The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 3: Scriptures and Bible Study

    As I progress into Day 3 of this fasting series, I have found myself reading more and cutting out all of social media that has nothing to do with the blog and all TV. My desire to see God and develop a closer relationship with him has grown stronger! I find myself wanting to me more Christ-Like and wanting to push myself further in a fast than I have ever gone. My main primary focus is God and not me because everything I need is in God, everything I want is in God. My purpose is in God, my will is in God. As I seek God, I know that is where my blessing lies.
   I am so excited about the place that God is taking me and I take it as an honor to be able to share with you all my insights on such an amazing subject. Today we are going to look at some scripture references about fasting and really understand why fasting is an act that is imperative for our mind, body and spirit during our walk with Christ. We are not going to touch on every scripture, however, we are going to get an understanding of fasting through the word of God.

Daniel
   In the book of Daniel, the "Daniel Fast" was introduced to us. As stated in the last post, Daniel a palace assistant was taken into captivity to and trained for service. Daniel refused to eat of the kings table because he did not want to lose sight of God. Daniel and "his three friends" took part in eating nothing but fruits and vegetables. Daniel was faithful to his fast and because of this he was blessed by God.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.

                                                                                                             -Daniel 1:8-14 ESV

Jesus
   Jesus. Our Lord, Our Savior, My Homeboy. (haha). Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights being tempted my Satan and prevailing through it all. (Matthew 4:4; 4:5-7 and also Matthew 4:8-11). Jesus teaches us here in these scriptures that we should know and stand on the word of God during temptation. This chapter really taught me so much about fasting. We find ourselves being tempted like Jesus but some of us cannot react the way Jesus reacted because we either (Do not read and study our Bible, we do not pray, or we do not fast to resist fleshly desires. ) Now I am not saying I am not perfect. I have partaken in a sin, but I am forgiven and God has allowed me to realize that some things you have to pray and fast about.

..this kind goes out not but by prayer and fasting.

                                                                        -Matthew 17:21 KJV

Let's take a look into what else Jesus says about fasting

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

                                                                                                                    -Matthew 6:16-18 ESV

Praying for God's Will
    Here in the chapter of Acts we find Paul at the, beginning of his ministry, fasting for the will of God.

 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

                                                                                                                          -Acts 13:1-3
I hope this helps you all understand the idea of fasting and praying. Here are a few more scriptures for your studying.

Scriptures
Psalm 35:13
Luke 9:23-35
Matthew 26:41 (Why we have to strengthen our spirit) 
Ezra 8;21


Much Love and God Bless
~Crystal

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: Day 2

Today is day two of the fasting series and I can already feel a change in myself. I woke up before my alarm clock rang and knew that it was time for me to pray. I am so excited about what God has in store for me and all of you! Today we will focus on the types of fast, and when to fast. 

I read Radical Fasting by Dave Williams when I was a teenager and his book gave me so much insight on fasting. I mentioned in a previous post that I was brought up in a church that believed heavily on fasting and praying. I can not say that I am an expert on fasting, however, I have fasted long enough to know that it is life changing. I also read Fasting by Jentezen Franklin and I can honestly say that the two books really gave great insight on the types of fasts. 

Types of Fasts

• Corporate Fast- This is when the leader of a church or family calls a fast for the cleansing of the "body" (Not the physical body but the body of Christ). I remember my pastor would establish a corporate fast at the beginning of every year and I would always stuff myself with whatever I could because I knew for 21 days my favorites would be out of the question. This was before I was educated on what fasting was really about.
• Individual Fasts- This is a fast that can be declared for personal reasons
• Total "Full" Fast- To go without liquids or water for an established amount of days.
• Partial Fast- To fast a certain period of the day. Jentezen Franklin says from about 6:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m but because I know that I am a late night or early morning eater I chose to fast from midnight until noon because I know that this is when I would be the most challenged. 
• Daniels Fast- The prophet Daniel was put into captivity Babylon, he chose not to eat the pleasant foods of the Kings table. He went without breads, wine, and meats for three weeks ( Daniel 10:3)  This fast calls for a person to give up certain foods like meats, sweets and breads only being able to consume fruits, vegetables, water and juice. 

