Shiloh: Fast Forward 2025

Philippians 3:13-14: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

We will be fasting the entire month of January. Fasting begins at 12:00 Midnight Tuesday night, January 7 and ends at 4:00 PM on Friday of each week. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).  

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this fast is to open the door for God to speak to us and move through us, Shiloh: Fast Forward.

Philippians 3:13-14: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 

 

Therefore, we humbly surrender to His work in our lives. As a church body, we will combine prayer, fasting, scripture reading, and meditation to follow God's plan. Fasting and prayer will help us realign our priorities, desiring God above all else. We set aside fleshly desires, pray and intercede for others, practice self-control, and prioritize our spiritual lives over even the most fundamental necessity: food. Fasting allows us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, expressing our deep need for Him.

 

The fasting Schedule starts at midnight on Sunday night and ends at 4:00 PM on Friday each week.

• Week One (1/7 - 1/10): An exception, starting at midnight on Tuesday night. Meals consist of vegetables and fruit (no meat and sweets).
• Week Two (1/13 - 1/17): Follow Daniel’s Fast (see pages 5- 6 for suggested foods).
• Week Three (1/20 - 1/24): Follow Daniel’s Fast (see pages 5- 6 for suggested foods).
• Week Four (1/27 - 1/31): Meals consist of vegetables and fruit (no meat or sweets).

 

Non-Fasting Days:

• Be caution of your food intake.
• No RED Meat.
• No alcohol.

 

Mealtime Guidelines:

• You are allowed to have two meals per day at times of your choosing.
• No food consumption is permitted after 8:00 PM.

 

Participants can select a 30-minute slot from the following corporate prayer times that best fits their schedules:

• Morning: 1:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Afternoon: 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM
• Evening: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

 

The Fast is an opportunity for you to push the pause button on the busyness of your typical days. Instead, you can increase your focus on God and His truths so you can grow, experience, and receive from Him. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ:

• Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him.
• Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes, us, not God. 
• Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. 
• Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. 

Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

 

Challenges for Each Week:

• Make time for prayer.
• Get some exercise.

• Try to enjoy nature.
• Find time to pray with someone.
• Pray for your family, friends, community, church, and leaders.

 

Fasting Intentions:

As you begin this fast, it is important that you set your intentions. Without set intentions or goals, this time of fasting will only be a test of your human will as opposed to a time set aside for God to deal with your heart. Before writing down any goals, take some time before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him for revelation during this time of consecration. Perhaps God has already been speaking to your heart over the past few weeks. If so, ask Him for clarity and a willing heart to obey.

What is your personal reason for joining in the January Fast?

Set your intentions for this fast:

Example: I want God to reveal to me the things that keep me from becoming unified with others.

1.)

 

2.)

 

3.)

 

What are some things that you will do during this time of fasting that will help you to draw closer to God?

Example: I will begin morning devotion before I begin my day so that I can hear from God.

1.)

 

2.)

 

3.)

 

Weekly Focus:

Midnight Tuesday night, January 7-10: Week One – Community

Our influence reaches the people of Shiloh, Fairmont, our neighbors, coworkers, and beyond. As believers, we are dedicated to making a difference by praying and interceding for spiritual and natural needs, including families, shelter, finances, health, employment, safety, holistic healing, and equality. At Shiloh Church, we embrace our role as our brother's and sister's keepers, striving to be visible and accessible both within and outside our worship community. We uplift the community in prayer and fasting, decreeing and declaring God’s word and blessings.

 

Scriptures of Meditation:

Philippians 4:19(KJV): “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Psalm 90:17(NIV) “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us– yes, establish the work of our hands.

Colossians 3:12(NIV)” Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Philippians 2:3 (NIV) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Matthew 5:14 (KJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hilltop cannot be hidden.

