WINTER 2005
|
|
It might be too long to read here, so I
suggest you Print it (only 40 pages): |
|
|
|
|
|
Go To Notices | Go To Prologue | Go To Table of
Content | Uncut Notice
|
This book is "as
is" by using / reading / publishing / producing / distributing this book
you agree to indemnify LIM and Mr. McQuick or anyone affiliated with the
production or distribution, including websites, hosting and any other third
parties, from any liability that might arise from it's use. IF YOU DO NOT
AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT DO NOT USE THIS BOOK or anything from LIM or Mr.
McQuick; which is applicable to all "things" outputted by LIM or
Mr. McQuick and is hereby universally known so. Thank you and God bless you. |
Back to Top
Liberation International Ministries Publishing (LIMP)
Winter 2005
Uncut Edition By
LiberationIM.org
|
Uncut means it has not been
edited from being initial penned by the “author”, raw from off the potter’s
wheel, grammar and spelling was checked though. It is also uncut because often
times when copyediting the editor rewords what he thinks something should
mean, while it might not mean that; especially with something as spiritually
sensitive as biblical revelation. Me using scripture with bad grammar might
come out to a whole different meaning when correcting the grammar by the copy
editor. Though copyediting make the work flawless grammatically and other
such wise, it might detract from the intended meaning and impact given from
the author, who receive it from the Holy Ghost. This might not be the case
for all books, but one such as this where something is delivered from the
Lord (encoder) to the author (decoder) and the meaning is best preserve in
its original state even if they are copyediting errors. Any errors that might
be cited does not detract from essence or reading and what is sent
exegetically is received. The publishing process is bypassed and the work
uncut. Similar to having the real orange fruit as against a canned processed
with saturated alternatives. The oranges can be peeled by you and you get the
juice with all the 'ruffage'; as against it being peeled and manufactured for
you with all the things added and done to it that give it less potency (e.g.
changing tone). Take the time to peel your orange and eat your fruit. Such
are the books published by LIMP, uncut for your spiritual health. Thanks for
reading this. |
Disclaimer: 1. The author has taken care in the preparation of
this document, but the information it contains is not intended as a substitute
for the "expertise" and "judgment" of qualified health-care
professionals. You should consult with your health-care provider about all
health-care issues, so to speak. This book is "mostly" faith based;
however, science, though divorce is still ceded in the created and hence the
creator - faith. A bad disunion I might add and not to be found in M. Baker
either. 2. This book is “Not For Sale” or a sole commercial output, where it
maybe offered for sale is done so you may get a paper back copy if you please,
otherwise it can be freely downloaded and printed or reproduced unaltered. Any
proceeds received are mainly to cover the cost of doing so, to the third party
publishers, promoter, admin. and book designer (cost of production, no
profits); the author (Mr. McQuick) takes/receives no money as an author. 3. Any
copyright materials used were done so under the standard allowable, for
instance, short exerts or extracts were used with credits to the source and not
their entire work; mainly for expository/reference reasons. Moreover, any
copyright infringement would only take effect on commercial outputs, which this
is not. Also, see the Notices.
For Additional Copies
Shipping is separate. ICI caution, evil on the prowl; even by phone.
|
|
|
www.fasting.andmuchmore.com |
|
Size: 7.5 x 9.25
Advantage: Best. Spaced, quality layout and
design, last longer, more durable, higher readability, |
|
Size: 6 x 9
Advantage: Cost the less and a larger perfect binding. For
shipping in US, choose “US Postal Media” |
|
Advantage:
Cafepress also has phone
ordering and a 30-day return policy for dissatisfied customers. |
"When we fast, how long we fast, the
nature of the fast and the
spiritual objectives we have before us,
are all God's choice, to
which the obedient disciple gladly
responds."
Prologue
This book
is for spiritual development and is vital to know while on our Christian
Journey; it is for all, both beginners and those grounded in Christ. I want you
to have this book - "Fasting and Prayer." Reason being, it is an ancient
landmark that is quickly fading away in all the newness of today's church.
However, as alluded to by Christ, it is of vital importance (Matt 17:20-21) and
its proper tenets must be known. Indulge yourself in this short outline on one
of the most effective and tenacious weapons given to us by God. Then privilege
yourself to put it in practice regularly; of course, as the Lord leads.
One might say this book is for development in the Truth
Series, then how comes it only focuses on fasting and prayer, even so brief?
The answer is, there are many Christian “How To Books” for development but you
don’t need to be following those things to get the results desired, you only
need to be doing one thing – this. Christ told us this explicitly through the
story of Mary and Martha. After noticing Martha doing all “those” things, he
admonish her and us that you don’t need to start doing all those thing, he
said, “one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part.” In other
words, for Christian development and all things in Christ, one thing is
needful, PRAYER and its intensity with fasting. You can’t spend time with God
and not grow or attain “all” things. Therefore this book bypasses all the flood
of books written to tell Christians how to grow or succeed and go straight to
the thing God told us would only achieve these things. So if you understand
this book and put it in practice, you’ll be stronger, wiser, more learned and
aged than most Christians. “One thing is needful!” Choose that path today!
Oneil McQuick, Author.
(My
Christian name will be changed to Othniel or Yahothniel;
the one not used along with my present
Christian name will be
my middle names, if God be willing.)
Back to Top
Notices
IMPORTANT
NOTICE: All other copies,
work-in-progress, unedited, unpublished versions, etc, prior to this copy is
obsolete and should be treated as such. References can only be given from this
copy, as it is the completion of years of research and study. References can
only be made “when we had finished our course…the will of the Lord be done”
(Acts 21:7-14). This Important notice is encouraged to be on all copies.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: © Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, etc, by
Oneil McQuick; also in accordance with international regulations on
Intellectual Property and Author's Rights. All rights reserved. The author
grants permission to non-commercially and commercially distribute the book if
you feel led to (please use tact and let it not be beyond affordability). You
can do so by hard copies, soft copies, downloads, prints, photocopy prints,
e-books and any format or method you wish, in any language, without my further
permission. The only condition is that it is not altered in anyway, including
the cover, titles and this copyright notice. This is not for profit; the sole
purpose is spreading the truth. You are free to quote as much, copy as much,
extract as much, make shorter booklets from chapters and other innovation in
the way of distribution, only keep it un-altered. There is a free PDF
copy online for you to do so; see threeq.com. Though I spent many hours and
years in study, research, re-reading, re-writing and waiting on the Lord for
revelations, you don’t even have to give me credit, just preach the word; “The
Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalms
68:11). Nevertheless, this Copyright notice should be on all copies at the
front of the book, as to further give others the right to distribute the
truth. Though I release the right to publishing the book and you have the right
to do so, even commercially, “ there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in
knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he
leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil” (Ecc 2:21). So
keep me in your prayers that God may sustain me financially. Nevertheless, I
release the rights because I really want the truth distributed unhindered. That
it might be reckoned, “In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and
the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness...They
also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured
shall learn doctrine” (Isa. 29:18-24).
SERIES NOTICE:
They are twelve books in this Truth Series, because twelve is the number
of government or foundation. They are ten books for various faiths and two books for all. The ten books outline
salvation, which should lead you in becoming saved or strengthened therein. The
other two books are for growth, after receiving and being grounded in
Salvation; one is on demonology, for greater spiritual awareness and the other
outlines your survival kit after receiving salvation. All the books are seven
chapters because seven is the biblical number for completion or perfection. All
except one, “The Voice…” or the version for Christians, of the ten. It has 14
exhaustive chapters (7+7), which represents double perfection, needed for the
most diverse sect of people on earth. The
one for Christians is called “The Voice…;” the ones for the other faiths (9
books) are called “You Believe, Now Receive…;” the one for greater spiritual
awareness is called “Demonology Revealed;” and your survival kit is called
“Fasting and Prayers.” Twelve books in all, undoubtedly the most profound
truthful exegesis on the Bible ever. After reading it, you can’t admit that you
don’t know how and what it means to be save, how to survive and have not gained
all proficiency in all knowledge of spirituality. Let these “book[s]…shall not
depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that
thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein” (Joshua
1:8).
TESTIMONY NOTICE: They are many testimonies to this work of God, “Fasting and
Prayers” and the entire Truth Series, but here is just one:
“I just read your booklet on
fasting - great stuff!!! Thanks.” (Tom Raddatz, preacher and author)
True testimonies of the actual truth being done and
accomplished is a sign that you are sent and doing the will of God; though it
is not to be banked on by you. "He that hath received...[this] testimony
hath set to...[My] seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh
the words of God" (John 3:33-34).
CONTENT
INTRODUCTION Chapter 1
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE OF FASTING Chapter 2
WITH PRAYER AND "THE WORD" Chapter 3
TIMING Chapter 4
SPIRITUAL RESULT OF FASTING Chapter 5
HOW TO BREAK A FAST Chapter 6
RELATED SCRIPTURES Chapter 7
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
“Nothing shall be impossible unto you…
but by prayer and fasting” (Matt 17:20-21)
The following
study is not meant to put fasting in a box, but give needed directives. If one
has a real personal relationship with the Lord, he should lead you in all
truth. It is also not meant to show the writer approved, as I myself went
through and still occasionally fall in the trap of an ’improper fast'.
The
World Publishing Bible Dictionary describes fasting as, "going without
food, especially as a religious duty. A fast might be undertaken by an
individual to ask the favor of God, to ward off evil, to chasten one's pride,
or to discipline oneself at a time of crisis." It is almost impossible for
someone to be "saved," or become a "born again bible believing
Christian" and do not fast and pray often. It is all too important that
saints develop a consistent life of fasting, coupled with prayer and studying
the word of God. Without a doubt, lack of its consistency can be spiritually
hazardous.
The
acronym below is a general outline of the whole essence of a fast.
F flat before God in Spirit
A adoring him totally (worship)
S serving him with prayer and the
"word"
T timing is key
I indignation is pardon
N need is met
G glory received!
But let us go in more details.
First of all, fasting is ministering to God. It is adoring him, loving him,
praising him and blessing him with worship. A fast is not accepted unless this
is done (Zech 7:5, Acts 13:2, St. Luke 2:3, and Isaiah 58:3). You should not
join a church fasting session if your main reason sounds like this, "Well
I wanted to lose some weight so I'll join in;" or anything similar to
that. Fasting is a type of worship to God. And if so, you must totally
reverence him and him alone. Your results and motives shouldn't be so up front
that it stifles worshiping him.
All
thoughts and imaginations must be in subjection to the Holy Spirit. Also, your
motives must be correct and "set." The T.V, computer and radio must
be turned off, not just your pot. In other words, you must "zero in"
on God totally.
