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| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : What is Spiritual Fasting? | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : Is Fasting Relevant in a Covenant of Grace? | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | Many Christians are unfamiliar with spiritual fasting. Some believe that fasting is an Old Testament tradition neither required nor relevant to the New Testament grace under which we now live. In truth, however, fasting is a necessary though underutilized spiritual discipline that Jesus addressed right along with giving and prayer (reference Matthew 6). Fasting was never replaced, rescinded, or superseded in the New Testament, and it is not just Old Testament legalism. Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament, not to render it irrelevant. As Randy Alcorn so eloquently stated in Money, Possessions & Eternity, "Being under grace does not mean living by lower standards than the law." In fact, Jesus assumed that we believers would fast. Jesus said, "When you fast" (Matthew 6:16) not "if you fast".
The verses below emphasize that we are saved by grace, not by works. Fasting, like prayer, is a spiritual tool that believers should use not to earn righteousness but to embrace it.
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing." (Galatians 2:21)
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." (Romans 14:17-18)
"But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do." (1 Corinthians 8:8) looking to cheat click how to tell if wife has cheated my spouse cheated on me now what click want to cheat on my wife women who cheat on their husbands femchoice.org i dream my husband cheated on me married woman wants cheat site what causes women to cheat adult porn stories mom and son tolobel.com tamil sex stories readable abortion cost link are abortions free your pharmacy card coupon free walgreens coupons photo in store walgreens online coupon codes site walgreens prints coupon codes
| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : Fasting: Superficial or Supernatural? | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | Fasting unto the Lord goes beyond rote, superficial sacrifice of food. Fasting unto the Lord, when done with the proper heart and the proper spirit, cleaves you to the Lord; everything on earth takes a back seat to worshiping and communing with your Heavenly Father. It is about "holding fast" to Him regardless of your circumstances (reference Deuteronomy 10:20, 11:22, 13:4, 30:20; Joshua 22:5, 23:8; 2 Kings 18:6; Psalm 119:31, 139:10; 1 Peter 5:12).
In Jeremiah 14:12, the Lord proclaims, "Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry." His refusal to listen to His people was based on their continued wickedness; their superficial sacrifice meant nothing because they persisted, unrepentant, in sinful behavior. Jesus, too, warned about fasting as an empty, perfunctory ritual. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about hypocrisy and hardened hearts in Matthew 15:8-11, 18-20: "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 'These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean', but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean'. ... But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean'. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'. ..." phone tracking apps for android turbofish.com monitoring apps for android adult porn stories mom and son tolobel.com tamil sex stories readable
| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : Fast Unto the Lord, Not Unto Men | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : Who Fasted in the Bible? | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | Below, in chronological order, is a representation of those who fasted in the Bible, but it is not a complete or exhaustive list.
Moses
(Exodus 34:28), in a 40-day radical fast (no food or water), sustained by the Lord as he received the 10 commandments
The Israelites
(Judges 20:26-27), in a corporate fast, to seek the Lord's guidance
(Nehemiah 9:1), in a corporate fast, confessing their sins and worshiping the Lord
(1 Samuel 7:6), led by Samuel in a corporate and intercessory fast, repenting for their sins
King David
(2 Samuel 12:16), in intercession for his ill son
(Psalm 35:13) in mourning and intercession for the illness of others
(Psalm 69:10) in humble repentance, asking God for personal mercy and restoration
Elijah
(1 Kings 19:8) in a 40-day radical fast, prompted and sustained by the Lord
Ezra
(Ezra 8:21-23), in humble petition before the Lord
Esther
(Esther 4:16), in a three-day fast, accompanied by fasting intercessors, as she sought the Lord's favor in interceding for the Jews
The Ninevites and the King of Nineveh
(Jonah 3:5-10), in a corporate fast, earnestly repenting of their evil ways
Jesus
(Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:2), in preparation for His earthly ministry
New Testament Leaders and Prophets
(Acts 13:1-3), in worship of the Lord before He instructed them to set apart Barnabus and Saul for His designated missionary appointment
Paul and Barnabus
(Acts 14:23), in committing the appointed church elders to the Lord symptoms of chlamydia in the throat phuckedporn.com oral chlamydia pictures my girlfriend cheated on me with another girl prashanthiblog.com my ex girlfriend cheated on me why some women cheat open boyfriend cheated on me dilation and curettage risks open herbal abortion free coupon sites open medication discount coupons women want men click why are women unfaithful
| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : Are There Different Kinds of Fasts? | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) |
There are four basic kinds of fasts: absolute, radical, normal, and partial. Below is a brief explanation of each as well as additional important information.
Absolute fast- No food or liquid (not even water) is consumed. Supernatural sustenance is necessary. An absolute fast is VERY, VERY RARE AND VERY, VERY DANGEROUS unless the Lord has specifically and unquestionably called you to this type of divinely protected and sustained fast.
Radical fast- Only water is consumed. A radical fast is also rare and not recommended for long periods of time unless the Lord has specifically and unquestionably called you to this type of fast.
Normal fast- No food is consumed; liquids include water, clear broths, and fruit and vegetable juices.
Partial fast- Some foods and drinks are sacrificed; for example, processed foods, sugary foods, and caffeinated beverages may be eliminated from your daily intake. A Daniel fast (see "Biblical Types of Fasts" link) is an example of a partial fast.
