Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
Hello all. Here is the story of how my morning went. I was in the kitchen fixing breakfast. I had my oatmeal warm and I had just put a slice of butter in it, and I was just about to begin on my toast. Then I remembered a dream that I just had. And in that dream I remember that I was fasting. "Hmm..." I thought. "That was interesting." Then, just like that, something urged me to fast. "No... you wouldn't" I said to God, "Not when I get it just to the right temperature!". Then quickly I began to rationalize in my mind that I had made this whole situation up in my head, and that I needed to stop it now! "Maybe tomorrow LORD, maybe tomorrow", I said. But as I looked at the microwave I noticed one of those little "Focus On The Family, Mealtime Moments" notebook packets sitting on top of it. The page that it was turned to was entitled, "Migration and God's Commands" "Oh boy", I thought as I began to read it. It was talking about how animals have instincts and how they follow them to great lengths. You know, how birds and butterflies migrate great distances. It continued on and said that with us the Holy Spirit reminds us of God's words and gives us a desire to obey God's commands. The sentences that jumped out at me read: "What happens if Christians refuse to follow the Holy Spirit? What happens if Christians refuse to read their Bible or obey it? Why do we sometimes not choose God's way, even when we know exactly what we should do?" Yeah, that last one really got to me. Then at the bottom of the page for the category of this topic it read: "FOLLOWING GOD/HOLY SPIRIT/OBEDIENCE." I bet you can guess what I did next. Well it wasn't immediate, but after a few more minutes of explaining to God how I shouldn't waste food, I finally submitted. I put my oatmeal in the fridge, turned the oven off. And went up to my room and began to write this. Well the point of this was that sometimes we should fast, even when we don't feel like it. Not only fast but obey Him with anything that He sends our way. I remember as I was "arguing" with God. I could feel Him saying. "If you won't follow me with something this small (not eating for a few hours) then how do you think you can follow me when a larger test is set before you?" ------------------ |
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d000hg Member Posts: 144 From: Durham, UK Registered: 07-27-2004 |
Fasting always seems to be glossed over in the churches I've been to (even the decidedly charasmatic ones). I know people at church who do it but don't remember ever hearing a sermon on or mentioning it. Maybe this is just because of the sensitivity people have from past eating disorders which seem very common? Not that church discourages it but believes it is more a personal matter? What are others' views - I always thought such a fundamental Biblical practice should get more attention. |
Rhyolite Member Posts: 86 From: UK Registered: 08-04-2004 |
I have found fasting very beneficial at times but must confess to not having fasted for a very long time (can't even remember when the last time was). I think an interesting point of the original post is when God asks us to do something which 'seems' completly pointless in itself - will we still be faithfull? As Brandon originaly posted, can we be faithful in the little things, or perhaps expressed slightly differently, can we just simply be faithful without questioning 'why' or seeing any positive 'results'? Oh, and I would just like to point out, that usualy when I post I am 'preaching' to myself. We can sometimes appear so 'holy', especialy to younger Christians, which can be demoralising to others (the readers). Its one thing 'knowing' something but a completly different matter to 'apply' it!! Rhy Out |
bennythebear Member Posts: 1225 From: kentucky,usa Registered: 12-13-2003 |
very true rhyo, very true. ------------------ |
silicon_chippy Member Posts: 208 From: Scotland Registered: 10-26-2002 |
How did your' fasting go Brandon? and did you find it beneficial in any way? ------------------ |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
It went quite well. I did watch the clock like a hawk though. And as soon as the time had expired I was on the move. I have been fasting at least once per week ever since then. And yes it has been beneficial. One small thing that I've done is read the Bible a whole lot more and have even drawn closer to the LORD during this time. Cause at the time I was actually drifting away from Him and I didn't even know until I began fasting. I'm really glad that I listened and followed Him there. He's been showing me more and more day after day. Another interesting note about fasting is in the Gospels. When Jesus, Peter, James and John had come down from the mountain where Jesus was transfigured, some disciples were trying to cast a demon from a young boy but they couldn't. So Jesus did it. Later they asked Him why they couldn't drive the demon out. Jesus said, "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting". So I thought that was really important there. (Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43) ------------------ "So many laughing at Jesus," |
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silicon_chippy Member Posts: 208 From: Scotland Registered: 10-26-2002 |
well done, I am glad for you that it was worthwhile. As you said in a previous post most churches don't teach it. I have never been taught it, and have never thought I had been asked to do it. In your' experience how long did you have to fast for? ------------------ |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
Thanks, I was really glad that I had the opportunity to be tested by Him ya know. I thought that it was pretty cool cause God actually talked with little ol' me  It's the only time that I ever remember being thirsty, hungry, and excited at the same time. It lasted from the time when I was fixing breakfast through 5pm with no water.------------------ "So many laughing at Jesus," |
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Max Member Posts: 523 From: IA Registered: 09-19-2004 |
I know that this post is old, but it inspired me to try to fast. I am going to try tomorrow. I would love anyone's prayers who will offer them thank you! God Bless, Max ------------------ |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
I haven't fasted in a while myself,... think I'll get back to it as well. It's funny cause I realized that today and then this post comes up again! You've got my prayers Max! ------------------ "So many laughing at Jesus," [This message has been edited by brandon (edited October 01, 2004).] |
ArchAngel Member Posts: 3450 From: SV, CA, USA Registered: 01-29-2002 |
somebody dropped you when you were a kid, didn't they? ------------------ |
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CheeseStorm Member Posts: 521 From: Registered: 11-28-2004 |
I don't know too much about the finer points of this 'fasting'. What's it supposed to accomplish? |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
quote: If you don't understand the Gospel, then I don't think there'd be much point in me telling you what fasting accomplishes. ------------------ |
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CheeseStorm Member Posts: 521 From: Registered: 11-28-2004 |
Will the Pearly Gates remain closed because of that bowl of Cheerios? I can see a soul getting rejected after eating Count Chocula - like come on, vampires are the work of Satan. What does the Gospel say about fasting then, what's the gist of it? |
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ArchAngel Member Posts: 3450 From: SV, CA, USA Registered: 01-29-2002 |
it's not to do with salvation. it's about not being controlled by the body. and besides, there are too many fat people anyways. ------------------ |