It is important to choose a fast that will not be necessarily "easy" for you. Learning to consecrate your flesh and bring it into submission is an important part of resisting temptation and the breaking of yokes. 

I pray that what ever fast that you choose throughout your life allows you to experience breakthroughs that you have never experienced before.

Scripture References and added readings

Daniel 10:3

Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew 9:14-15

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: Day 1

     As I prepared myself for this series, I asked God to not only allow me to be closer to him but for anyone who desired a closer relationship with him. I remember when I did not even completely understand the biblical principle of fasting. I wanted to share with you all what I have learned over the past few years. I need to hear from God in this point of my life more so now than ever and fasting has allowed me to consecrate my flesh so that I may be able to listen with my spiritual ears, rather than my fleshly being. A person may ask, "Crystal, what exactly is fasting?"

    Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food and drinks or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or several days (Wikipedia). Isaiah 58:6-7 explains the acceptable form of fasting: 

Isaiah 58:6-New International Version (NIV)

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice    and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free    and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them,    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

    I wrote in the last post the fasting is not only about giving up food for the sake of a fast. It is much deeper than going without food. It is about breaking the yokes in your life, developing a closer relationship with God and setting the oppressed free. If you are feeling oppressed in your life, if you feel as if all hope is gone, a fast is something that will aid in your freedom (Mark 9:29).  If you ONLY fast to lose weight, it is indeed a fast, however, there will be no spiritual benefits to that fast. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and I completely believe that fasting aided in my healing from God. I will talk more about this on Day 9.
   Now I am not saying that fasting and praying should be done to ONLY change an unfortunate circumstance to get a  positive outcome. Fasting and praying is a Bible based principle which allows us to experience breakthroughs, gain a better control of our flesh and develop a spiritual connection to God. I am a person that doesn't oppose of fasting to lose weight and lower health risks. Fasting is a great way to aid in a healthier lifestyle, however, again it should not be the only reason. There are many physical benefits of fasting. Studies have shown that fasting:

• Aids in weight loss
• Controls appetite
• Reduces the risk of cancer
• Controls blood sugar
• Increased metabolic rate

   Of course one should be aware of food allergies and health risks before starting. Which brings me back to the point of fasting not being just to stop eating food (Isaiah 58:6-7) but because the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Once we learn to bring our flesh into submission, we will find a lot of things a little less tempting which would help in our spiritual walk with Christ. 

Scripture References

Isiah 58:6-7

Mark 9:29

Matthew 26:41

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

What is "The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting?"

    When you think of fasting, what comes to your mind? Giving up your noon day lunches with your friends? Passing on the pizza that you eat with your family on the weekends, For the longest time, I believed that fasting was simply giving up food because the pastor organized a corporate fast for our church. However, as I have matured in my faith I have come to realize the importance of praying and fasting in my own walk with God. When a person engages in prayer and fasting, they are engaging in spiritual warfare. Some demons are more resistant than others. When we add prayer and fasting into our lives we are adequately preparing ourselves to engage in that spiritual warfare. 

    This 10 day fast is something that God put on my heart to share with the readers of Church Girl Chic. I believe that fasting is not something that a lot of people engage in or even know anything about. I believe that God is going to do something great in the lives of each and every person that joins in on this fast. From 12 midnight until 12 noon, I will be doing a total fast ( no food or water). I will do a Daniel's Fast in between ( only fruit and veggies for food. Water for your beverage.) If you want to add fish, I believe that it will be fine. *Remember it is not just about the food but the consecration of our flesh. 

Day 1: Will explain the biblical principal of fasting outlaying the spiritual as well as the physical benefits of fasting.

Day 2: Fasting Journal Entry 2. Will also explain the types of fasts

Day 3: Fasting Journal Entry 3. Day three will give biblical examples about fasting.

Day 4: Fasting Journal Entry 4. Devotional

Day 5: Fasting Journal Entry 5. Prayer,

Day 6: Fasting Journal Entry 6. Why should we add fasting into our lives.

Day 7: Fasting Journal Entry 7. Devotional

Day 8: Fasting Journal Entry 8. Prayer

Day 9: Fasting Journal Entry 9. Fasting Testimony

Day 10:Fasting Journal Entry 10. How Fasting will impact you life forever! 

