All About Fasting

Outline : TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Physical Benefits of Fasting

Practical Tips for Fasting

Q & A Regarding Fasting

Water Fasting

Humble Yourself

The Deep Detox

Preparation for Water Fasting

Water Fasting For Healing

Water Fasting for Weight Loss
Water Fasting Tips

Fasting And The Body

Physiology of fasting vs. Spiritual focus of fasting

Law Of Sowing & Reaping

Clarity Of Mind

Detoxification

There’s a Little McDonald’s in everyone

Sleep: the Mini-fast

Our Cells

Eliminated during the detoxification process

The Result

METHODS OF DETOXIFICATION

Fasting And Addiction

Fasting For Weight Loss

It’s More About Warfare Than Weight.

Step 1 – fasting, a running start

Step 2 - Raw fasting TRANSITION (before & after a fast)

Step 3 - HEALTHY lifestyle

Protein & Fasting

Common PhysicalReactions ToFasting

Battling Cancer With Juice Fasting

Healing through Fasting

Fasting vs. Starvation

Muscles Maintained

Fasting and the Spirit

Spiritual Fasting

Real Fasting

Fasting is a tool to help us change our hearts before God

The Guest

Fasting And Prayer A Position of Power

Groaning in Fasting and Prayer

Where Two or Three, In Fasting and Prayer

Four Fasting Weapons

Stone 1: 2 Corinthians 5: 21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in

him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5: 21

Stone 2: Romans 8: 1-2

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in

Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Stone 3:Matthew 6: 34

. . .do not worry about tomorrow.

Stone 4: Romans 6: 6,7

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the

body of sin might be done away with.

Fasting Scriptures

Fear, Doubt, and Guilt

Waking The Dead

Smashing Meaningless Living

Inner Healing

The Fasting Slowdown

Growing A Healthy Hunger

Obsessive Compulsive Fasting

Enabled By Obsession

Ritual

The Guest

Equipping yourself for a fast

Fasting Retreat

Preparing For Your Fast

Prepare For The Ups And Downs

The Downs

The Ups

Prepare Your Purpose

Motive Is Everything

Ritual vs. reality

How Long Should I Fast?

Ten Tips For a Successful Fast

Cleaning The Colon

Making Fresh Juice

Vegetable Juice Guide

Juice Recipes

How To Stay On Your Fast

You Will Eat Again

The Detox Blues

Change Modes

Avoid Needless Temptation

Juice Machine Nightmare

Fasting Supplements (p.87

Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Chlorophyll Products

Colon Cleansers

Antioxidants

Aloe Vera

How to Break a Fast

Commonly Asked Questions

Will I gain all my weight back after the fast?

Will fasting or living on a fruit diet slow my metabolism?

Can I exercise while fasting?

How much juice should I drink?

Will I become protein deficient?

Should I continue with my medication?

How much weight will I lose?

Will I get too thin?

Will fasting shrink my stomach?

Since I have finished fasting, why am I more sensitive to unhealthy food?

Are there any conditions that restrict fasting?

Should I abstain from sexual relations during a fast?

Fasting with disease

All About Fasting

Physical Benefits Of Fasting
The benefits of fasting are innumerable. Here is just a partial list of the many benefits of this most powerful of spiritual disciplines.

  • The Word of God comes alive
  • Addictions and strongholds are broken
  • We become more sensitive to God's presence
  • The physical body is purged of toxins
  • It becomes easier to trust and obey God
  • The sanctifying process is accelerated
  • Faith increases
  • Doubts and fear vanish
  • God reveals to us our sinful attitudes
  • Decrease of self-indulgence
  • Decrease of self-righteousness
  • Emotional scars are healed

