We know that the order in which we do things matters.
Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. ~ Luke 9:23-24
During the month of January, The Cornerstone Church family will begin 2025 with a 2 week fast. During that time, we will intentionally do things that disconnect us from the world and connect us more to God and His purpose in our church, families, and ourselves. We want to experience God’s plan and purpose for 2025 and fasting is a great way to start.
We will begin Monday, January 13th and continue until Sunday, January 26th. If you are unable to start the fast with us that day, no problem! Simply start when you are able to. Whether it’s food, media or hobbies, the goal is the same, remove it and replace it with more of God. Let’s take the time and energy that we spend with something we value and spend it on seeking God instead.
There will be a breakFAST surprise on Sunday, January 26th in-between the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services so we can all celebrate breaking our fasts together.
Fasting
The goal of fasting is to draw us near God. It hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out.
Fasting enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God. It prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. When deciding on a fast, we encourage you to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Here is some reference scripture about fasting:
Types of Fasts
In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices as a nutritious option.
This fast is most commonly known as the “Jewish Fast” and involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either occur in specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.
This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. An example of a Selective Fast is a “Daniel Fast” in which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet.
This fast is a perfect option for first time fasters, or if you have health issues which prevent you from fasting. Simply choose one or more elements of your life and go without them for the fasting period.
For example, you can choose to stop using social media or watching television during the period of the fast. After the fast is over, you can slowly start reintroducing the “fasted” elements back in your life in healthy doses.
PRAYER
Prayer is our first response, not our last resort. Prayer is our communion and communication with God. Every time we pray God draws us closer to himself.
We deliberately want to SURRENDER to God's will for our lives. We trust he will and we know he will strengthen our relationship with him.
There are many ways to pray – you can have a conversation with God as you would with a friend, you can write your prayers down in a journal, or you can even incorporate prayer into your daily routines. Moves of God begin with great expectation of God through prayer. We encourage you to pray big, bold, specific prayers.
If you don’t know where to begin in prayer you can begin with scripture such as the Lord’s prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13.
If you're seeking the Lord for something specific and would like prayer, please feel free to request prayer here. Remember, prayer changes everything!
Need more information?
Here are some additional resources on fasting and prayer:
DISCLAIMER
We understand that all will not be able to conduct a food related fast. Fasting requires reasonable precautions, especially for those with an illness. If you have a chronic illness, take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you struggle with disordered eating, always consult your physician before you fast.
If you fall under one of the previous categories, consider the following options during your fast:
A Partial Fast A partial fast is fasting from certain foods but not all food. Thus, you’re only “partially fasting” from food. Everyone can fast from certain foods, while not abstaining from all food. In this way, you are not depriving your body of necessary nutrients. For example, you can abstain from coffee (caffeine), soda, processed foods, sweets, snack food, junk food, fast food, candy, etc.
Choose something from your daily routine (e.g. television, other media, technology, non-essential errands, etc.), abstain from it and pray instead.
Fast from media use for pleasure (as opposed to what is needed on your job). This is a good idea for everyone, even those without an illness who are engaging in a full fast. Now days, we are glued to some form of technology or media — television, social media, tablets, laptops, smartphones. And it replaces prayer and time in God’s word
Give up something else that might have control in your life or be preventing you from experiencing spiritual growth. Replace that time with prayer and study of God’s word. Examples include sports, magazines, fiction books, shopping for pleasure. Replace the time you would spend in these things with prayer and time in the word.