*** Corpus JEHOVAH SOVEREIGN TRIUMPH Institutes | UNIVERSAL CHRISTIAN FASTING COLLEGE of Excellence
At the Corpus JEHOVAH SOVEREIGN TRIUMPH Institutes CHRISTIAN FASTING COLLEGE of Excellence, we believe that your Holistic Health is one of your Greatest Wealth Assets. We are therefore motivated to pull together the Total Benefits of Christian Fasting from both the Physical Sciences and the Divine Wisdom of the Omniscience of Christian Fasting for Believers. One thing we are sure of is that, Excellent Health is Priceless, cannot be fully bought with any amount of financial resources, but can be positively enhanced through Christian Fasting - The Omniscience of Christian Fasting.
Just as Christian Fasting is the greatest of all Holistic Healing approaches, inspired by the example of The Lord Christ Jesus, witnessed to by fasting practitioners, not the least some of the greatest thinkers and spiritual teachers than all other healing modalities combined - including all three Fathers of Western Medicine, Hippocrates, Galen and Paracelsus, Corpus JEHOVAH TRIUMPH Institutes CHRISTIAN FASTING COLLEGE of Excellence is a 21st Century Vehicle for regaining Proximity & Reconciliation to The Holy Trinity, PEAK Functionality of ALL Health Faculties of Practitioners, Sustainable Excellent Health, Healing Prowess and Powers, through the passionate and committed Omniscientific Practice of Christian Fasting.
1 - Christian Fasting for Closer Fellowship with The Holy Trinity - JEHOVAH GOD The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit
2- Christian Fasting to remove unnecessary weight the natural way, plus learning how to keep it off for the rest of your life
3- Christian Fasting to remove the 5-to-10-lb. inner, toxic waste dump* now polluting the average adult's cell, tissue and organ storage areas (chemical toxins, heavy metals, drugs, festering metabolic wastes, excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream, arterial plaque, excess mucus and mucoid plaque throughout the system, intestinal parasites, etc., all of which prolonged fasting can remove)
4- Christian Fasting to regain the energy you may previously have enjoyed
5- Christian Fasting to elevate yourself out of the clouded consciousness most spend their entire life in, up into the apogee of human potential;
6- Christian Fasting to heighten mental clarity and all your senses, allowing you to see your life's options in much clearer perspective, and then act upon them wisely;
7- Christian Fasting to enhance your innate wisdom, spirituality, faith and human kindness, and
8- Christian Fasting to move yourself back toward your LIFE's birthright potential of PEAK Functionality Health, Holistic Wellbeing, Healing Prowess and Powers through omni scientifically realigning the Spirit, Mind/Soul and Body with the Purposes of Creation - why you exist.
Physical Science & the Omniscience of CHRISTIAN FASTING:
University of Southern California Scientific Study Calls Prolonged Fasting "Remarkable!": "Fasting triggers stem cell regeneration of damaged, old immune system. Protection from chemotherapy immunosuppression indicates effect could be conserved in humans. . . .We are investigating the possibility that these effects are applicable to many different systems and organs, not just the immune system." (University of Southern California)*
Other American scientific medical researchers proving the benefits of fasting at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Murray, Utah, have identified a biological process in the body during periodic fasting that eliminates bad cholesterol and reduces weight, thus combating diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers noticed that after 10-to-12 hours of fasting, the body enters into a self-protection mode and starts scavenging for other sources of energy throughout the body to sustain itself. One of the related actions is to pull LDL (bad) cholesterol from the cells of the body. Says Benjamin Horne, Ph.D., director of cardiovascular and genetic epidemiology and lead researcher on the study: "Fasting has the potential to become an important health intervention." Researchers presented results of their study at the June 14, 2014, American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions in San Francisco, California.
* "USC News": "In the first evidence of a natural intervention triggering stem cell-based regeneration of an organ or system, a study in the June 5, 2014, issue of ‘Cell Stem Cell’ shows that cycles of prolonged fasting not only protect against immune system damage (a major side-effect of chemotherapy), but also induce immune system regeneration, shifting stem cells from a dormant state to a state of self-renewal.
"In both mice and a Phase 1 human clinical trial involving patients receiving chemotherapy, long periods of not eating significantly lowered white blood cell counts. In mice, fasting cycles then 'flipped a regenerative switch,' changing the signaling pathways for hematopoietic stem cells, which are responsible for the generation of blood and immune systems, the research showed.
"The study has major implications for healthier aging, in which immune system decline contributes to increased susceptibility to disease as people age. By outlining how prolonged fasting cycles. . .kill older and damaged immune cells and generate new ones, the research also has implications for chemotherapy tolerance and for those with a wide range of immune system deficiencies, including autoimmunity disorders.
"Said Dr. Valter Longo, director of the Univ. of Southern California Longevity Institute, whose lab is in the process of conducting further research on controlled dietary interventions and stem cell regeneration in both animal and clinical studies: 'We could not predict that prolonged fasting would have such a remarkable effect in promoting stem cell-based regeneration of the hematopoietic system. We are investigating the possibility that these effects are applicable to many different systems and organs, not just the immune system.'
"The study was supported by the National Institute of Aging of the National Institutes of Health (grant numbers AG20642, AG025135, P01AG34906). The clinical trial was supported by the V Foundation and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (P30CA014089)."
The term ‘Fasting’ generally refers to a period of abstinence from food for the purpose of engaging in uninterrupted
1- Study,
2- Prayer, and
3- Meditation
with a Clear Objective and Goal in focus.
Unger’s Bible Dictionary explains that the word fast in the Bible is from the Hebrew word sum, meaning “to cover” the mouth, or from the Greek word nesteuo , meaning “to abstain.” For spiritual purposes, it means to go without eating and drinking (Esther 4:16).
The Day of Atonement—also called “the Fast” (Acts 27:9)—is the only fast day commanded by God (Leviticus 23:27), though other national fast days are mentioned in the Bible. Also, personal fasts are clearly expected of Christ’s disciples (Matthew 9:14-15).
Keep in mind that we encourage those with physical health problems to consult a qualified medical practitioner before fasting.
The Holy Scriptures presents FASTING as something that is Good, Profitable and Beneficial. 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). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on JEHOVAH GOD. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to JEHOVAH GOD, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon JEHOVAH GOD.
Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on JEHOVAH GOD can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to JEHOVAH GOD. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with JEHOVAH GOD. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to JEHOVAH GOD.
By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to The Lord Christ Jesus. 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.”
THE NECESSITY of CHRISTIAN FASTING | WHY FAST
WE FAST TO DRAW CLOSER TO JEHOVAH GOD, Father of Creation.
The Bible gives examples of God’s people occasionally combining fasting with their prayers so as to stir up their zeal and renew their dedication and commitment to Him. King David wrote that he “humbled [him]self with fasting” (Psalms 35:13).
Fasting is a means of getting our minds back on the reality that we are not self-sufficient. Fasting helps us realize just how fragile we are and how much we depend on things beyond ourselves.
