In two days, we begin a 21-day fast together as a church. Here is a quick video with some details. In the video, I address the following two links that will be helpful in understanding why we are fasting and how to fast. The first link below is from Campus Crusade for Christ. It is a very helpful and detailed site regarding fasting. Please take some time to read over this link, especially if you have never fasted before.
http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx
The second link is the reason we are fasting as a church:
http://blog.buckheadchurch.org/2009/12/22/what-bothers-me-about-our-church/
There are certainly different kinds of fasts. I would encourage you to pray and ask the Lord to lead you to what you should fast from. For example, over the next 21 days many of us are going to fast from sweets, bread, sugar and soft drinks eating mostly fruits and vegetables instead. This may not work for you depending on your health situation. This is why the first link above will be very helpful. Take some time, read through it, pray over it and decide what you want to fast from. If you’re joining us on the fast, comment here on the blog and let us know. Thanks, and Happy New Year!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/QSrVHY3Vbnk 440 330]
Jeff
I am in!!!
My wife and I are doing the ‘Daniel fast’ for the second year in a row. Nothing but nuts, fruits, & veggies. Going without coffee is the toughest part for me. We do it to draw closer to our Heavenly Father.
I’m in on the fast! I will be on a raw fruits and vegetables only fast, and drink only water, juice, and herb tea. I’m gonna need prayer because denying my cravings for coffee, bread and sweets will be difficult.
My focus is seeking the Lord for guidance in my life as to what He has next for me in terms of my career and relationships.
Thanks so much for leading our church in this!
I am so thankful and excited that we at Buckhead Church are doing this. I just had a conversation with my cousin over Christmas about the power of prayer and fasting, but have known little about fasting. I look forward to educating myself on fasting and finding out what’s best for me. Thanks Jeff for allowing us at Buckhead Church the opportunity to be a part of such a powerful experience! I pray that it will make a huge difference in Atlanta and the Buckhead community.
ok I’m in and by typing this out I am commiting myself. It’s going to be hard because I am fasting from several of my favorite things. I want to start the New Year off right and focus on my relationship with God as well as seek his guidance in my job and relationships.
I am fasting from sugar (i.e. no coffee or soda), carbs (i.e. pasta, pizza, burgers), TV (the Bachelor starts on the 4th!) and FACEBOOK (this one is gonna be the hardest)!!!!
Jeff, I loved your “Bothered” post. Unbelievably, I find myself in a holy huddle; not reaching out purposefully to those who don’t know Christ.
I also love the idea of fasting to focus attention on the need to grow spiritually–especially in this area.
So, as a new year begins, I’ll open the next chapter in my life by fasting to break two habits: Diet Coke and sweets. And I’ll use this opportunity to become more intentional about my spiritual growth, and sharing my faith with those lacking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I can’t wait to see how God “shows up” as this journey unfolds.
My Diet Coke addiction is a strong one, so wish me luck, Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some drinking up to do =:)
This is an awesome idea and I’m in! I’ll be doing a water only daylight fast. I will also be abstaining from fast food and/or other prepared food for my nightly meal.
I’ve distanced myself from certain people for spiritual reasons and they will be the main focus of my prayers. I wish I was disciplined enough to be close to them and Christ at the same time but in the mean time, fasting and praying for their salvation will be the best form of friendship!
in.
~T
Count me in!
Currently I am in training and have been a vegetarian for 16 years – so I really cannot restrict my diet further or else I will run into problems. However, I plan on fasting from soda pop, Starbucks, and alcohol. Those don’t help me nutritionally in my training plan – or any other time for that matter!
I am willing to cut out these “extras” and pray with purpose and eagerly await to see what the Lord shows me.
I’m in, too! I think I’m gonna fast from caffeine and probably tv (that’s a hard one for me). As for what I want God to help me focus on in 2010, the two words He keeps bringing back to me lately are “love” and “adventure.” I really want Him to open my eyes more than ever to what His view and attitude of love look like. And, I want to learn to have God’s sense of adventure. I want to let Him show me what that looks like in my life and how He can use that an adventurous, fearless perspective for His glory.
Thanks so much for challenging us with this corporate fast!
I’m in…just not sure what I’m fasting from, yet.
I am partnering with the Buckhead community and fasting. I have offered the opportunity to my small group, and some are joining in, too. I also have another friend who is fasting as well.
