Fast Start for Success in 2010

THE POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYER

Tears streamed down my face when I realized that my paycheck had been garnished. The bad news came during an out of town business trip to Denver, Colorado; I was wrongfully involved in a crazy legal dispute involving thousands of dollars – which I did not owe! I pulled myself together and decided to start a spiritual fast IMMEDIATELY – right then and there on the spot! Although I was scheduled to attend a business dinner with several colleagues, I informed the host that my plate could be cancelled.

Later on that evening in my hotel room, I prayed fervently and asked God for help, guidance, wisdom and angelic assistance. Since I always traveled with a bible on hand, I began listing scriptures to pray on a daily basis. Somehow I just knew the issue would disappear since I didn’t owe the money.

WHAT STARTED OUT AS A TERRIBLE FINANCIAL CRISIS ACTUALLY TURNED INTO A TERRIFIC FINANCIAL VICTORY!
Unfortunately I was caught in the jaws of a vicious “legal pit bull.” I prayed diligently for the next 45 days and didn’t see a visible result. Then the Lord prompted me to go on a 21 DAY DANIEL FAST FOR FINANCIAL MIRACLES. I typed up my list of 34 “blockbuster” scriptures and continued praying and fasting for all 21 days – joined by a close friend from church. When I still didn’t see the complete victorious result at the end of 21 days, I continued praying diligently with a one-day weekly fast for about 5 more months. Here’s the good news — Not only did I get a breakthrough from the legal dispute way back in 1998 but I also experienced phenomenal financial increase throughout that entire year.

The combination of fasting and prayer is powerful but is not well utilized or understood in today’s Christian community. However, the bible reports numerous instances of successful fasting – Moses (Exodus 34:28), Esther (Esther 4:16) , Daniel (Daniel 1: 12; 9:3-4; 10:2-3), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3), the Apostles (Acts 13:2) and Jesus (Matthew 4:1) to name a few. Bible teachers often note that Jesus said “ When you fast” not “If you fast” – meaning that fasting is a critical element of the basic Christian walk.

There are many different kinds of fasts described in the bible. An excellent resource for getting smart about fasting was written by Elmer L. Towns: “Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough : A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts”.

To get started, read about the numerous promises of fasting listed in Isaiah 58: 5 – 11 : freedom from bondage and burdens, improved health, answers to problems , wisdom, guidance and of course, spiritual renewal.

The most important key to fasting is to get specific direction from the Lord before you start . There are many different kinds of fasts – absolute fast (no food or drink), partial fast ( limited food consumption) and the Daniel fast – (referenced first in Daniel 1: 12). The Daniel fast generally requires that you eat only unseasoned fruits, vegetables, nuts along with water, herbal tea, 100% fruit juice. Coffee, meat, dairy products, desserts, breads, pasta, fried foods, coffee, candy, alcohol and soda are off limits. Although any time period can be selected, a Daniel fast is generally done for either 10 or 21 days.

Here are a few keys to successful fasting:

• Pray for guidance concerning the specific type of fast , length, timing and duration. The Lord will direct you specifically. If you are inexperienced in fasting, consider a one meal fast – for example, replacing the lunch meal with a cup of hot, low-sodium broth while you spend extra time in prayer. Avoid starting with a lengthy fast if you are inexperienced; also consider getting a friend to fast with you so that you can encourage each other.

• Write down the purpose of the fast. Examples: Wisdom concerning a decision or situation, improvements in marriage, financial breakthrough, freedom from tobacco addiction, etc. Spend some time in self-reflection….. Are there areas of disobedience or sin where you need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness? Clean out your heart to eliminate toxic emotions – bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, etc.

• Select relevant scriptures for your fast and write them down on index cards or type them out. Plan to read and pray those scriptures DAILY while you are fasting. A fast for financial breakthrough might include the following scriptures:
  • Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers (3 John 2)
  • God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:8)
  • Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. ( Psalm 35:27)
  • Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding ( Proverbs 4:7)
  • Note: Scripture selection is a critical step. The Word of God helps us focus on the promises of God, rather than the problem we are facing.

