Fasting.

brinny · Jul 26, 2019

OldWiseGuy said:
Jesus got tired, just like we do.

Surely He did, and got exhausted as a matter of fact, which is why he was sleeping so soundly on the boat that was in the midst of a violent storm.

My question is, did any of this interferes with His spiritual communication with God?

brinny · Jul 26, 2019

John100 said:
Fasting is to clean the soul from it's sins.

Thank you John.

OldWiseGuy · Jul 26, 2019

brinny said:
I agree.

The fasting thing, however, is about putting "me" and my "efforts" on a "back burner" so to speak, and is for the most part, a "spiritual" thing, about God and me, and seeking Him, while putting all encumbrances and distractions aside, isn't it?

You might be having "paralysis by analysis" about this. Here's what I suggest. Eat a light supper tonight, sleep late tomorrow, and don't eat until mid afternoon or later, keeping it light as well. You may sip water, tea, or black coffee if you are thirsty, but don't drink anything that provides energy, and of course no food of any kind.

If you can avoid sensory inputs such as reading, watching tv, going online, or interacting with others it will provide needed mental rest.

Observe, and even record, your thoughts and physical feelings as you go through the day. Expect to become anxious, uncertain, fidgety, hungry, confused, with an eye to the refrigerator. This is normal, but you can work through it. Often it's easy, but often it's a minute-to-minute struggle to stay the course.

Good Luck.

OldWiseGuy · Jul 26, 2019

brinny said:
Surely He did, and got exhausted as a matter of fact, which is why he was sleeping so soundly on the boat that was in the midst of a violent storm.

My question is, did any of this interferes with His spiritual communication with God?

I don't believe it did.

OldWiseGuy · Jul 26, 2019

brinny said:
I agree.

The fasting thing, however, is about putting "me" and my "efforts" on a "back burner" so to speak, and is for the most part, a "spiritual" thing, about God and me, and seeking Him, while putting all encumbrances and distractions aside, isn't it?

Only you can determine that, after you have gained some experience with fasting.

brinny · Jul 26, 2019

OldWiseGuy said:
You might be having "paralysis by analysis" about this. Here's what I suggest. Eat a light supper tonight, sleep late tomorrow, and don't eat until mid afternoon or later, keeping it light as well. You may sip water, tea, or black coffee if you are thirsty, but don't drink anything that provides energy, and of course no food of any kind.

If you can avoid sensory inputs such as reading, watching tv, going online, or interacting with others it will provide needed mental rest.

Observe, and even record, your thoughts and physical feelings as you go through the day. Expect to become anxious, uncertain, fidgety, hungry, confused, with an eye to the refrigerator. This is normal, but you can work through it. Often it's easy, but often it's a minute-to-minute struggle to stay the course.

Good Luck.

Thank you. That is very kind and generous of you.

brinny · Jul 26, 2019

OldWiseGuy said:
Only you can determine that, after you have gained some experience with fasting.

Thank you, but i would not be "fasting" for the sake of "fasting". It would be a spiritual exercise.

I've been "reducing things" in my life, including examining if i really need this or that. For instance, i have LOTS of DVD's. Do i really NEED all of those? Same with other things. Do i really NEED all of this or that?

Spiritually, i am led to examine if there are some things, like food, etc. that i put ABOVE God. This led to my thoughts on fasting.

Thank you for sharing. It has given me lots to think and pray about.

zoidar · Jul 26, 2019

zoidar said:
You can fast on bread and water if water alone is too hard. The money you save during the fast you can give for charity. This way it's a fast in a double meaning.

Actually this is how the early Christians sometimes fasted.

“This fasting … is very good, provided the commandments of the Lord be observed … First of all, be on your guard against every evil word, and every evil desire, and purify your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you guard against these things, your fasting will be perfect. And you will do also as follows. Having fulfilled what is written, in the day on which you fast you will taste nothing but bread and water; and having reckoned up the price of the dishes of that day which you intended to have eaten, you will give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to some person in want, and thus you will exhibit humility of mind, so that he who has received benefit from your humility may fill his own soul, and pray for you to the Lord.

