Your longest fast? (and other thoughts)

[Crpdeth]

Just wondering how long you've gone, whether it was for spiritual reasons or not...

I know that it is a very healthy thing to do, if nothing else but to cleanse the body of all the toxins from processed foods these days.

One of my favorite diets has always been to cut off eating after 3:00pm, many times cutting it off after lunch - and like fasting, it's amazing how after a given time your body stops craving things.

I always noticed though, that any time I really wanted God's attention, all I had to do was step outside my comfort zone. God created me and he knows that I love to hang out in the kitchen cooking and preparing a nice meal, so fasting was always a big one for me.

Additionally, I have NEVER set my alarm for midnight, drug myself out of bed and settled in for prayer without witnessing his power... God loves action, he loves sacrifice in his name and he knew that I wanted to turn that alarm off and go back to sleep.

Some people fast in other ways, my sister is a Facebook junkie, like many of us, she loves keeping up with the family, joking around and having fun on there, so she will turn the computer off for a month occasionally. My Dad is a coffee fiend, so he will forgo the java for awhile.

Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble, maybe we can get a few subjects out of it. :~)

[rosierita]

its been a while since i fasted. ya know, i was actually thinking about this 2 or 3 days ago... interesting that you made this post!

my "normal" fast is giving up food for 24 hours. for me, that's a tough 1 & i struggle with it.

1 time i did cut out something for a week, i believe it was colas, i can't remember. i'd never done that type of fast before & actually called it a fast & i haven't done it since & called it a fast either. to me, it just doesn't feel like a fast.

[ampaterry]

I have also engaged in fasting for spiritual reasons - usually skipping all food for one day, making it around 30 hours or so -

On two occasions I have fasted for three full days.

The first one was when I told the LDS missionaries that I had not felt the "burning in the bosom" when I read the Book of Mormon. They suggested that I read it again while fasting, and I did so.

The second one was also in Alaska, and was not for spiritual reasons. During the flood, I scrounged all the food I could find, and when it ran low I quit eating to extend the period of time that my wife and daughter could eat. That was when the Red Cross showed up and offered to sell - (YES, SELL!!) - food to us. Luckily, the Salvation Army was there also and GAVE us what we needed, preventing me from doing something that would have surely ended up with me being arrested and jailed. By that time, Judy had quit eating also, preserving the last bit for our daughter.
And this bunch of scum STILL tries to deny they ever do this, in SPITE of having hundreds of witnesses to it in multiple disaster areas.

[Dan Newberry]

I did my Thursday study on fasting a couple of weeks ago...

There's some lady on youtube showing video of her daily 40 day fast. Of course according to Jesus, she already has her reward (her sought notoriety and approval from others).

Jesus has told us not to let others know when we are fasting. Matthew 6:

16Moreover 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.

17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18That 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.

When we fast, it can be for part of a day, or for a whole day, or for a number of days. Since we are not supposed to let others know that we are fasting, I believe a 40 day fast for most of us would be unbiblical (folks would certainly know you were fasting, or at least strongly suspect you were ill).

Scheduled or routine fasts don't seem to be advised in the Bible (for Christians anyway)... the only mention in the New Testament I found was of the Pharisee who piously proclaimed "I fast twice a week."

We fast when we are burdened for something or someone... fasting is indeed a way of proving to God--and to yourself--that you can overcome the desires of the flesh long enough to seek His face in solemnity. We know that fasting does seem to add an urgency to your prayers, and perhaps a sincerity to your prayers that may not be there otherwise.

But I do think that the Holy Spirit must prompt you to fast, I don't think it's something we can choose the timing and number of hours or days of ourselves...

Dan

[red14]

Interesting subject.

OK, I have a question. What, exactly, does constitute a fast.
Only water, or beverages, no meat, is there a distinction???

[Insulation Tim]

Sounds like the Lent of old.

[ampaterry]

Red, people define a fast in different ways.

