Pursuit 21: Setting the Course for 2011
Do you have deep longings for 2011 — things you want God to do in your life, a loved one’s life…on your job or in your ministry?
There is something you can do next month that will set the course for what God does in your life throughout 2011 — something that will bring you closer to God and release His wisdom, guidance and blessing in every area of your life.
Setting the Course
There is no better way to begin the year than with a Biblical fast. Just as beginning our day with prayer sets the course for the rest of the day and affects anything that might happen, so beginning the year with a fast affects not only our inward relationship with God, but also circumstances and blessing throughout the entire year.
Giving God the First
We give God the first of our day, the first of our week and the first of our income. Why not the first of the year? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:33).
When we give God the the first of our year in prayer and fasting…He gives to us all year long. During April, May, June…and even into December, we receive blessings that wouldn’t be ours if we hadn’t dedicated the first to God in January with a fast.
Fasting as Part of Our Lifestyle
Fasting was never meant to be the rare practice that it is today among Christians. After Jesus called his disciples, He gave them their first public teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. In it He explained to them the kingdom of God — its laws and life. He provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. This pattern mentions three specific responsibilities: giving, praying and fasting.
In this passage Jesus said, “When you give…”, “When you pray” and “When you fast.” He made it obvious that fasting is to be a regular part of the Christian life. He did not say “if you fast” but “when you fast.” We are to give as much focus and priority to fasting as we do to giving and praying
Following Jesus’ Pattern
Jesus doesn’t expect us, His modern day disciples, to do something He didn’t do. If the Word of God — the One who spoke this world into being — found fasting necessary in God’s economy, then who are we to try to live by any other standard? Who are we to think that we can attempt to live without it? In his book Fasting, Jentezen Franklin asks a poignant question:
“If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives.”
Jesus said in John 13,”You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am…I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do…If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it – and live a blessed life.”
I want to live a blessed life, don’t you? And blessings are released in the supernatural realm when we fast.
God gives us insight about His plan for our lives…and the specific actions that will bring it about. Bondages of sin are broken! Relationships are restored! Heavy burdens are lifted! An anointing of God’s presence descends upon the entire year!
Invitation
Friend, I would like to personally invite you to join me for Pursuit 21 – twenty-one days of prayer and fasting, giving God the first of 2011. There is nothing like this powerful, unrivaled spiritual launching pad for the new year.
I believe God wants to do something special in your life that will not occur apart from fasting and prayer. “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Mt. 17:21).
I have already begun praying for you, that you will hear the Holy Spirit’s voice as to how He wants you to fast.
Don’t Panic
Don’t panic! You don’t have to go without food the entire 21 days…unless you choose. Regardless of whether you have fasted before, I believe the Holy Spirit will enable you to fast in some manner, either partially or in full, (or a combination of both) for these 21 days beginning January 14th. Just begin seeking His will and respond in obedience…trusting that He will give you the ability. And He will!!
The Benefit of Fasting With Others
Fasting with friends is powerful…and so much easier as well. Just knowing that others are fasting with you is incredibly helpful! That’s why I believe this is the perfect opportunity for us to fast together – to reap spiritual benefit and have the support system of fasting with friends.
I am excited for what God has in store for us individually and corporately as we begin 2011 with fasting and prayer!
“…for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” Hebrews 11:6 (emphasis added).
Please take a moment to let me know if you are participating in Pursuit 21. I want to lift you up in prayer as you prepare to fast.
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