If you observe fasting, as I have commanded you, your sacrifice will be acceptable to God, and this fasting will be written down; and the service thus performed is noble, and sacred, and acceptable to the Lord.” – Shepherd of Hermas, Book 3, Similitude 5, Chapter 3

brinny · Jul 26, 2019

zoidar said:
Actually this is how the early Christians sometimes fasted.

“This fasting … is very good, provided the commandments of the Lord be observed … First of all, be on your guard against every evil word, and every evil desire, and purify your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you guard against these things, your fasting will be perfect. And you will do also as follows. Having fulfilled what is written, in the day on which you fast you will taste nothing but bread and water; and having reckoned up the price of the dishes of that day which you intended to have eaten, you will give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to some person in want, and thus you will exhibit humility of mind, so that he who has received benefit from your humility may fill his own soul, and pray for you to the Lord.

If you observe fasting, as I have commanded you, your sacrifice will be acceptable to God, and this fasting will be written down; and the service thus performed is noble, and sacred, and acceptable to the Lord.” – Shepherd of Hermas, Book 3, Similitude 5, Chapter 3

Thank you zoidar.

zoidar · Jul 26, 2019

brinny said:
Thank you zoidar.

Ur welcome!

WanderedHome · Jul 26, 2019

brinny said:
(If i posted this in the wrong place, please move it, mods. i wasn't sure where to post it. Thanks.)

I'm not good at "fasting". I have attempted it, but it's as if i'm attempting it in my "own" strength, and it just falls flat.

I would appreciate any insights into fasting and the different ways of fasting.

Thank you for any input.

I can certainly identify. We all fall at times, but the important thing to remember is don't lay there. Get back up and keep going. God is gracious. Also, fasting isn't just about the removal of something, but about what you do instead. Jesus said, "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” (Matt. 15:11) I have often heard people say, in my church, "fast from the passions" (Anger, greed, lust, etc.) You could also try increasing your prayer time, reading spiritual works, or helping someone. Generally, decrease the "me time".

Heavenhome · Jul 26, 2019

JustRachel said:
I don't think it is scriptural, but I kinda look at fasting as giving up anything that takes up too much of my time and spending that time with God. The one time I did this I gave up some of my internet activities. Do I sound ridiculous?!

No that does not sound ridiculous because the internet has taken over our lives so much. If you don't believe that, go a day without any at all and you will then realise and I am guilty of it. I think because you don't actually have to use your own mind.

I have sat down, even on this site and then realised an hour has passed. And then I think do I spend as much time praying?
I am only talking of myself here.

Heavenhome · Jul 26, 2019

brinny said:
(If i posted this in the wrong place, please move it, mods. i wasn't sure where to post it. Thanks.)

I'm not good at "fasting". I have attempted it, but it's as if i'm attempting it in my "own" strength, and it just falls flat.

I would appreciate any insights into fasting and the different ways of fasting.

Thank you for any input.

Brinny, I am only using my example here.

Over ten years ago I fasted because I felt really driven to for the deliverance of my sister, her situation is far too much to go into but I do think that if it is for a specific reason then you will as I did, simply did not want to eat and I was led to pray intensely.
It was quite prolonged and I had no hunger at all.
I hesitate to ever say God told me this or that but I still hold onto while praying "I will deliver her",came to me.
Now at the time even keeping her alive was a huge thing and God did this.
I am still praying for her salvation and still utterly believe for it regardless.

Sorry if this sounds jumbled, I think there are two types of fasting,
One for a specific thing that I believe is put upon your heart (person).
The other as a discipline type, both which are worthy.
I have felt that in these days that it is something I should be doing also as a dedication/discipline to God and thank you for your post because I am now going to commit to God to do so.

Healing with Jesus · Jul 27, 2019

I personally have not felt led to fast for spiritual purposes. Meaning, when I've prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit, I don't feel that He's directed me to fast. How about you, have you felt the Lord leading you to fast? I ask because I am wondering if it's a pressure you're putting on yourself, a pressure others are putting on you, or if it's truly an inkling pressing on you from the Spirit Himself.

My health status is rather weak and I am incapable of intentionally fasting. However, as a result of these health problems, I have been forced to go without food, or with less food, for periods of time. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. My muscles started to break down from the lack of fuel.

