and his truths.
4. It refocuses our priorities, which should always start with Jesus Christ.
I have done fasts in the past and they have drawn me closer to the heart of God. I hear Him more.The closeness that you encounter with God is real but it comes with a price.
I’ve found that when I fast I yearn for his encouragement to get me through.
I cling to Him in my weakest moments and He shows me his goodness.
I cry out to Him when it’s tougher than I imagined. And he never fails me or forsakes me.
I was privileged to take a class on fasting this past year at church and it was based on this book. It’s an excellent resource on fasting.
How does my fast look?
It consists of:
NO desserts
NO soda
NO sweetened drinks
Days 1-3: Vegetables and Fruits only
Days 4-7: Add in whole grains, (no leavened breads) oils, nuts, all natural nut butters
Days 8-14: Add in dairy
Days 15-21: Add in meat
If you would like to join me on this 21 day fast I would absolutely love to have some partners. We could pray and encourage one another along the way. Leave a comment in the comment section or send me a private message. What a better way to start the new year!
Isaiah 58:6-7
Paraphrased in the Message bible:
This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’
Are you looking for break through today? This new year? Don’t forget fasting! Be determined!
Love and blessings,
Melanie
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
You are an inspiration indeed Melanie!
I hope you post during your fasting.
Last year our church did a group fast and followed the Daniel diet and I must say it was challenging for me – they also texted us at 9am, 1pm and 9pm to engage us in prayer – the text was an awesome prompt and reminder to draw close to God – specially as the hunger pangs hit.
Happy New Year – this is truly an inspiring way to start off 2014
Melanie says
Thanks for your kind words Shashi! That’s a cool ideas with the texting. It’s awesome to be able to fast as a corporate group knowing that others are joining with you. So glad you stop by to visit. Blessings and Happy New Year!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
I hope your fast is going well! My wife and I did “The Daniel Fast” last January and it was definitely a challenge, but so thankful we did it together. It definitely helps to clear your body, heart, and mind and refocus you on Him! Happy New Year Melanie!
Melanie says
It has been challenging but it’s going well. Especially as I prepare and serve food to my family. So glad to hear of others who are doing/have done it. Thanks for your kind words Chris. Happy New Year to you as well!
Cherie says
You go girl! I think your fasting is a wonderful idea. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), I try to fast at least once a month. When I do it with pure intent, I feel strength and help from my Savior, as I turn my heart toward him. It isn’t always easy, but it is always a worthwhile endeavor. I also love that passage in Isaiah! It contains powerful promises that I know can bless our lives. Through your fast, I hope you can become stronger physically and spiritually as you draw closer to God! What a great way to start the new year! Thanks for your website. You are inspirational!
Melanie says
Aww. Thank you Cherie. I appreciate your inspiring words and kindness. I believe fasting should be done often and for appropriate reasons. And when you deny yourself you get a little more Jesus. I pray you stop by often and we ‘get to know each other’ more. Blessings for you and your family in the new year!