Fasting

[KingJ]

How often do you guys fast? Is it necessary? Is it a way to get closer to God?

I cannot shake a self righteous feeling when fasting .

I am truly battling with this. I want to grow closer to God, but don't feel fasting is a way.

Granted, Jesus fasted. To put the flesh under. He did this to be able to pray to God the Father and for forty days before His final ministry started. We are Christians who walk and talk to Jesus all day. A better path to righteousness would be ''actually'' doing something righteous. Helping orphans, widows, elderly, prisoners in need, church maintenance, soup kitchen. Surely?

 

[Dave M]

How often do you guys fast? Is it necessary? Is it a way to get closer to God?

I cannot shake a self righteous feeling when fasting .

I am truly battling with this. I want to grow closer to God, but don't feel fasting is a way.

Granted, Jesus fasted. To put the flesh under. He did this to be able to pray to God the Father and for forty days before His final ministry started. We are Christians who walk and talk to Jesus all day. A better path to righteousness would be ''actually'' doing something righteous. Helping orphans, widows, elderly, prisoners in need, church maintenance, soup kitchen. Surely?

fasting is a inward thing, and helping others is a outward thing, and both IMO should be regular activities in a born again christian's life. along with gathering together to worship and pray.
Obedience is what gets us closer to God IMO,, ,and Im pretty sure doing all those things and staying clean from sin is being obedient

 

[JerryfromMass]

How often do you guys fast? Is it necessary? Is it a way to get closer to God?

I cannot shake a self righteous feeling when fasting .

I am truly battling with this. I want to grow closer to God, but don't feel fasting is a way.

Granted, Jesus fasted. To put the flesh under. He did this to be able to pray to God the Father and for forty days before His final ministry started. We are Christians who walk and talk to Jesus all day. A better path to righteousness would be ''actually'' doing something righteous. Helping orphans, widows, elderly, prisoners in need, church maintenance, soup kitchen. Surely?

If you truly want to fast, and want to do it for the right reason (to glorify God in your flesh), then try intermittent fasting: eight to ten hours after waking, drink only water during this time, and pray continually for God to guide you throughout your day.

Blessings

 

[KingJ]

If you truly want to fast, and want to do it for the right reason (to glorify God in your flesh), then try intermittent fasting: eight to ten hours after waking, drink only water during this time, and pray continually for God to guide you throughout your day.

Blessings

As in training my body to fast? That just sends me further over the edge.

I know you are trying to help. Thanks

 

[KingJ]

fasting is a inward thing, and helping others is a outward thing, and both IMO should be regular activities in a born again christian's life. along with gathering together to worship and pray.
Obedience is what gets us closer to God IMO,, ,and Im pretty sure doing all those things and staying clean from sin is being obedient

Inward is perfected. That is why I am a Christian. Outward, as in service to God. Doing things for God. Is all that should matter.

That and walking in constant self judgement per Phil 2:12.

The self righteousness kicks in every time I try fast. It feels smelly. Like an attempt to appear holy when thanks to Jesus, I am already holy.

I have given my heart to Jesus...but must also regularly fast...to prove I am holy...to myself...God...

Makes no sense. I can see a purpose for it in the OT, prior to the cross. But not NT.

How is it constructive?

If I battle with porn, breaking the internet at home is constructive.

If I battle with idolatry of too much television, breaking the television is constructive.

If I battle with a drug addiction, rehab and abstinence is constructive.

Fasting is mostly abstinence from food. I am not fat. See where the problem lies?

 

[JerryfromMass]

As in training my body to fast? That just sends me further over the edge.

I know you are trying to help. Thanks

Brother,

Keep in mind: you do not lose your salvation if you don't fast, and you aren't earning your salvation by fasting. Fasting for the glory of God does just that: it glorifies God in your body. I remember reading the Didache some time ago where it said to fast twice a week (Monday and Wednesday I believe), but the source of the Didache is still up for debate. Either way, let the Spirit guide you in truth and in love. Don't beat yourself up over this. Let God take control. Peace be with you.

Blessings

 

[PearlB]

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.

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.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus assumes that his disciples fast. For he says in Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, 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 others 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.

Fasting has three main results;

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

 

[Downunder]

Fasting is good and assists in the power of prayer.
One should only fast when one has a great need for a victory in a matter.
Fasting is not a set ritual - you must fast for 24 hours.
Fast as you can handle it - start off with no meals during the day - that is no breakfast, no lunch or no dinner.
But again fasting for prayer is not a lifestyle weight management choice - it is spiritual in denying the flesh and in seeking God's answer to prayer.
Often associated with the need for a healing from a stubborn ailment, but I know of a married couple who fasted and prayed for the sale of their house after it had sat on the market for 6 months.
Within three days it sold for a better than expected price.
Fasting with prayer moves mountains.

 

[Downunder]

Matthew 6:
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 14:
14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”
15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

 

[Brad Huber]

Simple solution, if it hinders you, dont do it.

 

[Downunder]

Luke 2:36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher (she was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37 and herself as a widow up to eighty-four years) who did not depart from the temple with fastings and prayers, serving night and day.
38 And at that same hour she approached and began to give thanks to God, and to speak about him to all those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

 

[Dave M]

Matthew 6:
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 14:
14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”
15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Amen Jesus says so I listen to Jesus,,,,,,,,

 

[Dave M]

How often do you guys fast? Is it necessary? Is it a way to get closer to God?

I cannot shake a self righteous feeling when fasting .

I am truly battling with this. I want to grow closer to God, but don't feel fasting is a way.

Granted, Jesus fasted. To put the flesh under. He did this to be able to pray to God the Father and for forty days before His final ministry started. We are Christians who walk and talk to Jesus all day. A better path to righteousness would be ''actually'' doing something righteous. Helping orphans, widows, elderly, prisoners in need, church maintenance, soup kitchen. Surely?

