Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

"Then the disciples of John came to him saying, 'Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?' And Jesus said to them, 'Can the friends of the Bridegroom mourn as long as the Bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then, they will fast.'" Matthew 9:14, 15

It is in this gospel quotation that we see and understand that Christ Himself establishes the connection between His impending departure from the world and the discipline of fasting with a new meaning.

Fasting, in this regard, is a basic practice of the believing Christian to remind him that Jesus Christ will one day return in glory.

This does not have anything to do with the reasons many today use the discipline of fasting. For in our day, we see individuals fasting as a political tool or other type of protest, a way of losing extra pounds, or even as a desire to die.

Christian fasting is blessed by God Himself for it is the message of the believer to God that he desires the eternal blessings that are to come rather than the finite blessings of this life. Its benefits include increased spiritual strength, true obedience to God, and total patience with one's fellow man.

The benefits of fasting or abstinence are enormous. It assists the believer to take control of his lower appetites that involve the physical senses. The believer becomes mentally alert and sensitive to what is happening all around him. Moreover, his understanding of life is also expanded.

Fasting to an Orthodox Christian is what physical and mental exercise are to a professional athlete who aspires to win the big title and the trophy. Fasting of mind and body to the Christian, based on the obedience of prayer, renews the health of the soul, which in most people is parched and possibly dying.

The achievements experienced by the believer include spiritual grace and an inner peace and joy that no one can take away. It is this blessed state that allows one not only to focus on, but to continually be mindful of the heavenly blessings that Christ promises to His people.

Christian fasting is the most effective weapon one can have next to prayer. The two together in the name of Jesus can do wonders. One day, His disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal a boy by expelling a demon from within him. They asked, "Why could we not cast it out?" The Lord's reply was, "This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Matthew 17:19, 21

We are all of us awating in anticipation the glorious return of our Lord. Christian fasting, then, makes us more watchful and vigilant to the expectations which God has established for His people.

With Love,
John

Dear Yannis,:hibye:

Just wanted to take a moment to interject a few thoughts. I'm not well developed with it, but its nagging at me, so I'll start into it.

I have found very little success with my personal will power with fasting a "formal" fast. I envy your ability.

I have another way that many of us have experienced "fasting" and its not the formal kind. Its the weeping, and crying, and usually not eating much that some people experience in deep depression. Some of us are so broken in the heart and mind that we can't function and rely heavily on God to lift our spirit and make us well.

I would like to gather some scriptures for you and why I feel this way.

Nice chatting with you, Debbie

I also see the link between mourning and fasting in that scripture John - it was my first thought. I Googled "mourning fasting" and was surprised by the number of links - mostly to books on the subject though. I will look up some scriptures too and we'll see what we come up with OK? I'm "one-scripture shy" from wt experience, lol.

:peace:

Greetings dear brothers and sisters, may the joy and peace of our Lord and Savior the Christ Jesus be with you always:

I had been one to fast many times in my youth, the lesson "I" gained from it, though may not be scriptural, is that it helps with self control, and it leads one to contemplate a higher authority. When we fast, it is a form of self deprivation, and with the "right motive" it can be a sacrifice and keep you focused on our Lord and Savior's sacrifice, until he arrives for his next visit. Humans have the terrible tendency of self indulgence, and what ever we can do to circumvent that and focus on our Lord will no doubt help us in our quest for unity with our Savior. But of course it all goes back to "motive", which really means where is our heart on this subject?

Warm Christian love to all, brother Fred

Daniel is a good "mourning fast" example.


Daniel 10:2-3 (Darby Translation)

2In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks:

3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three full weeks were fulfilled.

The fact that Danial had a angelic encounter after his fasting; tends to show "fast" as a way to reach a "heightened spiritual application. I don't necessarily see it that way.

I see the love that God has for Daniel. If you pass to verse 12:



Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.


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From the very first day!
What words of encouragement!
But what was the action that brought about the interaction with one of God's holy spirits (anybody want to argue whether angels are holy spirits?LOL) ?
Daniel SET his mind to gain understanding and humble himself before God. Daniel was mourning and reaching in humblest friendship and desire to gain UNDERSTANDING.
UNDERSTANDING that isn't given to everybody, but yet, could be.
Why God picks up those that are the most brokenhearted is amazing!
I just love Daniel! He worked for his government and had a pagan name, things that make you go hmmm!!! Its such a hoot to realize that manmade "ideals" of what is acceptable and a violation of holiness.
There's a special heart condition between those who "believe" with "child like humility" and our Creator and His son.
Does anyone also realize that the angel wanted to get to Daniel from the FIRST day. Therefore, the mourning period wasn't a necessary sacrifice in order to receive the divine favor. He was already LOVED and CHOSEN!:heartbeat::heartbeat:

How about King David on the run?

Psalms chapter 69-Sounds like "clinical depression" for spiritual comfort if you ask me. David was BEGGING for mercy and God to "uplift" him. Was he "instantly" reprieved or did he run a long course in the wilderness?

1 Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.

2 I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.

3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.

4 Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.

5 You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.

6 Lord, the LORD Almighty,
may those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me.

7 For I endure scorn for your sake,
and shame covers my face.

8 I am a foreigner to my own family,
a stranger to my own mother's children;

9 for zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

10 When I weep and fast,
I must endure scorn;

11 when I put on sackcloth,
people make sport of me.

12 Those who sit at the gate mock me,
and I am the song of the drunkards.

13 But I pray to you, LORD,
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.

14 Rescue me from the mire,
do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
from the deep waters.

15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
or the depths swallow me up
or the pit close its mouth over me.

I only posted the beginning to show how our deepest depressions and putting on sackcloths (part of fasting); can go hand in hand.

With Sisterly Love, Debbie

Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

it would seem easier to evangelize if we weren't secretive, but these verses, and if you read earlier verses in chapter 6 about prayer and giving to the needy, Jesus says do it without people watching, like go into your closet, etc. it seems strange that when Jesus says to fast, the verse says do it secretly. what are your thoughts on that?