• Consistency is critical. Daily focus will move you forward in a positive direction. If you “fall off the wagon” by eating or drinking a prohibited item, just ask God for strength and STAY ON THE FAST. One meal or day off track does not mean you should abandon your goal. Keep going and keep praying!!

• At the conclusion of the fast, eat sensibly and avoid spicy dishes, fried foods, etc. Gradually ease your system back to normal eating. Years ago, I went out for a BBQ rib dinner the day after ending a fast – needless to say that was not wise and I got sick to my stomach!

Fasting combined with prayer is a power tool available to every Christian. Results have proven over and over that it’s a winning combo!

Expect to Hear From Heaven

God is THE source of all wisdom in our lives. Think about it – He made us and the entire universe. God created time — He knows the past, present and future. Who else could possibly know each of us or our personal situations any better?

I have owned the same car for 10 years and it has over 100,000 miles on it. Some people would take an older car like that to Joe the mechanic down the street just to save money. But I take my car back to the Volvo dealer because the dealer stocks the correct original parts, has mechanics specifically trained to fix what’s wrong and the service managers clearly explain what is needed. Why shouldn’t I utilize the Volvo dealer’s knowledge and skill to get the repairs done swiftly so the car remains reliable? The same is true for us — why not go to God, who loves us and created us so that we can get His wisdom and be successful in life? The book of James clearly states: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ( James 1:5 -6) Some folks think that God is trying to hide His entire game plan for our lives and keep it all a secret. But that’s not true. God wants us to have good success in life. That’s why He’s available to give us the right information at the right time and place. Sometimes that means we have to wait on Him but mostly it means we have to listen very carefully, stay in tune with His wisdom and plans for our lives.

Asking for, waiting and then using God’s wisdom is absolutely the best approach to receive answers, including specific decisions that concern our everyday lives. For illustration, I’ll share two personal examples to illustrate the upside of listening as well as the downside of charging ahead without God. First, here’s the upside example. Several years ago I was in Florida on vacation near West Palm Beach. Since I love Florida and am totally wild about the beach, I got the brilliant idea to buy a vacation home. I reasoned that I could enjoy the home and also rent it out to family, friends and business associates. After spending a day looking around the area, visiting with a realtor and dreaming about my future beach stays, I returned to my room at the hotel. I was relaxing quietly and sensed a gentle warning from the Lord “You really don’t know what you are doing.” I had previously sought the Lord’s direction on many matters in the past and believed that His tender “tap on the shoulder” was enough so I immediately abandoned my plans without questions. Six weeks after returning home to the Midwest, a major hurricane hit the exact coastal area where I was planning to buy property! Suppose I had not listened to the Lord’s warning and charged ahead with my own plan? Do you think I’d really be happy about owning a badly damaged condo or home? How would I successfully manage the repairs in Florida from out of town? Seeking and listening to God’s wisdom spared me from aggravation, frustration and financial distress. That’s just one simple example regarding when I DID listen to the Lord.

Let me share another example when I DID NOT listen. Fortunately, the results were not disastrous. In fact the experience was so impactful that I made a commitment to deliberately wait for an answer from the Lord before moving ahead with any future business ventures or critical decisions. Several years ago (prior to the FLA real estate incident I related earlier) I decided to design, print and sell greeting cards and note paper. After creating a thorough written business plan, I hired a designer and contracted with a printer to produce the cards. My enthusiasm was higher than Mount Everest so instead of doing a small print job, I paid to have thousands of cards produced. I was so sure that this was a “God idea” that I rushed ahead to fulfill my entrepreneurial dream. You can guess what happened. I had a closet in my home filled with boxes and boxes and more boxes of note cards, greeting cards and envelopes! How did I miss it? I never committed to taking the time to seek God’s wisdom. Since I never asked Him whether or even how to proceed, I eventually wasted my time, money, energy and closet space on a half-baked idea. I still smile when I think about all those neatly stacked boxes of unused cards in my home office! Eventually, they had to be thrown out and destroyed.