The Bible records that great men of faith such as Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Paul and Jesus Himself fasted so that they might draw closer to God (Exodus 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8;Daniel 9:3; Daniel 10:2-3; 2 Corinthians 11:27; Matthew 4:2). Jesus knew that His true disciples, once He was no longer there in the flesh with them, at times would need to fast to regain and renew their zeal to serve Him (Mark 2:18-20).
James tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Constant prayer and occasional fasting help us to do this.
We are not to fast to have people feel sorry for us or to think we’re pious (Matthew 6:16-18). Isaiah 58 gives both bad and good examples of fasting, contrasting wrong attitudes and actions (Isaiah 58:3-5) with the right approach of outgoing love (Isaiah 58:6-10). Daniel and Nehemiah set the example of having a repentant frame of mind (Daniel 9:3-4; Nehemiah 9:1-2).
Fasting also helps us learn the lessons of the Day of Atonement : forgiveness, reconciliation to God and the need to resist Satan and pray for the time of his removal (Revelation 20:1-3), which was portrayed in type by the Azazel goat on Atonement (Leviticus 16:20-22).
THE ADVANTAGES | BENEFITS of CHRISTIAN FASTING
The scriptures are replete with numerous accounts of remarkable results and dramatic testimonies produced through fasting. As Christians, Fasting is one of the most godly exercises we should engage in regularly, with the promise of present and eternal benefits. The advantages are numerous, and here are a few:
Through Fasting, we can improve our effectiveness in the things of the spirit. In simple terms, Fasting helps you to tame the flesh and lift the spirit. As Christians, we are required to walk in the spirit, always. This means to be spirit-controlled and not flesh-controlled. This is important because Romans 8:6 says, “…for to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace…,” and also in John 6:63 our Lord Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing…”
So how does Fasting help you to tame the flesh and lift the spirit? One of the cravings of the body is food. It is a craving that is connected to the senses. When we fast, we deliberately abstain from food even though our body craves it. We resist the urge to eat thereby improving our mastery over the cravings of the body, and instead focus on activities that build the spirit. Of course, we could engage in activities that build our spirit without abstaining from food, but the abstinence from food adds a level of ‘seriousness‘ and ‘discipline‘ to the exercise.
Fasting helps to sharpen our ability to receive or hear from God. It is like raising a spiritual antenna to pick the finer signals of the Spirit’s communication.
But how does this happen? When we Fast, abstinence from food is a key characteristic but that is not all. The Fasting exercise promotes focus and undivided attention to study and prayer. There should be a deliberate cessation of all unnecessary activity and a conscious increase in activities of that engage the spirit. This helps to unclutter the mind and remove the ‘noise’ or interference that often prevents the hearing of God’s voice. During a period of Fasting, many have received clear direction and heard the voice of God in a more distinct way than before.
Fasting can be a vehicle to effect dramatic and urgent change in things that pertain to us or even in the circumstances of others around us. In James 5:17 (amp) the scriptures assure us that “….the earnest (heartfelt)…prayer of a righteous man makes power available (dynamic)….” which means power to effect changes, shift things, re-arrange things in the present or in the future can be produced by me – when I pray a certain way. So how do I ensure my prayer is earnest and heartfelt.
When you declare a Fast, you are raising the stakes. It is a declaration of seriousness and urgency in addressing the matter at hand. It helps you to be earnest in your prayers and certainly it will be heartfelt. Your heart is in it to the point that you are giving up eating to focus on the matter at hand. And when you pray like this, the results are guaranteed!
EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN FASTING | RESULTS-ORIENTED FASTING
It is important to note that Fasting is not an effort to change JEHOVAH GOD. When we fast, we are the ones that change and we are the beneficiaries of the Fast. Our Fasting does not change The Almighty JEHOVAH GOD for the scriptures say in Mal 3:6 “….I am the Lord, I change not…” So with this in focus, here are steps that can make our Fasting more effective:
1- Have a clear objective in focus – what are your expectations from this Fast?
2- The period of Fasting must include regular intervals of prayer, study and meditation on the Word.
3- Having a clear focus and expectation will help guide your prayer, study and meditation time.
Minimize unnecessary activity or distractions during the Fasting period. Though solitude may not always be achievable, strive to be ‘alone’ with the Spirit as much as possible.
And while there is no single prescription for the length of a Fast, it should be sufficiently long to be effective.It ought to be long enough to span several normal eating periods. And you should be hungry at some point during the Fast. But this is not a reason to break it but rather to endure and continue! Remember, part of the training of the Fast is to curb the craving of the flesh and maintain focus on the spirit.
WHO SHOULD FAST | THE BEST TIME TO FAST
It is quite common for people to Fast when they are in dire need or in trouble, but you do not need to be in trouble or in a messy situation to be compelled to Fast.
We can Fast to improve our spiritual acumen, stay ahead of situations, make general improvements in our life and to prepare for a greater future. And while anyone can Fast at anytime, there are special times when the Spirit of JEHOVAH GOD leads us to Fast. These are special Fasting sessions not to be missed because they bear an accuracy and grace that is unusual. For instance, Our Pastor by the Spirit has instructed that the first Sunday of every Month is a Fasting and Prayer Sunday. And when he announced it, he told us that the Spirit asked us to do this, because He wants to bless us and that these special times will bring to us untold blessings. And it has been exactly that way! Another special Fasting period is our end of year 3-day Prayer and Fasting program as directed by our Pastor. In the past years, these special Fasting programs have been pivotal in preparing us for the coming year, and helped to position us in perfect alignment with the plans and purpose of the Spirit of JEHOVAH GOD for us.
The advantages of Fasting are numerous, and every Christian should benefit from it. What Fasting can do for you, may not be obtainable in any other way. And like many things in our Christian walk, the benefits come to you by doing. You may learn, read or even talk about Fasting – but that won’t bring the benefits. The benefits are realized when you do it.
And thank JEHOVAH GOD for our Pastor and Coach who has provided us with ample direction and opportunities to Fast regularly, and therefore partake of the numerous benefits of this divine and godly exercise! Thanks be unto God for this indescribable gift!
BELIEFS of Corpus JEHOVAH UNIVERSAL INSTITUTE for CHRISTIAN FASTING
This is the statement of Bible doctrine as believed and taught by Corpus JEHOVAH Institutes, the Supreme JEHOVAH GOD Ministries & Missionaries | Total TRIUMPH Ministries.
This statement of FAITH has its source in the Holy Bible and is in total agreement with the Foundational Principles of the Doctrines of The Lord Christ Jesus.