Matthew 18:18-20 (KJV) “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.20. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

 

Midnight Sunday, January 12 -17: Week Two – Family

We are deeply connected to our loved ones—spouses, children, siblings, parents, cousins, and dear friends. As believers, we are called to make a difference and be examples in their lives. God places us in families to become more like Him. We apologize even when we are not at fault, forgive readily, and accept apologies without hesitation. Raising our children teaches us to love as God loves us. We pray that marriage vows are honored, learning to sacrifice as He sacrificed for our sins. Supporting our brothers and sisters in their trials helps us care for their needs as our Heavenly Father cares for us. At Shiloh, we surrender all to God through prayer and fasting, uplifting our immediate and extended family members. We seek His guidance, blessings, favor, and protection in this new year.

 

Scriptures of Meditation:

John 3:16 KJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 5:25 KJV Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

Ephesians 6:1-4 KJV Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.2.Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)3.That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4.And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Romans 13:8 KJV Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath filled the law.

Matthew 18:18-20 KJV Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19. Again, I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20.For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Philippians 4:6-8 KJV Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Midnight Sunday, January 19- 24: Week Three – Personal Growth and Development

This focus is on enhancing spiritual discipline, deepening self-awareness, and fostering inner reflection to cultivate a stronger connection to one's values and higher purpose. By aligning with God’s plan, utilizing one's gifts and talents, individuals can build self-confidence and advance spiritually, emotionally, and professionally.

We uplift ourselves and others as God moves us forward and closer to Him highlighting the "fruit of the Spirit" like love, joy, and peace as aspects of character growth found in Galatians 5:22-23.

Scriptures of Meditation.

Philippians 4:13KJV I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 3:12-14KJV Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13.Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Acts 3:19KJV “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 32:8NIV I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you").

Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6.in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 119:105NKJV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

2 Peter 3:18KJV But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:22-24NIV You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Romans 12:1-2KJV I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2.And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

Midnight Sunday, January 26-31: Week Four – Faith

Our collective journey of fasting and praying to the Most High God aims to develop lifelong spiritual practices, strengthen our faith, and become more like our Savior. By enhancing our relationship with our Heavenly Father, we recognize its precious and irreplaceable nature. At Shiloh, we believe that faith grows by hearing the Word of God.

 

Scriptures of Meditation:

2 Corinthians 5:7KJV For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Hebrews 11: 1-3KJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report.  3.Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Romans 10:17KJV So then faith comes from hearing, and by hearing the word of God.

2 Corinthians 2:14KJV Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh man manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Mark 10:52 KJV And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.

Luke 17:6 KJV And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Luke 17:19KJV And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Proverbs 18:21KJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

 

Daniel Fast – foods to avoid:

• Meat, because Daniel didn't want to take the chance of eating non-kosher meat and/or meat that was offered to idols.
• white flour and all products using it
• white rice, white bread, hominy and pasta
• fried foods
• sweets
• caffeine
• carbonated beverages, including diet sodas
• Wine or any other alcoholic drinks
• foods containing preservatives or additives
• refined sugar
• high fructose corn syrup
• chemical sugar substitutes
• margarine, shortening, animal fat, high fat products

Daniel Fast – foods to eat:

You may want to keep it simple and eat only vegetables and drink only water.

1. Whole Grains: brown rice, oats, rolled oats, oatmeal, barley, corn, popcorn, wheat

2. Legumes: dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, green beans, green peas, peanuts, etc. Grain legumes include beans, lentils, lupins, peas and peanuts.

3. Fruits: apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, breadfruit, cantaloupe, cherries, coconuts, cranberries, dates, figs, grapefruit, grapes, grenadine, guava, honeydew melons, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, melons, mulberry, nectarines, oats, olives, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon, etc.,

4. 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, any peppers, any potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, etc.

5. Seeds: all nuts, natural peanut butter, natural almond butter, sprouts, ground flax, etc.

6. Liquids: spring water, distilled water, filtered water, 100% all-natural fruit or vegetable juices

Other Food items to Avoid during Your Fast:

a. Avoid caffeinated drinks.
b. Avoid chewing gum. This item stimulates digestive action in your stomach and may make you feel hungry.