Fasting ? (Full Version)

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Wantin2grow -> Fasting ? (7/17/2008 10:27:22 AM)

I am in the middle of my first ever fast. I did it desiring to grow closer to God but I am feeling farther away from his presence than I have in a long long time. Any thoughts?



URForgiven -> RE: Fasting ? (7/17/2008 1:59:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Windrow

I am in the middle of my first ever fast. I did it desiring to grow closer to God but I am feeling farther away from his presence than I have in a long long time. Any thoughts?


This is contrary to what you will hear from most, but you do not get closer to God by fasting. All you get is hungry. As Christians, fasting is not something that we do to get close to God, fasting is the result of who we are.

Have you ever been so caught up in something that you completely lost track of time and were even oblivious to the fact that you had not eaten? That is fasting.

I am sure once a few folks saw this happening to others, they wanted the same experience and tried to get it by imitation. Turning it into a ritual instead of the result of being caught up with the Lord.

But then there are many who will explain to you the spiritual aspects of self induced hunger...I will leave that to them.

Peace



Little_1 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/17/2008 3:02:35 PM)

Some information to help you re: fasting

14 Different Biblical Fasts:

1. The Disciple's Fast - Fasting for freedom from demon oppression. Matthew 17:20,21.

2. The Ezra Fast - Fasting to solve problems, Ezra 8:21-23. If we fast for a specific purpose, we may solve a debilitating problem, e.g. to seek deliverance and protection from our enemies.

3. The Samuel Fast - Fasting to win people to Christ, 1 Samuel 7:1-8. If we fast and pray for revival, God will pour Himself on His people.

4. The Elijah Fast - Fasting to break crippling fears and other mental problems, 1 Kings 19:2-18. Through fasting, God will show us how to overcome negative emotional and personal habits.

5. The Widow's Fast - Fasting to provide for the needy, 1 Kings 17:12. When we sacrifice our own physical needs, God enables us to focus on and provide for the needs of others.

6. The St Paul Fast - Fasting for insight and decision making, Acts 9:9-19. If we fast to subject our will to God's, He will reveal His will in us.

7. The Daniel Fast - Fasting for health and physical healing, Daniel 1:12-20. When we fast for physical well-being, God will touch our bodies and enrich our souls.

8. The John the Baptist Fast - Fasting for an influential testimony, Matthew 3:4; Luke 1:15. If we fast for the influence of our testimonies, God will use us.

9. The Esther Fast - Fasting for protection from the evil one, Esther 4:16. If we fast for protection and deliverance from satan, God will deliver us from evil.

10. The Judges Fast - Fast to gain clarity regarding God's timing and promises concerning the way He is leading. Judges Chapter 20:26-28 (best to read whole chapter however to gain picture).

11. The Ninivite Fast - Fast to express repentance from wickedness and to seek God's mercy and salvation. Jonah 3:5-8

12. The Isaiah Fast - Fast to loose the chains of injustice and to minister to the deepest needs of the poor in society. Isaiah 58:6-7

13. The Prophetess Anna Fast - A fast of complete dedication of love, worship and seeking God's glory. Fasting for the expectation of Biblical prophecy being fulfilled. Luke 2:37

14. The Wilderness Fast - To prepare for ministry / missions. Matthew 4:1-9


The oxford dictionary describes fasting as abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink especially as a religious observance. Other dictionaries go on to say – to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods.

The following are a few of the times the word fast was used in the Bible this will be used to develop an understanding of why, when, who, and how a fast was used in the bible.

Why (some examples):
For a breakthrough in a matter - Judges 20:26
For forgiveness of sins - Isaiah 7:6, 1Kings 21:27, Nehemiah 1:4
To show sorrow – Isaiah 31:13, Esther 4:3
To overcome the flesh and self – Psalm 35:13
For God to turn a situation around - 2 Chronicles 20:3
For courage and safety - Esther 4:16
So one’s voice will be heard on high - Isaiah 58:4
To loose the chains of injustice - Isaiah 58:6-7

When:
When one is loosing the battle - Judges 20:26
When seeking God’s help – 2 Chronicles 20:3, Isaiah 58:3-4, Daniel 9:3-19
When looking for guidance – Ezra 8:21
Deliverance from certain demonic possessions – Mathew 17:21

How (time):
One day - Judges 20:26
Seven days - Isaiah 31:13
Three days - Esther 4:16
Forty days - Mathew 4:2
Often – Mathew 9:14-15

Who:
Most cases of fasting in the bible were done individually, but some were done by the society as a whole.
Judges 20:26 – all
Esther 4:16 – all
Jeremiah 36:9 – all

While fasting the bible also mentions what is desirable, and what is not. What is undesirable is that one does not do it for strife, and debate and to smite with the fist of wickedness (Isaiah 58:4); Furthermore, when one fast one shouldn’t be of a sad appearance so as to appear to man as fasting(Mathew 6:16).

