2018 - When You Fast

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Assumption

Jesus assumes that fasting will be a normal part of everyday living for Him for the Christ-follower

Advertised

Fasting shouldn’t be advertised

Making public advertisement of your fasting would be to make it artificial

No artificial fasting

Appearance & Action

Don’t be like the religious leaders in Jesus’ day who were more concerned w/the appearance of fasting than with the action of fasting

Attitude

Your attitude should be focused on the Father

It’s not about outward show

It’s not about being praised by men

Jesus is teaching them radical truth

Charity

Prayer

Fasting

All based in the OT

Radical … comes from Latin word radix = root

Jesus is bringing them back to the root of their relationship basd in OT understanding that charity … prayer … fasting originate in the heart

One Old Testament example:

Nehemiah 1:4 NIV

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

Nehemiah had just been given bad news

“those who survived the exile…are in great trouble and disgrace”

“The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah — Personal

He was a cupbearer to the king

Meant he had to be trustworthy, handsome, intelligent, cultured, knowledgeable about a variety of topics

Was a position of great responsibility & privilege

This was a position of access - he had access to the king

He could use his influence in a variety of ways, had to be trustworthy

Nehemiah — Professional

He cared enough to ask

Vs 2 — I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

Big doors swing on little hinges

I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

Moses was called on an ordinary day in from a burning bush

David was called on an ordinary day from shepherding the flock

Peter, Andrew, James & John were called on ordinary days from being fishermen

You never know what will happen on an ordinary day

Q4U: Why would Nehemiah care to ask?

After all, he had a position of ease & influence

A century & a half before, the Prophet Jeremiah had given this word from the Lord

Jeremiah 15:5 NIV

“Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will stop to ask how you are?

Nehemiah was the man God had chosen to ask that question & to do those things

HTD: you & I could be missing God’s assignment because we’re afraid to ask the right questions

FLIP SIDE: REASONS WE DON’T ASK:

REASONS WE DON’T ASK:

1.) We don’t ask because we know that information will lead revelation

You’ll find out something you don’t want to know

You might not get a “good report”

But remember, the grave yard is full of people who refused information

BUT YOU MIGHT GET A GOOD REPORT … you won’t know if you don’t ask

2.) We don’t ask because we know the information may lead to obligation

You CAN choose to live in ignorance

Remember the graveyard is full of people who refused information

3.) We don’t ask because we know that a response will be required

Think about this … the promises of God are indicators of His love & commitment to us

But every promise means that a response is required

Nehemiah asked because he cared

When we care, we ask

What did Nehemiah learn?

Nehemiah 1:4 NIV

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

What do we learn?

Remnant

Nehemiah “sat down”

Ruin

This was customary for Jews when mourning ()

Nehemiah wept — a sign of his strength ...

Reproach

He was able to bear the burden of the news

Nehemiah opens w “great affliction (1:3) but ends w/ “great joy” (8:17)

Nehemiah mourned

mourn = to feel sadness & express it through vocalization & tears

Nehemiah fasted

Abstained from certain foods

Nehemiah prayed

Called out to his Creator

Few of Important Statements:

Fasting is not a spiritual hunger strike

Fasting isn’t about gain…it’s about forsaking

Fasting doesn’t change God’s hearing so much as it changes our praying

From this place of fasting & prayer that God’s plan to restore the wall & the people was birthed

An early church example:

Acts 13:2 NIV

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts

Key Takeaways

This was corporate in nature

Worship was a part

describes a congregational fast

Joel 2:15–16 ESV

Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber.

describes a congregational fast

Worship was joined with fasting in hearing God’s voice

There was a sense of expectancy

There was an openness to the Lord’s leading

There was a willingness to hear His voice

Practical Principles Regarding Fasting

What is fasting?

The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God

Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out.

It enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives.

Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

If in doubt, seek medical advice & counsel before beginning!

What type of fasting?

Complete Fast

Selective Fast

Partial Fast

Soul Fast

Complete Fast

In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.

It is important to drink much more water that you usually do during the day.