Fasting involves subduing and conquering the flesh. No wonder it is disturbing
to one's flesh. It is meant to subdue the flesh's proud spirit and suppress
lustful desires. David said, "I humbled my soul with fasting" (Ps
35:13).
Then the frequent question "pops up," can one be fasting while on the
job or at school? Strictly speaking, no! But seeing that God is a God of
compassion, he will honor some.
Why?
He sees your sincere heart when you lock yourself in the bathroom to pray and
read his "word" on every recess that is given. God is a discerner of
the heart and sees your efforts. But strictly speaking, a fast is a SACRIFICE
and therefore, going to work or school or any other event while fasting is not
really a sacrifice (especially when you got a day off or “holiday” last week
and went to the beach). Take the day off from work or school to fast, instead
of worldly pleasure. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the
desires of your heart (Ps 37:4). Moreover, Leviticus 23 thoroughly outlines how
someone is not to fast and work, which is typified in the feasts and Sabbaths.
At one point it went as far as to say, “And whatsoever soul it be that doeth
any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people”
(Lev 23:30).
Isaiah
58:3 also states, "Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not?
Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?" In
this particular passage, a group of religious people was asking how is it that
we have fasted and are about to starve to death yet God you won’t hear us? Then
God continued, through Isaiah, "Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure and exact all your labor” (Isa 58:3).
The
phrase "find
pleasure" in today's society shows us that while they were fasting at the
same time they were also watching T.V, listening to the radio, surfing the
Internet, chatting with some friends, grooming themselves, writing love
letters, doing all manner of things that would detract from the solemnness of
the fast. Then the phrase "exact all your labor" meant they were exploiting their
employees or laborers, which meant they were consciously practicing evil deeds
while fasting. At first I deemed that phrase they were working on the fasting,
but upon giving a small draft to an Elder to look over, he corrected me on the
above meaning. However, it could be used to also refer to that and backed by
Lev 23:30.
Now,
what did God say through Isaiah concerning fasting while being pre-occupied
- that is, finding pleasure, working,
wrong motive and knowingly sinning? "Is it such a fast that I have
choosen" (Isa 58:5)? Therefore, rhetorically and sarcastically giving it a
big NO. He obviously despised such a fast and does not delight in them either.
Verse 5 continue to say, "A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to
bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord?"
Meaning,
they were literally being sanctimonious in sackcloth and ashes with wrong
motives; plus neglecting things like feeding the hungry, housing the poor and
clothing them. Why not do these things first or even fast about it, rather than
scoff at them then come to me in fasting? That was God’s cry. And why not be
discreet in sacrifices too?
In fact, all we have to do is totally surrender our body, mind and soul to God,
without anybody knowing; and periodically find our little corner or ’prayer
closet'; though if you can, shutting away would be good. Matthew 6:17-18
clarifies this, "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head: And wash
thy face, that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy father which is
in secret shall reward
thee openly." We don't have to shut away ourselves with sackcloth and ashes
anymore, but go about “necessary” routines without
a trace. Plus, you can’t live an ungodly life daily (avoidance of love, mercy,
helps, etc) and then come to God fasting every weekend. For that’s what the
people in Isaiah 58:5 did, avoided love, mercy and helps then came to God
fasting, which he despised. You should do good and also fast that the needy
among you might have spiritual and physical necessities. Love, mercy and
righteousness should not be avoided from your life then put on a fasting show
(Isa 58:5).
In
another sense, with Isaiah 58:5, the essence is not that you wont have outward
signs of fasting, but that to be seen you highlight these signs to come across
as spiritual or for recognition. And if you fast for self-recognition then your
fast is nullified. Because this is the New Testament fast that God will accept,
“thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret”
(Matt 6:18). As against the persons in Isaiah 58 who made sure everybody knew
that they were fasting by their attire, decorum and disposition. The people in
Isaiah 58 are a good example to us on what not to do while fasting, which will
most often result in a “rejected” fast. However, the best example of a rejected
offering was first herald by the actions of Cain, as in Cain and Abel. Cain
gave the best of his might, everything was done right and the outline was
followed. But the bible clearly tell us why his offering was rejected, “If thou
doest well, shalt thou not be accepted” (Gen 4:7). If he did well in the actual
offering and procedures it means he didn’t do well in other areas. In other
words, like the people in Isaiah 58 he had wrong motives, lived a bad life
while offering and other God detest things. This is similar to the people of
Isaiah 58 who did everything a fast required – no food, no drink, crying, sackcloth,
ashes, praying, etc – but fail to attain the objective of the fast because all
things must be balanced. Basically, God is not so upfront with the fine
details, what he wants and is saying to you is, “Rend your heart and not your
garments” (Joel 2:13). Or, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a
broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise"
(Psalms 51:17). He prefers your heart be in it first, rather than a show of
routine.
So be humble and choose a day from work, school and frivolity and surrender
your body, soul and mind to the Lord in a biblical fast. It will bring the
intended results!
I remember while young, in
my late teens, I did a series of fasts and hadn’t heard from the Lord,
concerning my purpose; unfortunately I wasn’t doing it as stated above. Later I
spoke with an old Deacon in our church, Deacon Johnson, when I told him how I
was successful in doing a couple days of fasting yet with my blight; he quickly
shut me up and told me I’m not doing it right. He said to not drink any water
or eat not even the slightest of food, don’t do anything but focus your mind on
the Lord, study his word and lift him up. He said from you get up that morning
don’t think on nothing else but praying and fasting for this thing, don’t work,
don’t play and you can use the prayer room all day if you like. I was taken
aback because I thought I was doing the fast right but that God choose not to
answer me. Anyway, I did just that and even before I could reach a quite place
to spend the day in prayer, I receive an evangelical postal mail indirectly
tell me I’m a preacher and to preach his word. While in the prayer room it was
emphasized through Acts 1. Then 6:00 on the dot when I finished the fast a lady
whom I had no dealings with came up to me and said she was awakened in the
night by a vision and in the vision the Lord told her to anoint me concerning
the same thing. I was really ecstatic, finally knowing my purpose and even to
know that fasting could really push God to answer you if you do it right; I
really thought I had always done it right.
In that respect, a Jewish author wrote the following biblical proof. This
example of a Jewish holiday brings about some of the key points mentioned
throughout this study, like abstaining from water and work, the duration of a
one day fast which I later found out is 24 hours and much more. He wrote:
On the 10th day of the Seventh Month (Tishrei) is the holiday known as Yom Ha-Kipurim (or Yom Kippur), "The Day of Atonement". This is a day dedicated to fasting and prayer on which we ask YHWH to atone for our sins.
Ye shall afflict your souls
On this holiday the Torah commands us to "afflict our
souls ('INuI NeFeSH)"
as we read:
· And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh
month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls,
and do no work at all, whether
it be one of your own country, or a
stranger that sojourns among you...
It shall be a Sabbath of rest unto
you, and ye shall afflict your souls,
by a statute for ever." (Lev 16, 29.31)
· "Also on the tenth day of this seventh month
there shall be a day of
atonement: it
shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall
afflict your souls, and offer an
offering made by fire unto YHWH...
For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be
afflicted in that same
day, he shall be cut off from among his
people... It shall be unto you
a Sabbath of
rest, and ye shall
afflict your souls: in the ninth day of
the month at even,
from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your
Sabbath."
(Lev 23, 27.29.32)
· "And ye shall have on the tenth day of this
seventh month an holy
convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do
any
work
therein:" (Nu 29,7)
To "afflict
the soul" means to fast
In Biblical Hebrew the expression "to afflict your souls" means
"to fast"
(Tzom).
The Hebrew phrase 'INuI NeFeSH translated as "afflicting the
soul",
also appears in a number of Biblical passages, from which it is clear
that
this expression signifies fasting:
· "...I afflicted (KJV:
"humbled") my soul with fasting; and my prayer
returned into mine own bosom." (Psalms
35, 13)
· "...I
wept, and afflicted (KJV: "chastened") my soul with fasting, that
was to my reproach." (Psalms 69, 11)
· "Wherefore
have we fasted, say they, and you see not? wherefore
have we afflicted our soul, and you take no
notice?..." (Isaiah 58:3)
"Soul"
Means "appetite"
It should be pointed out that one of the meanings of the word
"NeFeSH",
commonly
translated as "soul", is in fact "appetite". For example:
· "And put a knife to your
throat, if you be a man given to appetite
(NeFeSH)." (Proverbs 23, 2-3)
· " For
he satisfies the longing soul (NeFeSH), and fills the hungry soul
(NeFeSH) with goodness." (Psalms 107,
9)
· "The
full soul (NeFeSH) loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul
(NeFeSH) every bitter thing is sweet."
(Proverbs 27, 7)
· "Yea,
they are greedy dogs which can never satisfy their souls
(NeFeSH) (KJV: "have enough")"
(Isaiah 56, 11)
Therefore
the expression "to afflict your NeFeSH" is more accurately
translated
as "to afflict your appetite", hence the meaning "to fast".
[Linguistic
note: NeFeSH has the literal meaning of "throat" as in the verse
"Save
me, O God; for the waters have reached [as high as] my throat
(NeFeSH)"
(Ps 69, 2) and thus by extension came to signify: breath, life,
appetite,
etc.]
What is involved in a fast?
In the Tanach to fast means to refrain from eating or drinking throughout
the
entire period of the fast (Esther 4, 16). In Biblical Times a fast also
included
the following elements:
· Crying
(i.e. intense prayer), see Ps 69, 11; Joel 2, 12
· Donning
sackcloth and putting dust or ashes on the head (a sign or
Mourning), see Daniel 9, 3; Nehemiah 9, 1
[sackcloth is a type of raggedy
cloths do so for humility]
· Prayer and
Repentance, see Esther 9, 31; Nehemiah 1, 14; Isaiah 58
Work is Forbidden
on Yom Kippur
In addition to the above aspects of fasting, work of any form is forbidden on
the
Day of Atonement, as is having a fire burning and cooking food. While
many
holidays are described as a "Shabbaton" (minor-Sabbath), Yom Ha-
Kipurim
is described as a Shabbat-Shabbaton (The Sabbath of minor-
Sabbaths)
and all things forbidden on the Sabbath are also forbidden on
Yom
Ha-Kipurim [as well as a regular fast].
Fasting and
Repentance
In
Joel 2 we are taught that fasting must be accompanied with genuine
repentance:
“Therefore
also now, says YHWH, turn you even to me with all
your
heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13
And
rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto YHWH
your
God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great
kindness,
and repents him of the evil. 14 Who knows if he will return
and
repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering
and a drink offering
unto YHWH your God?" (Joel 2, 12-14)
All the above indented
section came from a student of old Jewry (Karaite-Korner.org); the same faith
that Christianity is built upon. Always remember your foundation, without it
you're building an earthly brick castle on the clouds “Thou shalt not remove
thy neighbours landmark [principles here], which they of Old time have set in
thine inheritance” (Due 19:14).