1- We believe that the Bible contains the inspired and infallible Word of JEHOVAH GOD. [2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21]
2- We believe that there is only JEHOVAH GOD eternally existent in three (3) persons; GOD the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.[Eph 4:5-6; 1 Cor 8:16; Gen 1:26; Mt 3:16-17]
3- We believe in the deity of The Lord Christ Jesus. [Jn.1:1-4; Jn 10:30; Heb 1:1-5] He was born of a virgin. [Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:30-35] b. He was conceived of the Holy Ghost. [Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:30-35] c. He died. [Jn 19: 30-35] d. He rose again from the dead bodily. [Jn 20:25-29; Lk 24:36-40] e. He ascended into heaven bodily. [1 Thess 4: 6-17; Mt 24:29-30]
4- We believe in the rapture of the church and the Second Coming of The Lord Christ Jesus. [1 Thess 4:16-17; Mt 24:29-30]
5- We believe that the only means of being cleansed from sin is repentance and faith in the precious blood of Jesus. [Acts 3:19; Lk 24:47; Eph 1:7]
6- We believe regeneration by the power of the Holy Ghost through the Word of JEHOVAH GOD is essential for personal salvation. [Tit 2:5; Jn 3:3-5; Eph 5:25-27]
7- We believe that the redemptive work of The Lord Christ Jesus on the cross provides divine healing for the body, salvation for the soul of everyone that believes. [1 Pet 2:24; Acts 3:16; Acts 9:32-35]
8- We believe that when an individual receives the Holy Ghost, he receives divine enablement for Christian service and witness. [Acts 1:8; 2:4; 3:1-26; 4:5-12]
9- We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. [Rm 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11]
10- We believe in the final resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the former to eternal life and the latter to eternal judgment. [Rev 20:11-15; 1 Cor 15:12-23]
CHRISTIAN FASTING ESSENTIALS
The Bible has much to say about this very important but oft-neglected spiritual key. God desires and expects His followers to fast. Jesus Christ was asked why His disciples did not fast like other religious people. He replied with a short parable explaining that it was because He was still present with His disciples. He stated that after He was no longer among them (referring to His impending return to heaven),“then they will fast” (Matthew 9:14-15, emphasis added throughout).
By that He meant that all of His future disciples would fast. Why? Because we need fasting with prayer to help us maintain a close relationship with God and Jesus Christ. And there are other major spiritual benefits of fasting, as we shall see.
When Jesus spoke to His disciples about how to fast, He clearly was expecting that they would fast (Matthew 6:16-18). He did not say “if you fast” but “when you fast.” And note that in this chapter, Jesus emphasizes fasting as much as praying and doing good works.
Fasting is mentioned prominently in the Old and New Testaments. The biblical record of who fasted is a virtual “who's who” of the Bible and includes Moses, David, Elijah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, Anna and Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul engaged “in fastings often” (2 Corinthians 11:27).
UNDERSTANDING FASTING
In a sense, everyone fasts. When we are in bed asleep, we go without any food or drink. That is fasting. That is why the first meal of the day is called breakfast.However, when people speak of fasting, they usually mean a longer period of time of deliberately choosing not to eat and drink. It can be for a whole day, part of a day or more than a day.
A health fast is any temporary restricted diet that is supposed to have certain health benefits. But this article addresses fasting for one's spiritual health, which involves abstaining from food and drink while spending a lot of extra time in prayer and Bible study (Exodus 34:28; Ezra 10:6; Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9).
Ideally, we should spend most of the waking part of a fast period praying, studying and reflecting. If this is not possible, at the very least we can do that during the extra time when we ordinarily would be eating.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FASTING
A healthy person who is not perspiring much can go without food and water for about three days before the body begins to be stressed. And a healthy person can go without food for several days if he is drinking water. Thus, the amazingly long 40-day fasts by Moses, Elijah and Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8; Luke 4:2) were possible only by God's supernatural intervention.
How long we might safely fast depends on our individual health. If you are unsure about your health limitations, it would be wise to get a medical checkup, and we strongly advise it. Then start with a meal or two before gradually increasing to a full day fast—being alert to the beginning of any adverse effects.
However, we should not consider mere discomforts—including feeling hungry, thirsty and less energetic—as “adverse effects.” For most people, a headache is simply a symptom of withdrawal from regular caffeine consumption. It's wise to taper off from caffeinated beverages before beginning a fast.
Another option is a partial fast such as that mentioned in Daniel 10:3. Here one takes in only as much food and/or water as necessary to be safe and spends extra time in prayer, Bible study and meditation. This, too, can be very profitable spiritually.
Fasting is unpopular in a culture of instant self-gratification. People tend to think that every day they need three large meals plus snacks. In a culture of continual feasting, it seems there is no place for fasting! From that standpoint alone, fasting is good for character building—developing self-discipline, commitment, moderation and better eating habits.
Important reasons for fasting
Fasting is an important part of building a right and strong relationship with JEHOVAH GOD (Luke 2:36-37; Acts 13:2).
Godly fasting is poles apart from hunger strikes used to gain political power or draw attention to a personal cause. Fasting liberates us from slavery to our appetites while we focus on the true “Bread of Life,” Jesus Christ (John 6:48-51, 63). When fasting, we make a small self-sacrifice to focus on our Savior's awesome sacrifice and plan for us.
By nature we are egocentric (self-centered), and must work at becoming God-centered. A major purpose of fasting is to learn humility—to better understand how great JEHOVAH GOD is and how weak, sinful and needy we are. King David understood this when he wrote, “I humbled myself with fasting” (Psalms 35:13).
JEHOVAH GOD delights in humble hearts. He said in Isaiah 66:2, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (New International Version). In Matthew 5:3 Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Lord Christ Jesus made it clear that if we fast to show off—to “appear to men to be fasting” —we are hypocrites and will have no reward from JEHOVAH GOD (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus did not mean that it is always wrong to tell someone you are fasting. Often there is a practical need to tell someone, like your spouse. Jesus was talking about the necessity of right motives and attitudes.
The Messiah Christ Jesus spoke a parable in which a proud Pharisee bragged to God, “I fast twice a week” (Luke 18:9, 12). The man imagined himself to be already humble and was proud of it! Fasting with such a conceited attitude is worthless.
JEHOVAH GOD wants us to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). When we fast, we increasingly feel hungry and physically weak. In addition to reinforcing the fact that JEHOVAH GOD is the One who sustains us and supplies all our needs, an important lesson of this is that we rapidly become weaker spiritually when we neglect the nourishment of prayer, Bible study and all other efforts to be FATHER GOD's spiritually transformed sons and daughters.
The Bible has only one command regarding fasting. JEHOVAH GOD's people are commanded to fast on the Day of Atonement from sundown to sundown (Leviticus 23:27-32). Interestingly, this fast day is listed among JEHOVAH GOD's Spiritual Feast days in this chapter.
SECONDARY PURPOSES of FASTING
Besides the primary purposes of worshipping JEHOVAH GOD, drawing closer to Him, humbling ourselves and growing spiritually, it is appropriate to have secondary purposes in fasting as well—beseeching God in prayer for His help with one or more serious needs for ourselves or for others.