I personally define it as a time of intaking only water, nothing else.

[Caneman]

48 hours was my longest, only coffee and water, broke that fast with a Sams Club hot dog and it was the best hot dog i ever tasted

i did this for spiritual reasons... used to fast 1 day per week, for 24+ hours, did this for about a year... it was very beneficial as it makes your spirit much more sensitive to the Spirit of God within (if you are a Christian), and that is why I did this because I wanted to be more sensitive to God and closer to Him, and to learn how to experience His indwelling presence...

[rosierita]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

Red, people define a fast in different ways.

I personally define it as a time of intaking only water, nothing else.

i dont stick to just water, mainly bc i get hypoglycemic.

ya know... now that i think about it, i'm quite selfish w/ my coffee. i've never given it up during a fast.

red ~ a fast can vary. for me, i give up food, i usually don't eat from the time i wake up 1 morning til i wake up the next. that's just how i do it.

& i have decided after i woke up to fast that day, but generally i know its coming for a day or 2 beforehand.

its 1 of those things that i think should be prayed over.

[Crpdeth]

Dan

An interesting post indeed, in fact the scripture you quoted was in the back of my mind while creating the thread... I wondered if I should even finish it because with that scripture in mind, we may actually be "getting our reward" right here, for many past sacrifices. Intriguing thought!

I have to disagree though, that the Holy Spirit would have to urge you to fast, I mean, it seems to me that although it could, there is nothing wrong with making the conscience decision to do so... At least I don't recall ever reading anything supporting that idea.

Red

In my opinion, it would be anything that causes you to step outside your comfort zone... Food of course, but there are those who just can't go without eating, for medical reasons (Like my twin and like Rosie) and another good point to make would be those who just don't feel like they are making a sacrifice because they don't seem to crave food all that much... That's why I brought up the alternative ideas. Hey, God is pretty smart, he knows if I am just dieing to partake in a beloved activity, but swear it off for a couple weeks in his name.

[Dan Newberry]

Crpdeth... thanks for the comments... I think you're right, that we can choose to fast (just like we choose to pray).

I can't believe I phrased that the way I did. I stand corrected...

I guess I based what I said on my own experience... I know that when I've personally chosen to fast, it has never been as rewarding as when I felt that still small voice call me to do so.

That all said, I should not impugn someone who does make the decision, of their own volition, to fast and seek God.

Thanks for calling me on that.

Dan

[ozo]

Not so much these days, as circles of friends and human nature
has progressed into the politically correctness of our times.......
but I used to fast at least twice a month and do a sweat lodge
while fasting.
Never a date and time set for it.......just did it whenever.

[Crpdeth]

I'm enjoying reading these responses... Thank you, folks.


Dan, I do hear what you're saying though, and recall, much like Rosie said, that many times I "felt it coming" days in advance, but then of course there would be the impromptu (Granny just went into the hospital) fasts.

Anyway, good to have you here.

[carver]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

I have also engaged in fasting for spiritual reasons - usually skipping all food for one day, making it around 30 hours or so -

Same here. I have found that after that 3rd day, you don't experience hunger. I consider all fasting to be for spiritual reasons, and guidance. I was talking to my brother just the other day about this. We are both diabetics, and I was wondering how fasting would effect us. It has been a while since I last fasted. We don't attend Church anymore on a regular basis due to my wifes inability to do so, and I have been feeling the need lately.

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by red14

Interesting subject.

OK, I have a question. What, exactly, does constitute a fast.
Only water, or beverages, no meat, is there a distinction???

I believe there are different kinds of "fasts". In short, fasting is dening yourself (of something IMPORTANT) in order to honor God.

The imortant thing is you "fast" in order to become closer to God by using the "time" of your fast to worship & honor HIM. (In other words, when you would otherwise be spending time doing whatever your fasting from, spend that "same" time doing something that honors God.)

