I’m excited that God has allowed us to see another New Year! I believe it will be a year where we see God do awesome things in our lives, our families, our health, our careers, and our church. What God wants to do in us, through us and for us will require a new level of desire, devotion, discipline, and determination. There will be peaks and valleys, challenges, opposition, and obstacles along the way. We will be successful and victorious if we press forward. Paul said in Philippians 3:12-14 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, for-getting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press to-ward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I’m truly excited about the success of this year’s prayer and fast-ing journal. It was not only a 21-day devotion-al guide, but it is also a tool to show you how to apply the principle pressing forward to virtually every area of your life. I believe we should live a life where you incorporate fasting as a routine practice. Try it one or two days a week. You will be spiritually strengthened by the Word of God each day, God will give specific insight and revelation for your life, and you will be ready to press forward to do all that God assigns to your hands.

I believe this book will guide you to greater victories in Jesus. Here are some tips that I believe will help you reap the greatest spiritual bene-fit from this prayer and fasting journal:

1. Read the Prayer and Fasting Bible Study to learn the principles of fasting.
2. Select a specific time that is suitable to your lifestyle.
3. Choose a place free of distractions.
4. Follow the steps outlined in your Prayer and Fasting Journal and record what God is saying to you.
5. If you miss a day (fasting and/or studying), don’t stop! Just pick up where you left off the following day.
6. Note: Fasting is a spiritual discipline where you deny your body the food it craves to give your undivided attention to God, prayer, and completing these daily lessons. During a fast you will feel hungry, it’s normal, but don’t allow your hunger to be a convenient excuse to break the fast.
7. If for health reasons you are unable to fast from food, still commit to a daily time of prayer and completing each day’s devotional activity and give up something that means a lot to you.
8. See yourself pressing forward to a new level of godly living!

Be Blessed!
Bishop Kevin K. Dickerson
Follow me on Twitter @Bshp_Dickerson