interested in fasting

[Openly Curious]

'Or'el Shalhevet' date='Dec 31 2009,

How long do you usually fast for?

The amount of time varies as there is no set amount of time mentioned in scripture but there are examples of fasting found in scripture. There are different kinds of fastings like giving up desserts or sweets as the prophet Daniel did this and is a great example of fasting. But how long that one fast is totally up to the individual and what is in their heart to do.

What is the purpose you fast for?

To me fasting is a sacred ceremonial time where me and the Lord share with one another. Fasting should not be taken lightly to where one boast of there fasting.

Any information, including scriptures, would be great.

I'm sure a good concordence would help you as the internet itself with information. There are scripture about fasting in....................

Matthew 6:16-18--Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. vs 17) But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; vs 18) That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward you openly.

We are told not to fast as the hypocrites do who go around looking all sad like and they also disfigure their faces they went around sad looking and with ashes all over their faces so that they would appear to others as if they were indeed fasting but instead they were only fooling others. This was speaking of the scribes and Pharisees who were not sincere they just was seeking the praises of men and not the praises of God so they did get there reward and it was the praises of men and not the praises of God.

But Jesus told us plainly not to fast as the hypocrites. Instead when we go to fast we are to anoint our head and wash our faces. This speaking of how the hypocrites disfigured their faces as they put ashes all over their faces and they sat in sackcloth and ashes a common practice back then to get noticed.

But Christ instructed us to annoint our head which would be in secret as well as wash our faces so nobody could tell we entered into a time of fasting as this would bring the praises of God instead of men. And because we fasted in secret God would reward us openly more than likely you'll get your desire.

The praises of God has eternal rewards

[~Shalhevet~]

So if I fast and pray I can cast out demons from other people?

[youngchristian 11:5]

The one time that I did fast, it was for a month. I fasted for a better understanding and a better relationship with GOD. I relied on faith I must admit, it was a challenge but I conquered it and I succeeded with my mission. I gave up what I love so much, CHOCOLATE, lol and today, I have a wonderful and more healthy relationship with my father which is in heaven.

Youngchristian 11:5

[Botz]

So if I fast and pray I can cast out demons from other people?

I am persuaded that 'much prayer and fasting' is not indicative of a 'time-scale', like a week or a month, but of a 'life-style', so that prayer and fasting is built into the way we live. As we understand the cost and pay the price, I believe there is often an 'empowering' from the L-rd....but there are very few that walk this path consistently.

Scripture indicates that there are some stubborn demons...and whereas most of us have the authority to cast out these entities in Jesus' name, there are some that refuse to go...the implication is that you have to have a proven character to match your determination, and this is only achieved through 'much' prayer and fasting...eg a life-style.

Anyway that's my take on some of what is being explored here. In Him. Botz

[Openly Curious]

Botz--I totally agree with you

Well said

[youngchristian 11:5]

I also agree Botz but it seems as nowadays more and more christians fail at fasting. Its like todays Christians are like Christians back in the 50's an 60's or maybe even the 70's. Back then, they would all fast for a major purpose and fast together as one body. U dont see that around much.

I received a text message from a business partner of mines which is also a christian. The text said "WHATS YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION FOR THIS YEAR".

Now blame me if Im wrong but I responded, " I dont believe in New Years Resolutions, I believe in Declarations. The Bible says "SPEAK THINGS INTO EXISTENCE AS THOUGH THEY WERE" AND I TRULY BELIEVE THERE'S POWER IN THE TONGE."

So do U believe in New Years resolutions and was I wrong for shutting down someone else new years spirit with my knowledge of the word of GOD?

[~Shalhevet~]

Is it wrong to fast for a certain purpose?

[~Shalhevet~]

I don't want to start a fast without knowing all the facts about it. I do not wish to displease the Lord in any way.

If you have more scriptures, that would be great.

[Babbler]

How long do you usually fast for?

What is the purpose you fast for?

Any information, including scriptures, would be great.

The most I have ever fasted was ten days. I no longer can fast because my organs can no longer handle it and it takes days for me to recover. Mostly I have fasted while praying for my country.

[Botz]

I also agree Botz but it seems as nowadays more and more christians fail at fasting. Its like todays Christians are like Christians back in the 50's an 60's or maybe even the 70's. Back then, they would all fast for a major purpose and fast together as one body. U dont see that around much.

I received a text message from a business partner of mines which is also a christian. The text said "WHATS YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION FOR THIS YEAR".

Now blame me if Im wrong but I responded, " I dont believe in New Years Resolutions, I believe in Declarations. The Bible says "SPEAK THINGS INTO EXISTENCE AS THOUGH THEY WERE" AND I TRULY BELIEVE THERE'S POWER IN THE TONGE."

So do U believe in New Years resolutions and was I wrong for shutting down someone else new years spirit with my knowledge of the word of GOD?

Hi YC....Nope I do not accommodate New Years resolutions, and I agree with you....I have already had somebody ask me what mine is...and I simply said I do not go in for them...but they were a young Believer.

I think when people ask us things like this, it is often in the way we answer and by looking for opportunities that we can present Jesus to them...but without being gushing or overtly sanctimonious. All the best. Botz