When JEHOVAH GOD has not answered prayers for a certain need, try fasting with prayer. In one instance when The Lord Christ's disciples could not cast out a demon, He told them that “this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:14-21). Proper fasting often results in significant spiritual breakthroughs. While we rely on the spiritual tools of prayer, Bible study and meditation on a daily basis, we occasionally need the power tool of fasting.
There can be many reasons to fast, such as a personal problem, a difficult-to-overcome sin, facing a major decision, a Church crisis, a threat of danger, the need to change someone's attitude, or expressing thanksgiving, among others. For a very enlightening study, use a Bible concordance and look up all the passages that contain the words fast, fasted and fasting. Read why they fasted, what they were praying about and what JEHOVAH GOD did as a result of the fast.
However, we must never view fasting as pressuring JEHOVAH GOD to get what we want (Isaiah 58:3). FATHER GOD wants us to pray about our problems, but not to try to dictate the solutions. Our attitudes should be like that of The Lord Christ Jesus when He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
EMERGENCY TARGETED FASTING
It is fine for a group such as a church congregation or circle of friends to decide to fast together concerning an urgent matter.
1- KING JEHOSHAPHAT: When his country was being invaded, King Jehoshaphat “proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-3). At the preaching of Jonah, “the people of Nineveh believed God [and] proclaimed a fast” (Jonah 3:5).
2- EZRA - To beseech JEHOVAH GOD for His protection, Ezra proclaimed a fast for all the exiles returning to Judah (Ezra 8:21-23).
3- ESTHER - Esther requested that all the Jews in Shushan fast so that they would be spared from genocide (Esther 4:16).
RIGHT ATTITUDE TO FASTING
Isaiah 58:1-12 is a profound passage that contrasts right and wrong attitudes in fasting. It clearly shows that fasting must not be a mere ritual. Fasting should teach us to be willing to sacrifice in many ways in the service of others. How much are we willing to sacrifice to “undo . . . heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free . . . to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him?” (verses 6-7).
JEHOVAH GOD's Word exhorts us to “stand fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8). Here the English word “fast” means firmly fixed or steadfast. From what the Bible teaches us about fasting, we see that people who sincerely and regularly fast and pray to God will very likely “stand fast in the Lord”
FASTING POWERS & PROWESS
THE LORD CHRIST JESUS did not say if you fast: He said when you fast because fasting is a part of the Christian life. It is a part of our Christian walk.
"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:16-18, emphasis added) .
When I say fast, I am not talking about a hunger strike. I am talking about fasting. Some people go on a hunger strike and try to push God into a corner. They try to force Him to do what they want to see done in their lives. The principles of fasting in the Bible have nothing to do with hunger strikes.
The Word of God teaches us about fasting and the spiritual principles connected with it. You must know five things before you fast. Ask yourself these five questions:
1. Is it God led?
2. What are your motives for fasting?
3. What specific needs are you fasting for?
4. What results are you looking for?
5. Are you determined to minister to the Lord while fasting?
FASTING = SPIRITUAL FORTIFICATION
Fasting brings the HUMBLES the Flesh and Self.
In 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul says, “I bring my body under subjection.” Fasting brings the flesh under subjection. Fasting will not allow the flesh to rule in your life.
The one thing that brought Adam down is the lust of the flesh. The one thing the devil will try to arouse in you just as he did in Adam is the lust of the flesh. Fasting strengthens your spirit man so that you can stay focused as you serve the Lord.
FASTING POWERS
When you begin fasting, you are going to begin to see changes in your Christian walk. The presence of God will become closer, dearer, and nearer to you. Every time I fast, I get closer to God. Every time. It seems my prayer life takes on greater power when I fast. There is power in fasting like there is power in prayer.
In the books of Acts we find where the apostles fasted on the same day of atonement. In the days of the reformation, Martin Luther told the converts to fast once a week, and then the Catholic church went further, and many Christians began fasting twice a week. I’m not for fasting because men tell you to fast, or some church tells you to fast. I believe we need a regular fast for spiritual examination; a time with God alone.
Whether you fast once a year, once a month or once a week fast unto the Lord. My mother fasts every Friday. She has fasted every Friday for years and years. And you know what? It’s amazing how much God shows her. There’s times when I don’t know what to do that I say to my mother, “Mama, ask God.” And, every time she’s right on target. There is mighty power in prayer and fasting.
JEHOVAH GOD ANSWERS FASTING & PRAYER
"It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)
JEHOVAH GOD declares the day will come when the harvest will come or overtake you before you can sow for it. FATHER GOD will give you what you are asking for before you ask it. How would you like to receive from the Lord before you even ask?
As you develop your RELATIONSHIP with Him through PRAYER and FASTING, and build that COVENANT, JEHOVAH GOD will begin to give you things you have not asked for. He will say, like with Abraham, Shall I hide from them what I am about to do?
Abraham never asked for JEHOVAH GOD to show him what he was about to do. However, JEHOVAH GOD said, Abraham kept covenant with me. I am about to show him things he has never even asked me for. The prophet says, before they call, I will answer. Isaiah declared that JEHOVAH GOD will begin to answer before you call. The harvest comes before you sow.
As you connect with heaven, you will disconnect with earth. If you will today, set your affections on things above, you will lose the desire for things of this earth.
A TRANSFORMATIONAL PRAYER
You can lift your heart to heaven right now in prayer and say:
“Father JEHOVAH GOD, I thank you that you hear me. Touch me deeply today.
God The Holy Spirit, move in my life. I want to know You.
God The Son Lord Christ Jesus, right now take my eyes and turn them away from the things of the world. Place them on You. Turn them away from beholding vanities. Let me see You, Lord. Let me behold You, Lord. Take out of my heart the world and all that is in it. Disconnect me, Lord, from earthly things and connect me, Lord, to heavenly things. Empty my heart of all that is earthly and worldly and let my heart be filled with Your Glory. God The Holy Spirit, if there is anything in me that grieves You or that displeases You, take it out in The Most Exalted Name of The Lord Christ Jesus. Transform me, cleanse me, purify me and bring me closer to You, Master. Help me to run the race and win in Christ Jesus' Most Exalted Name.
Amen”
The OMNISCIENCE of JEHOVAH GOD, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE
JEHOVAH GOD'S OMNISCIENCE encapsulates FASTING, MEDITATION & PRAYER.
JEHOVAH GOD is the ONLY One Who possesses LIMITLESS KNOWLEDGE. The Illustrated Oxford Dictionary defines “OMNISCIENCE” as “KNOWING EVERYTHING,” and the Bible certainly ascribes OMNISCIENCE to JEHOVAH GOD (Psalm 139:1-4; cf. Woods, 1988, p. 34). Consider a sample of what the Bible reveals about JEHOVAH GOD's OMNISCIENCE: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). “Can anyone teach God knowledge, since He judges those on high?” (Job 21:22, emp. added). Consider a few of the implications of JEHOVAH GOD’s OMNISCIENCE.
THE PAST - JEHOVAH GOD KNOWS every past action.
