How does one "fast" and what are the SPIRITUAL benefits, please?

[Not of the World]

Thank you in advance. 

[Sower]

Stop eating, a no brainer. Deny self. Like working out lifting weights, building muscles and stamina.
But mostly the discipline (spiritual will power) to do it, learned to become habit. With a third of the world going to bed at night hungry, us Americans are the most obese country in the world. This is not a popular topic for the gluttons. I'm not fat, but I have gluttonous periods, (out of control eating just for pleasure only) I'm not talking about the 1/2 of one percent of those with glandular problems. I like food.  Eating releases the 'feel good' hormones, which are addicting. Food addiction. Very very few fast. Ask us/them. They say it is not commanded in scripture. Cool. So go Pig out..  (This will not offend the disciplined, and gluttony is a sin) Years back still nicotine addicted, my 150 lb over weight pastor would lecture me on my smoking problem from the pulpit. ( For most Christians being overweight is an Acceptable sin)...

I do know going without food or little food a few days changes how I feel-think.  God's normal Feel Good! No I do not fast regular, denying food. But I have learned purposely occasional doing without what is unnecessary,  eating extra, talking, TV, "ice cream", judging, buying junk I don't need, etc etc has strengthened spiritual 'will power.'  As Unto the Lord, not the self/body. I'm Not being legalistic nor telling others so.  We Americans have been spoiled by God's blessings and are very  unfaithful stewards. Yes, not everybody but the over all vast majority.

[Jayne]

6 hours ago, Not of the World said:

Thank you in advance. 

First, let me tell you why fasting is important to one's faith and then I answer your questions how and what are the benefits.

I:  Why fast?

Fasting [from food, TV, computer, or whatever] is taking our eyes off of our physical and fleshly things that we daily "trust in" and bringing our focus on God more and giving an opportunity for spiritual growth, intense and deep prayer, and giving ourselves a time to really hear from God and most of all giving an opportunity for change in ourselves for the Godly better.

That's my definition.  Others may have more to say as to why.

Biblical fasting is not for weight loss or health improvement.  There are various types of fastings for that and some are good, but this is not what Jesus was talking about when he said, "when you fast.....".

II.  How to fast?

Here's what NOT to do.  Don't just wake up one day and say, "I'll skip my meals today".  Maybe God will speak to me.

Why is that not the right way?  Because it's off the cuff, unplanned, and undisciplined.  Fasting is a discipline. Here are my suggestions on how to fast.

• Pray to God and tell him that you want to hear from him more deeply or you are having trouble shaking a particular sin or vice. Pray about whether or not the fast will be from food or social media or whatever.  Primarily, it should be from food, but certainly fasting from the computer and TV would be beneficial.
• Make a plan. I recommend starting with short fasts if you are talking about food.  People with medical issues who have to eat to maintain proper health should consider a ONE day fast with eating breakfast only and fasting through lunch and dinner. R
• This is critical!! Decide ahead of time what you are going to DO during those hours or days of abstaining from whatever you feel lead to abstain from.  If your purpose is hearing from God those things should include:  Reading the Bible, praying, listening to gospel/Christians hymns/music [sing along in your heart and outloud], confess specific, specific sins, repent, make intercession for others [the lost, the sick, the misguided, the grieving], and most of all LISTEN for and to God.
• Sadly, be prepared for an attack to destroy what you are trying to do.  Remember, the devil used Jesus' 40-day fast to attack him.

III:  What are the spiritual benefits?

You can become more attuned to the damage your personal sins are doing and repentance will be easier and more permanent.  Your Bible and prayer life will increase and strengthen you more.  You will "see" more clearly your purpose in this life.  You will become more humble and invested in the lives of those around you.

The spiritual benefits are vast.

And don't forget.  Fasting, along with prayer and Bible study, are disciplines.  

 

 

 

[OneLight]

Isaiah 58 will help you understand ...

[Not of the World]

1 hour ago, Jayne said:

First, let me tell you why fasting is important to one's faith and then I answer your questions how and what are the benefits.

I:  Why fast?

Fasting [from food, TV, computer, or whatever] is taking our eyes off of our physical and fleshly things that we daily "trust in" and bringing our focus on God more and giving an opportunity for spiritual growth, intense and deep prayer, and giving ourselves a time to really hear from God and most of all giving an opportunity for change in ourselves for the Godly better.

That's my definition.  Others may have more to say as to why.

Biblical fasting is not for weight loss or health improvement.  There are various types of fastings for that and some are good, but this is not what Jesus was talking about when he said, "when you fast.....".

II.  How to fast?

Here's what NOT to do.  Don't just wake up one day and say, "I'll skip my meals today".  Maybe God will speak to me.

Why is that not the right way?  Because it's off the cuff, unplanned, and undisciplined.  Fasting is a discipline. Here are my suggestions on how to fast.

• Pray to God and tell him that you want to hear from him more deeply or you are having trouble shaking a particular sin or vice. Pray about whether or not the fast will be from food or social media or whatever.  Primarily, it should be from food, but certainly fasting from the computer and TV would be beneficial.
• Make a plan. I recommend starting with short fasts if you are talking about food.  People with medical issues who have to eat to maintain proper health should consider a ONE day fast with eating breakfast only and fasting through lunch and dinner. R
• This is critical!! Decide ahead of time what you are going to DO during those hours or days of abstaining from whatever you feel lead to abstain from.  If your purpose is hearing from God those things should include:  Reading the Bible, praying, listening to gospel/Christians hymns/music [sing along in your heart and outloud], confess specific, specific sins, repent, make intercession for others [the lost, the sick, the misguided, the grieving], and most of all LISTEN for and to God.
• Sadly, be prepared for an attack to destroy what you are trying to do.  Remember, the devil used Jesus' 40-day fast to attack him.

III:  What are the spiritual benefits?

You can become more attuned to the damage your personal sins are doing and repentance will be easier and more permanent.  Your Bible and prayer life will increase and strengthen you more.  You will "see" more clearly your purpose in this life.  You will become more humble and invested in the lives of those around you.

The spiritual benefits are vast.

And don't forget.  Fasting, along with prayer and Bible study, are disciplines.  

 

 

 

Great post!  Thanks!

[Sower]

26 minutes ago, OneLight said:

Isaiah 58 will help you understand ...

     Excellent. Read to the end.