Those two experiences and many others have inspired me to lay out seven principles which share specific keys which may help you to “ hear from heaven” – to seek God’s wisdom and receive His answers.

First, BELIEVE that God wants to communicate with you so that you can clearly hear His voice and receive His guidance.
• Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me…” (John 10:27)
• Psalm 32:8 reads: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Second, BE STILL and quiet. An anxious mind filled with fear and confusion makes it more difficult to hear God’s instructions. This may require you to find a private location – office, spare bedroom, local chapel or park to pray. Sometimes confusion or deception may be masking the root cause so it’s important that you clearly identify the issue, problem or question.
• For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. (1 Timothy 1:7)
• Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)
• He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters ( Psalm 23: 2)

Third, Start COMMUNICATING and CONVERSING with God by reading HIS Word – the Bible.

Select a few key scriptures to read, study and reflect on DAILY. Here are few favorites if you are unfamiliar with the bible: Psalm 23, Psalm 34, Psalm 57 and Psalm 27 which begins like this – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Fourth, LISTEN and BE SILENT. Remember the word game Scrabble ? or the daily newspaper jumble of letters? Listen and silent both have the same letters. That’s amazing and it means we must be silent in order to really listen! Easier said than done, when what we really want to do is whine to God and complain to other people! On the serious side, it’s very important to set aside specific time to pray and listen. Also, after you have shared the essential details of your situation with a wise friend or colleague, then it’s time to limit your commentary and focus on HEARING from the Lord.

Fifth, FOCUS on God’s solution –not the problem or question at hand. What do you think will happen if you focus your prayers like this: “God, this situation is so terrible that I can’t believe you are letting this happen to me. It is so so bad.” Or “I hate everything about this. I hate that no one is helping me.” Or “Things will never ever get better.” Reinforce God’s ability instead: For with God nothing shall be impossible. ( Luke 1:37) Based on personal experience, a time of fasting might also be useful. For instance, drink only broth (low sodium), 100% fruit juice or herbal tea instead of eating a meal with solid food. That’s what I call a jump start fast….. read and study more about fasting by reading Daniel 1:12 and Isaiah 58: 6- 12.

Sixth, Develop an action plan, listing next steps; write down the answers and instructions you receive from the Lord. Continue to pray that you hear God’s instruction clearly and accurately.

Seventh, VALIDATE the direction you hear by testing it against God’s Word and evaluation by wise counsel. God will always guide with honorable solutions that are in line with His Word, wisdom and above all –agape love.

As you proceed to implement and act upon God’s wisdom, continue to prayerfully listen. Remember God wants you to have good success in life and He’s ready, willing and more than able to help you achieve your destiny!

Encouragement

Everyone needs encouragement from time to time. Below are verses to help you to stay encouraged during difficult times.

Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

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Flying Solo

Weekends and holidays are only dates on a calendar. Remember that you have a decision to make. It is not the weekend or holiday that is making you sad; it’s your attitude about the events and circumstances in your life that makes you sad.

When special days or holidays approach, feelings of anxiety, stress, loneliness and depression can almost become overwhelming for some singles. Why am I alone? Why can’t I find somebody? Why can’t I just be happy?

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Finances

Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus, pleading the blood of Jesus over my household, possessions and finances. Your Word says that You supply all my need according to your riches in glory. As a tither, I thank you that I am under the open windows of heaven and You rebuke the devourer for my sake. I speak Your Word now believing that You hasten to perform it:

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On the Potter’s Wheel

Then the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:5,6)

God is the potter ( or maker of pottery) and you are the clay. If you’re familiar with the process of shaping and finishing a pottery vase made on a potter’s wheel, you know that lump of clay “goes through a lot of changes” before it becomes a beautiful work of art. The potter starts out by kneading the clay (like you knead bread) to remove air bubbles; then he shapes the clay into a ball before placing in on the wheel. The clay is occasionally sprayed with water as the potter applies physical pressure with his hands to add shape and give height to the lump of clay as it is transformed into a vase. The newly formed vessel is taken off of the wheel, trimmed and then placed into a high temperature oven (kiln).

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