Those whom He calls to absolute and radical fasts (Moses, Elijah, Jesus) are sought for extreme and divine purposes. One who is radically fasting consumes only water; one who fasts an absolute fast ingests nothing - neither food nor water. We do encourage you to test the Spirit (Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1) for confirmation as you sense a call to fast, especially for a radical fast. We do not recommend an absolute fast unless you are absolutely certain that the Lord is calling you to completely abstain from food and drink; biblical heroes who were called to an absolute fast were divinely anointed and supernaturally sustained for the duration of their fast. It is a rare person whom God calls to a radical fast; rarer still is the one He calls for an absolute fast.
More commonly, those convicted to fast undertake a normal fast where no solid foods are consumed, and physical sustenance is provided by broths, and fruit and vegetable juices. Others may participate in a partial fast where some foods and drinks are sacrificed (processed foods, sugary foods, and caffeinated beverages, for example).
As always, we at Trumpet and Torch recommend that you consult your physician before beginning any type of fast. We especially urge you to consult the Great Physician for His discernment and guidance. Expectant mothers, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical concerns may participate in the spirit of fasting while still receiving essential physical nourishment. women who cheat on their husbands femchoice.org i dream my husband cheated on me my husband and i both cheated randolphia.com cheated on my husband guilt girlfriend cheated on me go i want my girlfriend to cheat free coupon sites open medication discount coupons prescription discounts cards link walgreens in store photo coupons find an affair site married cheaters albuterol (salbutamol) pill go dapoxetine walgreens in store photo coupons topogroup.com photo coupon codes
| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : How Do I Fast Unto the Lord in Today's World? | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | Some wonder, "How do I fast while continuing to work, take care of my family, and just live life in general?" When you put the Lord first, He supernaturally and divinely orders your day so that you are able to accomplish the important things according to His will. The urgent no longer overshadows the important, and things that seemed pressing suddenly fall away, no longer significant in His great kingdom plan. This means that the Lord will give you the grace, energy, and sustenance to care for your essential responsibilities while you are fasting. Necessary work and caring for your family fits the category of "essential responsibilities". The key is to prioritize the Lord above all else, to seek His guidance in all things, and to trust Him every step of the way. You must also have the courage and obedience to forsake opportunities and tasks on your list if God's priorities prove different from yours.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : The Compassion of Jesus and the Purpose of this Fast | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : I'm Afraid to Fast! | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | Only through the strength of God and His direction are we truly able to fast in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to Him. He desires that we all experience a deep, abiding relationship that only comes from Him. This intimate walk with God requires faith not fear.
Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by or fearful of fasting. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Then, listen for His still, small voice. No matter in your life is unimportant to Him, and He will guide you. First, though, you have to silence the distractions that often crowd out your time with Him and compete with His voice.
Remember that a Christian spiritual fast is not a contest; you need not compare yourself or your experience to another. It's not the number of days that you fast or even the number of meals that you fast that matters; the Lord honors the act of humbling yourself in true repentance. He wants your heart, not your stomach!
Our faithful God will prepare you for the task that you have been called to. You have been chosen to be in an intimate relationship with Him. This time of feasting on the Word of God is meant to draw you to the feet of Jesus and there you will find the peace that passes understanding.
There is no reason to fear when God is leading, especially when that path leads you out of the darkness and uncertainty of this earthly life and directs you to His very presence and into the embrace of His awesome love. We should not fear this path, but anticipate it with joy and longing for every moment we have to spend with our most gracious Heavenly Father.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9)
"Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4:5)
| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : How Fasting Relates to the The Great Commandment | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | The Great Commandment, as Jesus replied to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:37-38 is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
Fasting, as outlined in Isaiah 58, accomplishes both the first and second greatest commandments and also highlights the "true" fast (indicated by actions representative of Christ's character) as opposed to the "legalistic" fast (indicated by actions representative of arrogant, sinful, and unrepentant human hearts). looking to cheat click how to tell if wife has cheated is my husband cheated on me open i almost cheated on my husband
| ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : True Fasting as Detailed in Isaiah 58 | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Open.gif) | Fasting | : : Isn't Fasting Practiced by Other Religions (and By Those with No Religion?) | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | Trumpet and Torch promotes only Christian spiritual fasting. Yes, other religions do fast, and yes, some people fast for purposes that have nothing to do with faith of any kind.
While some may fast because their beliefs demand the discipline and others may fast for a variety of earthly reasons, Christians fast exclusively unto our Creator God, the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As such, our fasting intentions and efforts are divinely blessed for"... the LORD looks at the heart" (reference 1 Samuel 16:7) and "...motives are weighed by the LORD" (reference Proverbs 16:2).i think my husband cheated steveperks.com my husband cheated on me blog married woman wants cheat site what causes women to cheat
| | Fasting | : : Why Fast Now? | | ![](/images/MagnifyGlass_Close.gif) | What is so important about fasting at this particular time? There is no record in the Bible that Jesus' disciples fasted during His active earthly ministry, yet Jesus Himself answers that question in Matthew 9:15: "Then John's disciples came and asked Him, 'How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?' Jesus answered, 'How can the guests of the Bridegroom mourn while He is with them? The time will come when the Bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.'" (See also Mark 2:18-19 and Luke 5:33-35). Fasting is associated with and accompanied by sorrow, repentance, and seeking God's face. When Jesus was with his disciples, there was no need for them to fast! Although believers today have the gift of the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we still patiently and hopefully await the return of Jesus. When He returns, He should find us faithfully serving Him (reference Matthew 24:45-47). phone tracking apps for android turbofish.com monitoring apps for android women who cheat on their husbands femchoice.org i dream my husband cheated on me i dream my husband cheated on me read why husbands cheat abortion cost site are abortions free app spy phone click apps for tracking cell phone location
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