Foundation: Plan of Action

Luke 14:28-33 (New International Version)
28“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’
31“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Yesterday we talked about why you want to commit to a time of fasting.  The thought for the day was simply, “What is my motivation?”  Like we discussed, for everyone this is different.  We all have different issues and desires in our life.  That doesn’t make one person better or another worse, simply different.

Did you take time to write down what your motivation is going to be over the next few days?

Now, today’s question is a more practical one.  How?  How do you plan to be successful?  An old proverb says, “Anything worth having is worth working for.”  It would be great to live in a world where nothing was difficult and everything was freely given to us but regrettably this is simply not the way of things.  You’re going to have to put some effort into becoming all God has for you to be.

God will always do the impossible, but He also asks us to do the possible.

The ‘possible’ is where the work comes in.  You have to euip yourself each day with God’s Word, with prayer and with your motivation.  It’s important at this stage of our journey together that we have a firm resolve.  No turning back.  No giving up.  Remember, the rewards far exceed the temporary discomfort.

Our plan of action is to stay committed to our time of fasting (for whatever length) by staying focused on our motivation and on God’s Word.  Each day we’re going to wake up and decide afresh to be firm and resolved putting God before all other things.  Also, don’t under estimate the power of God’s Word during this time.  Allow His presence to pour over you and speak directly to you through His Word.  We’ll talk more in the common days about the awesome power of God’s Word and what it can do in you and through you.

Read these great scriptures about fasting and some if its spiritual benefits..

BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

It’s important to pray for those over us in leadership.  This includes pastors, teachers, and lay leaders.  Also, don’t forget about government officials. (Whether you voted for them or not.  They still need your prayer.)  How about your boss at work?  When was the last time you prayed for God’s blessings and guidance in their life?

ROMANS 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.”

“…a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable…” – sound like fasting to you?

MATTHEW 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Putting God before everything in our lives; even food.  The great thing about God is when you lay it all at His feet, He gives you in return more than you can ever imagine.

ISAIAH 58:6
“[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

Do any of the things above sound familiar in your life?  God wants to loose you from these bonds, burdens and oppressions….through fasting.

(Here are some tips from the guy who brought fasting back to the forefront of Christian thought in our generation, Jentzen Franklin.)

WHETHER YOU ARE BEGINNING A PRIVATE FAST, OR FASTING CORPORATELY AS WE DO EACH YEAR AT FREE CHAPEL, I BELIEVE YOU WILL FIND THESE TIPS HELPFUL.
- JENTEZEN FRANKLIN

How to Begin

Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

Preparing Spiritually

Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast

The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long

You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

What to Expect

When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

How to End

Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

Physical:

Feeling good?  If so, great!  Enjoy this wonderful time of renewed interest in the “green” things of life.  If not, don’t worry. It’s temporary.  It will get better.

Make sure you’re drinking lots of water.  Water will help rid your body of all those nasty toxins your body has been bogged down with.  Ridding yourself of those is one major to feeling a lot better.

Below is a playlist for a quiet time/worship time.

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