I've been forced to abstain from most foods that are highly rewarding: ice cream, hot dogs, steak, spaghetti and meatballs, etc. The list goes on. Social outings are difficult or impossible for me. No one I know abstains with me and they all indulge freely in these things. I constantly feel deprived. The hardest thing is when they're all gathered and an adult who should know better says, "mmmm!!" loudly like a young child. And then peers into my bowl of rice, veggies, and ground turkey and says, "huh, I guess that's food?!"

I am forced to bear my cross. How many of us pick up a cross that isn't ours to bear and can do it without thinking of ourselves? I disagree with many of the posts here. I am hearing a lot of me me me. I hope I'm wrong, but I think some of these folks would be praising their works before the altar and not bowing their heads before the Lord, a la Luke 18:9-14. I am currently an uninstitutionalized Christian, so I'm not used to hearing a lot of these things.

Obviously, my personal problem isn't that I need to fast, but that I need to forgive the adult who doesn't know how to help me through my difficult time. And pray for them. Maybe speak in love to help them understand my daily struggle.

You've mentioned your DVDs a couple times. How about "fasting" from purchasing them? My local library has DVDs that are free to borrow. I wonder if yours does too. I don't know, but it seems like that's what the Lord may be laying on your heart. You could put up a couple for sale on eBay and see how that goes.

Heavenhome · Jul 27, 2019

Healing with Jesus said:
I personally have not felt led to fast for spiritual purposes. Meaning, when I've prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit, I don't feel that He's directed me to fast. How about you, have you felt the Lord leading you to fast? I ask because I am wondering if it's a pressure you're putting on yourself, a pressure others are putting on you, or if it's truly an inkling pressing on you from the Spirit Himself.

My health status is rather weak and I am incapable of intentionally fasting. However, as a result of these health problems, I have been forced to go without food, or with less food, for periods of time. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. My muscles started to break down from the lack of fuel.

I've been forced to abstain from most foods that are highly rewarding: ice cream, hot dogs, steak, spaghetti and meatballs, etc. The list goes on. Social outings are difficult or impossible for me. No one I know abstains with me and they all indulge freely in these things. I constantly feel deprived. The hardest thing is when they're all gathered and an adult who should know better says, "mmmm!!" loudly like a young child. And then peers into my bowl of rice, veggies, and ground turkey and says, "huh, I guess that's food?!"

I am forced to bear my cross. How many of us pick up a cross that isn't ours to bear and can do it without thinking of ourselves? I disagree with 90% of the posts here. I am hearing a lot of me me me. I hope I'm wrong, but I think some of these folks would be praising their works before the altar and not bowing their heads before the Lord, a la Luke 18:9-14. But I am currently an uninstitutionalized Christian, so I'm not used to hearing a lot of these things.

Obviously, my personal problem isn't that I need to fast, but that I need to forgive the adult who doesn't know how to help me through my difficult time. And have compassion on their feeble-mindedness. Maybe even speak in love to help them understand my daily struggle.

You've mentioned your DVDs a couple times. How about "fasting" from purchasing them? My local library has DVDs that are free to borrow. I wonder if yours does too. I don't know, but it seems like that's what the Lord may be laying on your heart. You could put up a couple for sale on eBay and see how that goes.

I agree with what you have said wholeheartedly.
I really do believe that biblical fasting is something that God will impress on someone for a specific circumstance and that may never happen.

I am reminded of Isaiah 58:6-7

"Is this not 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 ye brake every yoke.
7 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?"

Another thing is that in Matthew 6:16-18 we are instructed to do it in private because it is a thing between you and God.

So I would go so far as to correct my post where I said there is a second type which is discipline/devotion to God.
No, that is not a fast but a discipline and proper devotion to God.
That in my circumstance is giving God His rightful place by not spending so much time on things that may not even be bad but that does take up unnecessary time that is better spent.
OK I will be blunt, some mornings before my Bible reading and prayer I will check my phone and may look on this forum and bang! I have fiddled around for an hour or so and then I feel rushed in my quiet time.
Things have to change.....

-Luca · Jul 27, 2019

I don’t know anything about fasting but I hope that God gives you the strength and endurance to carry them out, I can only imagine how difficult they are, particularly the longer fasts!

brinny · Jul 27, 2019

stots said:
I can certainly identify. We all fall at times, but the important thing to remember is don't lay there. Get back up and keep going. God is gracious. Also, fasting isn't just about the removal of something, but about what you do instead. Jesus said, "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” (Matt. 15:11) I have often heard people say, in my church, "fast from the passions" (Anger, greed, lust, etc.) You could also try increasing your prayer time, reading spiritual works, or helping someone. Generally, decrease the "me time".

