Fasting

Reasons for fasting

If I’m going to do anything that’s difficult, and anything that may mess my world up, then I’m going to need some reasons why must I do it. Fasting is that discipline that everyone dreads. I’m not sure I've ever met someone who enjoys fasting. Fasting is hard. And if we are to partake of this spiritual discipline then we must have some reasons, and some results that we are looking for.

The type of fast I’m speaking of here is a fasting or abstaining from food. There are all sorts of fasts that we can do, however I’m writing particularly about fasting from food.

30 reasons for fasting

1.       Your Heavenly Father see it-Matt 6:18b says “Your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

2.       Jesus commanded we fast-Matt 6:16 “When you fast..”

3.       Jesus gave us an example to follow- Matt 4:1-2 gives us the account of Jesus fasting for forty days.

4.       Fasting helps us fight temptation- In Matt 4:1-11 fasting helped Jesus overcome temptation of the devil. Fasting will give you strength over temptation.

5.       Fasting brings the power of the spirit- Luke 4:14 shows us after Jesus fasted forty days He returned in the ‘power of the spirit.’

6.       Fasting puts food in its rightful place- Luke 4:4 ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’ God’s Word and His Spirit should sustain us first, then natural food.

7.       Fasting is self denial- It is the death to the love of food. Philippians 3:19

8.       Fasting increases spiritual sensitivity-Hebrews 6:11 He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

9.       Fasting brings revival- Jonah 3:5 when the people repented and fasted it brought spiritual renewal to Ninevah.

10.   Fasting leads to revelation- Daniel 9:20-23 tells us of Daniel receiving great mysteries of the Kingdom of God during a time of fasting and prayer.

11.   Fasting brings favor- The first chapter of Daniel and his friends abstaining from the king’s meat and it brought favor to the young men.

12.   Fasting reveals God’s truths- Moses was in the mountain fasting for forty days and God gave him the Law and its precepts.

13.   God’s glory comes when we fast- Moses went up the mountain and fasted and after six days of waiting the glory of the Lord appeared. Exodus 24.

14.   Fasting is a weapon- Fasting is used to fight against the wiles of the devil. Mark 9:17-29

15.   Fasting brings the promise to pass- Luke 2:36-38 tells of Anna who fasted and prayed for the promise of the Messiah to come.

16.   Get answers to prayer – The angel came to Daniel with an answer to his prayers after 21 days of fasting.

17.   Fasting brings down satanic strongholds- In Daniel chapter 10 during Daniel’s fast the angel began warring against the prince of the kingdom of Persia.

18.   Fleshly desires are put aside- During a fast the Spirit takes dominion over the carnal desires of the flesh. You will start desiring more spiritual ambitions.

19.   Fasting parents produce fasting children- If you give an example of fasting in your home you will produce more spiritual generations.

20.   Fasting results in humility- Fasting fights against the temptation of pride and a large ego. Psalms 35:13

21.   Fasting produces the anointing- anointing comes through consecration and discipline.

22.   The Apostle Paul fasted- Paul is recorded to have fasted many times. If Paul did it, we should too.

23.   Elijah fasted-Elijah was a man of much prayer and fasting. His prophetic ministry was epic, and it was fueled by fasting and prayer.

24.   David fasted- David was a worshiper and a man after God’s own heart and he is recorded as a man of fasting and seeking after the Lord. Psalms 63, Psalms 109:22-25, 2 Samuel 16-23

25.   Leaders who fast will produce leaders who fast- we should give other leaders around us the example of fasting. Ezra 8:21-23

26.   Fasting gives focus-Fasting gives a clear focus to our lives and ministries.

27.   Fasting is a heart’s cry to God to act- God acts when people fast.

28.   To bring our bodies under subjection- 1 Cor 9:27 I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

29.   Fasting sets the captive free- Isaiah 58:6

30.   Fasting brings guidance- if we need direction and guidance, fasting can bring that to our lives. Judges 20:26-28

Fasting is a common practice in Christianity. When Jesus was talking with His disciples he taught them about fasting. It was expected that his disciples would fast (Matthew 6:16-18). Here are some tips for fasting.

Plan your fast

The Bible has examples of one-day, three-day and forty-day fasts (Judges 20:26, Ester 4:16, 1 Samuel 31:13 and Matthew 4 respectively). You should enter your fast with prayer and a prayer is the language specific plan for how long you will fast.