Practical Tips for Fasting

  • The early church gave themselves to fasting and prayer for a time. If they needed it then, we need it now! Every time you pray and fast for a certain amount of time, you are investing in a powerful kingdom - the kingdom of God.
  • Set a definite time for your fast so you know in advance how long you will be fasting. Keep in mind fasting changes your heart. A one-day or one-meal fast can be very powerful when submitted to God as a sacrifice of yourself.
  • Since you are denying your flesh and seeking the Lord, you may find yourself in the midst of spiritual warfare and thus becoming irritable or unwilling to pray. Some of these feelings may be physically induced just because of a physical reaction. Plan beforehand to "pray through" the spiritual battle.
  • On longer fasts (2 or more days) the body is cleansing itself from physical impurities. Possible side effects from toxins include bad breath, headache, nausea, hunger, weakness, and leg cramps. To help prevent these problems, abstain from caffeine, sugar, and junk food five days prior to your fast. Drink pure water (distilled if possible) throughout your fast, it helps with elimination of toxins. The cleaner your system, the less discomfort. The less waste that is stored in the body when you begin your fast, the fewer toxins will be released.
  • Try to rest if you feel weak and get some fresh air every day.
  • Spend time in prayer, worship, repentance, and read your Bible. Use the time you would normally spend eating or preparing food for "spiritual exercise". Many people have noticed that the Bible simply comes alive while they are fasting.
  • Have specific spiritual goals that you desire to obtain while praying and fasting. Without prayer and a set purpose, fasting is only a glorified diet.
  • Break your fast with grape juice, fresh fruits, and steamed vegetables, adding other foods in a day or two. Avoid meat, bread, and fats for several meals or days depending on the length of the fast. Keep in mind your stomach has been inactive and it takes a while to restore essential digestive enzymes and acids. Fasting is a very healing process for your body so do not undo your efforts with unhealthy foods.
  • Some medical conditions are prohibitive to fasting. Get the advice of your physician if you have a medical condition. These conditions include diabetes, hypoglycemia, and heart disease. Pregnant and nursing mothers also should not fast because toxins will be passed on to the baby. Also, some medications need to be taken with food so use discretion. In these cases where you are unable to do a complete fast (water only) consider abstaining from television and dedicating yourself to prayer during this time.
  • Other types of fasts include:
  • Water, Honey and Lemon - This is considered a cleansing fast. Squeeze 1/2 lemon in a cup of hot water and add honey to taste. Drink water throughout the day. This can be used for an extended fast.
  • Juice Fast - This is self-explanatory. No food, coffee, soft drinks, etc. Juice only--fresh carrot juice is excellent.
  • Daniel Fast - Fruits, vegetables and water. This is a good fast for those who have physically demanding jobs.

Questions and Answers Regarding Fasting

  • Is fasting for everyone?
    Fasting is beneficial for anyone who desires to draw closer to Christ. Every Christian should do some sort of fast at least once a month. The Apostle Paul fasted often.
  • What if I don't feel called to fasting?
    Fasting is a spiritual discipline, just like prayer and reading the Bible. It is not something we are called to do, rather we choose to obey Christ and sacrifice some of the pleasures of this life in order to please God. Fasting trains us in self-control and produces fruits of peace and righteousness.
  • Why is fasting so important?
    It reduces our appetite for carnal pleasures and creates a hunger for God's treasures. We are commanded to walk in the Spirit so we won't fulfill the desires of the flesh. Fasting helps us to resist the flesh and walk uprightly before the Lord - to live a life which is pleasing to Him.
  • How do I get started?
    Begin with a one meal fast and go from there. Some of the most powerful fasts can be one or two meals if you enter into it with pure motives and a desire to spend time with the Lord Jesus.
  • What should I do while fasting?
    Spend as much time with Jesus as possible. This is how we become more and more like Him. Read your Bible, worship with song and thanksgiving, be silent and listen. Silent reverence with repentance is powerful!
  • Should I fast if I have dietary restrictions or am on medication?
    You should seek the Lord and consult your physician if you have any concerns. Medical science has known for some time that our bodies purge toxins while we fast. Chapter 58 of Isaiah mentions healing as one of the many benefits of fasting. However, use discretion when doing a food fast and consider an alternate fast if you are medically restricted in any way.
  • I really enjoy eating; do I have to do a food fast or are there other types of fasts?
    The most beneficial fast for your body and spirit is water only. However, God will honor any type of fast if you have a sincere desire for personal revival and holiness. Here are some alternatives to a food fast.
  • Daniel Fast
    fruit, vegetables and water
  • Juice Fast
    fruit and vegetable juices only. If you are hypoglycemic, you might want to use a 50% water mix with the juice, especially if using bottled or canned juices. Fresh juices, however, are best. They may be purchased from a health food store or use a juicer.
  • TV/Entertainment Fast
    God will bless you mightily if you'll shut your TV off for 40 days to seek Him. You should also set aside newspapers, talk radio, video games and movie theaters. Instead, spend time with your family and the Lord. The purpose is to focus on God and avoid distractions.
  • Why do I get headaches when I try to fast?
    Your body is purging toxins which have accumulated from years of a poor diet, prescription drugs and bad habits. Headaches are one of the results of this cleansing process (usually the second day). Prepare your system prior to a fast by eating healthier. Avoid red meat, sugar, caffeine and bread. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables three or four days before going on a fast of more than one day.
  • How will I benefit from fasting?
    The benefits of fasting are many for those who continue faithfully in this discipline. Here are just a few.
  • A significant increase of understanding and revelation from the Word of God
  • Addictions and strongholds are broken--permanent changes take place
  • Recognition of sinful attitudes or conditions of your heart that you haven't noticed before
  • Decrease of self-indulgence and self-righteousness
  • An increase of faith; Fear and doubt diminish because of confidence in God rather than your flesh
  • Supernatural release from bitterness and an ability to forgive others
  • A much greater sensitivity to God's presence
  • The ability to hear God is greatly enhanced
  • You increasingly become more like Jesus with a notable increase of love, humility and wisdom.
  • Will all of my prayers be answered if I fast and pray the right way?
    No, probably not. Fasting does not force God to do something He otherwise wouldn't do. Your circumstances may actually worsen at first. If you're fasting for God to change a particular person, it may not happen. However, there is no wasted time or energy when seeking God through fasting, prayer and worship. He will change YOU! He will soften your heart and give you a healthy perspective of your circumstances and relationships.
  • I don't hear many sermons on fasting. Does the Bible have much to say on the subject?
    Yes! The Old and New Testament alike speak volumes on fasting. Study these references and ask God for the grace to implement fasting into your life.

