Fasting

[Philip James]

Brothers and sisters,

Fasting, what is it? How does it help us?

Isaiah 58 answers these things for us....

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke;

Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.

And the promise that accompanies these things:

Then the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.

Peace be with you!

 

[amadeus]

@Philip James
Amen and Jesus has these additional words to say about fasting:

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." Matt 6:16-18

By the way that "parched land" you mentioned is what the scriptures frequently translate into English as "Zion", the place of the Lord's habitation, the place where Jesus can lay his head, but when he does it is no longer "parched" but watered by that Living Water or "watered garden".

"For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it." Psalm 132:13-14

 

[DoveSpirit05]

its doesn't surprise me dat dis thread hasn't got many comments yet fasting is a very important part of being a Christian, just goes 2 show the minds of many so called Christians in here, many churches are not fasting in fact their doing the opposite, their filling their stomachs in churches. No wonder so many Christians are weak in the faith and struggling with there flesh!!

 

[Pearl]

its doesn't surprise me dat dis thread hasn't got many comments yet fasting is a very important part of being a Christian, just goes 2 show the minds of many so called Christians in here, many churches are not fasting in fact their doing the opposite, their filling their stomachs in churches. No wonder so many Christians are weak in the faith and struggling with there flesh!!

I agree. Fasting should be part of the Christian's armoury.

 

[Stan B]

its doesn't surprise me dat dis thread hasn't got many comments yet fasting is a very important part of being a Christian, just goes 2 show the minds of many so called Christians in here, many churches are not fasting in fact their doing the opposite, their filling their stomachs in churches. No wonder so many Christians are weak in the faith and struggling with there flesh!!

DoveSpirit05, I regard your judgmental reference to "so called Christians" somewhat offensive. Fasting is not commanded in Scripture, and it is certainly not for everyone. Sure, I have seen a few people who could benefit from a little fasting, but on a forum like this, with so many people of advanced age, fasting is rarely recommended for such people, who have to force themselves to eat, merely to survive.

I am one of those old folk, who found the mere thought of eating, enough to make me gag. It all started after my wife died. I lost 70 lbs. It got to the point that I was was so emaciated that I collapsed, and didn't have enough energy left to get up off the floor. Fortunately, I was able to reach for a phone and call 911. I spend 2 months over this past Christmas in the hospital as they tried to save me from dying.

So now, I force myself to eat every day on a very rigid regimen, whether I want to eat or not. That program has worked well for me, and I have recovered 35 lbs over the past six months.

I have a very dear friend, the beloved wife of our community's most beloved pastor for the past 50 years. When I saw her at the cemetery last week, and wow, she had lost so much weight caring for her dying husband over these past three months, that it was obvious, and she was already thin to begin with.

Fasting is not for everyone!! For some of us, not fasting is a loving obligation in which we engage in for the family who love us.

 

[Philip James]

Fasting is not for everyone!! For some of us, not fasting is a loving obligation in which we engage in for the family who love us.

Hello Stan,

Surely this kind of fasting is for everyone who is able:


This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke;

Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.

Peace be with you!

 

[DoveSpirit05]

DoveSpirit05, I regard your judgmental reference to "so called Christians" somewhat offensive. Fasting is not commanded in Scripture, and it is certainly not for everyone. Sure, I have seen a few people who could benefit from a little fasting, but on a forum like this, with so many people of advanced age, fasting is rarely recommended for such people, who have to force themselves to eat, merely to survive.

I am one of those old folk, who found the mere thought of eating, enough to make me gag. It all started after my wife died. I lost 70 lbs. It got to the point that I was was so emaciated that I collapsed, and didn't have enough energy left to get up off the floor. Fortunately, I was able to reach for a phone and call 911. I spend 2 months over this past Christmas in the hospital as they tried to save me from dying.

So now, I force myself to eat every day on a very rigid regimen, whether I want to eat or not. That program has worked well for me, and I have recovered 35 lbs over the past six months.