END NOTES: 1. It is often wondered if a doctor is to be sought before
fasting. Match this notion against the old landmarks. No one consulted a doctor
because it was a God ordain procedure and even beneficial physically. There is
no record of any terminally sick person going on fasting in the bible and if so
they would have been healed by it. However, if you’re on some medication or
treatment, you can consult your doctor; amongst other reasons. Fasting is
actually a faith venture; faith is preferred as you’re consulting the true
doctor, Christ.
2. Isaiah 58 also has added potency and revelation to
the composite of the fallen race which thighs together with Isaiah 59, if read
with that eye, whether straight prophetic or encoded prophetic. Nevertheless,
we can’t ignore the obvious meaning that these people were doing what was
required on the surface (ritual fasting) but denying the essence of it or the
essence of their faith (love). Both the required and essence have to come in
harmony or else either is null and void alone. Much like faith is dead without
works. Out of the essence you do and fulfill the required, then the required
doesn’t become boring ritual, but a show of love – which if achieved expresses
itself in love to others. A similar experience is expressed in Zechariah 7 – 8.
Chapter 2
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE OF
FASTING
“Speak unto all the people of the land,
and to the priests, saying,
When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month,
even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me,
even to me?” (Zec 7:5)
Firstly, you must tell the Lord that you are attempting a fast;
though he knows already. Do not suddenly start fasting. Or worse yet, do not
declare a fast to God because you have no food or for some other indirect
coercive reason. On the contrary, there are times when the Lord will come by
and say, "sanctify a fast." He can also inform the church to go on
fast immediately, through someone (a corporate fast). So be very sensitive to
the move of God. Explain to the Lord the purpose of
your fasting, though he is omniscient, he desires a verbal relationship. The
fast could be for increase faith, trust, and direction in future events of
career, ministry, marriage and others, for greater strength, anointing and
empowerment for ministry or best of all, living.
Secondly,
If you’re a married you have to get consent from your spouse, as this verse
tells us, “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time,
that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again” (1
Cor 7:5). Why did Paul say this? “That Satan tempt you not for your incontinency”
(1 Cor 7:5). Therefore, it is not necessarily a commandment. Nevertheless, at
one point it was; recorded here, “Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict
the soul [fasting], her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it
void. …These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man
and his wife” (Num 30:13-16). But since the strict keeping of the letter of the
Law is taken away with Christ, we are no longer under the curse of it; but the
essence of it is still present and needed today (LOVE), which eventually will
mirror the letter of the Law itself; that’s why Christ came to fulfill it and
not take it away. Because what Paul told us above is almost the same thing to
the Law. But he added why he said it and then said, “But I speak this by
permission, and not of commandment” (1 Cor 7:6). Other things that might be
considered is who will cook while the wife is on fasting, or the husband, if he
is the cook in the family; like my Dad is.
Thirdly, fasting while going through your menstrual cycle
(period) should be avoided, of course this only affects women. When I read the
Old Testament I notice that the same Law or process that applies to sexual
relations in terms of Holy Sacrilege, rituals and others, applied also for women
having their “period.” In other words, the same principle that applies to not
having sex while fasting, “Defraud ye [refrain from sex]…to fasting” (1 Cor
7:5), applies also to not fasting while on your period. For instance, Leviticus
15:16-18 describes how a man and wife are unclean until evening if going to the
temple because they had intercourse and what to do about it. Then Leviticus
15:19-30 showed the same thing, results and same instruction for a woman in her
period. Therefore, I conclude that both the wife or husband has to separate
themselves from each other (sex) to fast and likewise the woman has to separate
a time from her period to also fast. Though, like Paul, I give the latter by
permission – it’s not a commandment.
Fourthly, while fasting one should not drink any liquid (Read
Jonah 3:7). Yes, there are different kinds of fast but we are not doing
different kinds of fast: we are reframing from food and drink for a period (to
seek the face of God) as laid down by the saints of old.
Fasting is a sacrifice and
sacrifices are never easy or else it's not a sacrifice; for instance, drinking
excessive amounts of water to inflate your belly during a fast is not
necessarily a sacrifice. Try not to be too comfortable. Remember what was said
earlier, "fasting involves subduing and conquering the flesh ... No wonder
it is disturbing to one's flesh. It's meant to subdue the flesh's proud spirit
and suppress lustful desires."
Now, when undertaking a long fast, it would be wise to properly hydrate your
body, prior (before) to the fast - eight glasses per day is recommended; And
eat lots of fruits and vegetables. As it pertains to drinking water during this
lengthy fast, this scripture comes into play "as your faith is be it unto
you." Nevertheless, a true spiritual fast involves abstinence from water.
Today we make so many excuses to try and conform to modern days. You can’t
water down doctrine and not water down the effects. If a queen, the most
sumptuous and fairest of women, could have gone on three days and night without
food or drink, how much more us. Esther, the Jewish Queen said, “Go, gather
together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither
eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast
likewise” (Est 4:16). If Moses stricken in age could have done two 40 days
fasts back to back (Due 9:18) without food or water how much more us young folk
under 60 years old. In other words, Moses fasted 80 days without food or water,
he said, “I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty
nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water” (Due 9:18). Notice
what he said, “I did neither eat bread, nor drink water.” This was the standard
set for fasting from old until now; remember, “Remove not the ancient landmark,
which thy fathers have set” (Pr 22:28).
On the fifth point, anybody who fast regularly would know that a
negative spin-off of fasting is "bad breath." So if you are
particular about self-image (and one should be), then proper dental hygiene
should be practiced. Avoid eating mints, as that is a form of food. Preferably
travel with a small bottle of mouthwash. Eating sweets is eating food. Notice
in 1 Samuel 14:24-29, that after a fast was declared, no one would dear to even
touch the honey (sweets). Because sweets, even in it's lowest capacity is
considered food. In 1 Samuel 14:24-29, Johnathon had only dipped his staff in
the honey and tasted it and he was deemed as breaking the fast; of which he was
going to be put to death, but the people rescued him.
Six, have
a bath, wash your face and be normal. Nobody, by looking, should know that you
are fasting. Ask the Lord to keep you throughout the fast. Ask him for
sustenance from dizziness, headaches, fatigue and belly-aches, especially if you
are a novice. These are natural occurrences but usually when I pray for them to
go away, they do and upon regular fasting they become non-existent.
If your mind is on the Lord, you shouldn't have a problem, "Set
your affections on things above."
Seven and last point it, worshiping
God throughout the fast is vital. One cannot fast without worshiping God. Not
just a word of praise in the morning and song before bed. I mean locked in your
bathroom and lift holy hands and out of the bowls of your belly magnify God;
not necessarily for only what he has done for you but for who he is. Then there
are times you can be worshiping him in your mind 'aloud', while doing
something. The point is, consistent worship must be done. A fast is not
accepted unless this is done (Zech 7:5, Acts 13:2, St. Luke 2:3, and Isaiah
58:3).
I remember at school (BCC), while fasting, I felt dizzy like I was about to
pass out. All I did that day was to get up, pray about the fast, abstain from
food and drink and went about my business. That evening, when the dizziness
came on and I felt like I was going to pass out, I said to the Lord,
"Please allow me to break this fast, I can't manage." I wasn't
driving that day so I was about to ask someone for a lift to the nearest fast
food restaurant (of all places). Then the Lord said to me, "don't go,
worship." I hesitated and thought, "I'm the one feeling like I'm
going to drop down." However, I began to sing a chorus, then it broke out
into tongues and all of a sudden I felt revived and strengthened; to the point
that I reached in my bag and started passing out tracks.
This one thing I learnt, a fast is a spiritual endeavor, therefore spiritual
things must be used to sustain it: worship, prayer and the “word”. This last
point brings us to the next chapter; and that is, fasting must be coupled with
prayer and studying God's word.
Chapter 3
COUPLED WITH PRAYER AND THE “WORD”
“Ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove …and it shall remove…
but by prayer and fasting” (Matt 17:20-21)
It is also imperative that
one pray and study God's word while fasting. You might not have a successful
fast unless you study and meditate upon the word of God and pray, pray, and
more praying! Sleeping through an entire fast is not accepted either. Fasting
is not just going without food; if that was the case, we would be the best of
saints, because we don't eat while we're sleeping and therefore fasting. On the
other hand, fasting is ministering to God and receiving his reflection, as
outlined in the acronyms below.
P - Praises and supplication W - Weapon used
to smite the heart
R - Resources are emptied
A - Adapt to his will O - Offers pathway to reconciliation
Y - Yokes are broken
E - Energy perfected R -
Reproves the world of sin
R - Renewal of body, spirit and soul
D - Directs you back to God
The above acronyms are similar in outcome at the end. That is, the last letters
R and D both bring us back to God. The first half of both words causes a state
of brokenness. A prayer of confession at the initial stage of fasting leads to
humility in the presence of God. You have acknowledged that your efforts have
failed and that only God can sustain you. Reading the "word" can rip
your conscience and show your sins plainly. Both usher you to develop a
"broken and contrite heart." And of course, this the Lord will not
refuse (psalms 51:17). Prayer and the word combined will carry you through a
process of reconciliation to God. One feels much closer than before, like God
is physically beside you hearing your prayers; “And if we know that he hear us,
whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him”
(1 John 5:15).
When you are about to read the word, pray first and ask God to open your
understanding to the scripture. Ask for wisdom and not only knowledge,
illumination as well as revelation. Then secretly read the word of God and
allow the Holy Spirit to teach you. The bible did say, "Study to show
thyself approved unto God." In other words, for one to be approved unto
God for service, one must know God's word through studying it with him. You
should be able to talk (pray) to the Lord on the level of his word, as the
saints of old did. And may I also add that the word did say, "study to
show thyself approved unto God," and not merely unto men for a
show.
On the note of prayer, Matt. 6:5-7 shows us how we must pray and it states,
"when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love
to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they
maybe seen of men.... But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and
when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy father which is in secret: and thy
Father which is in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not
vain repetitions as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for
their much speaking."
Need I say more on prayer?
The above scripture is self-explanatory and should be followed for a successful
prayer life.
Verse 9-13 of the said Matt. 6 then gives us an excellent example of a prayer.
