Our 21-day Fast
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!
Jeff
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21 Day Fastposted
dec 30, 2009by Buckhead Church
December 30, 2009 at 9:34 am
I am in!!!
December 30, 2009 at 10:51 am
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.
December 30, 2009 at 11:00 am
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!
December 30, 2009 at 12:29 pm
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.
December 30, 2009 at 12:38 pm
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)!!!!
December 30, 2009 at 2:18 pm
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 =:)
December 30, 2009 at 3:53 pm
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!
December 30, 2009 at 4:09 pm
in. :)
~T
December 30, 2009 at 5:22 pm
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.
December 30, 2009 at 5:52 pm
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!
December 30, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I’m in…just not sure what I’m fasting from, yet.
December 30, 2009 at 8:16 pm
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.
December 30, 2009 at 8:49 pm
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!
December 30, 2009 at 9:07 pm
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
December 30, 2009 at 11:17 pm
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.
December 30, 2009 at 11:19 pm
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
December 30, 2009 at 11:21 pm
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!
December 30, 2009 at 11:21 pm
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.
December 30, 2009 at 11:22 pm
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
December 30, 2009 at 11:27 pm
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
December 30, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Wow. That’s great Sarah.
Praying for you,
Jeff
December 31, 2009 at 12:07 am
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.
December 31, 2009 at 10:46 am
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.
December 31, 2009 at 11:04 am
My wife and I are in. Looking forward to what God has in store.
December 31, 2009 at 12:12 pm
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.
December 31, 2009 at 1:27 pm
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!
December 31, 2009 at 2:14 pm
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,
December 31, 2009 at 2:34 pm
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.
December 31, 2009 at 2:58 pm
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
December 31, 2009 at 3:02 pm
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
December 31, 2009 at 3:11 pm
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! :)
December 31, 2009 at 3:42 pm
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
December 31, 2009 at 4:16 pm
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!
December 31, 2009 at 6:03 pm
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.
December 31, 2009 at 11:12 pm
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.
December 31, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Angie – wow. Thank you for joining in!
Jeff
December 31, 2009 at 11:35 pm
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
December 31, 2009 at 11:36 pm
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
December 31, 2009 at 11:37 pm
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
December 31, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Andy — that means a lot. Thanks for joining us.
Happy New Year!
Jeff
December 31, 2009 at 11:41 pm
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!
January 1, 2010 at 1:21 am
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!
January 1, 2010 at 1:24 am
Ashley — sounds great. Check back on the blog throughout the journey.
Tom – great point!
Thanks for being a part of this.
Jeff
January 1, 2010 at 6:44 am
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!
January 1, 2010 at 9:50 am
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.
January 1, 2010 at 10:40 am
I am in. No fried food or soft drinks. Could be a long 21 days but here we go!
January 1, 2010 at 10:43 am
I’m in.
January 1, 2010 at 11:15 am
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.
January 1, 2010 at 7:36 pm
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.
January 1, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Our family is in. We’re fasting meats and sweets. We’re excited.