Fasting: Fasting is voluntarily going without food — or any other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God — for the sake of some spiritual purpose.

The Bible seems more concerned with WHEN we will fast, not IF. 

Meaning, the WHO of who should fast? Is: Jesus followers. 

““And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?” Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

WHY do we do it?

  1. We fast in this life because we believe in the life to come.

  2. We fast from what we can see and taste, because we have tasted and seen the goodness of the invisible and infinite God

  3. We fast because we know that we need discipline.

  4. Fasting demonstrates a humble heart of repentance and submission to God. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18

    1. The last time I fasted I realized that it’s more about managing TIME than my stomach.

    2. Most of us are VERY WELL fed physically, and starving spiritually! 

How to Start Fasting:

  1. Start small.

  2. Plan what you’ll do instead of eating.

  3. Consider how it will affect others.

  4. Try different kinds of fasting.

  5. Fast from something other than food.

  6. Practice filling your mind and using your time wisely.

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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