FASTING: A BIBLICAL OVERVIEW

BOOK - FAST FORWARD - Lisa Bevere - Direct Link

Fasting in Scripture:

·   The Isrealites fasted for the restoration of the Ark of the Covenant. 1 Samuel 7:6

·   Nehemiah fasted when he heard about Jerusalem’s condition. Nehemiah 1:4

·   The prophet Joel called the Israelites to fast. Joel 2:12

·   Cornelius. Acts 10:30

·   Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 13:1-3

·   A pattern for the Apostle Paul. 2 Corinthians 6:5

·   A Christian family practice. 1 Corinthians 7:5

·   Jesus’ fast. Matthew 4:2

·   Jesus’ instructions to His disciples. Matthew 6:16-18, Mark 2:20

Purposes of fasting:

·   Expressing humility, grief and repentance. 2 Samuel 1:11-12, 1 Kings 21:27-29, Psalm 35:13

·   Seeking God more intimately and intensely. Judges 20:26-28, Jeremiah 36:4-7

·   Preparing for effectiveness in God’s will and work. Ezra 8:21-23

·   Receiving strength and victory during spiritual battles. Matthew 4:2-3

·   Securing God’s protection and deliverance. 2 Chronicles 20:2-4, Esther 4:15-16

·   Demonstrating devotion to God. Luke 2:36-38

·   Produces spiritual clarity and sensitivity. 2 Chronicles 20:2-4, 2 Chronicles 20:13-14

·   Brings personal breakthroughs. 1 Samuel 1:7

·   Helps us discipline ourselves. 1 Corinthians 9:27

·   Brings the release of blessings, help and God’s power. Joel 2:18-20, Joel 2:28

TYPES OF FASTS:

Specific Food or Activity Fast
This type of fast refers to omitting a specific item(s), activity or habit from your time of prayer and fasting.  For example, you may choose to eliminate red meat, processed or fast food, or sweets.  It could also involve fasting from an activity or habit, such as television watching, or social media.

Daniel Fast
The Daniel fast is a model to follow that proves to be extremely effective for spiritual focus, bodily discipline and purification in the body and soul.  It is probably one of the most commonly referred to types of fasts, however within the term “Daniel Fast”, there is room for broad interpretation.  In the book of Daniel, we find two different times where Daniel fasted, once in Daniel 1 and again in Daniel 10.  Daniel 1 states that he ate vegetables and water, and in Daniel 10, while the passage does not give a specific list of foods that Daniel ate, it does state that Daniel ate no rich (or choice) foods as well as no meat or wine.  So based on these two verses, we can see that either of these, or any variations in between constitutes a fast.  Again, there is nothing “inherently spiritual” about one type of fast as opposed to another.  It is important to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Juice Fast
A juice fast is when no solid food is consumed and instead involves the intake of vegetable juices, fruit juices and water.

Total Fast
A total fast is where nothing – neither liquid, solid food or even water is consumed for a period of time.  We do not recommend total fasting as this can be very dangerous to your health.  Attempting to go without water especially, for any period of time can be extremely harmful to the body.

Duration and Extent of Your Fast
As with choosing what type of fast you will be undertaking, it is important to also decide ahead of time how long you will be fasting and to what extent you will be fasting.  Some people may choose to fast at one level all 21 days or culminate with a special 3 day fast at the end.  Others choose to fast one week out of the 21 days, or even fast once or twice a week throughout the 21 day period.  This is a personal decision and one that should be prayerfully considered.

Daily Bible Study

Messenger X - Download the free app today and watch your daily video during the fast. Don’t go it alone! Invite someone to go through the plan with you.
https://messengerx.com

For RESET’s direct link click HERE.
Day 1. Reset - Faith
Day 2. Reset - Fasting
Day 3. Reset - Fear
Day 4. Reset - Forgiveness 
Day 5. Reset - Family
Day 6. Reset - Food + Fitness
Day 7. Reset - Finance
Day 8. Reset - Focus

For Words with GOD direct link click HERE. Order the book HERE.
Day 9. - Revisiting Prayer
Day 10. - Praying in the Pain
Day 11. - Opening the Conversation
Day 12. - The Power of Confession
Day 13. - The Heart of Prayer
Day 14. - Praying in the Name

For Breaking Intimidation direct link click HERE. Order the book HERE.

Day 15. - Exposing Intimidation
Day 16. - Your Place of Authority
Day 17. - Dormant Gifts
Day 18. - Intimidation is a Spirit
Day 19. - Paralyzed by Intimidation
Day 20. - Stir up Your Gift
Day 21. - Root of Intimidation
Bonus Day 22. - Two Types of Fear