Note an example ("after this manner"). Notice how this prayer begins
with worship, as ours should. That is, "our father... hallowed (holy) be
thy name." The prayer progress in such a fashion that the person praying,
prays according to the will of God and not "amiss" (James 4:3). The
person praying concludes with his own will broken and the desire is that God's
will be done. Take note at what preceded that, confession. Bookmark this prayer
in your memory and as the occasion arises, pray likewise. Here is a little more
on prayer with fasting:
“Fasting
is designed to make prayer mount up as on eagles' wings. It is intended to
usher the suppliant into the audience chamber of the King and to extend to him the
golden scepter. It may be expected to drive back the oppressing powers of
darkness and loosen their hold on the prayer objective. It is calculated to
give an edge to a man's intercessions and power to his petitions. Heaven is
ready to bend its ear to listen when someone prays with fasting.
How often we have made earnest prayer to God for some specific need, with the
assurance that this was in the will of God, and yet there has been no answer
from heaven. Why? It could well be, and often is, that God is saying to us,
"When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you" (Jer.
29:13-14). When a man is willing to set aside the legitimate appetites of the
body to concentrate on the work of praying, he is demonstrating that he means
business, that he is seeking with all his heart, and will not let God go unless
He answers.
This thought of fasting being an expression of whole-heartedness is clear from
Joel's call to the nation: "Yet even now," says the Lord,
"return to me with all your heart, with fasting..." (Joel 2:12).
“Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to conform the resolution that we are
ready to sacrifice anything [even water], to sacrifice ourselves to attain what
we seek for the kingdom of “God” (Andrew Murray).
Without
a doubt this is an important aspect of the fasting prayer. Of course we must
not think of fasting as a hunger strike designed to force God's hand and get
our own way! Prayer, however, is much more complex than simply asking a loving
father to supply his child's need. Prayer is warfare. Prayer is wrestling.
There are opposing forces. There are spiritual cross currents. When we plead
our case in the court of heaven, when we cry to the judge of all the earth, 'Vindicate me against my adversary' (Luke
18:3), that adversary is also represented in court (Job 1:6, 2:1, Zech 3:1).
It is not enough that the Judge is willing; there is the opposition that must
first be overcome.
The man who prays with fasting is giving heaven notice that he is truly in
earnest; that he will not let God go without the blessing; that he does not
intend to take 'no' for an answer. He or she is using a means that God has
chosen to make his voice to be heard on high.”
-Arthur Wallis (God’s Chosen Fast) [picked up
at the Family Thrift Sore]
A very good example of
prayer is the King of Judah, he prayed about 10 seconds and made a request in
one verse and 165,000 men against Israel died in one night by one angel. One
prayer, one man, one angel, one night and a battle was won without a drawn
sword by Israel. This couldn’t have happened by any man praying, but only by a
man like Hezekiah. His prayer was answered because “he clave to the LORD” (2
Kings 13:6); which unequivocally meant he lived a life of fasting and prayer.
So much so that he was said to cleave so close to God “that after him was none
like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him” (2 Kings
18:5). He did so probably like David, who we know fasted extremely often.
That’s living a fasting life, some do it one or two times a week or as the
spirit leads. It is after a lifestyle like this can a single prayer do so much.
Many people highlight the prayer of men like Hezekiah and think that was just
it and thus I can pray one prayer to move Mt Everest. Not necessarily so,
especially after living a loose Christian life. The same thing happened with
the popularity of the Jabez prayer. Many just thought wow, I can just pray this
and all is well. However, look at the verse again, “Jabez was more honorable
that his brethren…And Jabez called unto God” (I Chron 4:9-10). For it to be
recorded in the bible that you were honorable meant that God honors you and not
man. To receive honor from God meant that you were like Hezekiah who clave to
the Lord. In fact, the entire chapter was listing names in a genealogy and it
stopped at Jabez and said he was honorable. He was singled out in a list of
names and expounded on because there was something different about him; not his
answered prayer, but his lifestyle. He lived a lifestyle of cleaving to God and
the things of God, which unequivocally meant he fasted and prayed often. This
is what characterize honorable men of God then and should be so now as well.
This, like Hezekiah, is the reason his one prayer was answered. I haven’t read
the Jabez books but I hope this is what was emphases in it, rather than someone
saying a quick prayer and receiving untold favor. Though that should be
mentioned as well, to prompt you to live that honorable life characterize by
fasting and prayer.
Notice also how knowledge
works with prayer. The Kings before Hezekiah would have surrender, offered
money or probably died in battle. But because of his consecrated relationship
with God, he knew what to do. If you have knowledge of a situation in your life
or another, tell it to God specifically, like Hezekiah. Don’t act like you
don’t know about it or don’t know about God. With Hezekiah it was a earthly
matter clearly seen so he could speak it back to God or “with the
understanding,” as Paul puts it. However, we are facing a totally different
ball game and fight spiritual things we can’t even explain; that is one reason
for tongues, the spirit helps us to pray things we don’t understand. When a man
understands these things, he can pray it directly for himself or for all and it
is answered. Just like Hezekiah, one man that had an understanding specifically
and saved a nation. Moses and others were like that. However, their
understanding is of things completely different from now, things they would be
appalled at, things invisible that satan and his regime have come up with.
That’s one of the reasons for the book “Demonology Revealed,” to uncover
certain things to the aged; that you may know exactly what to pray for or more
specifically, intercede for. With this Knowledge, like Hezekiah, you can save
millions with a single prayer; of course, living a life of fasting and prayer.
So with fasting and prayer "add to your faith…knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5).
In concluding, prayer and
reading the word of God is indispensable to a dynamic, anointed, result
producing and successful fast. It is also very important to listen to the voice
of God in whatever way he speaks. Whether through dreams, visions, “angels”,
scriptures, miracles, preachers, a song dropped in your soul, direct word from
God and many more ways (don't limit God). However, anything you perceive God to
be *speaking to you must not be contradictory to his rightly divided word, or
else it's not God.
END
NOTES: 1. * This asterisk denotes that many false spirits have deceived
many who are called ‘Christians’. This can be attributed to a Lack of knowing
his word. This deception is so serious that many among the Body of Christ have
operated under the influence of these spirits without realizing it. It's often
called mediumism and it's eternally deadly. Go to this link to learn more
http://www.threeq.com/audio/occult.mp3
Back to Top
Chapter 4
TIMING
“all the people, went sat there before the LORD,
and fasted that day until even” (Judges 20:26)
The original principle
duration of a one-day fast is from sunrise to sunrise the following day (that's
where the term "breakfast" or "break-fast" comes from in
the morning) or from sunset to sunset (as commanded by God in Lev 32:31 - “from
even unto even”). That is, from 6:00 a.m to 6:00 a.m or from 6:00 p.m to 6:00
p.m the following day; resulting in 24 hours of fasting. But in today's
Christendom a one-day fast is from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm the same day. Personally,
after finding out the true time system I suggest it is used. I don't like
moving the Old Landmarks (Due 19:14; Prov 23:10). Moreover, 24 hours is not too
much to give to God; especially with these shorten days (Matt 24:22).
Many have also created their own time system, for instance, 6:00 am to 12:00
noon (known as a half-day fast, though it’s quarter of the day). Generally this
is accepted, given the world's system today. But should we make the World's
system governs our spiritual affairs? Are we not children of God, possessing
power through prayer to change the universe? Do you think that after a year in
Christendom, six hours of fasting is a well-deserved and sacrificial fast?
Think, most people don't eat until 12:00 anyway (western culture), so by doing
this do you think that a sacrifice was made? This is the normal tendency for
new converts who are just learning to fast; advice by their peers or even
‘superiors’. I did it also and thought it a great deal to go without food and
water for six hours. But the Lord seeing that I was a child both in the faith
and age –being sincere- moved with compassion and worked with them.
Nevertheless, a real one-day Holy Ghost, soul satisfying, landmark, God
answering fast is usually 6:00 am to 6:00 am or 6:00 pm to 6:00 pm. One should
not be satisfied at six hours of fasting after numerous years with the Lord. As
you progress the actual length of time may depend on the level of your
spiritual growth. Although the length of time fasting is not really as
important as the length of time spent with God in prayer! It has to be
balanced.
If you are attempting a lengthy fast, over one or three days, two methods can
be applied; for example, a twenty-one (21) day fast. The first method is to
begin the first day at 6:00 am, eating and drinking nothing until 6:00 am on the
twenty-second (22nd ) day. This is not impossible but only attempt if you
believe God and possess that relationship with him; "as your faith is be
it unto you." We should strive to such levels and not exclude ourselves
with certain patriarchs of God.
The other method involves starting at 6:00 am and breaking each day at 6:00 pm
with a light meal. Therefore resulting in one meal per day; example, a small
bowl of soup or tea with soft crackers. The latter is the most commonly used
method. But for more power, like that of Jesus or Moses, or even the apostle
Paul, then the former is the better option. Personally, I think the Lord has to
pull you to such levels. Set a standard in your life; don't ever be comfortable
with the norm.
I once fasted for 60 days unintentionally.
I started out to fast for about 40 days and it was going well until the 20th
day. It so happened that I had a function to go to. Surprisingly they had my
favorite dish serving and I couldn’t help but to eat. It was a two day meeting
so I did the same thing the next day also. So I started over the 40 days fast
the following day, plus two added days for my stupidity. The most I’ve gone
straight without food or drink entirely is four days ending that forty days
fast. I did a few 40 days fast since then, graced by the Lord. Nevertheless, I
was under the age of 23, single and pulled to do so. But anyone meaning
business for God should strive to push the limits within the confines of the
set time principles of fasting.
Chapter 5
THE
SPIRITUAL RESULTS OF A FAST
“This kind goeth not out but by prayer
and fasting” (Matt 17:21)
Verse 6 of Isaiah 58
typified the spiritual results of fasting, "To loose the bands of
wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and
that ye break every yoke." Fasting will produce the power and faith that
cuts asunder all wickedness, dismantles heavy burden, break every form of
bondage and free all who are oppressed. That is more than enough reason to fast.
Because the righteous are afflicted all day long. They are bearers of many
burdens; and the enemy tries to oppress us and bring us in yokes of bondage
daily. I know that a believer has a specific number of demons specifically
assigned to them. So it is obvious why fasting is needed, as lack of it can be
disastrous. In other words, if you are oppressed, broke, tormented, having
marital problems, uncertain about future, need direction, having simultaneous
problematic situations, need personal sanctity or any deterrent in your faith,
fasting can solve it. Whatever the difficulty, fleshly or spiritual, fasting
can and will solve it; if done right.
Secondly, if a person depends on prayer alone without fasting, for flesh
control, this way will of necessity absorb very much of one's prayer time.
Prayer with fasting can attain far more immediate and direct results.
"Fasting gives us a much better grip on our fleshly, carnal nature; thus
enabling us to bring it into subjection unto Christ. This means that the more
we fast the more control we will have over our carnal desires. Some folks
struggle greatly with the sexual instinct. They could greatly reduce the
intensity of the conflict if they would engage in some ‘bona-fide’
fasting."