Gods word is clear, the flesh and spirit are at war when you fast you put your flesh at bay. Your spirit grows stronger. you think clearer.

 

[Garee]

How often do you guys fast? Is it necessary? Is it a way to get closer to God?

I cannot shake a self righteous feeling when fasting .

I am truly battling with this. I want to grow closer to God, but don't feel fasting is a way.

Granted, Jesus fasted. To put the flesh under. He did this to be able to pray to God the Father and for forty days before His final ministry started. We are Christians who walk and talk to Jesus all day. A better path to righteousness would be ''actually'' doing something righteous. Helping orphans, widows, elderly, prisoners in need, church maintenance, soup kitchen. Surely?

The fast is shown in a parable or comentary the whole chapter (Isaiah 58 ) It I beleive helps aid the uneasy feeling of self rightousness by the phase "heard on high" taking away or lessening the feeling of selfish pride as a humbling tool The true fast which the disciples knew not of at first was to do the will of the father that worked in him .Together as one labor of God's love as being heard on high .

The fast is a day a person can present the gospel the preaching of Christ mixed with the needs of mankind .together they represent the gospel as being heard on high

Isaiah 58:1-7 King James Version (KJV) Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 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? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

The true fast the mixing of faith yoked with him rest in our labor. .

 

[Elihoenai]

How often do you guys fast? Is it necessary? Is it a way to get closer to God?

I cannot shake a self righteous feeling when fasting .

I am truly battling with this. I want to grow closer to God, but don't feel fasting is a way.

Granted, Jesus fasted. To put the flesh under. He did this to be able to pray to God the Father and for forty days before His final ministry started. We are Christians who walk and talk to Jesus all day. A better path to righteousness would be ''actually'' doing something righteous. Helping orphans, widows, elderly, prisoners in need, church maintenance, soup kitchen. Surely?

Matthew 17:20-21 King James Version

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.


Fasting is Righteousness! Without Prayer and Fasting you are not a Christian.! You are not saved by doing the external alms that you listed!

 

[Garee]

Matthew 17:20-21 King James Version

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.


Fasting is Righteousness! Without Prayer and Fasting you are not a Christian.! You are not saved by doing the external alms that you listed!

I would agree to be heard on high. . . His witness witnessing to our new born again spirit .It will not by doing external alms as ceremonies . To fast is to bring the gospel. It represents the food the disciples knew not of which is doing the will of the unseen father called heard of high and therefore the gospel could not do its work of casting out the spirit of lies with the disciples. The spirit of lies did flee in the presence of Prayer, the God given desire or will to be heard on high, as two walking together. The acknowledgement of being yoked with our God. In that way we understand that only the unseen Spirit of Christ can rebuke Lucifer the false light, without His glorious power from him we have no power. .

Not to be heard on earth as ceremonies of men called shadow worshippers as did the unbelieving Jews and faithless gentiles they fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness, flesh and blood against flesh and blood no help from God .

To be heard on high I would think world be the gospel of our new born again faith. . . God’s understanding he freely gives to us ,

Numbers 24:16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

Isaiah 58:4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

Jeremiah 3:21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.

Studying the foundation of that ceremonial law (fasting) which began in the 40 years in the wilderness I would think is a must. If we would destroy the foundation of any doctrine things go astray.

 

[KingJ]

Fasting is Righteousness! Without Prayer and Fasting you are not a Christian.! You are not saved by doing the external alms that you listed!

Not sure if I am just miss-understanding you. Are you saying we are saved by prayer and fasting?

I am referencing a scripture like James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

 

[KingJ]

The fast is shown in a parable or comentary the whole chapter (Isaiah 58 ) It I beleive helps aid the uneasy feeling of self rightousness by the phase "heard on high" taking away or lessening the feeling of selfish pride as a humbling tool The true fast which the disciples knew not of at first was to do the will of the father that worked in him .Together as one labor of God's love as being heard on high .

The fast is a day a person can present the gospel the preaching of Christ mixed with the needs of mankind .together they represent the gospel as being heard on high

Isaiah 58:1-7 King James Version (KJV) Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 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? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

The true fast the mixing of faith yoked with him rest in our labor. .

Very interesting and food for thought, thanks for sharing sister.

 

[Garee]

Not sure if I am just miss-understanding you. Are you saying we are saved by prayer and fasting?

I am referencing a scripture like James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Yes widows used to represent the unmarried and married widows with the death of a spouse .The fatherles orphans mankind No hevenly father . bring the gospel and some food .

 

[Elihoenai]

I would agree to be heard on high. . . His witness witnessing to our new born again spirit .It will not by doing external alms as ceremonies . To fast is to bring the gospel. It represents the food the disciples knew not of which is doing the will of the unseen father called heard of high and therefore the gospel could not do its work of casting out the spirit of lies with the disciples. The spirit of lies did flee in the presence of Prayer, the God given desire or will to be heard on high, as two walking together. The acknowledgement of being yoked with our God. In that way we understand that only the unseen Spirit of Christ can rebuke Lucifer the false light, without His glorious power from him we have no power. .

Not to be heard on earth as ceremonies of men called shadow worshippers as did the unbelieving Jews and faithless gentiles they fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness, flesh and blood against flesh and blood no help from God .

To be heard on high I would think world be the gospel of our new born again faith. . . God’s understanding he freely gives to us ,

Numbers 24:16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

Isaiah 58:4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

Jeremiah 3:21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.

Studying the foundation of that ceremonial law (fasting) which began in the 40 years in the wilderness I would think is a must. If we would destroy the foundation of any doctrine things go astray.

Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Therefore, Works is by Faith.