Have been in a low valley for some time, and I am looking to Christ for hope and a vision for 2010.
My sister-in-law and her husband were just in for the holidays and were talking with us about how excited they were to begin their 21 day Awakening fast at the beginning of the year. This will be their third year doing it and each year they grow so much spiritually and emotionally from it and this year they are excited to seek our God’s Will in their new lives together. We are very excited to be sharing in the fast not only with our community but them as well. We are doing a variation of Daniel’s fast which should be a big challenge as this is our first extended fasting. Not having any sweets as well as not dining out at all during the 21 days is going to be quite the challenge. We could not be more motivated and excited to experience all that is to come!
I am in, I have done the Daniel Fast for several years at the beginning of the year and I am including Twitter and Facebook
Kamisha — that’s great. Thanks for joining in. Let us know what the Lord does through this journey. Thanks for being a part of it.
Jodi & Doug — I know. Cutting out sugar is going to be quite the challenge for me, too. But I’m excited like you are to begin the year like this. Please let us know how things go by checking daily on the blog.
Chelle — That’s great! The link to the fasting site might help.
Amerikanerin – thanks for leading your small group to consider this as well.
Leslie — great word, adventure. Praying for you!
Nancy — thanks for doing this! Very excited.
Jeff
I’m joining in as well! I don’t live in Atlanta, but am wanting to seek the Lord’s face about what His plans are for 2010!
Thanks Jeff so much for pointing us in the right direction with this! Can’t wait to see what the Lord does through this time of growing closer to Him!
T — you’re awesome. Thanks for joining in.
J – I agree. Praying for their salvation is great friendship.
Lyndsey – you took it to another level with Facebook!!
Brittany — I’m hearing a lot of similar comments from friends that the timing seems perfect.
Sarah – praying for you!!
Hans – no coffee. Praying for you too!
Joel – thanks buddy.
Check back on the blog January 1 and keep commenting. Thanks!!
Jeff
Absolutely compelled! He draws near to those who draw near to Him. I will be on a whole foods only- fasting from dairy, sugars, all white flours, and coffee. I cherish coffee! This will be the “sacrifice” part for me.
Learning much, through pain and joy, about seeking His face not just His hand.
I will be seeking His face on behalf of the family and friends around me, on my future relationship, my women’s ministry Establish Her, and my career.
Excited!!!! – Sarah Ott
Wow. That’s great Sarah.
Praying for you,
Jeff
So exciting. I was already planning to do the “Daniel Fast” again this year, so it’s great that other Buckhead Church folks will be fasting as well. Last year’s fast was one of spiritual renewal. My take away then and the encouragement I’d like to pass along is this: Commit to substantial time for prayer and meditation over the course of each day – double or triple what you normally do. God works through the additional time spent with Him much more than the things that we’re fasting from. I’m looking forward to a great beginning to 2010.
I did a 21 day fast last August – nothing but water, a little black coffee in the morning – so I probably should not try that again this soon. I was glad I did it, and generally led a normal life, except for workouts and having much less energy. The down side is that it was more of a personal goal than a spiritual journey, but while doing it I read John Piper’s book “A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer.” It is the usual deep Piper book, but I’d recommend reading that during the 21 day period, regardless of the nature of the fast. For me, I can do 21 days without sugar, refined foods, etc. Basically, a Daniel fast with some added protein so I can keep working out. The last fast did “cure” me of the massive amounts of diet soft drinks I was consuming and that alone will be a long term benefit. The key, I found, was day 22. Don’t fall back. Take 7-10 days of carefully planned activities (prayer, food, etc.) after the fast so you don’t fall back.
My wife and I are in. Looking forward to what God has in store.
I’m in and I am sure several of the men from the Buckhead Church Men’s Prayer Group will be joining us and posting their comments soon. Jeff, thank you for your leadership and we love the fact that Buckhead Church is not about Buckhead Church but it’s about Buckhead. For me, no sugar and coffee. Admittedly, I’m not spiritual enough to refrain from Facebook.
And if I can use this opportunity to put in a shameless plug, we would love for the men of Buckhead to join us over the next three Monday mornings from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM @ Buckhead Church for a time of prayer.
I’m committing to fast next 21 days with you, no bread, sugar, coffee. Desiring to be consistent in time alone with the Lord and His Word as well as get in shape physically. I’m trusting the Lord to enable me to read thru the BIble this year by using Robert Murray McCheyne’s schedule. He was an amazing man of God, a true theologian as well as a pastor in the 1800’s. I got his schedule thru google. Thank you so much for your prayers, I cannot do this without Him!
