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Fasting is a spiritual discipline. For Christians, it is a time of sacrifice and devotion set aside to focus our relationship with Jesus Christ. The busyness and activities of life can easily make us lose sight of our connection with God. Fasting is a time to re-ignite, refocus and restore our relationship with God. The sacrifice of fasting involves separating ourselves from things, activities or people (none of this necessarily evil) in order to focus on Jesus Christ. References: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
The most common form of sacrifice is to give up food. Food, as nourishing and important as it is to the body, can become a controlling factor in our thinking, attitude, schedules, etc. “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things” Philippians 3:18-19. There are other things that we give up during this time of consecration to God. That choice is up to the individual to make – choosing wisely to separate from the things that clearly interfere with time spent with the Holy Spirit. Like Kind David, this should be our heart: “…neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24 FASTING IS A SACRIFICE!
Fasting is not merely going without food or abstaining from something. Fasting must be accompanied by PRAYER and study of the WORD OF GOD. It is this combination of sacrifice, prayer and the study of the Bible that breaks of known and unknown bondage, and allows us to hear clearly from God. The experience is that of clarity, freedom, purity and a static-less life. The secret of the disciple of Christ is the presence of God. Fasting renews that truth and maximizes the experience. References: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30,Acts 13:2
Fasting is not a manipulative tool to try to get prayer answered. Fasting is not trying to move the hand of God in your favor. Fasting is not a weight loss program. Fasting is about tuning in to the will of God so you are positioned to hear clearly and be empowered in your spirit to obey God, which consequently results in the best of God for your life. Fasting is for your benefit, not God’s.
The type of Fast you choose is between you and God. Honor God with your best sacrifice!
FULL FAST
DRINK ONLY LIQUIDS (YOU ESTABLISH THE NUMBER OF DAYS).
THE DANIEL FAST
EAT NO MEAT, NO SWEETS AND NO BREAD. DRINK WATER AND JUICE. EAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
3-DAY FAST
THIS FAST CAN BE A FULL FAST, DANIEL FAST OR GIVE UP AT LEAST ONE ITEM OF FOOD.
PARTIAL FAST
A PARTIAL FAST IS FROM 6:00 AM TO 3:00 PM OR FROM SUN UP TO SUNDOWN. YOU CAN SELECT FROM THREE TYPES OF FASTING —A FULL FAST, DANIEL FAST OR GIVE UP AT LEAST ONE ITEM OF FOOD.
CORPORATE FASTING
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES TO A GROUP OF PEOPLE CHOOSING TO FAST TOGETHER IN ORDER TO SEEK GOD: 1 SAMUEL 7:5-6, EZRA 8:21-23, NEHEMIAH 9:1-3, JOEL 2:15-16, JONAH 3:5-10, ACTS 27:33-37
REMEMBER THAT IT IS THE ATTITUDE OF A HEART SINCERELY SEEKING HIM TO WHICH GOD RESPONDS WITH A BLESSING (ISAIAH 58, JEREMIAH 14:12, 1 CORINTHIANS 8:8). MAY GOD GREATLY BLESS YOU AS YOU FAST!
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