Another benefit of fasting is for ministering or ministry. Let me add that no
minister or ministry of any caliber can be effective without prayer and
fasting. Fasting is what generates new life and fresh anointing in your
ministry. Fasting strengthens your ministry and takes it to levels
unimaginable. God said in Matt. 17:20-21, "If ye have faith as a grain of
mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;
and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this
kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." In other words, the power
needed to say to the mountain remove and to do the impossible, comes by faith
through fasting and prayer. When preachers say to you, “speak to your
mountain,” it’s not going to move except you fast and pray; that’s the fatal
part they don’t tell you.
Fasting in terms of ministry brings about a resounding connection with God and
faith that one ceases from ministering for God and minister with him. So that
your very shadow passing by the sick heals such a person. In fact, without this
faith, certain demons cannot be cast out, as stated above. If a church needs to
propel to the next level in God, prayer and fasting are vital factors.
Fasting brings such belief and anointing! Do you believe it! Ah! Just thinking
about it and writing it makes me want to fast more. Think of what the church
could accomplish through fasting. Saints "buckle up," get consecrated
and anointed through fasting so we may gather the end time harvest and eat of
the fat of the land.
It is obvious how important fasting is in a believer's life, especially for
living and ministering: And guess what, once you're born-again, you're
automatically a minister.
So start a serious fasting
life today, Amen!
Fasting has many physical benefits as well, like keen perception, enhanced
memory, body system filtration, weight loss, ‘cleanse toxins,’ boost immune
system, clear skin, brightness of eyes, sense of physical well being, pure
breathing and many others. Usually for these types of specific results certain
types of fasting will be done; like a fruit fast, water fast or any of these
‘new fasts.’ These fasts are good and have physical benefits, but don’t present
that to God for spiritual results. For spiritual results, a fast should be
undertaken as outlined in this study – without food or water and with much
prayer, worship and study. This discourse is limited to the spiritual
values; which usually secures the natural, in the long and sometimes short run
(1 Tim 4:8).
End Note: 1. I’ll try to be brief in this for
it is too much to explain and hard to be understood, and rely on several other
articles I’ve written. I mentioned something of intelligent nature created by
devils called an obeast or called that by the blues; in the article, “Real
Weapons of Mass Destruction.” I really don’t want to get into this in this book
and even somewhat too “weird” for the “Demonology Revealed” book that house
that sort of content in the Truth Series; and really reserved to be dealt with
in its sequel, “Demonology Concealed: Strange New World,” in the Truth Series
Expanded. It involves somewhat another initial microscopic creature. Well, lets
get over the babbling, without touching on how it relates to Christ, History,
Origins, etc., here is a quick synopsis of how it relates to fasting:
Surprisingly, I didn't think Job had encoded prophecy. But
Job 20 speaks in a personal encoded prophetic sense of the prophecy of the end
of the "Horse Men" [Long Story For This Term] - obeast. It also
reveals some stunning physiology of the body, probably unknown to the medical
world, but some tenets need to be confirmed thereby to prove it to be true to
them.
Easton Bible Dictionary states, "GALL: (1) Heb mererah,
meaning "bitterness" (Job 16:13); i.e., the bile secreted in the
liver. This word is also used of the poison of asps (Job 20:14), and of the
vitals, the seat of life (25). (2.) Heb rosh. In De 32:33; Job 20:16 it denotes
the poison of serpents. In Ho 10:4 the Hebrew word is rendered
"hemlock." The original probably denotes some bitter, poisonous
plant, most probably the poppy, which grows up quickly, and is therefore
coupled with wormwood (De 29:18; Jer 9:15; La 3:19). Comp. Jer 8:14; 23:15,
"water of gall," Gesenius, "poppy juice;" others,
"water of hemlock," "bitter water. (3.) Gr. chole (Mt 27:34),
the LXX. Translation of the Hebrew rosh in Ps 69:21, which foretells our Lord's
sufferings. The drink offered to our Lord was vinegar (made of light wine
rendered acid, the common drink of Roman soldiers) "mingled with gall,"
or, according to Mark (Mr 15:23), "mingled with myrrh;" both
expressions meaning the same thing, namely, that the vinegar was made bitter by
the infusion of wormwood or some other bitter substance, usually given,
according to a merciful custom, as an anodyne to those who were crucified, to
render them insensible to pain. Our Lord, knowing this, refuses to drink it. He
would take nothing to cloud his faculties or blunt the pain of dying. He
chooses to suffer every element of woe in the bitter cup of agony given him by
the Father (John 18:11)."
It's hard to explain from Job, because it seems like a
touch-basis speaking to me but it is encoded prophetic because certain words
were used. First in Isaiah 31 under personal encoded prophetic, it called the
horsemen "He" because of it's intelligence, "he also is
wise." In Job it begin to speak of their demise, especially now that you
know they are more than a medical sickness, plague or disease you kill with a
pill; but have human bodies, possible higher intelligence, likely to rebel and
could number in the millions...
"Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he
hide it under his tongue; Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it
still within his mouth: Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of
asps within him" (Job 20:12-14).
I had first rendered it that it enters through the mouth via
food, ignoring other parts of the body (though mainly). Can hide in the mouth
(oral tract) then goes down and the yeast effect takes place. But immediately as
I read it to write that, it came clearer to me. That is, if one gets the
medicine of bitter waters, refuse to drink it, even hide it under his tongue,
possibly by a evil spirit influence, the obeast still can be killed in that
stage of intake. That is, he refuse to take the medicine or the obeast hides
and gets in the body via food "Yet his meat in his bowels is turned."
His Dodo is irregular, with the dead obeast egg or infant. How comes this
happen without the medicine of bitter waters? The next clause explains it.
"It is the gall of asps within him." That is, within your body, is a
secretion of bitterness that filters out obeast eggs or them in their infancy
or possible wholeness. The book of Job tells us of the gall of asps and Easton
Bible Dictionary said it is "the bile secreted in the liver" [or
possible gall]. But how does that work? Wouldn't we always be protected from
it? In a way, yes, if we keep God's commandments; namely, the Sabbath day rest.
In other words, it is secreted when we are fasting and praying, doing our
sabbatical rest. Notice Job 16:13, "he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth
not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground." His gall was released
and poured out when he hadn't eaten and was loosing weight rapidly. This
secretion probably somehow enters the entire body through the blood stream,
much like alcohol enters the blood when drunken - blood alcohol level - they
say. That's how much fasting and prayer or keeping the Sabbath is important. No
wonder this verse states this of fasting, "The blueness of a wound
cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly" (Pro
20:30). That is, the blueness redness you see on your hands when you get a cut
is the built-in mechanism that fights the infections on it. Likewise fasting
(stripes) does the same thing to the inward parts, automatically; in this case,
secrete the gall of asps. So the children of Israel could be protected against
the obeast if they kept the Sabbath, for if they picked up any in the week, by
the end of the week it would be dead by this secretion on the Sabbatical rest
and fasting.
Now knowing this secret of the secretion from the liver (or
even possible ball gladder) the modern day doctors would conjure a pill to
automatically arose the liver to do this artificially and by-pass God's design
again; rather than rest and fast one day a week. Also, with artificiality come
problems, even unknown ones. For many pills on the market have several and
combined side effects. This mechanism of sabbatical rest is like "The
Period" women have, when they pass out eggs with blood once a month.
Hence, as Job 20:15-16 said, "God shall cast them out of his belly. He
shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's [OWN] tongue shall slay him."
To solidify this Gall theory of the liver secretion and that
Job 20 has encoded prophecy on it, verse 25 says, "It is drawn, and cometh
out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors are
upon him [horseman]." That is, because of this built in system by God, a
human infected and if the obeast gets a body for himself (the person who it
belonged to being dead), the body shall be a snare to be in if the gall is
activated in them by some ingenuity of the blues, saints or hopefuls – or just
following God’s way. It is like a sword within us to fight this plague upon
God’s application. The secretion in the gall is what kills it and without any
medicine, it is activated every week if you fast. "All darkness shall be
hid in his secret places [GALL]: a fire not blown [BURNING IT UP] shall consume
him [OBEAST]; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle
[BODY]" (Job 20:26). In other words, this darkness or secret in the
flesh they possessed, shall be like a fire, it shall consume them, the head one
in the body and possible others in the that body (tabernacle); much like with a
spirit possessions, many spirits can posses a body but one is the head spirit.
How shall someone find a way to activate this bomb in them for the heathens who
don't fast if the earth doesn’t even know of these obeasts? Simply, it shall be
revealed, "The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise
up against him" (Job 20:27). Even through this and the article
"Real Weapons of Mass Destruction."
Another thing too, many doctors don't know the purpose why
an organ or two maybe in the body and then conclude we don't need it. Like, we
can live on one kidney, the second is not needed. Everything was placed in the
body by the designer for a reason; nothing was just arbitrarily there. So everything
in the body is needed, from both your twin organs, to tonsils, to all organs
created by God. Removal of some of these things could be a plot. Even Gall
stone removal and the cutting there into. Even possibly, what was the liver in
the Bible is what we call the gall bladder today or vice versa, we don't know.
Science decided to divorce religion and went her way and though seems
advancing, is really going nowhere and has done much harm while attempting
good. The best solution is God's solution, fast once or twice a week - in
essence, keep the Sabbath, though not mandated for salvation today.
There is a lot more on this, especially it's relation to
Christ [a wonderful savior we have], in the follow up article, "Real
Weapons of Mass Destruction Explained."
2. A ridiculous argument surmounted is that much
fasting in Christendom can make you sick. This is a plot to dissuade readers
from fasting and smear my credence of a life of fasting. Even if such an
erroneous notion is posed by “wasters,” Paul fasted often with great results
but he was also in sickness often yes, but by virtue of demons attacking the
light. Did his fasting caused the sickness, no, that’s ludicrous. It actually
caused him to live that long and work in a situation where the enemy was constantly
throwing sicknesses upon him to stop him; though he was unstoppable. This might
also be a ploy, for instance, to say that fasting causes ulcers or cancers.
What this shows, if that latter is truly alleged, is that someone, a fallen
angel, dive into the above knowledge in note 1 (could be confounded by it too)
and bring the opposite as scientific truth. Then an entire arm of science with
real world applications are built on this deliberate wrong notion to stop
people from fasting so they can be infected with an obeast and hence prolong
their secret civilization of “horsemen.” Another ability of the fallen ones
(diving) we have to contend with.
3. Oh, also, to secrete the gall of asp is not just
fasting and prayer for 24 hours, but being still, as in not going out of your
house on that day or in there doing any house work, paper work, leisure, etc.