We’re in. Took us a while to figure out what we’re giving up, but here it goes. No TV for 21 days.
For us it is about not using the tele as an escape to decompress at the end of the night. I think God can use that time for something more productive.
//There is an obvious exception here for a few bowl games,
I am absolutely in! I am still thinking about what exactly to fast. Honestly, it should probably be alcohol. I’ve grown accustomed to my daily glass of wine on the weekdays to help me sleep, beer during football games, and cocktails with friends on the weekend. I’ve tried to do this on my own before for training purposes and was surprised to find it difficult! Didn’t realize giving up 8oz of liquid a day would be so difficult given the many difficult things I do daily between work and training at the gym. How did this thing get a hold of me?!? Perhaps that shall be it, then. I look forward to tracking everyone’s progress via the blog.
Eric – thanks for leading so well and for joining this journey!!!
Nancy – thank you as well. I’m looking forward to getting started as well.
Jeff
Kali — that’s great. Knowing that we will be journeying with and praying for you will help. More importantly, I believe you will experience God’s strength in amazing ways. Thanks for letting us know.
Benj and Erica — I’m so glad you two are joining in. Thanks for all you do for Buckhead Church!!
Jeff
I’m in! This is my first fast and I am really looking forward to starting the year being reminded that my dependence is on God and not on anything of this world. I am fasting from soda, fast food, and alcohol. I’ll be drinking water and eating only fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.
I am excited to see how God uses this fast in our lives as a Church and celebrating and worshipping Him together on the 21st.
My focus for 2010 is to LISTEN to my Heavenly Father and follow His lead instead of trying to get Him in line with MY plans! What a concept!
My wife and I are not apart of Buckhead Church but we are apart of a strategic partnership in Chattanooga. We love NP ministry’s and are loving the impact it is having in Chattanooga through RPCC. So privileged to be a small part of what God is doing.
John
I’m in…I’ve done a TV fast in the past, but now I don’t own a TV and don’t miss it a bit. One of my last remaining vices is sugar. I might be a sugar junkie…chocolate and candy are my weaknesses…don’t eat a ton, but eat it every day. I know it’ll be something that will remind me regularly throughout the day to pray instead of indulge. I’ll be praying that many more will be lead into a growing relationship with Christ through our church community. Thanks!
I am in as well. This is my 1st fast ever. The Hardest part is givivng up my Wednesday night beer and giving up sugar for 21 days.
Jeff, I’m joining you. No softdrinks, Sweets, Breads. You know that I’m not a member of Buckhead, but will be fasting and praying for you guys and Buckhead, Atlanta and specifically Norcross.
Angie – wow. Thank you for joining in!
Jeff
John – I love what’s happening with you and the Chattanooga team. You’ve got a great leader up there. Thanks for joining us on the 21-day journey.
Praying it will be significant for all of us.
Jeff
Sherry – it’s going to be difficult at first, but this will be a very important and memorable spiritual journey.
Thanks for joining in.
Jeff
Orlando — thanks for joining with us on your very first fast. Hang in there. It’s going to be very rewarding.
Happy New Year.
Jeff
Andy — that means a lot. Thanks for joining us.
Happy New Year!
Jeff
My first fast. Feeling humbled already but I know I know I can do all things through Christ. Good to know others are joining and supporting me. What a great body I’m surrounded by in Buckhead. See you on the 21st. Happy New Year!
I’m in and excited where I’ll be led in sacrifice and out of obedience. Soft drinks & coffee go away-Starbucks gift cards locked up. No breads or sweets only non-processed fruits, vegetables, and lean protein introduced after completing 3 day water & juice only Gratitude fast.
2010 action item: Instead of the usual “safe” email & facebook invite and invests, I’m making a point to make personal face to face invests & invites to join me each week to those I personally know to be unchurched.
And during those tough moments of the fast I suggest we all imagine how brightly Buckhead Church will be lit next Christmas by all the candles resulting from honoring God these next 21 days and throughout the year!
Ashley — sounds great. Check back on the blog throughout the journey.
Tom – great point!
Thanks for being a part of this.
Jeff
Fasting from soft drinks and fried foods. Not having a coke (or 2 or 3) will probably be the hardest part. But I know my God is way bigger than caffeine!