At times, humans struggle to interpret history because we often lack complete historical information. The eternal God, Who had no beginning, has no problems seeing clearly through the mists of time, for history is ever before Him (Isaiah 57:15). God emphasized this when He told Moses in Exodus 3:14, “I Am Who I Am.” John 8:58 reads: “Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I Am.’ ” In the Day of Judgment, we will be judged based on God’s complete knowledge of our history (see Revelation 20:12). JEHOVAH GOD cannot be taught anything about the past (Isaiah 40:14).
THE PRESENT - JEHOVAH GOD KNOWS every present action.
Psalm 33:13-15 reads: “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.” Despite the uniqueness of each person, God understands everyone individually, and knows everyone personally (see Matthew 10:29-30). God even knows everything that is done privately (Matthew 6:4), so no one can hide from God (see Kizer, 2001, p. 7). God cannot be taught anything about the present (Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 4:5).
THE FUTURE - JEHOVAH GOD KNOWS every future action.
The fact that JEHOVAH GOD gave prophets the capability to predict accurately very specific events in the distant future is one of the great evidences for the inspiration of the Bible (Thompson, 1999, p. 19). JEHOVAH GOD has emphasized repeatedly that He knows the future, perhaps never more emphatically than when Jesus Himself prophesied (see Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 8:31; John 2:19-22). The fact that God knows the future does not imply that humans somehow lose freedom of choice. Just because God knows that something will happen, does not mean that He causes it (see Bales, 1974, p. 49). God cannot be taught anything about the future (Acts 17:31; John 14:3).
ALL HUMAN THOUGHTS - JEHOVAH GOD KNOWS every human thought.
King David addressed his son: “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). Psalm 94:9-10 reads: “He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see? He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge?” God cannot be taught anything about the content of human intellect (Acts 15:8).
ALL HUMAN NEEDS - JEHOVAH GOD KNOWS what humans need.
Ecclesiastes 2:26 reads: “For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight….” Noah of old would have perished in the Flood had God not given him a way of escape. The Israelites could not have conquered Canaan without divine guidance and protection. God has promised that He will provide for the physical needs of those who serve Him (Matthew 6:24-34). Most important, God has identified the problem of sin and death and provided the only possible solution—the blood of His Son (1 Peter 1:18-19).
RIGHT & WRONG - JEHOVAH GOD KNOWS what is right and wrong, because He defines Morality and Truth.
His Word is the standard for righteous judgment. Hannah wanted desperately to have a child, but she was unable to do so. In her fervent request for God’s intervention, she prayed: “…the Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed” (1 Samuel 2:3). God has revealed what to do in order to please Him, and He knows of our obedience and disobedience (Proverbs 15:3).
What is the proper response to JEHOVAH GOD OMNISCIENCE?
The inspired apostle Paul provided a fitting answer in Colossians 3:24: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Those who refuse to serve the Lord should be frightened by JEHOVAH GOD’s Omniscience, because FATHER GOD knows of every sin. And unforgiven sin will be punished (Psalm 90:8; Romans 6:23). For JEHOVAH GOD's Children, however, the implications of GOD’s KNOWLEDGE are Sources of PEACE and STRENGTH (2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 3:22; Romans 11:33). Ultimately, the JEHOVAH GOD Who KHOWS EVERYTHING will judge humans based on how we use the knowledge that has been revealed to us. We must act based on our knowledge to prepare for eternity.
References:
Bales, James D. (1974), The Biblical Doctrine of God (Shreveport, LA: Lambert).
Kizer, Drew (2001), “Omniscience,” Words of Truth, 38[11]:6-7, November.
Thompson, Bert (1999), In Defense of the Bible’s Inspiration (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).
Woods, Guy N. (1988), “What is Meant by ‘God’s Omniscience and Omnipresence’?,” Gospel Advocate, 130[2]:34, February.
RELEVANT FASTING QUOTES
"I desired as many as could to join together in fasting and prayer, that God would restore the spirit of love and of a sound mind to the poor deluded rebels in America." - "Is not the neglect of this plain duty--I mean, fasting, ranked by our Lord with almsgiving and prayer--one general occasion of deadness among Christians? Can any one willingly neglect it, and be guiltless?"--John Wesley (1703-1791; "Collected Works of John Wesley," 1771; founder of the Methodist Church)
"Fasting possesses great power. If practiced with the right intention, it makes one a friend of God. The demons are aware of that."--Quintus Tertullian (160-220 A.D.; Christian Ecclesiastical author, perhaps most famous for coining the term ''Trinity')
"To refuse food and drink is more than a pleasure; it is the joy of the soul!"--Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910; Russian author, essayist and philosopher)
"A little starvation can really do more for the average sick man than can the best medicines and the best doctors. I do not mean a restricted diet; I mean total abstinence from food. I speak from experience; starvation has been my cold and fever doctor for 15 years, and has accomplished a cure in all instances."--Mark Twain (1835-1910; American author and humorist)
"Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself."--Saint Augustine (354-430 A.D.; "On Prayer and Fasting," Sermon lxxii; Doctor of the Catholic Church)
"Fasting is an effective and safe method of detoxifying the body. . .a technique that wise men have used for centuries to heal the sick. Fast regularly and help the body heal itself and stay well. Give all of your organs a rest. Fasting can help reverse the aging process, and if we use it correctly, we will live longer, happier lives."--James Balch, M.D. ("Prescription For Natural Healing")
"The ideal technique for successful fasting is the use of fresh, raw fruit and vegetable juices. On such a diet, the full spectrum of nutrients is supplied in an easily assimilated form, so the digestive tract is able to remain essentially at rest. It is only through the combined use of both cleansing processes, and a very good diet, that one will be able to reach her or his maximal level of physical health and an unclouded consciousness."--Rudolph Ballentine, M.D. ("Diet & Nutrition"; established holistic medical clinics in Chicago, New York, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and Honesdale, PA, and authored"Radical Healing: Integrating The World's Great Therapeutic Traditions To Create A New Transformative Medicine," hailed as "a masterpiece" by Caroline Myss, Ph.D., and "an instant classic" by Deepak Chopra, M.D.)