Not even necessarily going to church; so it is best to do it on a day when
church or no other event is not is not session. Many verses allude to this, for
instance, "hallow the Sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering
in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day" (Jer 17:27). Or in this
chapter where encoding on the obeast is, "the LORD hath given you the
Sabbath...abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on
the seventh day" (Ex 16:29). Fortunately the Sabbath was made for man and
not man for the Sabbath, so you can do so privately, on whatever day is the
seventh for you. Devotion and Judaic religiosity became private and fulfilled
in grace, so when Matthew 6 alludes to you to rise and wash your face and let
no one see that you are fasting, it didn't mean going out and doing other stuff
while fasting. It meant that if someone somehow sees you on that day, normally
by coming over uninvited, then by your appearance they shouldn't know that you
are fasting. It becomes a secret and somewhat individual when the theocracy of
Judaism was ended and we opt to choose democracy, or, every man for himself.
But the secret to the gall of asp release is abstain from food and drink for 24
hours while at home being still, which can be occupied with praying, reading,
meditating, reflecting and to a lesser extent sleeping. I don't know if this
works for everybody, but for clearing thereafter, it would be good to break the
fast with a hot large mug of coffee brewed yourself, then pour on the original
tea bags (Lipton is good), wait, mix with sugar (optional) and drink - add no
milk, black. You should pass some waste thereafter; coffee and tea bag are
considered natural. Of course, you now know the fight is complex and has reach
legislature and the medical field and things implemented by those who can see
from the underground society is being fought and even have success, with expert
backings that can easily be fabricated; that is, things meant to combat the
plague now deemed unhealthy, like fasting, coffee (or probably things with
caffeine), soda, etc, probably even smoking - far fetched, that's why its from
the underground society to things of this nature that cannot be humanly
understood. For instance, a baby wouldn't understand why his mother feeds him
this nutriment, but it is good for him, that's the reason she gave it to him,
because he doesn't know or cannot understand. To this day and age, no human
knows of the creature directly and it's impact, but God allow some to implement
things to combat the plague of this nature; namely blues or just principalities
watching over their domains. For the latter it would be a good thing, for the
plague is more than a disease but can easily take over the country and over
night all the citizens are horsemen control by 'one or two' fallen ones from
another domain, most often satan, but also some ancient Egyptian fallen one,
where it was created. Nonetheless, the best solution is fasting, but most
nations are not Judeo-Christian theocratic and can mandate weekly fasting, plus
some infection move from the egg/infant, so I guess other none fasting
solutions was probable; but be careful of side-effects, yet knowing the danger
of the certain silent death by this plague, any solution with side-effects
would be welcomed by the sick person if they know of and they don’t (I myself
sometimes doubt), so those that do would take that initiative. Anyway, too
complex to mention in this book and the price we pay for straying from God. You
can get a good synopsis of it in the Bible and Technology Magazine volume 4
found at - www.threeq.com/pages/magazines.html,
www.mcquickenterprise.com/othersites.html,
www.lulu.com/godshop, www.cafépress.com/shopgod, http://apostolics.web1000.com, http://apostolic.95m.com, http://groups.msn.com/accommunity/btmagazine.msnw
Chapter 6
HOW
TO BREAK A FAST
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights,
he was afterward an hungred” (Matt 4:2)
First, of course, one must
usher up praises, thanksgiving and worship to God for sustenance and his grace.
Not only for your break through but also for his tender mercies; for your prior
venture could have been disastrous spiritually or even fatal physically.
Remember, “when your car runs out of gas, it stops. When your body runs out of
gas, it has to keep going. If you don’t have enough energy or nutrients or fuel
coming in, your body still has to get by somehow. How it gets by,
unfortunately, is that it starts eating away at itself – meaning not just body
fat stores, but also muscle. Bodies, even at rest, do a lot of work. Internal
organs are always moving” (Cynthia Sass, Good News S. Florida, picked up April
2003). So the mere fact you survived is enough to give God thanks. But more so
because we know that “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”(Heb
11:6).
Break with some form of liquid, preferably warm. Avoid heavy meals and fry
foods. Eat lightly, especially if you're going to begin the next day; more than
likely with some soup or any other liquid or semi-liquid meal. Stop at the
first sign of being full. During the fast your belly was contracted, damage can
be done if re-stretched too quickly. “Eating large meals directs blood to the
stomach to help digestation. This makes you feel sluggish because there’s less
oxygen and nutrients going to the rest of the body – lighter, smaller meals
allow blood to flow to rest of the body normally” (Cynthia Sass, Good News S.
Florida, picked up April 2003).
Rest a while before doing any physical activities or labor; let your body
recuperate. And remember dental hygiene. Thank the Lord again and expect your
"thing" from God and walk in it by faith.
In closing, Fasting is for
every saint and no limits should be set on gender, age, physical location,
daily vicissitude and other variables. "As your faith is be it unto
you." I believe if you set your mind to it, no matter what, you will
accomplish it with God's help. I remember watching an N.B.A basketball series
final one year. Hakeem was the 'star' of the Houston Rockets team, so he played
the entire 40 minutes of the game. Guess what? According to the commentators,
he was on fasting; being a devout Muslim. Imagine, a non-Christian can be on
fasting during the most pulsating and energetic sport. Not only that, he was
even fasting during the entire series. Then how is it some Christians find it
hard to fast? Saints, start fasting today!
May the Lord bless you as I hope you were edified. You owe it to yourself and more
so to God, to start fasting today! As I was told at Student Fellowship and
later came to realize, “You fast, last. You pray, you stay. You obey, You’ll be
okay.”
RELATED
SCRIPTURES ON FASTING
“So we fasted and besought our God for this:
and he was entreated of us” (Ezra 8:23)
We have touched on almost
all the major scripture verses on fasting. However, the word fast, fasted,
fasting and fastings occurs elsewhere approximately 63 times. The intension of
this chapter is to explain all these other verses that have not been dealt
with. Making the reader not only knowledgeable in fasting from a biblical
perspective, but also having the assurance that every possible scripture verse
on fasting in the Bible is dealt with and rightly divided. Why? “When people do
not like the plain literal meaning of something in the bible they are tempted
to spiritualize it; and so rob it of its potency. Once the truth becomes
nebulous [clouded or dark] it ceases to have any practical implication. They
have blunted its edge; it can no longer cut. In the main this is what
professing church, and evangelicals in particular, have tended to do with the
biblical teaching on fasting.”
OLD TESTAMENT
Judges 20:26
It reads, “Then all the children of Israel, and
all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat
there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings
before the LORD.”
What had happen here was
that the children of Israel had just lost a battle they thought they would have
won, having heard from the Lord. But upon attacking Benjamin they were utterly
beaten. In distraught, astonishment, confusion and desperation they didn’t
bother to eat anything but rather go back directly to God – for the why’s, how
come’s and what to do next. Appetite wasn’t an issue, desperation to hear from
God was and he answered. Then they probably eat sometime in the evening. In
other words, this is not a pattern of fasting but a spontaneous loss of
appetite because of the Loss, which pushed them to seek the Lord again with
offerings. It is like saying somebody is so worried they didn’t eat until their
worries were over. To fast literally means to abstain from food and drink, so
the word can be used any time this occurs – like sleeping, working,
‘leisuring’, etc. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing a proper godly fast to the
Lord. Here the children of Israel loss appetite having just been humiliated in
battle and consequently out of desperation sat before the Lord and even wept
because of their defeat. This is not necessarily a pattern for fasting – “until
even.”
1 Samuel 7:6
It
reads, “And they gathered together
to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted
on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged
the children of Israel in Mizpeh.”
Here the children of Israel
repented to the Lord because of their sins. Notice what was used, fasting. Why
they poured the water on the ground is not clear; could be a drink offering,
but we know it’s not for consumption and probably to demonstrate that. This led
to the destruction of the Philistines who attacked them while they were fasting
(1 Sam 7:10); another great testimony of fasting.
1 Samuel 31:13 and 1 Chronicles 10:12
It reads, “And they took their bones, and buried
them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.”
It reads, “They arose, all the valiant men, and
took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to
Jabesh, and fasted seven days.”
Here the men that had buried
the bones of Saul fasted seven days. The reason for the fast is not clear, but
it could be for mourning, reverence, cleansing, astonishment, or all of the
above. While mourning for the loss of lives, they were sometimes fastings;
likewise when handling the dead there is a period of separation. What we know
is that upon burying Saul they went without food or drink for seven days or
fasted seven days.
Note: I Samuel 31:13 and 1 Chronicles 10:12 are the same
account of the same event.
2 Samuel 12:16, 21- 23
It reads, “David therefore besought God for the
child; and David fasted, and went in,
and lay all night upon the earth…Then said his servants unto him, What thing is
this that thou hast done? Thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the
child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, while the child was
yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I
said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he
shall not return to me.”
Here King David had slept with
the wife of a chief soldier of his, Uriah. Having found out that she was
pregnant, he had Uriah killed. God knowing the deed sent a prophet to David for
this evil action. The prophet prophesied a coming judgment to David for this
deed. Amongst that was the death of the child that Uriah’s wife bore. So in
verse 16 he wept and fasted for the child when it became sick, remembering the
Lord’s judgment to kill it. In this case, God being sovereign hearken not to
David and the child died. When the child died his servant dialogued with him in
verses 21-23 about fasting for the child again in its death; or as seen in the
previous verse, it was customary and honorary to fast upon the death of a loved
one (mourn). But he refused, cleansed himself and had sex with Bathsheba for
another child, which was Solomon. Here we see God not hearkening to the voice
of fasting and prayer for reasons not clear, could be for the child’s sake, not
to have him born in shame.
1 Kings 21:9, 12
It
reads, “And she wrote in the letters,
saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people…They
proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.”
Unlike most of the fasts
mentioned earlier, this was a set up by that wicked Queen Jezebel, to slay a
man called Naboth to take his land; for Ahab. In verse 9 she wrote the letter
for them to set up a fake fast to get Naboth to attend, because he was a godly
man. Then in verse 12 they had the false fast where Naboth was slain. In
Acts 23:14, there was another case where men fasted to do evil. It
reads, “They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound
ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain
Paul.” Of course this didn’t work and Paul escaped with you and I being
blessed by his ministry even to this day. But Naboth died, but that wasn’t the
end of it.
1 Kings 21:27
It
reads, “And it came to pass, when
Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his
flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.”