Water Fasting

Water fasting is a complete contradiction to the high-octane rush of the North American lifestyle. Think of water fasting as a stripping down time, a period of brokenness, humility and profound inner reflection.
Due to a high metabolism, I find fasting on water difficult. Water fasting for me is crawling under the covers in warm flannel pajamas, entering deep into that inner place of prayer with bible beside my bed. The world around becomes obscure and far away. Everything goes in slow motion and the things that yesterday were all too familiar, become strange and unimportant. Values systems make quantum shifts, what was impossibly urgent becomes frivolous. It is a deep dreamy state, an altered consciousness.

Not everyone finds water fasting so. Those who have slower metabolisms find fasting on water a breeze. They can walk for miles, exercise and generally feel energetic. But for all, water fasting is a profound experience. Mystics down through the ages have discussed its spiritual qualities. Jesus fasted 40 day in the desert on water preparing for the confrontation with His arch-enemy Satan. We, like Jesus, need to be prepared for battle. Water fasting is a preparation to face the world with all its entrapments with a brand new perspective. It becomes a point of comparison, for in the state of water fasting, everything is stripped to its bear essentials and the things that really matter come to the forefront, love, our connection with God, our goals and worthy dreams, what we are becoming and who we have become. Material possessions reduce in value when fasting. The inner spirit, relationship with God, and who we are in Christ, rise to view. They become the nourishment to a groaning body.

Humble Yourself
Our position with God is unchangeable, forgiven, perfect and pure because of the work of Christ on the cross. It is our posture that must change. Surrounded with all our false props, we often become a proud independent people, where God becomes an appendage to our lifestyle, until trials hit, demanding us to go deeper. Fasting is a posture of humility, falling prostrate before God in silence. It is a time to remember just how dependent we are on Him. We are weak frail flesh and during water fasting you will taste your frailness. Think of water fasting as a Humility Maintenance Program. Don't be alarmed by the word humility, many of the most powerful people in history were the people of great humility. Moses was considered the meekest man on all the earth but also one of the greatest leaders we have ever seen. Pride and independence are weakness, a cover-up for spiritual famine within. Fasting strips away cover-ups and shows us our deep need for humility.

The Deep Detox
I have been on a thirty-day juice fast where I accomplished more, worked harder and experienced a greater sustaining energy than I did in a non-fasting state. When day 20 hit, it was like fireworks. My co-workers couldn't keep up with my zipping and zinging here and there, joyously whistling as I worked, every cell energized with fresh juices. I did have some detoxification dips, but they were not immobilizing and after an enema and an extra ration of carrot juice, I was fine. Not so with water fasting. For me water is one big long detoxification, the deep detox, where all the toxins in my body become fuel. The body is fully focused on burning up and clearing toxins. Blood is saturated with carcinogens, mucus, trans-fatty acids and other byproducts of the North American diet. We recommend juice fasting to those who have never fasted unless they have a calling by God to water. And this is an important point, God leads people to water fasting in the 21 century and he will sustain you during a called fast. But you can also call yourself to a fast from being sick and tired of your spiritual apathy, pressing in to make serious life changes.

Preparation for Water Fasting

Water fasting demands mental preparation, don't enter into day to by planning a ski trip. If you are fasting for the weekend clear the calendar, the fast will be an event enough. The less pressure and responsibility you have during a water fast the better. Think of it a holiday away form the normal patterns of living. We also recommended the week before your fast, you drink fresh juices and eat mostly raw fruits and vegetables to cleanse the body so that the detoxification during water fasting will be less aggressive.
Water Fasting For Healing

Water fasting cleanses the body aggressively removing toxins rapidly. Water fasting can be more beneficial than juice fasting in combating more persistent forms of cancer, cleansing the tissues more aggressively.

Water Fasting for Weight Loss
If you are juice fasting, a few days on water occasionally will intensify the fast and assist with weight-loss if you have a slow metabolism.