Fasting

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Permalink Reply by Rodney M Hall on February 12, 2010 at 6:58pm

There are a lot more here that can give you a better answer than I. I am sure that you will get plenty of answers, but if you don't, send LT or Bev a note and I am sure that they will give you some insight. Now I will tell you what little I know. Yes there are different "ways" to fast. Some of the different ways are related to the length or duration of the fast. And there are differences in what you limit your self too such as what you can or can not eat. Regardless of how long or other limits that you decide before hand, it is a time to focus on God. That in it self is the most important thing.
Now read the answers from the folks that can give you a more thorough answer. :)

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Permalink Reply by Denise on February 12, 2010 at 8:06pm

Wow! Such great responses, I am still not sure though after reading all of this. I think that I should fast while asking God for healing of my husband and the blessing of my marriage, but I am still not sure how I should do it. I am still confused. Do you think that God answers prayers without fasting? Do you think that is why he hasn't answered mine? I need some insight I think!

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Permalink Reply by Fix You on February 19, 2010 at 11:43am

Fasting is an old covenant practice. It consists of "works".....we now live only by faith

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Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on February 23, 2010 at 4:40am

Fix-

I am not picking a fight with you here Fix, but are you saying we should not fast then?

Yes! We now live by faith, but faith without works is dead. James 2:

14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[e] and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Also -

Matthew 4:2
And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry

Matthew 6:16
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

102.Acts 10:30
So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong

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Permalink Reply by Steven Hill on March 28, 2011 at 10:22pm

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. So you're telling me that since killing was a sin in 'biblical times' that we are allowed to do it today even though it's about four thousand years later? I don't really believe that God sees that you are 'giving up' the food, I believe He does see the faith that coincides in the fast. But Jesus said "When ye fast..." No, it's not a commandment, but it is expected from God. If someone is truly hungry for God, they will give up food or something in particular in order to deepen their relationship with God.

 

God bless.

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Permalink Reply by Steven Hill on March 28, 2011 at 10:19pm

Fasting is giving up something in order to focus on God. There is only one way to fast and that is, literally: giving up something in order to focus on God.

 

Although many perfer 'food and drink' fasting, there are other things to fast. For example: you love watching television and this takes away from your time with God. There's a sacrifice.

 

So, there is only one way. But you can fast many things. Hope this helps (:

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Permalink Reply by Denise on March 29, 2011 at 7:02pm

Thanks Steven! I think I am beginning to understand that fasting doesn't necessarily have to be with food. It could be other things. I am growing in Christ~ Thanks for helping me. God Bless You my friend!

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