Another idea that comes to mind (as I am browsing Amazon this morning) is to “fast” from all purchases, beyond necessities, for the month of January. That will give me a true idea of what my budget should be, and the things that I thought about purchasing but later realize I really did not need.
I am in. No fried food or soft drinks. Could be a long 21 days but here we go!
I’m in.
I listened to a message on TV last Sunday on fasting and was considering doing this solo so I too agree that the timing is perfect. I already have a pretty disciplined diet but will be abstaining from the few sweets and fried foods that I do eat and some TV. I will also not frequent any non-essential retail stores for the next 21 days…regardless of the great after Christmas blowout deals.
As I join BHC in praying for the unchurched in Buckhead, personally I’m continuing to trust God in my journey to become “BALANCED” (wonderful series from last year that changed my life) and for quality personal relationships.
Thank you for this collective oppurtunity to fast together and to get support/ideas from eachother while doing so. It has been on my heart over the last week and I have decided after praying about it to fast from coffee, any type of red bullish drinks(which I love), and sweets.
I am going to pray for those around us that do not know Jesus and reach out to anyone I can. Through fasting I also want to learn to abandon my will and trust Gods will for my life. I want to be led by the Holy Spirit and walk with God in all areas of my life.
Thank you.
Our family is in. We’re fasting meats and sweets. We’re excited.
Jeff -
I’m a day late – sorry, but I’m in for the next 20 days! I’ve never fasted before and am excited to be a part of one. I’m going to do a similar fast to you and get rid of all processed foods and drinks in my diet. Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at church.
I hope that you’re all having a wonderful New Year so far -
Amy
My husband and I are in as well. The timing is no coincidence as we will be facing a Giant in the next month or so. I have never had my faith so rocked as it has been over the past year and I need my heavenly father now more than ever.
I love our church and am open and surrendered to see what God has in store for us corporately and individually. Thanks for doing this Jeff.
Christy – I will be praying for you and your husband over the days of the fast. Praying that the giant will be moved and God’s will done.
Thanks for being a part of the journey here.
Jeff
Amy – you’re not late at all. Glad you’re in. Daniel only fasted 10 days in the Old Testament.
Thanks again for joining in.
Happy New Year!
Jeff
Jennifer – I totally understand the pain of going without Coca-Cola. I was raised in Atlanta! But so glad you’re with us and eager to see us all grow in our dependence on God.
Steven – great idea about fasting from purchases.
Chip — hope you can join us as we end the fast with Night of Worship on Jan. 21.
Jeff
Shon — that’s strong. Thanks.
Nicole – that’s big. I’ve never had a Red Bull but I know it’s tough to break the habit of the energy it provides.
Lee — I hope the first two days are going great.
So excited about this.
Jeff
Jeff,
I’m starting today.
First 3 days fast from food water.
18 days vegetables
All 21 days Facebook, Twitter, Movies, and TV.
Pray for: Direction in life, draw closer, and I have to think about this more. So I’m sure there will be more
Hey Jeff!
I am so excited that you are encouraging us to fast for 21 days. I saw your email and immediately decided that this was the time to finally fast. I have many friends who fast annually but I have never done the sacrifice myself.
I have a close friend who is a member of the Bahai faith. They do a similar fast every year for 19 days. They only are “allowed” to eat before the sun rises and after the sun sets. At these times, they gather together for a meal together and to pray together. At the end of the 19 days, they celebrate with a feast and celebration.
I really like their definition of fasting and I have decided to practice it starting tomorrow (Monday January 4) through the Night of Worship (Thursday January 21). I can’t wait to see what God will reveal to me as I pray for my family, our community, our country, and the world!
Mary Beth
I received your email but forgot to check out the blog for details. Erin reminded those of us on the Host Team about praying and fasting, this morning.
I’ve decided to pray and fast from swing dancing, which I normally do two to three times a week. The timing is perfect since I can “feast” on dancing at a big workshop at the end of the month!
I’ve also stopped smoking, but I’m not counting that since I’m not fasting, I’m just quitting
Brandon – I just prayed for you.
It’s going to be a great 21 days. Thanks for joining in. I’m praying for God to reveal His clear direction to you.
Jeff
Mary Beth – thanks!
We’re going to celebrate together on January 21 with our Night of Worship. It’s going to be a great celebration.
Thanks again.