Fasting is still very much carried out by many Christians the world over.

Personal testimony re: fasting
Any time I have fasted, I have found that my mind is more clear and receptive to listening to what God's Word teaches. Also, I believe the Lord loosed the bonds of injustice regarding a certain personal situation. I truly endorse fasting as I believe from personal testimony that it has it's place as per the 14 different types of Biblical fasting mentioned above.

Bless.



slushie -> RE: Fasting ? (7/17/2008 5:01:28 PM)

That's a lot of fasting!

For me the only times I've fasted were for the 30 hour famine. The purpose of that fast was to remind myself of how blessed I am, and to put myself in the shoes of those kids who have to starve and have no choice but to do so. By fasting for 30 hours, I experienced a glimpse of what it was like for them... and it was incredibly humbling.

To the OP - how long have you been a Christian?[sm=elephant.gif]



mvic -> RE: Fasting ? (7/17/2008 5:17:19 PM)

My views on fasting (and other "sacrifices").

There's nothing that God really needs from us; and nothing we can do will repay His love for us. His love is unconditional.

He doesn't really need our fasting, lighting candles in church, repeating prayers over and again such as the Rosary etc... etc ...

This doesn't mean we shouldn't do these things if we feel it helps us show our devotion and respect.

So: if you want to fast - that's OK. But here's a challenge: how about giving the money you would have spent on food and drink to a deserving charity?



semperfidelis -> RE: Fasting ? (7/18/2008 2:32:42 AM)

Richard Foster has a good chapter on fasting in his book "Celebration of Discipline". Some people might not like his take on other subjects, but it's hard to dispute what he says on fasting.

Sometimes we have to develop a discipline like we develop a muscle before we notice the benefits. When fasting, the increased prayer and Bible reading times will draw you closer to God. You'll be spending time that would normally have been devoted to yourself, to God -- and God does reward this.



timf -> RE: Fasting ? (7/18/2008 7:58:49 AM)

Fasting

One reason prayer and fasting are often associated might be that the best of intentions to pray are often lost in the business of the day. Hunger is like a constant reminder. Hunger for a purpose can bring us back to the prayers we had forgotten.

Jesus saw the failure of His disciples to remain in prayer and saw it as a weakness of flesh. Fasting is a way to use the weakness of flesh to bring us back to prayer.



Liveloved -> RE: Fasting ? (7/18/2008 10:45:45 AM)

quote:

Have you ever been so caught up in something that you completely lost track of time and were even oblivious to the fact that you had not eaten? That is fasting.


This certainly appeals to my flesh, URForgiven, because this is what I do all the time! During the day, I am so busy, occupied, focused on the 'whatevers' that I am oblivious to food. When my husband used to stop by during the day for something to eat, that would remind me to eat. Otherwise I would not think of it.

But at the same time, I think you are absolutely right---that this is what a true fast should be, so caught up with Him that we're oblivous to all else. I used to do more of that. Not something we intentionally 'do' but just a byproduct of relationship with Him. --so what's that telling me??????

Someone mentioned Foster's book. I think it's excellent and I've taken women through Celebration of Discipline several times. His teaching on fasting led me to fast from television and the newspaper. That was about nine years ago and I've never gone back.

But I also appreciate what timf says. Fasting is a way to use the weakness of the flesh to bring us back to prayer. Yes, the flesh is certainly weak and prayer is usually shortchanged.

Thanks for the good discussion and thought provoking comments![:)]



slimon11 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/25/2008 10:44:20 PM)

Hello, interesting topic. I am interested in hearing from people who have done the 40 day fast...



Little_1 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/26/2008 8:32:24 AM)

I have never entered a 40 day fast but I recommend a book called 'Fasting' by Jentezen Franklin. Both Jentezen and many of his church fast each year for 40 days.



slimon11 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/26/2008 8:40:28 PM)

Thanks for the recommended reading Little_1.



Little_1 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/27/2008 3:37:07 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: slimon11

Thanks for the recommended reading Little_1.


