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When you Fast

by Joyce Johnson  
2/11/2008 / Bible Studies

What does fasting mean?
Here are some definitions:
o To fast mean to go without food for a period of time esp. for religious reasons; Collins software dictionary-English-English.
Christian fasting
o Biblical fasting is abstaining from food, drink etc. to focus on spiritual growth; to deny the flesh; to glorify God; enhance our spirit and grow deeper in our prayer life. 'A Lifestyle of Servant Living.' www.gotquestions.org/fasting-Christian.html.
Dennis Rupert
o The Greek word for 'fasting is'nesteia a compound of ne (a negative prefix) and esthio which means "to eat. The basic root meaning of the word "not to eat." Biblical fasting is "not eating" with spiritual communication in mind" Biblical fasting, is denying self; not only my own body but my own wants. Biblical fasting always occurs together with prayer; deliberately abstaining from food for communication and relationship with the Father.

When You Fast!!
Isaiah 58:1 - 8

Way back in 1993 while I was either preparing to fast or during fasting and searching the Scriptures, to hear what God had to say about fasting; during the process of seeking God, I was drawn to Isaiah 58. I was nave to the fact that God had blatantly rejected some types of fasting (Isaiah 58 verses 1- 3a). Commonsense should have told me that whatever we do in word or deed God is looking at our motives behind it. Jesus was dead against hypocrisy, He had experienced hypocrisy with religious leaders, insincere and pious practices were an issue in Jesus' day. Jesus talked about artificiality and doing things for gain, and for [outward show] the praises of men (Matthew 6). So I should have known that people fasted for the right, as well as the wrong reasons.

There are examples of Jesus fasting, Paul and the others disciples had done it; and even Cornelius the Gentile fasted for the right reason(to get direction the disciples God), while others fasted for a show (example, the Publican and sinner). However, what I need to know since it was not a command? And also what are the beneficial factors of fasting? These questions dominated my thoughts during those years every time I fasted; I do hope these questions will be answered throughout this piece of writing.

Whenever I have fasted my favourite chapter is (Isaiah 58 verses 1-8) and a few Scriptures from the New Testament to use as my guideline. I have not made a detailed study of (Isaiah 58:1-8) or its references before; neither have I went on the Internet to see other people's views about fasting. But I have today. I have spent the whole morning reading and praying as I read the text: looked up the related references, put my thoughts to paper; and then went on the Internet to research on the topic.

I have learnt more today about fasting because 'I seek, and I have found' and this is the reason for sharing. Maybe what I have written is basic, but Jesus always used the basic and simple things to reinforce His teaching. My purpose of studying is to implement what I have learnt and sharing it with the body of Christ is vital. My earnest desire is to serve God acceptably and with all my heart; and doing the things which bring glory to Him is critical. So according to (Isaiah 58) there are both unacceptable as well as, acceptable fast; and my aim is to do acceptable service to God and man.

A Prophetic Message from Isaiah

God gave Isaiah a message to His people, they were grumbling because they did not see result in their fasting and God instructed Isaiah that he should not spare them embarrassment but tell them the truth; because it is only the truth was going to set them free. He should tell the people of Israel (paraphrased),'you've sought Me daily, but only externally, you want to know my ways, yet you are doing the things which profit you and not Me; your fasting is a front.'

My name is Joyce Johnson, I have been a christian since 1966. I accepted the Lord in a Billy Graham Crusade in Earls Court, London, UK. I love to write every and anything on paper, write letters to God also write my thoughts during my devotion. I have regularly submitted articles in my Church's ma

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