Jeff
John — that’s great. Thanks for joining in.
Way to go on quitting smoking, too!
Jeff
Hey, Jeff! I’ve joined in (sorry I’m late in letting you know). I’m fasting from all carbonated beverages. I’ve already had a dream about Dr. Pepper, so this is no small challenge.
Glad y’all are doing this as a church.
Amber
I am recently returning to a relationship with God. This 21 days of prayer and fasting came at me like a ton of bricks last week! I just know that God will do something amazing in my life in the coming weeks, even if it is “only” keeping me from temptation. I will be praying for God’s strength and peace, and fasting from my alarm clock. I am going to trust God to wake me up every morning–on time! This is a big issue for me, since I have to be up most mornings at 5 AM!
Trust in God has always been my biggest issue. I’m praying that a no alarm clock rule will strengthen my faith.
Clearly late joining up, but I’m in! I’m a nursing mother, so I’m a little limited, but I’ll be fasting from sweets….which will be incredibly difficult for me, as I am a total sugar addict. I’m praying specifically for my mom, 2 friends whom I REALLY want to know Jesus, and wisdom in our finances. Very excited about what God will do during this time!
Hi Jeff, sorry I’m late on the fast. I just got the e-mails from Dec. 30th. I will definately be fasting on sweets and bread which is a huge deal for me to give up. I believe that God will do great things in our church. I’m super excited to see what He will do!!
Nayivis
Hey, Jeff, I’m in! Giving up the many (and I mean many!) Diet Cokes I drink each day…wasn’t hard to hear from God on that one! I’m on day 3 and He is definitely helping me break this habit, so I”m already being blessed by the fast!
I’m excited to see what God is going to do in Buckhead and also that this may lead my husband to the new career that God has in store for him. We’ve been before the Lord for so long on this job thing, and I pray that this may be the time for the “big reveal!” Thank you for leading our church in this endeavor!
Hi Jeff,
I just found out about this today (5th) from my friend Amy Malia. I’m in. I’ve never fasted and did not realize fasting is not an option, but a discipline, until I read the growing closer to God link above. I plan on fasting from meat and sugar and concentrating on vegetables and fruits. We have such an abundance…what a great way to start 2010.
Jenny
Jeff, I would like to thank God for the internet and thank you for the email. I love that we can be away from home and stay connected. I had to spend some time identifying what takes my attention away from Him. It’s great that we can choose our own disipline. I am fasting sweets, eating out, shopping, and sleeping in. Thank you for organizing this fast for Buckhead. I am praying for the 300K.
Amber — I completely understand about the soft drinks. I’m a Coca-Cola Classic guy myself. Thanks for joining this.
Allison – great comment. How’s it going with the no alarm clock??
Sheri – I’ll be praying for your Mom and your two friends. Praying for wisdom in finances. There are some good resources to consider in the connections resource center at church. Balanced, the series Andy did last year is great. Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and Crown Financial Ministries are great resources as well.
Jeff
Naylvis — it’s never too late to fast & pray. I’m with you on the sweets and no bread. Thanks for joining in!
Jeff
Dana – I know how hard it is on the soft drink front. Thanks for being a part of this. Joining you on praying for the job.
Jeff
Jenny — that’s great. You’re right. Even though we’re fasting, we have so much to still choose from. We’re blessed.
Thanks!
Jeff
Jen — so great. Thanks! Let us know how you’re doing.
Jeff
My wife and I are joining in too. Food isn’t as good of an option for us, so we’ve decided to fast from spending money on anything other than food and gas. We actually started a few days back and have already been confronted with a number of things we “can’t” buy/do – which is good! God is answering our prayers b/c we asked him to bring our desires for things front and center and use this time to learn more about finding value in him and to expose the extent we currently look to consumption to fulfill that appetite.
We’re glad to share in this with everyone.
Brian — incredible. Thank you for joining in and influencing us.
Hi Jeff,
I was actually so encouraged by the church’s fast that I’ve decided to go 40 days without drinking alcohol. I have a few other people doing it with me, and a lot of people in my small group are fasting from something as well. None of us have really done a legitimate fast before though. Do you have any suggestions (daily devotions or anything you recommend reading throughout this time)?
Thanks!
Christina – 40 days is impressive. I would recommend going through Hebrews 12. One verse per day and reflecting on it. This has been very helpful for me. Let me know how it’s going.
Jeff