There are various types of fast as well. Some people fast with only water for short periods, while others maintain multi-week fasts with juice and broth maintaining a strict liquid diet. Both are valid. You simply need to decide what is right for your body and your purposes.

Part of planning your fast should be to educate yourself on different types of fasts and reasons to fast. It is also important to know how to break your fast properly. This becomes more critical the longer your fast lasts.

Consider your schedule

While a fast, by nature, is inconvenient, it should be an inconvenient to you and not those around you. You should not obligate your family to skip Christmas dinner because of your fast. This takes away the personal nature of fasting.

Tell only the people you must

Your spouse will need to know you are fasting. Beyond that, you would be better off not telling many people that you are fasting. Most won’t understand. Fasting can also become a source of pride and boasting as you spread the news to more and more people.

Telling your pastor can be a help both to you and to him. It will be an encouragement for him to pray more specifically for you during this time. And you will know that someone is praying for your spiritual and physical well being.

Wean yourself off caffeine

Several days before you fast begin, you should start weaning yourself off caffeine. So people experience unbearable headaches 2 to 3 days after ceasing to drink caffeinated products. During you fast you will already be acutely aware of your stomach. There is no need to add the second discomfort if it can be avoided.

Avoid media

Disconnection from TV, radio, newspapers, internet or even social networks can help you stay focused on your purpose of fasting. You will be less tempted by the constant bombardment of advertising as you become physically and emotionally challenged. Avoiding media will give you more time to focus on the lord and His Word.

Disconnect from people

Fasting is not necessarily a vacation, though dedicating time off and away from people during your fast can help you get the most benefit out of this precious time. Leave your email and cell phone behind. If possible, find someone who can cover your responsibilities at work and ministry. Many people fast and still carry on their normal daily activities. But if you can get away, it will give you more time in quietness and stillness with the Lord.

Beware of your emotions

Some people experience vast mood during fast. One moment they are totally focused on God and the next they are wallowing in pity. Knowing that this is likely to happen will help you react properly.  Learning to refocus on God and His goodness during this tough emotional time will help when your fast is over and you experience similar emotions.

Rest

Laziness is a problem that the Bible speak against, but most of us today suffer from being to busy and not getting the rest we need.

Stay physically active

You should take time to rest but this does not mean you should do nothing. Enjoy a walk in God’s creation. Outside of His Word, His creation is one of the best ways that God has revealed Himself to us.

Be still and focus on God                                       

Fasting is a time to study God’s word, mediate and pray. To help with this, plan a specific Bible passage or topic you want to study during your fast. Look for verses you want to memorize and mediate upon. Fasting by Jesus and the disciples was always accompanied by prayer. Spend time talking to God and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in His Word.

Types of Fasting

The Daniels Fast is just one type of fasting that’s modeled after accounts in the Bible. Biblical fasting is the restriction of food for spiritual reasons. And we find followers fasting throughout Old and New Testaments.

The Scripture speaks of three types of fasting

1.       Partial Fasting-Daniel engaged in partial fast as recorded in Daniel 10:2, 3, “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” We don’t know for sure why Daniel didn’t abstain totally from food, because it appears that he did so in the fast recorded I Chapter 9. However, for some reason, Daniel engaged in a partial fast to seek the Lord’s wisdom.

2.       Normal Fast- This is the fast that Jesus did when he went into the wilderness. He ate no food and appears to have had only water. The reason scholar’s conclude that he drunk water while on this fast was because the scripture says he was hungry, but did not say he was thirsty. The devil tempted Jesus with bread, but not with water. So we assume this was water only fast.

3.       Absolute fast- This is when no food and no liquids are consumed. It’s the rare fast and only mentioned a few times in the Bible. Paul, during his Damascus road experience “was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” We can’t tell for sure if this was because he was shocked by what was happening with him or if it was for spiritually purposes.

In Ezra 10 we find the prophet so distraught over the actions of the people that he went into great mourning and praying before the Lord. At this time he neither ate nor drank for at least one night and perhaps longer.

There are few examples of 40-day absolute fasts where the men must have been sustained supernaturally. Moses, on two separate occasions when he was before God, neither ate nor drank. Elijah seems to have travelled across the desert for 40 days while eating no food nor drinking any water. He was ministered to by angel who gave him water and cakes.

These are just some accounts of the fasting recorded in the Bible. There are many more, and not necessarily a standard. Daniel fasted for 21 days, Jesus for 40, Ezra for one night, Cornelius for 4 days, and Paul for 3 days. It seems that all these people were seeking God through their fasting and perhaps the Lord led them in the “design” of their fast.