We can learn more about what God recognizes as an honorable & "righteous" fast in the book of Isaiah:

Isaiah 58:6-14 (HCSB)

6 Isn’t the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh ⌊and blood⌋?

8 Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the LORD’s glory will be your rear guard.
9 At that time, when you call, the LORD will answer; when you cry out, He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking,
10 and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.
11 The LORD will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry.

12 Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the foundations laid long ago; you will be called the repairer of broken walls, the restorer of streets where people live.
13 “If you keep from desecrating the Sabbath, from doing whatever you want on My holy day; if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy ⌊day⌋ of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, seeking your own pleasure, or talking too much;
14 then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride over the heights of the land, and let you enjoy the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

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[RowdyThePreacher]

Crpdeth

If ever there was a time to fast, now it is needed for all the right reasons. I have read the responses and must say; you have all inspired me! I was looking for gun parts and found you. My wife and I have been in the ministry for almost 30 years. We have been all over and found great people everywhere, all mixed in with rotten eggs and sour persimmons. Dan, you are right on the nail by pointing out she already has her reward. (A little known thought on that reward is; yes Heavenly, but acclamation of others will be the only present reward of the fast.) Of all the rewards of fasting it is such a shame to go through a true spiritual fast and only receive acclamation of men!

Carver, I read you post and was moved to tears. (not because of what you have not done), but if your wife is unable to attend the fellowship and edification of others: these others should be attending you and your wife! It is because of your post I registered with TFF, thank you for that.

We have always taught our "sheep" not only the benefits and values of fasting, but cautioned them of the many dangers and traps. During extended fasts I do all that I can to appear to others as "business as usual", However, toward the end of a 40 day only fast, it is very difficult to hide the fact that I had lost 85 pounds in a little over one month. Not only will this change your body (it will finally KNOW that your spirit is in control) it will change your spirit, your mind, your way of thinking now and for years to come!
Through the years I have compiled notes, facts, experiences and data into a short but powerful booklet that we now use for teaching about fasting.
Do it for the right reasons, do it at the right time, and never forget that you are exchanging physical sustenance for spiritual. (your body wont like it!)

Oh, by the way, I am a type I diabetic.

God Bless you greatly!
Rowdy the Preacher

[Crpdeth]

Rowdy

Welcome, Sir, to the best forum on the Internet.

I feel the need to mention that I'm not taking part in any fasts and haven't in a very long time, in fact I am not where I should be with God, but am a rotten backslider. The thing is, though, that when you “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” SO, I do have many spiritual based thoughts and realized that I would enjoy discussing them with my extended family here.

I truly hope that you will stick around and join in our many discussions.

[RowdyThePreacher]

Crpdeth,

Thank you for the reply, I truly feel welcomed by it. I have posted in many places feeling like I was in the Grand Canyon waiting to hear my own echo. You mentioned in your post, "I am not where I should be with God, but am a rotten backslider. " I can only guess where this 'condemnation' is coming from. Often it stems from the guilt hammered into our skulls by those who were authority figures in our life when were in adolescence. It also sprouts in the form of a picture of perfection painted within our minds. Much in the same manner as fanciful literary license.

i.e.: When our parents would read to us in the evening, we were tired and relaxed and our minds were free to wander through great fields of possibility. The majority of our genius has been and will be birthed out of a narrow sphere of relevance. Such as the account of David and Goliath, I Samuel 17:40 “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook” I can not tell you how many times I have heard that David chose 5 stones, one for Goliath and the other 4 to kill Goliaths 4 brothers. While it makes for great entertainment and feel-good preaching, it is simply NOT TRUE! (II Samuel 21:15-22)

It is apparent through your vocabulary that you have a good grasp on the Word of God. One of the greatest principles we will ever learn is the ability to tell the difference between true sin and the exhaustive lists of societal or traditional do's and dont's. I do not pastor a building nor do I worship an idea.