I have a very dear friend, the beloved wife of our community's most beloved pastor for the past 50 years. When I saw her at the cemetery last week, and wow, she had lost so much weight caring for her dying husband over these past three months, that it was obvious, and she was already thin to begin with.

Fasting is not for everyone!! For some of us, not fasting is a loving obligation in which we engage in for the family who love us.

sorry for wat ur going thru but with God all things are possible!! we can do all things thru Christ who strengthens us phil 4:13, wat ever affliction u have pray 2 God, dats wat he's there for. loosen the bonds of affliction, wickness, ask him for strength, faith bible says anything we ask in jesus's name will be given 2 us! moses's fasted at 80 yrs! not saying u gotta go on a 40 day one but a Christian must deny himself at some point, it builds resistance and weakens the flesh so the holly spirit can do its work in you!!

 

[Pearl]

Sure, I have seen a few people who could benefit from a little fasting,

The benefit from fasting isn't about giving up food to lose weight etc. It's about spiritual benefits and I think all Christians would benefit spiritually from fasting

 

[Willie T]

The benefit from fasting isn't about giving up food to lose weight etc. It's about spiritual benefits and I think all Christians would benefit spiritually from fasting

I think Stan was simply engaging in a little humor.....

 

[DoveSpirit05]

here's an important video about fasting folks!!

 

[Waiting on him]

Mark 2:19 KJV
[19] And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
The question should be, is the bridegroom with us?

Tecarta Bible

 

[Pearl]

I have discovered that fasting – true fasting – is part of our armoury; a vital and necessary weapon against the forces of evil.

I haven’t done it very often. I wasn’t much good at it when I did, but I feel that it is something I am being led into by the Holy Spirit; something he wants to teach me about.

There are so many big issues in the world today that need God’s touch and influence. I believe that God is showing me that the church both corporately and individually, needs to take a more serious approach to fasting.

Fasting is a spiritual way of denying our selves and our bodily needs, if only for a short time, becoming weak and submissive before our God so that we learn to rely on him not on our own strengths.

Fasting is a way of coming empty before him and trusting him to fill us so that the filling can become power and authority.

• It is the key to power.
  
• It builds up our faith, and teaches us to depend on God.
  
• It humbles us.
  
• It is a sacrifice of suffering.
  
• Food is a basic human need and we give it up as an offering to God.
  
• It helps us to get prepared for what God has for us.
  
• It helps us to be strengthened for the spiritual battles.
  
• It shows God we are serious and mean business.
  
• It keeps us focused on God.
  

It’s surprising how little we all seem to have been taught about fasting. When I was confirmed I was taught to fast before taking communion but really that is as far as my teaching on the subject went.

Neither of the churches I’ve belonged to over the last forty years – first Anglican and presently free non-denominational - have had much to say on the question of fasting.

There is a difference in the fasts in the OT compared to those in the New and it needs to be a private thing, alone or in a small group, and for a specific purpose and with prayer. And I believe it should be seen as an offering to God of our selves in a small way.

But I think it must be undertaken with a certain amount of respect and seriousness and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit – Jesus was led to fast.

Fasting is something we need to do not half-heartedly but with our whole hearts so that it might be pleasing to God. And we should do it with expectancy; expecting answers to our prayers.

It should not be something we do for our physical health but for the well-being of our spirits. It is an exercise in strengthening our spirits; putting our spiritual needs before our bodily needs in order to draw even closer to God and discover the Father’s will.

The definition of fasting is, “Abstaining from food by deliberate choice for spiritual purposes.” and is a normal part of the Christian life and discipline. John Wesley used to fast regularly and expected all those ministers he ordained to do likewise.

He points out that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus assumes that his disciples fast. For he says in Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting has three main results;

1. A deeper sense of the nearness of God.
   
2. A greater insight into scripture.
   
3. Specific answers to prayer.
   

 

[Davy]

Health benefits for those who are able to do it, medically. We can't all do it because of medical conditions, so one should be careful with it.

 

[Pearl]

Health benefits for those who are able to do it, medically. We can't all do it because of medical conditions, so one should be careful with it.

