Fasting

[trentlogain]

I realize that most baptists probably aren't that keen on fasting, but I could be wrong. What I want to know is who here is fasting or has fasted before?

I'm thinking about doing it, but I need to gather more information first.

[Tulip]

Have you checked out this subforum?:
http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=371

Lots of interesting stuff about fasting.

[BereanTodd]

I fast regularly, anywhere from 1-3 days at a time. I fasted at least once a week for the first 4 months of this year, I always fast around Easter/Christmas. I am not saying that to pound my chest, just to say that I have done it. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and I will answer as best as I can.

I would say that it is a greatly beneficial spiritual practice that is unfortunately all too ignored these days.

[BetaMan]

It also has great physical benefits as well! It allows your body time to rid itself of built up toxins and gives your digestive system time to "rest" so-to-speak.

[JM]

I'm a Baptist that practices fasting.

[DeaconDean]

Elmer Towns wrote a great book on just this subject, its cheap, and its good.

"Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough"

http://www.amazon.com/Fasting-Spiritual-Breakthrough-Elmer-Towns/dp/0830718397

If you can get it, I suggest you do.

Here is a sample from the "Introduction:"


Nine Fasts God Can Use
Read Pages 20-23
Nine different fasts and how God can use them in your life are identified in this chapter. As you review these nine fasts, answer the following question to discover the potential of each fast in your life:

The Disciple’s Fast is designed to "loose the bands of wickedness" in your life (Isaiah 58:6).

In what areas of your life do you have difficulty breaking free of bondage and/or addictions to sin?

The Ezra Fast is designed to "undo heavy burdens" in your life (v.6).

Which problems in your life are significant enough for you to consider this approach to fasting?

The Samuel Fast is designed to bring liberty to the oppressed (see v.6).

If you were to fast for revival, what changes would you anticipate in your life?

What changes might you anticipate in your church?

Who might come to personal faith in Christ if you were to fast for their salvation?

The Elijah Fast is designed to "break every yoke" (v. 6) in your life.

What is your greatest personal concern causing you mental and/or emotional anguish?

How might the Elijah Fast help you cope with this difficulty?

The Widow’s Fast is designed as a means of meeting the humanitarian needs of others (see v.7).

What humanitarian needs are significant enough to motivate you to fast for them?

Is there a particular people group for whom you are most likely to fast?

The Saint Paul Fast is designed to gain insight in the process of making important decisions (see v.8).

What significant decisions do you anticipate facing in the next few months?

Which of these would be a worthy object of this fast?

The Daniel Fast is designed to improve health and/or gain your healing (see v.8).

If you were to participate in the Daniel Fast, what lifestyle changes would you need to make in your lifestyle?

What kinds of foods would be eliminated from or added to your diet?

The John the Baptist Fast is designed to enhance your testimony and influence for Jesus (see v.8).

How would you like others to think of you?

How could this fast help you establish that kind of character?

The Esther Fast is designed to protect us from the Evil One (see v.8).

Is there a particular danger you are facing in your life?

Perhaps you have a particular burden for someone in a difficult situation or someone in a unique ministry situation. For whom would you be fasting if you used this fast?


http://www.elmertowns.com/books/online/Fasting_sg/Fasting_for_Spiritual_Breakthrough_(Study_Guide)%5BETown%5D.pdf

(BTW, the whole book can be viewed and studied "on-line" through the above link.)

God Bless

Till all are one.

[cremi]

I have fasted, but not regularly. It has been a good thing and probably something I should implement more often. A hunger for God (http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-God-Desiring-through-Fasting/dp/0891079661/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211910343&sr=8-1) by John Piper is a book I have read on fasting and would recommend.

[WilliamL]

I realize that most baptists probably aren't that keen on fasting, but I could be wrong. What I want to know is who here is fasting or has fasted before?

I'm thinking about doing it, but I need to gather more information first.

Fasting helps build your faith, by denying what the flesh desires and the body needs - food. Like a body builder who builds their muscles every day, including build their weak points - Christians should be doing the same thing! Fasting helps build our faith "muscles" and helps build up our most weakest points, as well.

[TimRout]

I have fasted from food for brief periods, the longest being 42 hours. It is important to maintain a high level of fluid intake and get lots of rest. If it is your intent to fast and pray, I recommend you do just that. Generally, you will find the worst of the hunger "pains" dissipate after the first twelve hours.

[trinityisunity]

I felt God call me to fast one day a year or so ago. It was for a breakthrough in some area. Well, it certainly helped, the situation was remedied and I saw what God could do when I gave over something to Him that I normally would not. A friend warned me, he said, 'If you are going to fast, do it with much prayer otherwise there is not much point'.

You can also fast from anything. You can fast from food, food and water, meat, one meal missed a day or even a week. Two years ago I also felt the need to fast from watching Aussie rules football on the T.V. This might sound strange but I did not watch one game the whole season-which was a tough task but I got through ok. Now for the outcome, I did well in my studies and the team I go for who have not won a premiership in 40 odd years, they won the Grand Final!!!(They won the following year not the year I did not see). I am not saying God honoured my fast from football with my team winning the Grand Final but I find it very humerous that they did so well. Who knows???

[HappyChicken]

My pastor just preached about fasting and I was not able to attend. I'm grateful I can download the message! It's something that I must admit that I'm not to educated upon.