God does not exist merely within our minds! He can be felt. He can be touched. He can be heard. His effect upon us can be seen, much like the wind itself which bends the mighty palm tree to stand parallel to the ground.

I encourage you to turn away from any and all stress which keeps you corralled. Diligently search and find the presence of God, (not in the midst of a crowd of people). YOU find His presences and when you have, Touch Him.

Rowdy The Preacher
(Chahuteur DuBois)

[Crpdeth]

I do see what you are saying, largely. We do beat our selves up because of spiritual failure AND you are correct - I was raised UPC and while I will always lean that direction I also realize there are many UPC standards that are not bible. Do they help? SURE, we were taught to forgo the wearing of certain things and believed for years that it was a sin to do so... In later years you realize that it is not a sin, BUT where you draw the line is where you do battle, so I certainly see both sides.

My ex wife once told me that I had turned my back on God... I was very quick to point out that I took a break from man made religion. The thing is - I couldn't turn my back on God if I wanted to, it's too late because I have witnessed his power. You can't just walk away from him once you've felt his presence.

[jlloyd73]

Just like rosierita I was thinking about this just last week.

The last time I fasted was a few years ago. I went 3 days with only water. No pain no gain............LOL

[JUNKKING]

I myself was actually whirling the idea around in my head a few days ago to rid my body of Meds. Although withdraw would be tough I think I need to do this as the meds no longer work for pain. I thought id I stop all intake except water it would ease some of the bathroom problems that come from withdraw.

I don't know if this would be considered fasting as I did have an IV in me but I had not even a drop of water through my lips for 11 days back in 1997 due to a perforated colon. After about a day I no longer felt hungry and I lost 27 lbs in 11 days. I had to be weaned back onto food when it was safe to eat again. It was either do that or have a colostomy performed which would have been reversible in about 6 months I chose the easier of the two.

[ampaterry]

Rowdy, I have never heard anyone preach that David killed all five giants that day. Scripture is clear that he killed Goliath, and no others are mentioned. Had he killed five giants, I feel sure the story would have reflected that.
The question remains, though, why he chose five stones -
Is it mere coincidence that Goliath had four brothers?

To me, it is pretty clear that David knew Goliath had four brothers, and selected one stone for each one.
David was the original "one shot, one kill" guy.
It seems Goliaths four brothers, upon witnessing this boy kill their brother with one shot, overcame the urge to die with him. The scripture says that the Philistines fled when they witnessed Goliaths death, so it is safe to say that Goliaths brothers fled with them.

[ampaterry]

Junking, I lived on IV for several days back in the early 60's following surgery.
Darned Corpsman used to come in with a new bag, read the writing on it and say something like "Well, today we have steak and fries!" or "This one is fried chicken, mashed potatoes and white gravy!"

It is a strange feeling, isn't it?
You WANT to eat, you want to TASTE food -
But HUNGRY? Not at all!!

And that first meal!
I had a half cup of beef bulion soup and a half cup of hot tea, and I was GORGED!

[rosierita]

Originally Posted by Crpdeth

I do see what you are saying, largely. We do beat our selves up because of spiritual failure AND you are correct - I was raised UPC and while I will always lean that direction I also realize there are many UPC standards that are not bible. Do they help? SURE, we were taught to forgo the wearing of certain things and believed for years that it was a sin to do so... In later years you realize that it is not a sin, BUT where you draw the line is where you do battle, so I certainly see both sides.

My ex wife once told me that I had turned my back on God... I was very quick to point out that I took a break from man made religion. The thing is - I couldn't turn my back on God if I wanted to, it's too late because I have witnessed his power. You can't just walk away from him once you've felt his presence.

God does not condemn, He convicts. there is a difference.

condemnation is what satan is good at.

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by rosierita

God does not condemn, He convicts. there is a difference.

condemnation is what satan is good at.

Plus 1

Here's an outline of a small group study I did a while back called "Five Keys to Blessing":

Maybe it could help someone.

