DAY 35 FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

DAY 35

If you seek a closer walk with God, consider fasting. Throughout Scripture, fasting refers to abstaining from food, or food and drink, for spiritual purposes. Fasting is more than a diet adjustment; it involves spiritual intensity and intercession. Fasting should always be accompanied with prayer, meditation, and Bible study.

We should never be motivated by the mistaken idea that our fasting will move God to do what we want. Even if we wanted to, we could never manipulate God. The purpose of our fasting is to move us closer to God and to seek his will in our lives.

One of the greatest spiritual benefits of fasting is becoming more aware of our own inadequacies and God's adequacy; becoming more aware of our own failings and His self-sufficiency. The purpose of all disciplines, including fasting, is to change us so that we may become more Christ-like. Fasting helps us to listen to what God wants us to be and do.

The list of biblical personages who fasted reads like a Who's Who of Scripture. For example: Moses the lawgiver, David the king, Elijah the prophet, Esther the queen, Daniel the advisor to kings, Anna the prophetess, Paul the apostle, and Jesus Christ the incarnate Son.

A word of caution: Before anyone attempts to go on a fast, please consult your family physician if you have health problems such as diabetes, kidney disorders, or other serious conditions. The type of Fast you decide on is between you and God.

Establish your fasting goals - why you are fasting? Examples of fasting:

Full Fast - drinking only liquids (you establish number of days.) Consult your doctor.

Daniel Fast - Eat no meat, no sweets, no bread and drink water and juice. Eat fruit and vegetables. (veggie burgers are an option as well if you are not allergic to soy) Some people drink Ensure, Instant Breakfast, etc.3-Day Fast: This fast can be any type of Fast,

Full Fast - Daniel's Fast, Just give up one food. It could be a sacrifice other than food.

Partial Fast - Fast until 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun-up to sundown-? this Fast can also be any type of Fast.

Fast of Sacrifice - giving up television or anything that would be a sacrifice for you personally.

Confess your sins and forgive all and ask to be forgiven all and remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing. (Isaiah 58; Jeremiah 14:12; I Corinthians 8:8).

Elmer L. Towns stated that "Fasting is not an end in itself; it is a means by which we can worship the Lord and submit ourselves in humility to Him. We don't make God love us any more than He already does if we fast, or if we fast longer. Fasting invites God into the problem. Then in the strength of God, victory is possible."

God Bless and Have a great Saturday!!!

Jody