We suggest one ounce for your bodyweight.

So if you weight 150 pounds, your goal would be 150 ounces.

This fast is not for the ‘spiritually elite,’ mostly because that’s not a thing. This is for anyone that is medically able. Still, if you are new to fasting food we would suggest you check out the Daniel Fasts and Partial Fasts to get acquainted with this discipline.

This fast is not for the ‘spiritually elite,’ mostly because that’s not a thing.

This is for anyone that is medically able.

Still, if you are new to fasting food we would suggest you check out the Daniel Fasts and Partial Fasts to get acquainted with this discipline.

Selective Fast

This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet.

One example is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.

Many people choose this type of fast during corporate fasts

Most people choose this type of fast during corporate fasts, so I made a simple guide to it.

Refer to daniel-fast.com for further direction

Most people choose this type of fast during corporate fasts, so I made a simple guide to it.

Partial Fast

This fast is sometimes called the “Jewish Fast” and involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon.

This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.

This is a good fast for beginners

Soul Fast

This fast is a great option if you do not have much experience fasting food, have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that are out of balance.

For example, you might choose to stop using social media or entertainment (movies, tv) for the duration of the fast and then carefully bring that element back into your life in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.

Finally:

The word ‘fast’ in Hebrew literally mean to ‘close the mouth’ so scripturally we hold that a fast involves not partaking in food or certain types of food for a period of time.

Still, not everyone is able to do this medically.

If you have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, the soul fast is a great option.

Don’t be afraid to combine fasts - start w/a partial fast for three days, move to a selective fast (Daniel fast) for 7-10 days, revert back to a partial

Also, consider including in a “soul fast” WHILE you are fasting in other ways

Fast social media

Fast entertainment

Fast gaming

Fast negative words or criticism

Fast hunting

What are good reasons to fast?

Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras.

For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods.

Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, “when you fast,” not if you fast.

Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.

Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (; ).

King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.”

Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition … will result in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.

The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!

Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.

Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life—and make you a channel of revival to others.

Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of : “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Three GOOD REASONS TO FAST

Three Good Reasons to Fast

Fasting is exchanging the possessions of earth for the presence of heaven

Fasting is a time to discover direction

Fasting is an opportunity to grow spiritually

Fasting is exchanging the possessions of earth for the presence of heaven.

Fasting is exchanging the pleasures of earth for the pleasures of heaven. We don’t fast to lose weight. We fast to grow closer to God. Fasting increases our “spiritual senses,” tunes us into God’s voice, deepens our intimacy with Holy Spirit, and increases our awareness of His manifest presence and desire to partner with us.

We don’t fast to lose weight.

We fast to grow closer to God.

Fasting increases our “spiritual senses,” tunes us into God’s voice, deepens our intimacy with Holy Spirit, and increases our awareness of His manifest presence and desire to partner with us.

Fasting increases levels of individual and corporate anointing. The Bible is clear that you gain power in the Holy Ghost through fasting. The Spirit of the Lord led Jesus into the desert to be tempted and to fast for 40 days. tells us that after this fast and time of temptation that Jesus returned ‘in the power of the Spirit.’

Fasting is also a time to discover direction.

I know in my own times for fasting that during a season of fasting the Lord allows me to operate in a greater clarity of his purposes.

Fasting is also a time to gain direction. I know in my own times for fasting that during a season of fasting the Lord allows me to operate in a greater clarity of his purposes. When you fast, be specific. Fasting without a clear purpose is a quick way to break your fast early and disappointed.

When you fast, be specific.

Fasting without a clear purpose is a quick way to break your fast early and end up disappointed.

Fasting is an opportunity to grow spiritually.

If you’re not reading and praying, you’re just dieting.

There is a clear spiritual element that is involved in fasting.

Use the time you would be eating meals to eat the word. Be consistent and diligent to focus your mind on Jesus.

Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind in the word and guide your thoughts through the day.

I believe that at no point in time will you get MORE from the word than when you are in a time of fasting.