You're welcome.



BlackCapnHarlock -> RE: Fasting ? (7/27/2008 8:00:32 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wantin2grow

I am in the middle of my first ever fast. I did it desiring to grow closer to God but I am feeling farther away from his presence than I have in a long long time. Any thoughts?


First of all, you shouldn't be telling us your fasting. Fasting is a personal thing that is between you and the LORD.

However a person fasts as we are commanded to do, as JESUS spoke in Matthew the 6th chapter we should do it in secret and our Father will reward us openly.

I have done all types of fasts and abstains where I've gone days without this or that but not truly "fasted." Then I have had times were I have fasted.

I think the 40 day thing has become like a spiritual badge of "honor" where folks like to brag on it. "I've done 40 days and was hospitalized for 3 months after wards, boy do I love the LORD."

I also have had church fasts where the pastor out of no where says, "We are fasting on this or that tonight." I don't know if this is beneficial since most church members don't adhere to it anyway. I've noticed this trend with more hardlined type Pastors.

I think we have fasting screwed up, as the 14 different type of biblical fasts shows, in a WRONG way I perceive. You can't manipulate GOD through fasting. I've tried and failed, all I did was go days without eating, sex, tv and media for naught.

GOD is not a puppet, our fasting doesn't make him say, "Gee I'll do it now but I wouldn't have if they didn't fast for a day or two or a week or two."

I've fasted and prayed and things have gotten better, I've fasted and prayed and things have gotten worse. It's all up to GOD's sovereigntity (sp?) something we can't bargain with, manipulate and pray our way in our out of.

We must pray, believe and accept whatever the Almighty does. We must live a life of faith and relationship that when we fast we are like, "I'm fasting?" Not like, "Oh I'm fasting, I'm so hoooooly."

Live the life . .. .



DaveW -> RE: Fasting ? (7/28/2008 7:38:18 AM)

Jesus said "When you fast..." not "IF you fast." Matt 6.17

It is expected to be a regular part of our walk. In post 3 Little_1 listed 14 different fasts and it was a very good list.

However, there is only 1 fast commanded in scripture. Depending on your particluar doctrinal stance you may or may not consider it appropriate for a New Covenant believer and that is the fast of Yom Kippur, the day of atonement.

Lev 23:27 "On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall afflict your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD.

From John Gill's Commentary:

and ye shall afflict your souls; their souls, by repentance, contrition, and humiliation for sin, and their bodies by fasting; and, as the Targum of Jonathan paraphrases it,"by abstaining from eating and drinking, and the advantage of bathing and wiping, and the use of the bed and sandals;''hence called 'the fast,' Acts 27:9

This is the only fast particularly set in time by scripture.



Little_1 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/28/2008 1:28:14 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

Jesus said "When you fast..." not "IF you fast." Matt 6.17

It is expected to be a regular part of our walk. In post 3 Little_1 listed 14 different fasts and it was a very good list.

However, there is only 1 fast commanded in scripture. Depending on your particular doctrinal stance you may or may not consider it appropriate for a New Covenant believer and that is the fast of Yom Kippur, the day of atonement.

Lev 23:27 "On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall afflict your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD.

From John Gill's Commentary:

and ye shall afflict your souls; their souls, by repentance, contrition, and humiliation for sin, and their bodies by fasting; and, as the Targum of Jonathan paraphrases it,"by abstaining from eating and drinking, and the advantage of bathing and wiping, and the use of the bed and sandals;''hence called 'the fast,' Acts 27:9

This is the only fast particularly set in time by scripture.


Re: Acts 27:9 - This is very interesting DaveW. Thanks for that - I will add this to my computer list.

Acts 27:9
Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them......

Re: Acts 27: 9 - Apparently this time of fasting is what is also known as the 'Day of Atonement' (Yom Kippur) which is the most sacred and solemn day of the Jewish year.



tapestry -> RE: Fasting ? (7/28/2008 3:46:50 PM)

I agree with DaveW. Matthew 6:16 says WHEN we fast and pray.