Tips:

• Try to refrain from anything that will distract you ( Certain types of music, tv shows, etc.)
• Have a Journal handy to write down your feelings and experiences each day. You will find it easier to search for scriptures each day doing this because you are reading about the things that you endured that day.
• Choose a fast that will challenge you. Remember we are consecrating our flesh!  I will be doing a total fast from 12 midnight to 12 noon each day while doing a Daniels fast in between. 
• Remember to add prayer and scripture reading into your day to day activities. 
• Keep it focused on your relationship with God and watch God work! 

Remember if you have any prayer request email me at churchgirl8819@hotmail.com

Much Love and God Bless!!

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: You Are Invited!

 I am so happy to be writing this post. I have been having a roller coaster experience the past couple of months that has allowed me to experience highs and lows. I have a lot of big decisions to make soon and I  do not want to make those decisions based on emotions. I want to make these decisions after consulting with the Lord. I was always raised to not only pray but fast. The Lord has put on my heart to go on a 10 day fast starting October 6, 2014. I am inviting each and every one of you to join me on this journey! This journey will reveal what God has revealed to me about fasting and praying. There will be scriptures, prayers, fasting insight and more each day of the blog series. I am so excited about what is to come! 

 An introduction and details will be posted Sunday October 5th! 

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

Chic Style: Mina

 Hello Everyone,
    I have been talking about style features for a while and I am pleased to announce Church Girl Chic's first style feature Mina. 

" I'd describe my style as old school glamour mixed with a bit of modern moxie. It is always my endeavor to conduct myself like a lady in style, conversation and demeanor"

 "I draw inspiration from so many different places. It could be someone I see on the street, in a magazine or one of my siblings. However, I'm obsessed with all things vintage so most of my style inspiration is drawn directly from the fierce mistresses of the silver screen. I watch all sorts of old movies and television shows from "How to Marry a Millionaire" and "Stormy Weather" to 'Dick Van Dyke'. Women like Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable along with Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe are so fascinating to watch and their wardrobes were simply stunning. Sometimes I even watch with the t.v. muted so I can study the style of what I'm watching and drink it in."






"Modesty is actually one of the reasons I've always been so attracted to old school glamour. I loved that these women could be perceived as beautiful even when they had no skin exposed. In my opinion, modesty should come from within. Modesty shows those around us that we are so comfortable in our own skin that we care enough to cover it and trust that our true beauty will shine through"











 "I'd like to add that style isn't what you wear that's new or current. Style should be a reflection of who you are and contain unique elements that are undeniably you. Your style is your greeting and your signature: the first thing others see when they encounter you, and the last thing they see when you leave. What does your style say about you? You should always be satisfied with your answer :)"




Isn't Mina's style lovely?  If you want more of her wonderful looks you can check her out on 


Facebook and Instagram!


Contact info: 

Facebook: Mina Thomas 


Instagram: @glamourous_1


Much Love and God Bless!


Crystal 

Don't Find Yourself Being Someone Else's Footstool

How do you feel when you are hated, lied on, mistreated and abused? Do you feel Defeated? Sad? Do you want to give up? Most people do. Sometimes it seems very hard to love our enemies, the same exact people that treated us unfairly, deceived and lied on us. However, when you have the love of Christ in your heart, loving your enemies seems a lot easier said and done! I am reminded of two scriptures: 

 "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Matthew 5:44 ESV

 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do nVot demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." Luke 6:27-36 ESV

It is tough to be hated, however, if you are a child of God it is even tougher to be the hater hating on the child of God. Imagine kneeling on all fours in front of the person you mistreated with their feet rested on the back of your neck. Elevating their legs aiding in their comfort while you are being humbled in such a position. Not a good image is it?  I am also reminded of Psalm 110:1

  “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Psalm 110:1 ESV

We as Christians have to realize that we must show love. We must not show hatred, envy, jealousy or mistreatment or you will not find yourself at the right hand of the Lord but as a footstool. Choose to love and not be the footstool under someone's feet. 

Much Love and God Bless

Crystal