Thank you stots. This helps a lot. "Fasting" then, is how we live our everyday lives, "removing" or "refraining" from those passions that do not honor God.

brinny · Jul 27, 2019

Heavenhome said:
Brinny, I am only using my example here.

Over ten years ago I fasted because I felt really driven to for the deliverance of my sister, her situation is far too much to go into but I do think that if it is for a specific reason then you will as I did, simply did not want to eat and I was led to pray intensely.
It was quite prolonged and I had no hunger at all.
I hesitate to ever say God told me this or that but I still hold onto while praying "I will deliver her",came to me.
Now at the time even keeping her alive was a huge thing and God did this.
I am still praying for her salvation and still utterly believe for it regardless.

Sorry if this sounds jumbled, I think there are two types of fasting,
One for a specific thing that I believe is put upon your heart (person).
The other as a discipline type, both which are worthy.
I have felt that in these days that it is something I should be doing also as a dedication/discipline to God and thank you for your post because I am now going to commit to God to do so.

It doesn't sound jumbled at all. It really "clicked" for me when you mentioned your sister. This is one of the reasons i want to fast as well...family members.

Thank you for sharing this Heavenhome. Praying for your sister, and you too.

brinny · Jul 27, 2019

Healing with Jesus said:
I personally have not felt led to fast for spiritual purposes. Meaning, when I've prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit, I don't feel that He's directed me to fast. How about you, have you felt the Lord leading you to fast? I ask because I am wondering if it's a pressure you're putting on yourself, a pressure others are putting on you, or if it's truly an inkling pressing on you from the Spirit Himself.

My health status is rather weak and I am incapable of intentionally fasting. However, as a result of these health problems, I have been forced to go without food, or with less food, for periods of time. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. My muscles started to break down from the lack of fuel.

I've been forced to abstain from most foods that are highly rewarding: ice cream, hot dogs, steak, spaghetti and meatballs, etc. The list goes on. Social outings are difficult or impossible for me. No one I know abstains with me and they all indulge freely in these things. I constantly feel deprived. The hardest thing is when they're all gathered and an adult who should know better says, "mmmm!!" loudly like a young child. And then peers into my bowl of rice, veggies, and ground turkey and says, "huh, I guess that's food?!"

I am forced to bear my cross. How many of us pick up a cross that isn't ours to bear and can do it without thinking of ourselves? I disagree with many of the posts here. I am hearing a lot of me me me. I hope I'm wrong, but I think some of these folks would be praising their works before the altar and not bowing their heads before the Lord, a la Luke 18:9-14. I am currently an uninstitutionalized Christian, so I'm not used to hearing a lot of these things.

Obviously, my personal problem isn't that I need to fast, but that I need to forgive the adult who doesn't know how to help me through my difficult time. And pray for them. Maybe speak in love to help them understand my daily struggle.

You've mentioned your DVDs a couple times. How about "fasting" from purchasing them? My local library has DVDs that are free to borrow. I wonder if yours does too. I don't know, but it seems like that's what the Lord may be laying on your heart. You could put up a couple for sale on eBay and see how that goes.

Thank you for sharing, dear heart. My heart goes out to you. I understand what you mean about "fasting" and i agree. What is most crucial is a "heart for God" and that is a moment-by-moment walk with Him.

I agree about the DVD's. I just bought two recently that i am regretting. And i agree about "fasting" from buying them.

Praying for you (((hug)))

brinny · Jul 27, 2019

-Luca said:
I don’t know anything about fasting but I hope that God gives you the strength and endurance to carry them out, I can only imagine how difficult they are, particularly the longer fasts!

I don't either, Luca. I'm going to be praying about it. I'm thankful for all of the input here and i will be praying on it.

Fasting.

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

Wake me when it's soup.

Wake me when it's soup.

Wake me when it's soup.

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

loves Jesus the Christ! ✝️

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

loves Jesus the Christ! ✝️

Active Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

merciful listener

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

Similar threads