In January, thousands of men and women will come together in unity for 21- day fast. Most will use Daniel Fast as their form of fasting.

I think the important point of fasting not have a specific pattern or legalistic form is that it be Spirit-led. Before you decide the form of fasting you will use, seek the Lord. Ask him to direct you, and then trust that He will show you how to fast as you enter into this spiritual discipline to draw closer to Him.

Types of Fasting

Full Fast- drinking only liquids (you should establish number of days) .

Daniel Fast- East no meat, no sweets, no bread and drink water and juice. Eat fruit and vegetables. (Veggie burgers are an option as well if you are not allergic to soy).

3-Day Fast- This fast can be any type of Fast, Full fast-Daniel’s Fast, Just give up one food. It could be a sacrifice other than food.

Partial fast- fast from 6:00 am to 3pm or from Sun-up to sundown. This Fast can be also any type of Fast.

Fast of Sacrifice- giving up television or anything that would be sacrifice for you personally.

Scriptures

Scripture on Fasting: Matt 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14.

Relation to prayer and reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8,17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3,20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts10:30, Acts 13:2, I Corinthians 7:5.

Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, 2 Chronicles 20:34, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Four Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

Fasting out of simple obedience to God is great. But it also helps to know some of the reasons why God would call us to fast in the first place. Here are Four spiritual benefits of fasting:

1.       Drawing Near to God

James 4:4 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. Fasting is one of the ways that we can draw near God. You can take time that you would normally spend eating and give it to being in the Lord’s presence and reading His Word.

2.       Overcoming the Flesh

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6)

Fasting is a great way to prioritize the spirit over the flesh. When you fast, you are saying that you value the things of the spirit, that you are not ruled by your body or by the sinful nature. It is great exercise in self-control.

If you can abstain from food, you can also overcome lust, greed, and other fleshy instincts. Fasting is one other the ways that you can “exercise yourself toward godliness” (1 Timothy: 7)  

3.       Humbling Yourself

Humility is a premium quality in the kingdom of God. And it is up to us to humble ourselves. 
 1 Peter 5:6 says, “therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He must exalt you in due time.” Jesus said this: “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

It is our job to humble ourselves before God. If we don’t do it, God will do it for us! How do we humble ourselves? One way is Fasting

“I humbled myself with fasting”. (Psalm 35:13)

4.       Obtaining Spiritual Breakthrough

When Daniel prayed and fasted it affected the spiritual battle going on in the heavenly realms (see Daniel 10:1-14). When the disciplines were not able to cast out a demon Jesus said, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

We don’t always see it like this, but fasting is a weapon of warfare against the devil. Sometimes we will not obtain the spiritual breakthrough that we need without focused prayer and fasting.  Fasting can bring a release of God’s power and push back enemy.

Whether you desire to grow closer to the Lord, need God’s direction, or need to gain spiritual victory over the flesh and devil, fasting might be the key ingredient for your breakthrough!

 Introduction to Daniel's Fast

During the 21 Day Daniel's fast (described in Daniel 1 + 10) we should focus on obtaining maximum effectiveness in our prayer lives. A good prayer life must progress to become a great prayer life. A shotgun prayer life (hit and miss) must become a laser-focussed prayer life. A self-focussed prayer life must become a supportive and out-ward focussed prayer life, focussing on the needs of others. This will ensure that we will grow to be more and more effective and powerful with the help of the Holy Spirit.

There are different reasons for fasting, and the power of fasting must NEVER be underestimated.  We fast to show God our humility and desire to do His will, and this is what David said about fasting in Psalm 35:15, “I humble myself with fasting”.  We also fast to crucify our flesh, and to have victory over sin and our fleshly nature.  When we fast, we suppress our fleshes most primitive desire of satisfying a hunger or craving, and by doing that we gain control over the voice and carnal desires of our flesh.  I have seen on many occasions in my life, that by crucifying my fleshly desires through fasting, I gain more control over my life and I have had some great personal victories over sin.  We also read in the scripture (Mathew 17:18-21), how Jesus told His disciples that “this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting”.  Jesus was talking about casting out a certain demon, and how they couldn’t do it because of a lack of faith.  When we fast we hear the voice of the Lord so much clearer, and the Lord reveals things to us, which strengthens our faith and relationship with the Lord.  We also see in the scripture (Daniel 1:11-17), how Daniel and his friends looked better in appearance, and how they increased in both knowledge and wisdom, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Through humbling yourself by fasting, you will grow in the power of the Lord, and experience a much deeper relationship with our Lord.

