The Act and Art of fasting

Game Plan

1. The Act Of Fasting 
2. The Benefits Of Fasting
3.  The Art Of Fasting

                                The Act Of Fasting

 

Fasting Defined

•      Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time to give your attention to Spiritual activities

•      Fasting means to abstain from food voluntarily, for the mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of grief, sorrow and affliction.

Kinds of Fast

1.   Normal Fast - No food, water only

2.   Absolute Fast - Absolutely no food or water

–    (Caution: Should not be undertaken over 3 days and only if you have a clear directive from the Lord and are in good health).

3.   Partial Fast - Abstinence from certain kinds of foods (i.e.: No meat or sweets, soup only, fruit and vegetables only, etc. In Daniel 10:3, Daniel ate no pleasant bread).

4.   Corporate Fast - A church or group of people who feel God has called them to fast together for a certain period of time.

The Pain of Fasting

•      The pain of fasting is two fold.

–    The physical pain is due to the detoxification of our bodies.

–    All the accumulated poison and garbage starts to come into our blood and we feel dreadful.

•      The soulish pain is due to the conflict in the spiritual realm between your flesh and the Spirit of God.

–    This goes beyond the natural desire to eat.

  The Benefits Of Fasting

Physical Benefits of Fasting

•      Mental clarity is improved and brain fog is lifted.

•      Rapid, safe weight loss is achieved without flabbiness

•      The nervous system is balanced

•      Energy level and sensory perception is increased

•      Your digestive system is at rest

•      Better health and energy

•      The skin becomes silky, soft, and sensitive

•      The digestive system is rejuvenated and becomes more effective

•      Detoxification - as soon as the body realizes that it's fasting it will begin to eliminate those things that cause disease, such as fat cells, arterial cholesterol plaques, mucus, tumors, stored up worries and emotions.

•      Fasting retrains your tasting sense back to more healthy food as acute sensitivity is restored

•      Fasting can increase confidence in our ability to have control over our lives and our appetite

Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

•      Fasting builds our faith

–    Matthew 17:20 - 21

•      Fasting makes it easier for us to hear the voice of the Lord

–    Acts 13:2-3

•      Fasting is a way we can minister unto the Lord

–    Acts 13:2

•      Fasting gives you God's focus for your life

                               The Art Of Fasting

 

 

 

Reactions from Fasting

•      Weight Loss

•      Dizziness

•      Backache

•      Bad Breath

•      Diarrhea

•      Headaches

•      Tiredness

The Art Of Fasting

•      STEP 1: Set Your Objective

–    Why are you fasting?

•      STEP 2: Make Your Commitment

–    How long you will fast - one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days          

–    What physical or social activities you will restrict

–    How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word

–    Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

•      STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

–    Know the direction of prayers

–    Know the purpose of the fast

•      STEP 4: Prepare Yourself Physically

–    Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast.

–    Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.

–    Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast

•      Step 5: While You Fast

–    Avoid drugs

–    Limit your activity

–    Rest as much as your schedule will permit

–    The first two or three days are usually the hardest

•      As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually.

•      STEP 6: Put Yourself on a Schedule

–    For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord

–    Listen for His leading

–    The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be

•      STEP 7: End Your Fast Gradually

•      STEP 8: Expect Results.

                                    GOD Bless You All.

                               

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