Suzy Q
August 25th, 2007, 09:37 PM
Job 12:11
“Just as my mouth can taste good food, so my mind tastes truth when I hear it.”
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The Bible has recorded more information about fasting than it does about eating. There are countless examples of various reasons Biblical individuals went without food, but all were of a spiritual nature. Esther fasted for three days and nights in preparation to see the king regarding Haman’s plot to kill the Jews (Esther 4:16). Nehemiah refused to eat for several days as he spent time in prayer, pleading for his people (Nehemiah 1:4).
An entire army wept and fasted before the Lord (Judges 20:26).
Daniel prayed and fasted before the Lord, confessing his sins and those of the people (Daniel 9:3-4).
Paul and Barnabas prayed and fasted for the elders in every church (Acts 14:23).
Jesus told His disciples that in order to cast out a certain demon, it required prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).
The greatest example of fasting is when Jesus went without food for forty days and nights while in the wilderness doing spiritual battle with Satan (Matthew 4:1-4).
Fasting should be used as a spiritual tool, not as a means to lose weight. For those with diabetes, fasting should never be considered without first seeking medical advice and supervision. Going without food to achieve weight loss is starvation. This mindset is operating totally in the flesh, is focused on self and does not produce permanent weight loss. Fasting combined with prayer takes one on an intimate spiritual journey with God because it is focused on God where prayers are miraculously answered. Job 23:12 says, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” This should encourage us to enjoy living by God’s commandments more than anything else.
A well-read Bible
Creates a well-fed soul.
Fatten up your spirit,
And you will reach your goal!
(Cheryll Mayberry-Smith)
“Just as my mouth can taste good food, so my mind tastes truth when I hear it.”
**************************************
The Bible has recorded more information about fasting than it does about eating. There are countless examples of various reasons Biblical individuals went without food, but all were of a spiritual nature. Esther fasted for three days and nights in preparation to see the king regarding Haman’s plot to kill the Jews (Esther 4:16). Nehemiah refused to eat for several days as he spent time in prayer, pleading for his people (Nehemiah 1:4).
An entire army wept and fasted before the Lord (Judges 20:26).
Daniel prayed and fasted before the Lord, confessing his sins and those of the people (Daniel 9:3-4).
Paul and Barnabas prayed and fasted for the elders in every church (Acts 14:23).
Jesus told His disciples that in order to cast out a certain demon, it required prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).
The greatest example of fasting is when Jesus went without food for forty days and nights while in the wilderness doing spiritual battle with Satan (Matthew 4:1-4).
Fasting should be used as a spiritual tool, not as a means to lose weight. For those with diabetes, fasting should never be considered without first seeking medical advice and supervision. Going without food to achieve weight loss is starvation. This mindset is operating totally in the flesh, is focused on self and does not produce permanent weight loss. Fasting combined with prayer takes one on an intimate spiritual journey with God because it is focused on God where prayers are miraculously answered. Job 23:12 says, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” This should encourage us to enjoy living by God’s commandments more than anything else.
A well-read Bible
Creates a well-fed soul.
Fatten up your spirit,
And you will reach your goal!
(Cheryll Mayberry-Smith)