When you fast, pray often and read a lot of Bible.  Fast for the right reasons, and how the Lord guides you.

What isDaniel's Fast?

Daniel 1:11-20 Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 "Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said. 13 "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's food. Then make your decision in light of what you see." 14 The attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others. 17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.18 When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. Daniel 10:2-3 When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. 3 All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.

• Everybody desires to hear from God, pray effectively, build loving relationship with the Lord and obtain answers especially in times of trouble and need. James 4:2-3 highlights a specific aspect of prayer: [AMP] You do not have, because you do not ask. [1 John 3:15] 3 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.
• It is very important for us to always pray with love for others and under the gracious guidance of the Holy Spirit [Gal 5:6]. God is love [1 John 4:8+16] and if you pray with love towards Him and towards others, He will help you.
• Praying with other believers during prayer meetings is also enormously helpful to grow, sharpen and mature your own prayer life.
• Let us begin by taking a close look at approaching God the right way: Hebrews 4:14-5:1 [AMP] Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him]. 15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favour to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
• Psalm 91 is a mighty Psalm and places great desire and aspiration in the heart of a believer. It invites one into ‘The secret place of the Most High’ [AMP] HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, [Ps 91:1,14.] 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. [Luke 4:10,11; Heb 1:14.] 13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. [Luke 10:19.] 14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness — trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.
• To Get to God, it begins with my personal effort. My desire for Him will involve true sacrifice and will carry me into the ‘Secret Place’. Only a living sacrifice can get results [Romans 12:1].
• I come to the crossroads of critical choice in my own life. I make a genuine choice and I decide to press into the presence of God by the power of the blood of Christ. People who do not have knowledge of God do not seek Him. Knowledge of God causes one to seek God. If we read and obey the Bible, we will be transformed and our prayers will be just as powerful as those prayer warriors described in the Bible. Many people through the ages have done it the Bible way and got glorious results. Proverbs 9:10 [NKJV] "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Read these Psalms of encouragement and study Isaiah 58 for the next 21 days of the Daniel fast: Psalm 63:1-8 [NLT] O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. Psalm 73:25-28 [NLT] Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. 26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. 27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

What to eat during theDaniels's fast?

Daniel 1:16-17 So the steward took away their [rich] dainties and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all [kinds of] visions and dreams. AMP 2 Corinthians 7:1 THEREFORE, SINCE these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit, and bring [our] consecration to completeness in the [reverential] fear of God. AMP

WHAT NOT TO EAT

• No meat, fish, chicken
• No dairy products and eggs
• No soups that contain meat

WHAT CAN BE EATEN

• All vegetables and fruit
• Nuts, different beans and soy for protein
• VEGETABLE SOUPS (vegetable stock to taste)
• Potato and leek soup
• Vegetable soup
• Butternut soup
• Onion soup etc

VEGETABLE PLATTER FOR MAIN COURSE

Potatoes in jackets, avocados, sweet potatoes, corn cobs, aubergines, carrots, peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, (of this can be fried up in olive or sunflower seed oil and served as a Mediterranean vegetable dish).

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICES

• Avoid pure over the counter fruit juices especially in the morning as the sugar content is too high and if you do take it, take a portion of protein (nuts or protein powder) with it.
• Home made fruit and vegetable juices will require a juice extractor and liquidizer if possible. Or else just have the fruit and vegetables in their natural form.
• Vegetables like carrots, spinach, celery, cabbage, beetroot (all raw) need to be juice extracted.
• Fruit like apples can be liquidized or juice extracted.
• Fruit like paw-paws, bananas, pears, berries, can all be liquidized.
• Add a good portion of ice to the mixture and it thins the concentration and increases the volume. Once again protein powder can be added. (Combine vegetables and fruit juices eg. Juice extract beetroot, cabbage, celery and then place in liquidizer with a paw-paw and ice cubes. A few almond nuts can be added. This is a wonderful detoxifier for the body’s system)

DRINK LOTS OF WATER, BUT VERY LITTLE FRUIT JUICE. JUICE IS TOO CONCENTRATED AND ONE GLASS OF APPLE JUICE IS LITERALLY 4-7 APPLES.
HERE IS AN ADDITIONAL LIST THAT WILL ALSO BE HELPFULL

Foods You May Eat

• Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
• Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
• 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

• 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