Jesus taught us to fast. In fact, He assumed we would fast. The scripture has much to say on this imprtant issue.
Fasting expresses:
* brokenness and humility before God (Psalm 35:13 and Ester 4)
*our dependence upon divine wisdon and guidance (Acts 13)
*and reveals what controls us (1 Corinthians 6: 12 & 13)

Prepare youself spiritually:
*Take time to open yourself up to the Lord in order to repent (Psalm 139)
*surrender yourself to the Lord in a fresh way
*spend time in His word
*quiet yourself in His presence and listen

If you have never participated in the spiritual discipline of fasting, make sure you walk before you run and try linking up with someone for encouragement and accountability.



tapestry -> RE: Fasting ? (7/28/2008 4:16:27 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: BlackCapnHarlock

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wantin2grow

I am in the middle of my first ever fast. I did it desiring to grow closer to God but I am feeling farther away from his presence than I have in a long long time. Any thoughts?


First of all, you shouldn't be telling us your fasting. Fasting is a personal thing that is between you and the LORD.



I have done all types of fasts and abstains where I've gone days without this or that but not truly "fasted." Then I have had times were I have fasted.


Ok, I posted an answer to the op, but could not get your post off my mind. I am confused as to why you feel the op mentioning partaking in the fast is wrong, yet you mention that you have been on many fasts yourself. Why is one wrong and the other ok?
(this is not meant in anyway to be rude, I would really like your take on this as I am having a problem understanding)
Thanks



evryknee -> RE: Fasting ? (7/28/2008 8:14:21 PM)

quote:

I am in the middle of my first ever fast. I did it desiring to grow closer to God but I am feeling farther away from his presence than I have in a long long time. Any thoughts?


As you are fasting, are you simply doing away with food or you also filling yourself with the Bread of the Word? What is your heart like/emotions, etc. during the fast? Your thoughts? What are you expecting as a result of the fast?



sisrev -> RE: Fasting ? (7/28/2008 11:05:21 PM)

Isaiah 58 is an excellent read when fasting or even thinking about fasting--in it the Lord addresses wrong and right motives for fasting.



Little_1 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/29/2008 4:55:22 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sisrev

Isaiah 58 is an excellent read when fasting or even thinking about fasting--in it the Lord addresses wrong and right motives for fasting.


I agree. I personally love this passage but find it challenging also.



Little_1 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/29/2008 2:38:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: URForgiven

...... As Christians, fasting is not something that we do to get close to God, fasting is the result of who we are.

Have you ever been so caught up in something that you completely lost track of time and were even oblivious to the fact that you had not eaten? That is fasting......


URForgiven - what you describe above is what I would call the 'Anna Fast' (please see No 13 of 14 different Biblical fasts post #3). Anna was so devoted in serving, worshipping and seeking the Lord's glory that she lost all sense of time and self (beautiful). Names such as the 'Anna Fast' are purely descriptions given to help differentiate between the different types of fasts. The Bible is clear that there are different types of fasts and not just the Anna Fast however.

The Lord Jesus Himself said that: "When you fast......" which indicates that fasting can also include something we are called to do or something we choose to do for whatever just reason (but not merely for the sake of it)! Why do I believe this? I believe this because Jesus then goes on to give a list of things we should and should not do when fasting (which He would not have done if fasting was primarily an area of worship which we would be caught up in oblivious of time and surroundings) e.g.

Matthew 6: 16-18
"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.

So we can conclude from this that Jesus does not want us to make it obvious to others around us that we are fasting and we are not to boast or make a show about it. It is between the individual(s) and God. All fasts will primarily focus on God: seeking God's Kingdom come and His will be done, and ultimately that God will be glorified. All other needs will be secondary, e.g. to loose the chains of injustice, to seek deliverance for the demon possessed, etc.

The Anna Fast is particularly beautiful however I have to say.



URForgiven -> RE: Fasting ? (7/29/2008 5:19:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

quote:

ORIGINAL: Forgiven

...... As Christians, fasting is not something that we do to get close to God, fasting is the result of who we are.

Have you ever been so caught up in something that you completely lost track of time and were even oblivious to the fact that you had not eaten? That is fasting......


Forgiven - what you describe above is what I would call the 'Anna Fast' (please see No 13 of 14 different Biblical fasts post #3). Anna was so devoted in serving, worshipping and seeking the Lord's glory that she lost all sense of time and self (beautiful). Names such as the 'Anna Fast' are purely descriptions given to help differentiate between the different types of fasts. The Bible is clear that there are different types of fasts and not just the Anna Fast however.

The Lord Jesus Himself said that: "When you fast......" which indicates that fasting can also include something we are called to do or something we choose to do for whatever just reason (but not merely for the sake of it)! Why do I believe this? I believe this because Jesus then goes on to give a list of things we should and should not do when fasting (which He would not have done if fasting was primarily an area of worship which we would be caught up in oblivious of time and surroundings) e.g.

