User:Shschrier/Biblical fasting

Biblical Fasting

Fasting in Hebrew means hand over mouth which references food. Biblical Fasting is sacrificing what is important to us so we can have a more intimate relationship with God. So fasting isn’t manipulating or tempting God, but to humble and open ourselves to the spirit of his heart rather then our heart. We need to let him lead, guide and direct us, so we can do the next right thing in his eyes. The question arises "Does a Christian need to fast?". Scripture says, "When you fast", not if you want to or feel like fasting (Matthew 6:16) And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get

I love how Ezra defined his fast in the bible (Ezra 8:21) “I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey” This verse describes the beauty of God's love for us in confirming he will be there on all of our journeys in life. We need to clear the runway for God by humbling and being obedient to Gods will.

Here are a few reasons to fast:

1.) To repentant of our sins.


 * (1 Samuel 7:6) When this kind of sacrifice is made as a sincere gesture of sorrow or repentance, it is accepted by God.


 * (Deuteronomy 9:18)Then, as before, I threw myself down before the Lord for forty days and nights. I ate no bread and drank no water because of the great sin you had committed by doing what the Lord hated, provoking him to anger

2.) When you are going difficult times. This is a good time to express your fears, anxiety, distress or grief to God.:
 * (Esther 4:3) 3 In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
 * (Daniel 9:3) So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes

3.) For protection from God as you embark on a new road or action:
 * (Ezra 8:21) “I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey”
 * (Acts 14:23)Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (NLT)

4.) When in mourning or how can assit in a current situation:
 * (Isaiah 58:6)No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people
 * (Nehemiah 1:4) When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. (NLT)

Fasting has a trifecta benefits for mind, body, and spirit some are listed below.

1. Physical Benefits: * Rejuvenated health and vitality * Loss of unwanted weight * Cleansing and detoxification of the digestive system (Assists in colon cleansing, liver and kidney cleansing) * Normalized cholesterol levels and blood pressure * Clear skin, acne, and sinus problems * More Energy

2. Mental Benefits: * Breaking of sinful and unhealthy habits * Relives depression and mental disorders * Clear thinking and better memory

3. Spiritual Benefits: * Intimate relationship with God * Revelations from God * Brings body into spiritual subjection * Break demonic oppression.

The difference between Biblical fasting vs Fast Diets is Gods intervention in our lives, the benefit of a spiritual relationship with God in any area of your life. We humbling ourselves giving God the runway to intimately guide us with our difficult relationships, financial hardships, or health problem. making sure everybody involved benefits (whether you believe in him or not). We are all his children and God is the only one that can pull of an outcome like that.The story of Jonah and Nineveh is proof of Gods love for all his children. God wanted to level the city of Nineveh, sin city of Assyria, idol worshipers and enemy of Israel, but forgave them after they fasted and prayed to him for 40 days.


 * DISCLAIMER: This information on fasting comes from many sources, we do our best to bring you reliable information however we cannot guarantee accuracy or experience the same results. Please confirm with your Dr./Physician if fasting is right for you.