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Fasting
By definition fasting is known as:
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To abstain from food.
To eat very little or abstain from certain foods, especially as a religious
discipline.
Noun abstaining from food [syn: fast]
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So that means Fasting is not inclusive of such things as: TV, Sports,
Activities (working out, video games, talking on the phone, etc),
Magazines, Favorite Past-times.
We should be disciplined enough that if any of the above are interfering
with our walk with Christ that we can set them aside.
Why should I fast?
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Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the
Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you
hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God's will for your life?
Full Fast
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and
vegetables.
3-Day Fast
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. This fast
can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction,
healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial
difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness.
Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have
offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus
Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fast you go on is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you
only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from
sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace
that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but
you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom
and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This
can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal
from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your
activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about
miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when you fast. Spend time
listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get
away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and
mind set on seeking God's face.
How to End
Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food
gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
Jesus Fasted:
Matthew 4:2
“For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.”
The 3 when you do’s of the Christian Walk
According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and
fast. Fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength – strength which you can only
receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says
Matthew 6.
 Giving
 Prayer
 Fasting
1. Matthew 6:5
[ Teaching about Prayer and Fasting ] “When you pray, don’t be like the
hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the
synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all
the reward they will ever get.
2. 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.
3. Matthew 6:2
When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—
blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their
acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they
will ever get.
The Triple Braided Cord
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (Whole Chapter)
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-toback and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily
broken.
Triple Braided Cord----------- Giving, Prayer & Fasting
Daniel Fasted:
Daniel chapter 10;
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In those days I Daniel was mourning (fasting) three full weeks.
“3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither
did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
Food Guidelines for a Daniel Fast
Foods You May Eat:
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Whole Grains:
Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
Legumes:
Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
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Fruits:
Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries,
Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava,
Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas,
Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries,
Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
Vegetables:
Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage,
Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant,
Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens,
Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach,
Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams,
Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy.
Liquids:
Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All
Natural Vegetable Juices. You may also drink protein drinks.
Others:
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
Foods to Avoid:
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Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
--------------------Fasting Cleans the Body!
In his book 101 Reasons to Fast, Pastor Bob Rodgers cites many statements from
Hippocrates and others who discovered the many medical benefits fasting can
have on the body.
As you begin a fast, you will notice a sort of coating on your tongue for a few
days. It is a sign that the fast is helping your body eliminate toxins.
Tests have proven that the average American consumes and assimilates 4 pounds
of chemical preservatives, coloring, stabilizers, flavorings and other additives
each year. These build up in our bodies and cause illness and disease. Periodic
fasts are necessary to flush out the poisons.
Fasting gives your body time to heal itself. It relieves nervousness and tension
and gives your digestive system a rest. Fasting lowers your blood pressure and
can also lower your cholesterol.
Don Colbert, MD, has researched and studied the body’s need to rid itself of
toxins that cause illness, disease, fatigue and many other ailments. His book
Toxic Relief has specific medical guidelines for fasting.
He says, “Fasting does not only prevent sickness. If done correctly, fasting holds
amazing healing benefits to those of us who suffer illness and disease. From colds
and flu to heart disease, fasting is a mighty key to healing the body.”
Dr. Oda H. F. Birchinger, who supervised more than 70,000 fasts states, “Fasting
is a royal road to healing, for anyone who agrees to take it, for recovery and
regeneration of the body, mind and spirit.” He goes on to say, “Fasting can heal
and help;
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rheumatism in the joints and muscles
diseases of the heart
circulation
blood vessels
stress-related exhaustion
skin diseases-including pimples and complexion problems
irregular menstrual cycles
hot flashes
disease of respiratory organs
allergies such as hay fever
 other eye diseases
When you fast, drink plenty of water!
Water is the great flushing agent in fasting. One of the signs that these toxins and
poisons are being eliminated can be seen by the concentration of toxins in our
urine. These toxins may be ten times higher than normal when you’re fasting.
The urine turns darker because the disease-causing poison and toxins locked in
your body because of terrible diets begin to be washed out.
Nine main purposes for fasting from Isaiah 58:
1. Fasting to get freedom from addictions
v. 6 “loose the bands” (things you’d like to lay down but have been unable to)
“I’ve tried to quit smoking, but I can’t!”
2. Fasting to solve problems
“undo heavy burdens” (v. 6)
3. Fasting for revival and soul winning
v. 6 “let oppressed go free”
I challenge you to do this this week!
4. Fasting to conquer mental and emotional problems
v. 6 “break every yoke”
I’ve never seen so many people stressed out, under such emotional strain as this
year!
5. Fasting to meet the physical needs of others
6. Fasting for clearer insight in decision-making
Different that problem-solving…this is when you’re seeking God’s will in a
major area of life…you’re at the fork in the road and don’t know which way to
go.
v. 8 “light break forth”…it’s like God turns on the lights and now you know what
to do!
7. Fasting for health reasons or healing
Have a loved one that’s terminal? Get serious and fast for them! When there’s no
hope from a human perspective, put it in God’s hands…it may be His will to
honor that.
v. 8 “thy health shall spring forth speedily”
8. Fasting for a more righteous life and influential testimony
v. 8 “thy righteousness shall go before thee”
It’s easy for a Christian to grow cold…so say, Lord, light a fire under me! Make
me like I was when I was first saved! If you get serious enough to deny yourself
in the physical realm, it will be amazing what God will do in your soul spiritually!
9. Fasting for the glory of the Lord, to protect us from the evil one
v. 8b “rereward” protection
Application: Spiritually—have a loved one under Satanic oppression, or
possession?
Mt. 17:16-21
I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.