Yes, I have done it and quite radically. I learned it is not so much what you fast 'from', but what you fast 'to', which makes it a good and spiritually beneficial fast.
I agree with twosparrows. I fast (but not as often as I should). I've come out of a 7 day one time and felt the presense of God stronger than I ever had before.
But I think it doesn't matter how long or even why we go on a fast--- If we aren't fasting unto Jesus all we end up accomplishing is a lost pound or 2 and being Hungry!
I think a person can fast all sorts of things. It boils down to denying oneself something you think you just have to have.
For me it's a way of trying to get closer to Jesus.
I've fasted my cell phone and computer for weeks at a time. It's just a way for me to show God I truly want him first in my life.
Matthew 9: 11, 12
Then came to him the disciples of John,saying, Why do we fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them and then shall they fast.
Fasting should include lots of prayer and worship of the Lord.
It's been quite awhile since I fasted----- I will soon.
Food is the easiest thing to fast for me. I think you need lots of ALONE time with God when you try to fast anything at all.
How often should we fast? When we are called to do so. By God, by our church, an organization, etc. It is individual. This weekend our church prayed and fasted for the vote in Sudan (just an example)
Does it help spiritually? ABSOLUTELY! When done correctly, yes. (i.e. the whole time limit, true fast, spending time in prayer and reading God's word instead of whatever you are fasting from)
I also don't think we should tell anyone when we're " on a fast". Too many people like to brag about it because they think it makes them appear Holy or Spiritual.
But God tells us:
Matthew 6:16,17,18
Moreover when ye 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. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 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 thee openly.
Not necessary to let the world know you're on a fast.
And this is the type of fasting God requires in Isaiah chpater 58... Although, I realize what Lee is doing, because everyone has been concerned about his where abouts of late.
Nevertheless, this is what God says, Isaiah chapter 58, "Is not this the that I have chosen in order to loose the bonds of the wickedness; to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out? When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?...
Therefore, these are the things we are to be fasting and praying for and about when we FAST! All things are to be according to what GOD HIMSELF has called us to fast for, and ALL THESE OTHERS THINGS WILL BE ADDED TO US!
JUST MY FIVE CENTS WORTH... READ ISAIAH CHAPTER 58~ fasting for weight lost , and other STUFF is Not a spiritual fast, but we are to be fasting for those things that are spiritual according to what God calls spiritual, and not what we oursleves call spiritual.
as per say preacherman.. We are not to fast as a self-rightoue person for personal gains, but we to fast for those things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Amen!... in a nutshell!
also don't think we should tell anyone when we're " on a fast". Too many people like to brag about it because they think it makes them appear Holy or Spiritual.
But God tells us:
Matthew 6:16,17,18
Moreover when ye 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. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 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 thee openly.
Not necessary to let the world know you're on a fast.
Fly said:
Outstanding. Your opinion backed up by scripture. Good read and thanks for that.