Matthew 6: 16-18
"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.

So we can conclude from this that Jesus does not want us to make it obvious to others around us that we are fasting and we are not to boast or make a show about it. It is between the individual(s) and God. All fasts will primarily focus on God: seeking God's Kingdom come and His will be done, and ultimately that God will be glorified. All other needs will be secondary, e.g. to loose the chains of injustice, to seek deliverance for the demon possessed, etc.

The Anna Fast is particularly beautiful however I have to say.


I understand what you are saying. I still see nothing in the new covenant about us doing anything ourselves that brings us closer to Him. He lives in us, those are not just nice sounding words, they are a very real reality. When Jesus spoke those things He was a Jew, living under the law, speaking to other Jews who lived under the law. We live in a different age now...the dispensation of grace, if you will.

That being said, I am well aware that many find something of value in deliberate fasting, and I would certainly not desire to make myself a stumbling block to them.

Peace



visus -> RE: Fasting ? (7/30/2008 10:28:54 AM)

I must say that i agree with Wantin2grow in the op. When we fast we grow closer to God, and here is the reason why.

We as individuals have a constant war inside of us. This war is between the flesh and the spirit. When we lust, covet etc, these are examples of the flesh gaining an advantage in this war.

What happens when we fast, however, is that the fleshly nature is suppressed. Think about it, when you are really hungry do you think about lusting after someone or something[:D]. So in this period the spirit within you gains the advantage, and you tend not to have a desire for most worldly things [with the exception of food of course[;)]], and this is the time you tend to move in the spirit. At this time you can more please God. This is the time he will more likely hear your pray.This is the time you will get your breakthroughs etc.

We as Christians should be walking in the Spirit, and not in the flesh so we would not conform to the way of the world around us.



visus -> RE: Fasting ? (7/30/2008 10:37:39 AM)

Wantin2grow also mentioned you are feeling further from God at this point. It might just be because your flesh "crying out" because of the changes. I believe this will change as your fast progresses.

Remember the worst part of a fast are the initial stages, soon it will change for better as you continue.



Little_1 -> RE: Fasting ? (7/30/2008 2:27:42 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: URForgiven

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

quote:

ORIGINAL: Forgiven

...... As Christians, fasting is not something that we do to get close to God, fasting is the result of who we are.

Have you ever been so caught up in something that you completely lost track of time and were even oblivious to the fact that you had not eaten? That is fasting......


Forgiven - what you describe above is what I would call the 'Anna Fast' (please see No 13 of 14 different Biblical fasts post #3). Anna was so devoted in serving, worshipping and seeking the Lord's glory that she lost all sense of time and self (beautiful). Names such as the 'Anna Fast' are purely descriptions given to help differentiate between the different types of fasts. The Bible is clear that there are different types of fasts and not just the Anna Fast however.

The Lord Jesus Himself said that: "When you fast......" which indicates that fasting can also include something we are called to do or something we choose to do for whatever just reason (but not merely for the sake of it)! Why do I believe this? I believe this because Jesus then goes on to give a list of things we should and should not do when fasting (which He would not have done if fasting was primarily an area of worship which we would be caught up in oblivious of time and surroundings) e.g.

Matthew 6: 16-18
"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.

So we can conclude from this that Jesus does not want us to make it obvious to others around us that we are fasting and we are not to boast or make a show about it. It is between the individual(s) and God. All fasts will primarily focus on God: seeking God's Kingdom come and His will be done, and ultimately that God will be glorified. All other needs will be secondary, e.g. to loose the chains of injustice, to seek deliverance for the demon possessed, etc.

The Anna Fast is particularly beautiful however I have to say.


I understand what you are saying. I still see nothing in the new covenant about us doing anything ourselves that brings us closer to Him. He lives in us, those are not just nice sounding words, they are a very real reality. When Jesus spoke those things He was a Jew, living under the law, speaking to other Jews who lived under the law. We live in a different age now...the dispensation of grace, if you will.

That being said, I am well aware that many find something of value in deliberate fasting, and I would certainly not desire to make myself a stumbling block to them.

Peace


Fasting is not God's intention to bring us closer to Him neither in the Old Covenant or the New Covenant. However, I'm not quite so sure about not doing anything to bring us closer to God:

James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you......

The above text speaks about prayer which is something that we are required to do to walk in close communion/relationship with God.



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