"There is both a physical and a spiritual fast. In the physical fast, the body abstains from food and drink. In the spiritual fast, the faster abstains from evil intentions, words and deeds. One who truly fasts abstains from anger, rage, malice, and vengeance. One who truly fasts abstains from idle and foul talk, empty rhetoric, slander, condemnation, flattery, lying and all manner of spiteful talk. In a word, a real faster is one who withdraws from all evil." - "As much as you subtract from the body, so much will you add to the strength of the soul." - "By fasting, it is possible both to be delivered from future evils, and to enjoy the good things to come. We fell into disease through sin; let us receive healing through repentance, which is not fruitful without fasting."--Saint Basil(329-379 A.D.; Doctor of the Catholic Church)
"Fasting is a normal part of our walk with God, as is exemplified by our Lord Jesus. Immediately following the Lord's prayer, he said: 'Moreover, when ye fast, be not of sad countenance, that thou appear not unto man to fast, but unto thy Father, which is in secret, and thy Father shall reward thee openly.'" (Matthew 6:16-18) - "Seest thou what fasting does: it heals illnesses, drives out demons, removes wicked thoughts, makes the heart pure. If someone has even been seized by an impure spirit, let her or him know that this kind, according to the word of the Lord, 'goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.'" (Matthew 17:21)--"Bible"
"Fasting with a pure heart and motives, I have discovered, brings personal revival and adds power to our prayers. Personal revival occurs because fasting is an act of humility. Fasting gives opportunity for deeper humility as we recognize our sins, repent, receive God's forgiveness, and experience His cleansing of our soul and spirit. Fasting also demonstrates our love for God and our full confidence in His faithfulness."--Bill Bright (1921-2003; "The Coming Revival"; American founder of "Campus Crusade for Christ")
"Juice fasting is, without any doubt, the most effective biological method of treatment. It is the 'operation without surgery.' It is a cure involving exudation, reattunement, redirection, loosening up and purified relaxation. While fasting, the patient improves her or his physical health and gains much, but he or she will have neglected the most important thing if the hunger for spiritual nourishment that manifests itself during fasting is not satisfied. When the body fasts, the soul is hungry."--Otto Buchinger, Sr., M.D. (1876-1966; German self-described "fasting therapist" and founder of several renowned Buchinger Kliniks in which he conducted "more than 100,000 juice fasting cures")
"Not nakedness, not platted hair, not dirt, not fasting or lying on the earth, not rubbing with dust, not sitting motionless, can purify a mortal who has not overcome desires." - "Make thyself an island, work hard, be wise! When thy impurities are blown away, and thou art free from guilt, thou wilt enter into the heavenly world of the elect. . .thou wilt not enter again into birth and decay. Let a wise woman or man blow off the impurities of her or his self, as a smith blows off the impurities of silver, one by one, little by little, and from time to time. Rely on wisdom, not on ordinary consciousness."--Gautama Buddha (566-486 B.C.; "The Dhammapada")
"Renew yourselves and fast, for I tell you truly that Satan and his plagues may only be cast out by fasting and by prayer. Go by yourself and fast alone, and show your fasting to no man. The living God shall see it, and great shall be your reward. And fast till Beelzebub and all his evils depart from you, and all the angels of our Earthly Mother come and serve you. For I tell you truly, except you fast, you shall never be freed from the power of Satan and from all diseases that come from Satan. Fast and pray fervently, seeking the power of the living God for your healing. While you fast, eschew the Sons of Men and seek our Earthly Mother's angels, for he that seeks shall find." ("Essene Gospel of Peace")--Jesus Christ (c. 8-4 B.C.-29? A.D.)
"Fasting is the soul of prayer; mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So, if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy. If you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to other, you open God’s ear to yourself."--Saint Peter Chrysologus (c.380–c. 450; Doctor of the Catholic Church)
"Fasting of the body is food for the soul." - "As bodily food fattens the body, so fasting strengthens the soul. Imparting it an easy flight, it makes it able to ascend on high, to contemplate lofty things, and to put the heavenly higher than the pleasant and pleasurable things of life." - "It is necessary, most of all, for one who is fasting to curb anger, to accustom her- or himself to meekness and condescension, to have a contrite heart, to repulse impure thoughts and desires, to examine one's conscience, to put one's mind to the test, and to verify what good has been done by us in this or any other week, and which deficiency we have corrected in ourself in the present week. This is true fasting." - "Do you fast? Then feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, do not forget the imprisoned, have pity on the tortured, comfort those who grieve and who weep, be merciful, humble, kind, calm, patient, sympathetic, forgiving, reverent, truthful and pious, so that God might accept your fasting and might plentifully grant you the fruits of repentance."--Saint John Chrysostom (347-407 A.D.; Doctor of the Catholic Church)
"Fasting is better than prayer."--Saint Clement (?-215 A.D.; Greek theologian)
"If a person makes fasting part of her or his life, s/he’ll experience a heightened spiritual awareness. By taking a long fast or two, and then fasting one day a week, s/he’ll gradually find a growing peace and personal integration. America badly needs to go on a diet. It should do something drastic about excessive, unattractive, life-threatening fat. It should get rid of it in the quickest possible way, and this is by fasting."--Allan Cott, M.D. ("Fasting: The Ultimate Diet")
"I often observe in fasting participants that. . .concentration seems to improve, creative thinking expands, depression lifts, insomnia stops, anxieties fade, the mind becomes more tranquil, and a natural joy begins to appear. It is my hypothesis that when the physical toxins are cleared from the brain cells, mind-brain function automatically and significantly improves, and spiritual capacities expand."--Gabriel Cousens, M.D. (Founder, Tree Of Life Rejuvenation Center, Patagonia, AZ)
"Abstinence and fasting cure many a complaint."--Danish proverb
"Fasting is the master key to mental and spiritual unfoldment and evolution."--Dr. Arnold Ehret (1866-1922; German Father of Naturopathy, a.k.a. Naturopathic Medicine)
"Life is slow suicide. Nine humans in ten are suicides." - "To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals." - "The best of all medicines are rest and fasting."--Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. (1706-1790; American founding father, statesman and inventor--bifocal glasses, iron furnace stove and lightning rod)
"Fasting and natural diet, though essentially unknown as a therapy, should be the first treatment when someone discovers that he or she has a medical problem. If should not be applied only to the most advanced cases, as is present practice. Whether the patient has a cardiac condition, hypertension, autoimmune disease, fibroids, or asthma, he or she must be informed that fasting and natural, plant-based diets are a viable alternative to conventional therapy, and an effective one. There are hundreds of journal articles in the medical literature documenting the value of fasting in improving the function of the entire body, including the brain. The time may come when not offering this substantially more effective nutritional approach will be considered malpractice."--Joel Fuhrman, M.D. ("Fasting And Eating For Health")
"Fasting is an institution as old as Adam. It has been resorted to for self-purification or for some ends, noble as well as ignoble." - "True happiness is impossible without true health. True health is impossible without the rigid control of the palate." - "A complete fast is a complete and literal denial of self. It is the truest prayer." - "A genuine fast cleanses the body, mind and soul. It crucifies the flesh and, to that extent, sets the soul free." - "What the eyes are for the outer world, fasts are for the inner." - "My religion teaches me that whenever there is distress which one cannot remove, one must fast and pray." - Fasting will bring spiritual rebirth to those of you who cleanse and purify your bodies. The light of the world will illuminate within you when you fast and purify yourself." - "More caution and perhaps more restraint are necessary in breaking a fast than in keeping it." - "Experience has taught me that it was wrong to have dwelt upon the relish of food. One should eat not in order to please the palate, but just to keep the body going. When each organ of sense subserves the body and, through the body, the soul, its special relish disappears, and then alone does it begin to function in the way Nature intended it to do."--Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948; Indian Independence Movement leader)