After Jezebel had Naboth
killed for Ahab, God sent Elijah to meet Ahab by Naboth’s vineyard. Elijah then
prophesied evil against him and his whoring wife Jezebel, because they both
were extremely wicked in Israel (1 Kings 21:25-26). However, Jezebel was the
one that stirred Ahab to do this evil. When Ahab heard the prophecy of evil
against him, he humbled himself and fasted. Even when someone is wicked, God
still recognizes him or her when they fast and pray. How do we know this with
Ahab? Because God said this to Elijah when Ahab fasted, “Seest thou how Ahab
humbleth himself before me? Because he humbleth himself before me, I will not
bring the evil upon his days: but in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon
his house” (1 Kings 21:29). You see how fasting and prayer is effective!
2 Chronicles 20:3
It
reads, “And Jehoshaphat feared, and
set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all
Judah.”
Here the enemies of Israel
came upon them and out of fear in what to do, Jehoshapat did the right thing by
proclaiming a fast and/or going on a fast. It resulted that their enemies were
utterly destroyed and they didn’t even lift a sword. Another great testimony of
seeking the Lord through fasting and prayer. Notice that many preachers give
this testimony and other experiences of God doing the impossible, but fail to
tell you that the people fasted and prayed before this mountain moving event.
Ezra 8:21-23
It
reads, “Then I proclaimed a fast
there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God,
to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our
substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and
horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way; because we had spoken unto
the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him;
but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted
and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.”
Here Ezra did a most honorable
thing. He fasted and sought the Lord rather that seek secular help. To “afflict
ourselves,” as previously discussed, meant they abstained from water and food,
plus went in sackcloth and ashes seeking direction from God. This is what it
means to fast, that’s why he said in verse 23, “we fasted.”
Nehemiah 1:4
It reads, “And it came to pass, when I heard
these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of
heaven.”
Here Nehemiah went on
fasting for Israel and notice how he prayed, mourned and fasted for several
days – “certain days.” In other words, he went without food and water plus
prayed and reverenced God for several days. Good illustration of fasting.
Nehemiah 9:1
It
reads, “Now in the twenty and fourth
day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting,
and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.”
Here the children of Israel
were fasting and keeping the consecrations of Old. Verse 3 showed some of the
principles outlined in fasting, “And they stood up in their place, and read in
the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and
another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.” Notice
how they sectioned the day in Bible reading, worshipping, praying and other
reverences. Making every moment occupied with reverence to God, rather than
past much time in sleep or folly. Another great illustration of fasting.
Ester
4:3
It
reads, “And in every province,
whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great
mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many
lay in sackcloth and ashes.”
Because the Jew’s enemy,
Haman, had finally gotten permission to execute the Jews, many went on fasting;
which was accompanied with great mourning, weeping, wailing and of course,
sackcloth and ashes. This fast continued for an additional three days when
Ester said in verse 16 of chapter 4, “fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink
three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise.” You also
should fast likewise.
Ester 9:31
It
reads, “To confirm these days of
Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the
queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their
seed, the matters of fastings and their cry.”
Here the Jews “took upon
them…that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation”
(Esther 9:27-28). What days should be remembered? That is, “the matters of fastings
and their cry.” The matter in which Haman tried to execute them but they cried
unto the Lord with fasting and prayer (Esther 4) and Haman and his comrades
were executed instead. The Jews received a great deliverance. This is “the
matters of fastings and their cry” which they called the days of Purim after
the name of Pur (Esther 9:26). It was to be celebrated by the Jews for years to
come, similar to keeping the Passover.
Psalms 35:13
It
reads, “But as for me, when they
were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting;
and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”
Here David lamented that
those whom he showed favor to or had done them good has turn around and did him
evil. In this verse he gave an example
of the good he did for them, which was prayer and fasting – “when they were
sick…I humbled my soul with fasting.” What love! This is the fast God wants
rather than fasting of strives (Isa 58). This also shows that you can fast for
others and not just yourself. But do so unselfishly, not expecting anything in
return, even without them knowing; because like here, the devil can stir them
to do you evil and you can feel hurt or even upset with God. You do not want
anything from them, nor should you expect anything, you are doing it because
the spirit of the Lord stirs you to do it, with love. “Bear ye one another's
burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2).
Psalms
69:10
It
reads, “When I wept, and chastened
my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.”
Here David was again in
separation in prayer without food or drink seeking the face of the Lord. But he
became a proverb or byword to the people (Ps 69:11). Reason being, “the zeal of
the Lord had eaten him up.” In other words, he was striving to live godly -
fasting often, praying always and meditating on the scriptures. But this
doesn’t go well with all people, especially if they think you shouldn’t be
doing it. As a result, they will do things to exclude you and talk behind your
back. This will most often occur if you live how God intends you to live.
Because ”all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2
Tim 3:12). Nevertheless, be encouraged and continue to fast often and pray
always, because God is a “rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb
11:6).
Psalms
109:24
It
reads, “My knees are weak through fasting;
and my flesh faileth of fatness.”
In other words, because he
had gone without food or water for a period, his physical body became weak. His
strength was abated. Of course this is normal and an obvious effect of fasting,
but we should rather pray and ask God’s strength to go on; which he will give.
Jeremiah 14:12
It
reads, “When they fast, I
will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I
will not accept them: but I will consume them by thy sword, and by the famine,
and by the pestilence.”
Here Israel was in ruins and
the Lord was wroth with them because of their sins and evils. Jeremiah had started
to pray for them but God admonished him not to do so, then told him that even
if they fasted to him he wouldn’t hear them. Reason being, they had sinned and
fasted, sinned and fasted and so on with the same thing over and over again;
and God delivered them all the time. He is now saying, enough is enough I will
not answer your prayers but bring my destruction to teach you a lesson. In this
lesson, hopefully they will learn. That’s why God said to Jeremiah, “pray not
for this people for their good” (Jer 14:11). This is a special case with
fasting, because the Lord knew if they fasted they weren’t going to turn to him
fully. However, this lesson, brought on by Babylon, will teach them to fear to
the Lord.
Jeremiah
36:6
It
reads, “Therefore go thou, and read
in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in
the ears of the people in the LORD’s house upon the fasting day: and
also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their
cities.”
Here God instructed Jeremiah
to have the words of a book to be read on a day of fasting; which usually
occurs on a Jewish Holy Day. Reason being, on those fasting days all the people
were gathered. This also showed that fasting is not only meant to be personal
but also corporate – “church fast”.
Jeremiah 36:9
It
reads, “And it came to pass in the
fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month,
that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in
Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto
Jerusalem.”
This was the fasting day or
Holy Day that Jeremiah choose to have the book read, as commanded by the Lord
in verse 6. Again, this was appropriate because on these general fasting days,
all the people were gathered.
Daniel 6:18
It reads, “Then the king went to his palace, and
passed the night fasting: neither were
instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.”
This is another scenario
where the word fasting was used merely to mean no consumption of food and
possibly drink, rather than fasting and prayer to the Lord. Here King Darius, a
heathen King, loved Daniel greatly but was confined to have him put in the
Lion’s den. However, he greatly hoped nothing happened to him; he even said,
“Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee” (Dan 6:16). But
he was so worried and concerned that he didn’t eat (fasting), sleep nor
entertain any merriment that evening. Not that he was fasting as we do to the
Lord.
Daniel 9:3
It
reads, “And I set my face unto the
Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and
sackcloth, and ashes.”
Here Daniel sought the Lord
to know the visions and mysteries of the end time. Notice that even though he
went without food or water in prayer for a specific reason, he started out by
making a prayer of confession, “And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my
confession” (Dan 9:4). Which he did for himself and all Israel down to verse
20. He was later stopped by the Angel Gabriel while in fasting, who showed him
great mysteries revealed. Another testimony that fasting, done right, will get
results.
Joel 1:14
It
reads, “Sanctify ye a fast,
call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land
into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD.”
Here the Lord was
admonishing the people through the Prophet Joel to call a general fast; which
would also gather the people in a general assembly and among that would be
crying, mourning, lamenting in sackcloth and ashes. Reason being, God had
purpose to destroy and it was at hand. This destruction was described in
chapter 2. God was admonishing them to turn to him with fasting because even
though he plans to destroy, “who knoweth if he will return and repent, and
leave a blessing behind him” (Joel 2:14)? Thus the reason for calling this
fast. We can see here that fasting is a means whereby we say, “God we are
sorry, here we are, make a mense and help us to turn to you.” It shows you are
serious if sincere and God set it so.
Joel 2:12
It reads, “Therefore also now, saith the LORD,
turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”
Here the Lord is calling for
the people to turn to him. But notice that he didn’t just say to turn to him,
but rather with fasting and prayer. In other words, God not only is reverenced
with fasting, but also wants us to do it.
Joel 2:15
It
reads, “Blow the trumpet in Zion,
sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly.”
Because of the Lord’s
calling the people to turn to him with fasting in Joel 1:14 and Joel 2:12,
verse 15 went ahead and commanded the trumpets to be blown, which would gather
all the people (Ex 19:13) and thus able to give
them the instruction to go on fasting and prayer.
Jonah 3:5
It reads, “So the people of Nineveh believed God,
and proclaimed a fast, and put on
sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.”
Of course most are familiar with
Jonah and Nineveh. How he warned the people after God corrected him. Then the
people believed God and went on fasting. Notice that they did it properly, “And
he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of
the King and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste
any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast
be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn
every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands”
(Jonah 3:7-8). They abstained from even tasting any food or drink, prayed
greatly and discontinued from doing sin - repent.
Zechariah 7:5
It
reads, “Speak unto all the people of
the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the
fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me,
even to me?”
Here is another verse
similar to Isa 58:3-6. This showed that one can go on fasting and God choose
not hear, because one did not do it right, had wrong motives or practice evil
deeds while fasting. This showed that they were not fasting with a sincere
repentant heart, but rather out of ritual or custom. That’s why God chasten
them in this scripture by rhetorically asking, “which God did you fast to those
years while being evil, stiff-necked and untrue; Surely not me?” He went
further to admonish us by saying we should, “execute true judgment, and shew
mercy and compassions every man to his brother” (Zec 7:9) rather than come
before him with fasting while not doing these. In other words, it has to be
balanced. Fast but also do good. Do good but don’t neglect fasting.
Zechariah 8:19
It
reads, “Thus saith the LORD of
hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth,
and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be
to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the
truth and peace.”
They were set fasting dates,
from even the Laws given to Moses; for certain times of the year. Now the children of Israel had sunken away
from God and even sunken into idolatry. Here God had promised that if they
return to him, even the remnant, then these fastings dates would turn into
feasts. Not that fasting was abolished, but rather than mandate it, he let it
for those who really wanted to. Those who he knew would serve him with a
circumcised heart – sold out. Similar to the law, it is so called “done away
with,” but it must be upheld because “the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall…burneth with
fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev 21:8). He expects us to
keep the ten commandment headings but refuses to now force us to do so by the
letter of the Law. He expects the Israelites to fast but refuse to now force
them. In other words, “do it if you love me, I’m not going to burden you as you
say.” Today as a Christian if you don’t, it can be spiritually hazardous,
though not commanded.
