FAST

God really just put it on my heart this morning [or night, whichever it is right now] that I really need to fast to focus on him.
This is the result of it.

for the actual file please follow this link: http://www.mediafire.com/?591mymkd1lm



FAST
A two-day journey to grow closer to God













Morning of October 17th- Night of October 18th
2007
A little bit of background on fasting and the guidelines

Who was the first person in the bible to fast?
Moses was the first person in the bible recorded to have fasted.

What is the longest amount of time anyone has ever fasted?
40 days is the longest time anyone has ever fasted.

Why fast?
We fast to completely focus on our communication and relationship with God. (Yes you can pray when you’re not fasting, but you can’t fast without praying)

God said, "When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you" (Jeremiah 29:13,14)

What does this fast restrict us from?
We will keep from eating or drinking.

What will we do differently besides not eat or drink?
We will have biblical readings to look over and contemplate on. We will pray quite a bit more than usual and have a few times of worship.

What happens if we break the fast?
Nothing. This is completely between you and God.



Optional additional fast- MEDIA FAST
- Don’t get on the internet unless it’s for school
- Don’t watch TV.
- Don’t listen to music (participating in worship is allowed)
- Don’t watch movies (unless for class)
- Refrain from using your cell phone unless necessary

Day 1: Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

Suggestions:
- When reading the bible passages try to find a secluded place where you won’t be distracted
- Sing to the Lord whatever’s on your heart
- Anytime you feel lead to read something else go ahead and do that
Morning Bible Reading
Read Ezra 8:21-23; 10:6

What is your personal reason for fasting for these two days?

Think of what you hope to accomplish in yourself through this.

Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that he would move you during this time.
Mid-day Bible Reading
Read Psalm 69

How often do you feel like life is too hard to get past?

Do you generally look at God in these times? What about when things aren’t going too bad?

Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that you would make this Psalm your own

Afternoon Bible Reading
Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Many boast for their success…is it wrong to boast about our sufferings?

What does fasting symbolize to you?

Suggested prayer topic: Pray that God would use today and tomorrow as an experience of suffering to connect you to Christ’s suffering for us.


Congratulations! You made it through the first day!
Make sure as you fall asleep that you pray for strength for the day ahead and continued focus.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13




Day 2: Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

*REMINDER- MAKE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND TO EAT BREAD SO THAT YOU DO NOT GET SICK OR DEHYDRATED*

Morning Bible Reading
Read Matthew 4:1-4

What does man live off of if it is not bread alone?

How does this verse represent Christ in relation to food?

Suggested prayer topic: Pray that God would use this experience to teach you to rely on Him and realize he is more important than and physical thing.

Mid-day Bible Reading
Read Matthew 6:16-18

Why is it that we don’t want to make it completely apparent to others that we are fasting?

What is our reward from fasting? Is it tangible?

Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that he would humble you through fasting and not make you feel higher spiritually than anyone else.

Afternoon Bible Reading
Read Matthew 9:14-16

Why do we fast if the disciples didn’t fast?
If we are new in Christ why do we need not only new life spiritually but also outwardly?

Suggested prayer topic: Pray that this experience would not be forgotten and that you would have benefited greatly spiritually though these two days.



Congratulations! You made it through the second day! Enjoy your food tomorrow and don’t forget where your food comes from.

“Every good and perfect gift comes from above”
James 1:17








Check out www.new-life.net/fasting.htm for more info regarding fasting. It is a very helpful website and was a huge source in making this event happen!