People can fast for health benefits but the Christian fasting is for our spiritual benefit. And whatever our medical condition we should put our trust in him and be able to fast in some form with God's help and guidance.

 

[Waiting on him]

I have discovered that fasting – true fasting – is part of our armoury; a vital and necessary weapon against the forces of evil.

I haven’t done it very often. I wasn’t much good at it when I did, but I feel that it is something I am being led into by the Holy Spirit; something he wants to teach me about.

There are so many big issues in the world today that need God’s touch and influence. I believe that God is showing me that the church both corporately and individually, needs to take a more serious approach to fasting.

Fasting is a spiritual way of denying our selves and our bodily needs, if only for a short time, becoming weak and submissive before our God so that we learn to rely on him not on our own strengths.

Fasting is a way of coming empty before him and trusting him to fill us so that the filling can become power and authority.

• It is the key to power.
  
• It builds up our faith, and teaches us to depend on God.
  
• It humbles us.
  
• It is a sacrifice of suffering.
  
• Food is a basic human need and we give it up as an offering to God.
  
• It helps us to get prepared for what God has for us.
  
• It helps us to be strengthened for the spiritual battles.
  
• It shows God we are serious and mean business.
  
• It keeps us focused on God.
  

It’s surprising how little we all seem to have been taught about fasting. When I was confirmed I was taught to fast before taking communion but really that is as far as my teaching on the subject went.

Neither of the churches I’ve belonged to over the last forty years – first Anglican and presently free non-denominational - have had much to say on the question of fasting.

There is a difference in the fasts in the OT compared to those in the New and it needs to be a private thing, alone or in a small group, and for a specific purpose and with prayer. And I believe it should be seen as an offering to God of our selves in a small way.

But I think it must be undertaken with a certain amount of respect and seriousness and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit – Jesus was led to fast.

Fasting is something we need to do not half-heartedly but with our whole hearts so that it might be pleasing to God. And we should do it with expectancy; expecting answers to our prayers.

It should not be something we do for our physical health but for the well-being of our spirits. It is an exercise in strengthening our spirits; putting our spiritual needs before our bodily needs in order to draw even closer to God and discover the Father’s will.

The definition of fasting is, “Abstaining from food by deliberate choice for spiritual purposes.” and is a normal part of the Christian life and discipline. John Wesley used to fast regularly and expected all those ministers he ordained to do likewise.

He points out that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus assumes that his disciples fast. For he says in Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting has three main results;

1. A deeper sense of the nearness of God.
   
2. A greater insight into scripture.
   
3. Specific answers to prayer.

I’d like to hear your answer to my above question?

 

[Davy]

People can fast for health benefits but the Christian fasting is for our spiritual benefit. And whatever our medical condition we should put our trust in him and be able to fast in some form with God's help and guidance.

People can fast for health benefits but the Christian fasting is for our spiritual benefit. And whatever our medical condition we should put our trust in him and be able to fast in some form with God's help and guidance.

Yes, God's Word mentions the idea of prayer and fasting together often, but there also are health benefits of doing it.

As for putting our trust in God regarding our medical condition, fasting could be dangerous for someone with health problems. Apostle Luke was a doctor, so God didn't tell us to shun medical doctors.

 

[Waiting on him]

Isaiah 58:5 KJV
[5] Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him ? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord ?


Tecarta Bible

 

[farouk]

Isaiah 58:5 KJV
[5] Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him ? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord ?


Tecarta Bible

If it's done with a great show outwardly, then it kind of misses the whole point...

 

[Waiting on him]

If it's done with a great show outwardly, then it kind of misses the whole point...

 

[DoveSpirit05]

Yes, God's Word mentions the idea of prayer and fasting together often, but there also are health benefits of doing it.

As for putting our trust in God regarding our medical condition, fasting could be dangerous for someone with health problems. Apostle Luke was a doctor, so God didn't tell us to shun medical doctors.

luke being a doctor has no bearing at all on what he did in the bible, plus he was brilliant record keeper 2 and God used him 4 those skills and not 4 his physician skills.