NEW TESTAMENT
Matthew 4:2
It reads, “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he
was afterward an hungred.”
Here Jesus had fasted 40
days and night and naturally he hungered; if not, he wouldn’t be human and thus
couldn’t have been a sacrifice for you and I. Notice the occurrence of 40 days;
this number is used most often in scripture for preparation and that’s why
after this his public ministry started. It was a preparation for things to
come.
Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 2:18-20 and Luke
5:33-35
It reads, “Then came to him the disciples of
John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the
bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will
come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.”
It
reads, “And the disciples of John
and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why
do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast
not? And Jesus said unto them Can the bridechamber fast, while the
bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they
cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken
away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.”
It
reads, “And they said unto him, Why
do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the
disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?”
Here the disciples of John
were enquiring a most pertinent question of Jesus – why aren’t the disciples
fasting often as they do or even as the Pharisees? Christ made it clear that
while he is with them why should they fast, they simply ask him for what they
wanted or “reverence” him there. Why mourn when he is there? This showed two
great points. One, in the resurrection when we are reigning with Christ, they
will be no need to fast anymore. Two, men usually fast to God who they deemed
far away and fasting would draw them near. This then showed that Jesus is God,
because he, the one whom we fast to, was with them – the one and only God from
Due 6:4. Remember, they were orthodox Jews and knew no Trinity, so the God that
Christ was to them is Yahovah (Jehovah) who appeared to their ancestors on Mt.
Sinai.
But now that Jesus had
ascended we are to fast as he himself alluded to, “But the days will come, when
the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” We know
that the disciples fasted (Acts 13:2) after Christ’s ascension and we should
too (Matt 17:20-21).
Note:
Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 2:18-20 and Luke 5:33-35 are the same account.
Matthew 15:32 and Mark 8:3
It
reads, “Then Jesus called his
disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they
continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send
them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
It reads, “And if I send them away fasting to their own houses,
they will faint by the way: for divers from them came from far.”
Here the people weren’t
fasting to the Lord. They were following Jesus where ever he went, to either
receive a miracle or see a miracle. With eagerness of both, appetite would be
side stepped without notice or even care. The mind would have simply adapted
not knowing that the body needs food, as in the case when somebody is worrying.
Christ deciding to finish his public appearance had compassion on them, knowing
that after that eagerness and bliss is gone, the mind would kick back in tune
with the body, recognizes that it hadn’t eaten and become faint going back
home. Moreover, there was no food around for miles away. He then decides to
feed them lest they become faint and stumble in the way because of lack of
food; hence the phrase “send them away fasting” – as in simply haven’t eaten
anything and not necessarily fasting to the Lord.
Note: Matthew 15:32 and Mark 8:3 are the same account.
Mark 9:29
It
reads, “And he said unto them, this
kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
This is the same account of
Matthew 17:20-21, which is exhausted in chapter 5 and on the back cover. We had
realized that this verse of all New Testament account showed the importance of
fasting to us. Unfortunately, Mark did not record as much as Matthew did. Only
the last line of the said account in Matthew 17:20-21 was recorded in Mark.
Luke 2:37
It
reads, “And she was a widow of about
fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God
with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Here we see Anna, a prophetess
who “served God with fastings and prayer night and day.” Which means she fasted
often. Notice that this should be an outstanding Characteristic of anyone who
claims to be a prophet today, yesterday and until Christ returns. Might I add,
this should be the case for all ministers.
Luke 18:11-12
It reads, “I thank thee, that I am not as other
men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes
of all that I possess.”
Here Christ was describing a
Pharisee who exalted the things he did to justify himself. Not that the things
he did was wrong, because we should fast; tithe; avoid adultery; extortion and
other sins. However, as alluded to in Matt 6:17-18, when you fast you should
“appear not unto men to fast.” Obviously, when this Pharisee was praying in the
temple he was doing so aloud, to make sure all heard him magnify what God said
we should do in secret. Nevertheless, notice that fasting is inline with paying
tithes or avoiding adultery. This is how necessary fasting is.
Acts 10:30
It
reads, “And Cornelius said, Four
days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the nineth hour I prayed
in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing….”
Cornelius, a godly man, was
on fasting with prayer. Meaning he abstained from food or drink with much
prayer. He was always a man of prayer because verse 2 of chapter 10 said he
“prayed to God always.” However, on this occasion he was fasting and praying;
and by now we should know that this bring results. Because at the ninth hour an
angel appeared unto him, like how Gabriel came to Daniel. Notice what the angel
said when someone set aside food and drink to seek God, “thy prayer is heard”
(Acts 10:31). Another point to note was that Cornelius was a gentile and
unsaved, yet he fasted. In other words, being saved is not the criteria for
fasting, but all can fast, pray and seek the Lord. That is why many altar
workers admonish persons seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with evidence
of speaking in another tongue, to fast. Of course this gets results because
Cornelius himself sought the Lord with fasting and later on in chapter 10 he
was baptized with the Holy Ghost, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy
Ghost fell on all them which heard the word…For they heard them speak with
tongues” (Acts 10:44-46).
Acts 13:2-3
It
reads, “As they ministered to the
Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for
the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and
prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
Here is a good example of
the results of fasting. Notice also that they ministered to God through
fastings. Then while in this ministration, the Lord spake boldly to ordain certain
apostles for a certain work. So they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul
while in fasting, to send them yonder to preach the Gospel. It is obvious that
fasting and prayer was the lifestyle of the early church and thus much teaching
was not needed on it, because even the non-Christians fasted (Acts 10). Today
we shouldn’t let this lifestyle slip and contend for the faith of the early
believers, thus much teaching is needed in this area today. If the salvation
doctrine (Acts 2:38) didn’t die out or shouldn’t, so should fasting with prayer
continue until Jesus comes.
Acts 14:23
It
reads, “And when they had ordained
them elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended
them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
Here is a great example of
using fasting and prayer in everyday things. Many people just ordain elders and
leaders at will or just allow church to flow without fasting and prayer. But
here we note Paul and Barnabas having started several churches, ordained and
set the principles thereof with fasting and prayer. Though many say the New
Testament didn’t give much teaching on fasting and thus the importance of it is
not great, here we see a great example. The reason why much is not said on
fasting is because it was a way of life, you were expected to fast once or
twice a week and even non-Christians fasted, as seen with Cornelius (Acts 10).
Therefore, fasting was a common knowledge handed down from the ancestors; and
as Jesus even said that when he’s gone (ascension) we his disciples “shall
fast” (Matt 9:15), as all disciples do.
Acts 27:33 and Acts 27:9
It
reads, “And while the day was coming
on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day
that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.”
It
reads, “Now when much time was
spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul…”
Here we see the word fasting
used to simply mean not eating rather than a spiritual task to ask the favor of
God. But even Paul confirm this when he said, “having taken nothing.” Meaning,
he said they were fasting, loosely using the word, because they hadn’t eaten
anything because of the terrifying ship journey. The same thing began from
verse 9, when the journey took a ruff turn and they lost appetite. He
identified that sailing was now dangerous “because the fast was now already
pass.” They skip meals in terror. Between meals we fast, very loosely using the
word to mean not eating, so when he said the fast had pass he means at the time
for them to eat they didn’t; whether evening or morning. This is where the term
breakfast probably came from for morning meals. They didn’t eat between meals
so each meal broke a fast (loosely using the word). This was not a reference to
a Jewish Holy Day of fasting. Both verses simply showed that the word, probably
by the translators, was also used to just speak of going without food for
whatever reason; intentionally or unintentionally. But fasting to the Lord is a
different case completely, already discussed.
2 Corinthians 6:5 and 2 Corinthians 11:27
It
reads, “In stripes, in
imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings.”
It reads, “In weariness and
painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings
often, in cold and nakedness.”
Since Paul used this word
fasting to mean a type of coerced abstinence from food in a difficult time
fasting in both verses then has two meanings. He could have said he suffered
hunger for the sake of the gospel or voluntarily went on fasting to seek the
Lord (Acts 14:23) often. Both happened in the life of Paul for the furtherance
of the gospel and doctrine. Moreover, we would expect him to fast often being
an apostle and prophet. Note: Both verses allude to the same thing.
Conclusion
This chapter along with the
rest of the book has cited every verse in the bible were fasting is used,
making it clear to anyone seeking the knowledge of this ancient landmark
satisfied in its full understanding.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; For the
perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ”
~ Eph 4:11-12
Oneil McQuick
has responded in a most positive way to the challenge of youthful strength by
choosing to channel his energy into the very rewarding exercise of the study of
the word of God. This undying love for the Word of God has allowed him to be
the author of several books (Truth Series, Truth Series Expanded, Truth Series
Evolution) including: “The Voice,” “Demonology Revealed,” “Fasting and
Prayers,” “You Believe, Now Receive,” “What is his name,” “Student Manifesto,”
“Sexuality Series” and others.
He will also
confess that his studies, however intense, have not afforded him the privilege
to expound on the word of God, but like Jesus, it was simply given! In other
words, it is the spirit of the Lord upon him that has graced him to write these
books, booklets, newsletters, tracks, pamphlets, magazines, web pages and
articles; as he confesses, "Nothing more, nothing less! Grace!"
His Christian
walk began in Kingston when he received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal
savior under the ministry of Bishop S.U. Thomas. His subsequent migration to
Florida facilitated his tremendous spiritual development and has laid the
foundation for him to equip himself for the tremendous task which he has set
himself to maximize whatever means necessary to touch and change peoples’
lives. He has served in several areas of ministry including men, youth and
outreach; with certifications in lay counseling. He is the founder of
Liberation International Ministries and a licensed minister.
More Details on Oneil at: www.McQuickEnterprise.com
www.mcquickdesigns.com
Elder G.
Johnson, M.B.A
(Bank Manager, Bible Teacher, Head Admin
Personnel for the Emmanuel Apostolic Churches)
For Additional Copies
Shipping is separate. ICI caution, evil on the prowl; even by phone.
|
|
|
www.fasting.andmuchmore.com |
|
Size: 7.5 x 9.25
Advantage: Best. Spaced, quality layout and
design, last longer, more durable, higher readability, |
|
Size: 6 x 9
Advantage: Cost the less and a larger perfect binding. For
shipping in US, choose “US Postal Media” |
|
Advantage:
Cafepress also has
phone ordering and a 30-day return policy for dissatisfied customers. |