"Fasting is the single greatest natural healing therapy. It is nature’s ancient, universal 'remedy' for many problems. Juice fasting is commonly used (rather than water, alone) as a mild and effective cleansing plan; this is suggested by myself and other doctors and authors, and by many of the European fasting clinics. Fresh juices are easily assimilated and require minimum digestion, while they supply many nutrients and stimulate our body to clear its wastes. Juice fasting is also safer than water fasting, because it supports the body nutritionally while cleansing, and probably even produces a better detoxification and quicker recovery."--Elson Haas, M.D. ("Staying Healthy With Nutrition")
"Every request needs humility of spirit. Fast then, and you will receive from the Lord what you ask." - "When you are going to fast, observe it in this way: first, avoid any evil and desire, and purify your heart of all the vain things in the world. Your fast will be perfect if you do this."--Hermas (A.D. 55-150; "The Shepherd"; Roman Christian)
"Fasting and prayer are religious exercises; the enjoining them, an act of discipline."--Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826; "The Writings of Thomas Jefferson"; 3rd U.S. President)
"Be on your guard when you begin to mortify your body by abstinence and fasting--lest you imagine yourself to be perfect and a saint--for perfection does not consist in this virtue. It is only a help, a disposition, a means, though a fitting one, for the attainment of true perfection."--Saint Jerome (340-420 A.D., Doctor of the Catholic Church)
"The goal of fasting is inner unity. This means hearing, but not with the ear; hearing, but not with the understanding; it is hearing with the spirit, with your whole being. The hearing that is only in the ears is one thing. The hearing of the understanding is another, but the hearing of the spirit is not limited to any one faculty, to the ear, or to the mind. Hence, it demands the emptiness of the faculties, and when the faculties are empty, then your whole being listens. There is then a direct grasp of what is right before you that can never be heard with the ear or understood with the mind. Fasting of the heart empties the faculties, frees you from limitations and from preoccupations."--Fr. Thomas Merton (1915-1968; "The Living Bread"; American Trappist monk, writer and poet)
"She or he who does good of her or his own accord shall be rewarded, but to fast is better for you, if you but knew it." - "A woman or man, while fasting, must abstain from all bad expressions, and must not even resent an injury."--Muhammad (570?-632? A.D.)
"Fasting is a valid experience. It can benefit any otherwise healthy person whose calories now have the upper hand in his or her life."--"The New England Journal of Medicine"
"I have pondered the paths that the fasting therapy method should follow, and concluded that there are two: prophylactic and curative. Timely measures for the prevention of a disorder must be considered very important. Fasting therapy can play a key role in this aspect. Systematic short-term fasts can raise the body's reactivity and defensive forces, and they can achieve overall improvement in the patient's condition. Because the environment is constantly polluting us, fasting is essential for the arrest of the development of various chronic disorders, for the preservation of the health of following generations, and for defence against premature ageing. Short-term fasting also helps to reduce the duration of mass infectious diseases, since the body's defensive powers are activated and they can more effectively fight the disease."--Yuri Nikolayev, M.D. (Russian psychiatrist; director of the fasting unit of the Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry)
"Fasting is the greatest remedy, the physician within."--Philippus Paracelsus, M.D. (1493-1541; Swiss physician and alchemist. . .considered one of the three Fathers of Western Medicine)
"I fast for greater physical and mental efficiency."--Plato (428-348 B.C., Greek philosopher and mathematician--student of Socrates; teacher of Aristotle; laid foundations of Western Philosophy)
"Dear Brothers and Sisters! In our own day, fasting seems to have lost something of its spiritual meaning, and has taken on, in a culture characterized by the search for material well-being, a therapeutic value for the care of one’s body. Fasting certainly bring benefits to physical well-being, but for believers, it is, in the first place, a 'therapy' to heal all that prevents them from conformity to the will of God. The faithful practice of fasting contributes, moreover, to conferring unity to the whole person, body and soul, helping to avoid sin and grow in intimacy with the Lord." - "Denying material food, which nourishes our body, nurtures an interior disposition to listen to Christ and be fed by His saving word. Through fasting and praying, we allow Him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we experience in the depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for God. At the same time, fasting is an aid to open our eyes to the situation in which so many of our brothers and sisters live. Voluntary fasting enables us to grow in the spirit of the Good Samaritan, who bends low and goes to the help of his suffering sister and brother. This practice needs to be rediscovered and encouraged again in our day." - "It seems abundantly clear that fasting represents an important ascetical practice, a spiritual arm to do battle against every possible disordered attachment to ourselves. Freely chosen detachment from the pleasure of food and other material goods helps the disciple of Christ to control the appetites of nature, weakened by original sin, whose negative effects impact the entire human person. Quite opportunely, an ancient hymn of the Lenten Liturgy exhorts: 'Let us use sparingly words, food and drink, sleep and amusements. May we be more alert in the custody of our senses.' Since all of us are weighed down by sin and its consequences, fasting is proposed to us as an instrument to restore friendship with God."--Pope Benedict XVI ("The Great Joy of Fasting" 12.11.08)
"The penitential practices suggested by the Church include fasting. This traditional form of penance has not lost its meaning; indeed, perhaps it ought to be rediscovered, especially in those parts of the world and in those circumstances where not only is there food in plenty, but where one even comes across illnesses from overeating." - "Penitential fasting can be considered therapy for the soul. In fact, practiced as a sign of conversion, it helps one in the interior effort of listening to God. Fasting is to reaffirm to oneself what Jesus answered Satan when he tempted him at the end of his 40 days of fasting in the wilderness: 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4) - "Today, especially in affluent societies, St. Augustine's warning is more timely than ever: 'Enter again into yourself.' Yes, we must enter again into ourselves, if we want to find ourselves. Not only our spiritual life is at stake, but indeed, our personal, family and social equilibrium, itself. One of the meanings of penitential fasting is to help us recover an interior life. Moderation, recollection and prayer go hand in hand." - "Sisters and Brothers, let us learn from the Blessed Virgin. The Gospel tells that she pondered in her heart the events of her life (Luke 2:19), seeking in them the unfolding of God's plan. Mary is the model to whom we can all look. Let us ask her to give us the secret of that 'spiritual fast' which sets us free from the slavery of things, strengthens our soul, and makes it ever ready to meet the Lord." ("Penitential Fasting Is Therapy for the Soul," 3.10.96)
"With physical fasting and, even more so, with interior fasting, the Christian prepares her-/himself to follow Christ and to be His faithful witness in every circumstance. Moreover, fasting helps us to understand better the difficulties and sufferings of so many of our brothers and sisters who are oppressed by hunger, severe poverty and war. In addition, it prompts us to a concrete solidarity and sharing with those who are in need." ("Angelus," 3.2.03)--Pope John Paul II
"If thou wouldst preserve a sound body, use fasting and walking; if a healthful soul, fasting and praying. Walking exercises the body; praying exercises the soul. Fasting cleanses both."--Francis Quarles (1592-1644, English poet)
"O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you. . .as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may safeguard yourselves against every kind of ill and become righteous."--"Quran" (c. 651 A.D.)
