Fasting is a discipline of abstaining from something good, like food, so we can concentrate on our spiritual lives and find satisfaction in God.
Fasting isn’t some magic ritual to try to get God to answer our prayer. It isn’t about harming our bodies or depriving ourselves. Fasting is about what we gain from the process: focus on God.
At Renaissance Church we encourage fasting as a part of your personal relationship with God, but we also join together to fast as a church at various times.
Our next church-wide fast is
During each church-wide fast, we’ll have a Bible reading plan that you can follow along with. Each day, you’ll be provided with fresh insight and inspiration to guide you through your fast and help you hear the word of God.
Don’t simply give up eating. Set aside intentional time to focus on God. Read the Bible and pray when you would normally be eating or preparing food. Here are some great places to see what the Bible says about fasting:
Psalm 16
Psalm 42:1-2
Psalm 63:1-5
Psalm 19:7-14
Psalm 119
Philippians 4:11-13
John 15:1-8
Some people have medical issues that prohibit them from fasting from food. Ask the Lord if there is another way in which you can fast. Maybe fast from social media or television, and use that time to pray and read the Bible.
If you are new to fasting, you may want to try a common fast known as the Daniel Fast. It’s derived from scripture in the Old Testament book of, you guessed it, Daniel. Here are some guidelines you can observe if you want to take part in a Daniel Fast:
GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST (Foods We May Eat)
WHOLE GRAINS | Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
LEGUMES | Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
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, Gingerroot, 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
LIQUIDS | Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices
FOODS TO AVOID | Meat, White Rice, White Flour, Fried Foods, Caffeine, Carbonated Beverages, Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives, Refined Sugar, Sugar Substitutes, and all products using it Margarine, Shortening, or High Fat Products
Renaissance Church was founded in High Point in 2008 by lead pastor Jason Goins. From the beginning, community outreach and assisting those in need has been a priority for the church, which operated a weekly food bank starting in 2010. In 2015, the church moved to Jamestown, but its commitment to serving the community remains strong. The church is passionate about sharing the love of God with those around them, and its weekly food pantry is just one way it does that. Beginning in 2021, Renaissance Church launched CityServe Triad, a partner with CityServe – an international organization that empowers local churches to serve their communities with free clothing, home goods and more. CityServe Triad serves as a hub to service churches across the region.
We’d love to have you join us this Sunday at our Jamestown campus. Visit our Plan a Visit page to find out more about what you can expect on your first visit. You can even RSVP for a personal tour and pre-register your children for GLOWkids!