7 Steps to Fasting (adapted from cru.org - Dr. Bill Bright)

Step #1: Set your objective

Why are you fasting?

Is it for spiritual renewal?

Is it for direction?

Is it on behalf of a specific prayer?

Is it for guidance?

Is it for healing?

Is it for the resolution of problems?

Is it for special grace to handle a difficult situation?

Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast.

This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to .

Make this a priority in your fasting.

Step #2: Make your commitment

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake BEFORE you begin

Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast

Matthew 6:16–18 NIV

;

Matthew 9:14–15 NIV

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it.

Before you fast, decide the following up front:

How long you will fast – one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.)The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often).What physical or social activities you will restrict.How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word.

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

Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.

The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often).

What physical or social activities you will restrict.

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

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

The foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance.

Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers.

Things you can do to prepare your heart:

Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness ().Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (; ; ,).Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in and His promise in ,.Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (,).Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (,; , ).Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart ().Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (,).

Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.

Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (

1 John 1:9 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (; ; ,).

Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in and His promise in ,.

Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (,).

Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (,; , ).

Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart ().

Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (,).

Step #4: Prepare yourself physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions.

Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment.

Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.

Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

Do not rush into your fast.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.

Do not rush into your fast.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.

Your time of fasting and prayer has come.

You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord.

Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.Limit your activity.Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.Rest as much as your schedule will permit.Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.” Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies.

Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.

Limit your activity.Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.

Rest as much as your schedule will permit.

Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.

Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day.

You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.”

Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches.

Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

Step #5: 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.

Morning

Begin your day in praise and worship.

Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees.Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to

Philippians 2:13 NIV

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Invite God to use you.

Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.

Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.

Noon

Return to prayer and God's Word.

Take a short prayer walk.

Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community's and nation's leaders, for the world's unreached millions, for your family or special needs.

Evening

Get alone for an unhurried time of “seeking His face.”

If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.

Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.

When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with your spouse for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.

When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with your spouse for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.

A dietary routine is vital as well. Dr. Julio C. Ruibal – a nutritionist, pastor, and specialist in fasting and prayer – suggests a daily schedule and list of juices you may find useful and satisfying. Modify this schedule and the drinks you take to suit your circumstances and tastes.

5 a.m. - 8 a.m.

Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acid. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, or other fruit juices are generally preferred. If you cannot do your own juicing, buy juices without sugar or additives.

10:30 a.m. - noon

Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts.

2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Herb tea with a drop of honey. Avoid black tea or any tea with caffeine.

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it.

Step #6: End your fast gradually

Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue.The best juices are made from fresh watermelon, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, or leafy green vegetables. In cold weather, you may enjoy a warm vegetable broth.Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomach's sake.Avoid caffeinated drinks. And avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath is bad. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach.

Step #6: End your fast gradually

Begin eating gradually.

Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast.

Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences.

Try several smaller meals or snacks each day.

If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health.

Here are some suggestions to help you end your fast properly:

Break an extended water fast with fruit such as watermelon.

While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices, add the following:

First day: Add a raw salad.

Second day: Add baked or boiled potato, no butter or seasoning.

Third day: Add a steamed vegetable.

Thereafter: Begin to reintroduce your normal diet.

Gradually return to regular eating with several small snacks during the first few days.

Start with a little soup and fresh fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe.

Advance to a few tablespoons of solid foods such as raw fruits and vegetables or a raw salad and baked potato.

Step #7: Expect results

If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence ().

The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights.

Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened.

You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed.

You will see answers to your prayers.

A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians.

A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all.

Just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God.

A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians.

It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged. You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or your may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honor you for your faithfulness.

It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles.

If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged.

You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or your may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve.

As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honor you for your faithfulness.

I encourage you to join me in fasting and prayer again and again until we truly experience revival in our homes, our churches, our beloved nation, and throughout the world.

Step #1: Set your objective

Step #2: Make your commitment

Step #3: Prepare yourself spiritually

Step #4: Prepare yourself physically

Step #5: Put yourself on a schedule

Step #6: End your fast gradually

Step #7: Expect results

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