Can you believe that another year is already almost here? Perhaps you have deep longings for 2011 -- things you want God to do in your life, a loved one's life...on your job or in your ministry.

There is something you can do next month that will set the course for what God does in your life throughout 2011 -- something that will bring you closer to God and release His wisdom, guidance and blessing in every area of your life.

There is no better way to begin the year than with a Biblical fast. Just as beginning our day with prayer sets the course for the rest of the day and affects anything that might happen, so beginning the year with a fast affects not only our inward relationship with God, but also circumstances and blessing throughout the entire year.

We give God the first of our day, the first of our week and the first of our income.  Why not the first of the year? "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt. 6:33).

When we give God the the first of our year in prayer and fasting...He gives to us all year long. During April, May, June...and even into December, we receive blessings that wouldn't be ours if we hadn't dedicated the first to God in January with a fast.

In this passage Jesus said, "When you give...", "When you pray" and "When you fast." He made it obvious that fasting is to be a regular part of the Christian life. He did not say "if you fast" but "when you fast." We are to give as much focus and priority to fasting as we do to giving and praying

Jesus doesn't expect us, His modern day disciples, to do something He didn't do. If the Word of God -- the One who spoke this world into being -- found fasting necessary in God's economy, then who are we to try to live by any other standard? Who are we to think that we can attempt to live without it? In his book Fasting, Jentezen Franklin asks a poignant question:

"If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives."

Jesus said in John 13,"You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am...I've laid down a pattern for you.  What I've done, you do...If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it - and live a blessed life."

I want to live a blessed life, don't you? And blessings are released in the supernatural realm when we fast.

God gives us insight about His plan for our lives...and the specific actions that will bring it about. Bondages of sin are broken!  Relationships are restored! Heavy burdens are lifted! An anointing of God's presence descends upon the entire year!

I encourage you to plan to join me in Pursuit 21 , a powerful, unrivaled spiritual launching pad for the new year.

I have already begun praying for you, that you will hear the Holy Spirit's voice as to how He wants you to fast. You might like to visit our website for helpful information about the different kinds of fasts...and for tips, teaching and encouragement. 

Make plans to join us at Passionate Pursuit on January 13th. You'll be encouraged by the message on fasting and the presence of fasting partners who'll be joining you on this amazing journey. 

 I'm excited for what God has in store for us individually and corporately as we begin 2011 with fasting and prayer!  

Mark your calendar, invite your friends and register today! Thursday, January 13, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m.  Join me in a Passionate Pursuit and let's experience God's promised reward.