Renovate:

To restore to good condition, make new or as if new again, repair.
To invigorate; refresh; Revive.

I just love the definition of the word “Renovate” and I am looking forward to 2021, and all of the words used to describe renovate bearing truth both in my life personally and our CCF family corporately.

Imagine with me, your own life, CCF, and your community experiencing restoration, repair, renewal, refreshment, and, yes, REVIVAL! And as with previous years, we began our year with 21 days of fasting and prayer.

Our fast was held from January 11th – January 31st, but you can choose to participate at any time, just prepare your heart and mind for how you will participate, and make use of the resource provided to help you prepare.

We are looking forward to partnering with you, in all that God wants to renovate in and through you.

Pastor Fraser & JoAnne Venter

“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect”

– Romans 12:1-2

 

Read the FASTING INFORMATION BOOKLET

Share with us HOW YOU WILL BE PARTICIPATING

Follow along with our FASTING DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR FAST…

How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these seven necessary steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.

1. Read: the Fasting Information Booklet written by a good friend of CCF named Dani Falcioni. This booklet is an excellent resource as a general overview, refresher, or reminder of fasting basics.

2. Set Your Goal: Ask yourself what aspect of Renovation do you need in your life? Is it for spiritual renewal, guidance, healing, resolution of problems, career choice, special grace to handle a difficult situation, or relationships? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your fast. Goal setting will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

3. Determine Your Commitment: Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:
● How long will you fast? All 21 days, one day a week (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer times of fasting.)
● What type of fast God wants you to undertake? Such as water only, or water and juices; one meal a day, an item, entertainment, etc.) If you have questions about what too fast, please speak to others to help with discernment and accountability. Reach out to us through info@ccflive.org if you’d like and a Pastor will follow up with you.
● What physical or social activities you will restrict
● How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word. Having a schedule is vital.

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon it. Let us know how you will be participating!

4. Set your place: A place is more than a physical location where you will go to sit and listen for the voice of God. It is the place of rest and peace of mind. It is where your mind can be renewed, your heart changed, your emotions prepared, and your spirit behind. It needs to be a place where there is no or minimal interruptions.

5. Prepare yourself spiritually: The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
● Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
● Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
● Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4)
● Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
● Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
● Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2). Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8. 11-13).
● Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
● Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16,17).

6. Prepare yourself physically: Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment, or pregnant. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision. Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer. Do not rush into your fast prepare your body by eating smaller meals before starting a fast and by avoiding high-fat and sugary foods.

7. Expected Results: If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God’s face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence and spiritual insight (John 14:21). Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. And you will feel spiritually, and physically refreshed.

As you prepare for, participate in and conclude your fast – don’t hesitate to reach out to us with feedback, questions or prayer requests! You are not alone in this fasting journey!