If we are to walk victoriously in life - We MUST walk uprightly before God!


To walk uprightly before God - We MUST walk as Jesus did! ( 1 JN 2:6 )
Jesus walked in humility, submission, service and total surrender even unto death!
( Phillipians 2:1-11 )


Just as we surrendered our heart to Christ - we MUST also surrender our
mind ( Rm 12:2 ),
attitude ( PP 2:1-11 ),
speech ( EP 5:19-21; CO 4:6; JM 1:26 )
and actions! ( JM 2:14-26; 1JN 2:6; 3:16-18 )


NOTHING MUST BE WITHHELD LEST WE REMAIN
STUCK IN THE CESSPOOL OF SIN. *WE WILL BE
TRAPPED ON THE FERRIS WHEEL OF FAILURE,
ONLY TO BE LIFTED UP A SHORT-TIME BEFORE
PLUMMETING DOWN AGAIN.


Our mind, body and soul must be consumed by the following character traits if we are to walk victoriously in the blessings of GOD!

1. Servitude to God begets Success in life.
2. Surrender to God begets Victory in the battles of life.
3. Submission to others begets Superiority in the Heavenlies.
4. Humility begets Empowerment.
5. Obedience begets Blessings


When we KNOW *we are walking in the blessings of GOD our faith is strengthened. *A stronger faith encourages continued obedience.


Servitude, Surrender and Submission are the prerequisites of Humility - Humility is the pre-requisite of Obedience - Obedience is the prerequisite of FAITH!

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Objective: To recognize our strengths the build upon them; to recognize our weaknesses that we might work to diminish them.

Directions: Carefully consider what “YOU” think your strengths and weaknesses are; then list the top “FIVE” of each. Upon completion of “Your” list, ask the other members of your group to “Honestly” and “Lovingly” give you their opinions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Members should offer their opinions out of LOVE. They should be careful in their tactfulness so NOT to offend! IF a member cannot do this he should keep his opinions to himself; then he should ask God to give him a more loving heart.

“I” see my strengths as: _________________________________________

“I” see my weaknesses as: _______________________________________


--------------------------------

“Others” see my strengths as: ________________________________________

“Others” see my weaknesses as: ______________________________________



Vow of SUPPORT:

I promise to support my fellow brothers in CHRIST as we endeavor to grow in our LORD and SAVIOR Jesus Christ. I will help them build upon their strengths and encourage them in their attempts to overcome their weaknesses. I recognize this as a “Spiritual” act of worship and a command of GOD’S word. (Gal. 6:2; Jn. 13:35; Jn. 15:12)

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Here's the relevant part of the study----

Discussion Questions:

1. What do the words “conviction” and “repentance” mean?
2. How do conviction and repentance benefit the “Christian”?
3. What is the difference between “conviction” and “condemnation”?
4. List “five” characteristics of a truly righteous life in Jesus Christ.

a. _________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________
d. _________________________________________________
e. _________________________________________________



Divine Discoveries:

1. Conviction is NOT __________________________. (JN 3:16; RM 8:1-4)

2. Conviction is indeed a ____________ of God; bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit. (JN 16:7-12 and RM 8:1-4)

3. God desires us to know our ___________________ and ___________________ we have if we live according to the Spirit. (RM 8:1-4)

4. God sees us as a “righteous” ___________________ and __________________ with Christ if we are led by the Holy Spirit; and share in the suffering HE feels for a sinful dying world. (RM 8:10-17)


Life Challenges:

1. “Honestly” before God, allow the Holy Spirit to convict us of any and ALL sin in our life. (2 COR 13:5-8)

2. Allow the “GIFT” of conviction to lead us into repentance which leads to the “GIFT” of forgiveness. (2 COR 7:1-10)

3. Live “life” according to the SPIRIT and not the sinful nature. (RM 8: 12-13)

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