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What is fasting?
In Bible times fasting was a religious act which involved the giving up of food for a set length of time. However, I believe that fasting can be the giving up of other things as well such as: computer, phone, music, sports, television, etc....Basically anything the Lord places on your heart to give up. I gave up the Internet for a week a few months ago. Food is usually the hardest thing for us to give up. (Remember to drink plenty of water if you choose to fast food.)
Why should you fast and what should take place.
When you fast you're sacrificing something for the Lord, usually seeking to know him more or grow spiritually. Many times fasting was also a part of the repentance process, where one felt so convicted about his sins or the sins of his people that it drove them to fast. The fasting period should be a place of growth and learning. Keeping a journal though out your fast would be a great idea and it will help you achieve this goal. You should also give yourself to serious prayer and Bible study while you fast.
Motives for fasting and attitude while fasting.
You should never fast because others are fasting or to be seen by others. Your motives for fasting should be to know God better and to grow spiritually, as mentioned earlier. Matthew 6:16 says, "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance (Appearance): 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." You should not appear sad or pitiful looking while you are fasting, but rather you should be joyful. You should not bring any attention to what you are doing, unlike the hypocrites or pretenders do. They fast to be seen by men, not to glorify God and grow closer to him.
Breaking a fast.
What happens when you fail to live up to your fast, do you just give up? Of course not! God will not strike you dead for failing to live up to your promise to fast. Just ask God to forgive you and to help you to stay faithful to your fast for the remaining period of time.
Fasting shouldn't be a subject to be feared or avoided by Christians. It should be taught and put into practice as part of our Christian experience much like Bible reading, personal devotion time, prayer and attending Church. Good luck with your fast and I pray that you grow closer to the Lord through your fast.
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Article by Joshua
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