"Fasting is the first principle of medicine."--Mevlana Rumi (1207-1273; Persian poet and founder of the Turkish Mawlawi fraternity of Sufism)
"Fasting as a religious act increases our sensitivity to that mystery always and everywhere present to us. It is an invitation to awareness, a call to compassion for the needy, a cry of distress, and a song of joy. It is a discipline of self-restraint, a ritual of purification, and a sanctuary for offerings of atonement. It is a wellspring for the spiritually dry, a compass for the spiritually lost, and inner nourishment for the spiritually hungry."--Fr. Thomas Ryan (Dir., Catholic Paulist Society's North American Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, Washington, D.C.)
"Through fasting. . .I have found a perfect health, a new state of existence, a feeling of purity and happiness, something unknown to humans."--Upton Sinclair (1878-1968, American writer)
"Through fasting, let your mind depend on its own power. When that power manifests, the life force in the body becomes increasingly reinforced with the eternal energy continually flowing into the brain and spine from the cosmic energy around the body, entering through the medulla. Becoming detached from dependence on outer, physical sources of bodily sustenance, the life force sees that it is being supported from within, and wonders how this is so. The mind then says: 'The solids on which the body used to depend are nothing more than gross condensations of energy. You are pure energy, and you are pure consciousness.' Then, whatever command the mind impinges in the consciousness of the life force, it will manifest accordingly."--Paramahansa Yogananda(1893-1952; "Man's Eternal Quest"; Indian Kriya Yoga teacher and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship)
5 CARDINAL HOLY SCRIPTURAL ACCOUNTS of CHRISTIAN FASTING
Fasting is an important spiritual tool that the Holy Bible teaches us to do in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Below, are 5 Cardinal Biblical Accounts of Productive Christian Fasting
Secret Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Jesus tells us to fast in secret and not for show. If we fast to be seen of men, then we already have our reward. Is that all the reward you really want; to be seen by others!? Why not fast and tell no one and allow God to reward you openly someday. He will if we fast in secret for Him. When someone tells me that they are fasting, then I usually ask them why? They tell me the reason and then they tell me how long it’s been since they ate. I feel that they should have kept this to themselves because then they would have not lost their reward.
There is also an important word that most people miss. Jesus said “when you fast” not “if you fast” so He seems to be saying that fasting should be done at least occasionally. It is not about being legalistic and feeling commanded to fast but when we fast for spiritual reasons, we show God that we are serious in desiring Him more than food. To have a hunger for God is like a person’s desire for food when they are hungry. Like David wrote “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God”(Psalm 42:1). This is a deep sense or desire to long for the things of God and for God Himself. The picture is of a deer that has been running for his life and stops and is dying of thirst and pants for water because they are desperately thirsty. That is the type of desire God wants us to have for Him and fasting can help us achieve that type of deep, longing desire that is like a fierce hunger for food or a dying thirst for water.
Christian Fasting to Overcome Addictions
Isaiah 58:3-7 “Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
I know this may not be what you think of fasting as being for but notice that Isaiah writes that it can be used “to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let t oppressed go free, and to break ever yoke?” Clearly an addiction to pornography, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, the Internet or just fill in blank are strongholds that are not easily broken. The fast can be to undo the straps of a yoke and certainly an addiction is a yoke that binds a heavy burden on a person. Fasts can loose these bonds of wickedness (sins) and break every yoke (addictions).
Have you ever noticed how grumpy you get when you’re really hungry? I notice that I do. Tempers can flare and anger erupts so easily when someone is hungry. I have been there. God is telling us, through Isaiah, that this is not “the fast that [He] choose” because we “fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist.” This hitting with a wicked fist can be someone putting their fist through the wall or even hitting someone; quarreling can be arguing and displaying anger during conversations and these behaviours are exacerbated when we are hungry, like during times of fasting. This type of fasting is certainly not acceptable to God.
Christian Fasting to be Seen
Luke 18:1-12 “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.”
Here is an open, public display of someone wanting to appear righteous in front of others (self-righteous) and to boast that they fast “twice a week” and give tithes and are not like adulterers, tax collectors, or extortioners. He is right…he is not like them…he is worse! God resists the proud (James 4:6). This Pharisee fasted for all the wrong reasons. He did it to be seen by men, he did it to proclaim that he is righteous when he is actually self-righteous and in his arrogance, he boasts that he is not like sinners. He doesn’t get it. That is legalism. For him to fast for these reasons is to be legalistic. He has already received his reward by being seen. This means that there will be no reward from JEHOVAH GOD. His efforts are in vain. If fact, it would have been better for him to not fast at all because he was doing it for all the wrong reason.
Fasting for God’s Intervention
Second Samuel 12:15-17 “And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.”
Here we see another reason to fast; David was petitioning or asking for JEHOVAH GOD’s intervention on behalf of his sick child. We can fast when someone we love is sick, we can fast for revival for our church and for ourselves, we can fast for spiritual growth, we can fast to seek JEHOVAH GOD’s will in an important decision, we can fast for someone’s salvation, we can fast for overcoming an addiction (like in Isaiah 56:3-7), we can fast during times of great loss or grief over a loved one dying, we can fast for any number of reasons that are personal. David fasted because he understood why the child had been afflicted. It was due to his sins of adultery and murder. When IN CRISES, we often lose our appetite to food, drink and in the extreme of circumstances - the zest for life wanes.
Christian Fasting for Humility
Psalm 35:13-14 “I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.”
There are fewer things that we can do to make us see our need for God than to fast. During my times of fasting, I see just how much I depend upon JEHOVAH GOD for my sustenance. I cannot nor can you survive without JEHOVAH GOD for very long because He gives us all good things to enjoy (1 Tim 6:17; James 1:17). David said it was actually good that he afflicted himself. Almost every time you read the word “afflicted” in the Bible, it speaks of fasting. The word David used for “afflict” is the Hebrew word “anah” and it means to “afflict, oppress, humble, and be bowed down” and this is exactly what fasting does…it humbles you. Maybe you have heard the saying that the word of JEHOVAH GOD comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. This is so true but fewer things will humble us before our JEHOVAH GOD than to fast.
Conclusion
Others have practised MEDIA FAST. This includes cutting off all access to the Internet, television, email, cell phones and even radio for a day or a few days. This kind of fasting is very hard to do but it is exceedingly rewarding because all of a sudden, you have more time to read your Bible, play with your children, talk with your spouse, take a walk and contemplate just how good SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD is.
The Lord Christ Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in order to resist temptation so fasting for resisting sin is one powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. If you have not ever fasted, you are missing an opportunity to grow spiritually. If you have never been born again, you will be afflicted someday in ways that are beyond description (Rev 20:11-15).
I plead with you today to turn from your sins, confess them to The SOVEREIGN JEHOVAH GOD, Father of Creation and trust in Him Who died for you.
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