CCC Fasting 2022
Christ Community Church – 21 Day Fast
January 10, 2022 at 8:00am to January 31, 2022 at 8:00am
We are excited to have you join CCC in our 2020, 21 Day Fast. If this is your first time, we are pleased to have you join us as we dedicate time to embrace and share God’s love. The fast will begin at 8:00 a.m. January 10, 2022 and continue to 8:00am January 31, 2022. This booklet is designed to help you along your spiritual journey. A life of serving Jesus is the most exciting life you can ever imagine.
WHY DO WE FAST?
In the Old Testament, when the Nation of Israel sought to hear God’s voice clearly, repent before the Lord, or conquer an enemy, they engaged in a collective fast (Daniel 9:3-5; Deut 9: 15-18; 2 Chron. 20:3-4). Within the New Testament we see that Jesus not only embarked on a 40 day fast before beginning His ministry, but He also EXPECTED his followers to fast (Matt. 6:16-18; Matt. 9:14-17). During CCC’s 21 days of fasting and prayer, it will be a wonderful time of hearing God, receiving guidance and continuing to maximize our potential for God’s Glory.
SUPPORT DURING THE FAST
The 21-Day Fast is a corporate fast in which the entire Christ Community Church family and friends can participate. While many of you are familiar and have done 3-Day, Liquid, Partial, or even 40 - Day fasts, this one is a Vegetable, Fruit, nuts, Water and Juice fast. We want everyone to use these 21-Days of Consecration to write out your goals and what you seek to accomplish during this time. What are some areas you want to see victory in your life? What sins are you struggling with that you want to conquer once and for all? Habakkuk 2:3 says, “write the vision down and make it plain...”. We encourage you to write down your goals.
Remember: Fasting does not change God, fasting changes you! Rely on the Word of God to transform your life and conform your will to His will.
TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Fasting from “creature comforts” can be substituted for individuals with medical concerns. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, consult with your physician BEFORE participating in the fast.
2. Children, especially small children, will have special needs that must be considered. Under these conditions, find some sacrifice in the area of toys or food (candy, fast food) that can be made without endangering health.
3. If you have extreme difficulty with the fast, such as impairment of your ability to work at your job, you will have to make adjustments. Seek the Lord and discuss it with other mature Christians involved in the fast to find alternatives. “God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness sake. It’s what God does with your life as He sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ.” (Romans 14, The Message, p.332)
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).
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 music. Listen to CD’s and view DVD’s of sermons and other spiritually enriching presentations. Read your Bible as often as possible. 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 over eat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
FOOD INCLUDED IN THE FAST:
All vegetables, fruits, nuts, honey, 100 percent fruit juices, water, teas. See examples for foods below:
FRUITS:
Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
VEGETABLES:
Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger root, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts. Stir fried vegetables will be acceptable. I am adding corn chips that are bake and have no additional preservatives.
LIQUIDS:
Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices (No Fruit Punch, Hi-C, or concentrated juices, etc.) Decaffeinated Tea. WATER: Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water daily through-out the fast. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! I am adding almond milk for cereal that is all nature and no preservatives.
FOODS NOT INCLUDED:
Sugar and sugar products (i.e. desserts, soft drinks, etc.) Beverages that include caffeine (i.e. coffee, tea, etc.), Carbonated beverages Breads, grains (rice is an exception)
Meats, fish poultry, eggs, dairy products, butter Fried foods, foods containing preservatives or additives Refined sugar, Sugar substitutes White flour and all products containing it Margarine, shortening, high fat products.
Try to eat food and drink liquids that are either NON-GMO or Organic.
Try to cook your snacks using the allowed ingredients. Honey can be used as a sweetener.