Let’s face it we as americans love to eat. When it comes to going without foods it simply is not fun. However, fasting has great benefits; healthwise, and for our spiritual life. Benefits of fasting are and not limited to:
A) Improving your health
B) Breaking Yokes of Bondage
C) It brings you into God’s Presence
D) Places an anointing on your prayer life
E) It is a must for some deliverences
The scripture states in Matthew 17:21 “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” When the subject of prayer and fasting is being discussed or taught many Christians turn a deaf ear to fasting.
No one wants to give up not even a, or one meal. When it comes to going on a fast those who are not in the habit of doing so could and/or should start with one day a week. For example; from the time you wake in the morning take nothing by mouth until 3:00 p.m. or some can go until 6:00 p.m. Getting in the habit of fasting is an excellent way to increase and strength your walk with God.
Perhaps you have strongholds or yokes in your life that need breaking. Fast! Fast! Fast! Make that sacrifice give up that meal do something even if it is small give up sweets, give up watching TV spend time with God.
Daniel Fast Resource
- THE DANIEL FAST: A Spiritual Diet to Cleanse Your Body
Follow this fast for three weeks, your obedience to this fast will cleanse your body from toxins; making your energy level soar. This diet is not meant for you to loose weight, you should eat like you normally do only eat those foods outlined below. - The Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast – Fresh or Frozen
Many Christians are accustom to the Daniel’s fast. The Daniel’s fast is merely having but fruits, and vegetables, and no meat. Foods permitted on a Daniel’s fast are;
FRUIT
Bananas, Apples, Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Papayas, Pears, Kiwi, Plums, Mangoes, Honeydew Melon, Cherries, Raisins, Grapes. This list is not limited to be above mentioned fruits.
Vegetables, Asparagus, Brussel Spourts, Carrots, Celery, Corn, Kale, Leeks, Mushrooms, Okra, Spinach, Squash, Sweet and White Potatoes, Watercress, and Turnips. This list is not limited to the above mentioned vegetables.
WHOLE GRAIN
Brown rice, Whole Wheat, Mellet, Oats, Barley, Grits, Who wheat past, Rice cakes, Whole wheat tortillas. This list is not limited to the above mentioned whole grains.
Nuts and Seeds
Sunflower seeds, cashews, and peanuts.
Legumes
Dried beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Black Eye Peas, Kidney Beans, Black Beans, and White Beans.
Quality Oils
Olive, Peanut, Sesame, or Canola
Beverages
Spring Water, Distilled, and/or Pure Water
Foods to Avoid
Fried foods, Meats, Such as Pork, Lamb, Turkey, Fish, Chicken, Cheese, Milk, Eggs, Coffee, Tea, no Herbal Teas, Soda, Energy Drink, or Alcohol. No refined foods, processed foods with sugar, fat.
Fasting For Beginners: How To Get Started
Those who have never fasted please by all means consult with your doctor before starting any type of fast. For individuals who are on medications please use wisdom, please do not skip any medications or take any medication on an empty stomach. Fasting is different for every individual not all individuals can jump into fasting.
1) Begin your day with prayer
2) Set a specific schedule for your fast. Meaning how many days you desire to dedicate unto the Lord.
Please do not feel you have to fast a long period of time to be effective especially if you have never fasted before. God knows and understands every situation. For example start with one day from the time you get up until 12 noon, and end with a powerful prayer.
Keep building on your fasting, the next time you fast go to 3:00 p.m., and then go to 6:00 p.m. take little steps. Pay close attention to your body. You want to be wise and remain in good health fasting without understanding of what you are doing is not wise and can harm your body if you do not consult your doctor if you have health issues. Even without health problems it is still a great idea to speak with your doctor to discuss your planning to fast.
Fasting For A Breakthrough
Those who are fasting for a breakthrough in their life or maybe fasting for a breakthrough in a particular area. Whatever the case fasting is an absolute for getting a breakthrough. For experienced fasters, and for fasting for a breakthrough it is the most amazing way to go deeper in God and to break whatever chains are holding you back from getting closer to God. Fasting lines your life up with your purpose, fasting also brings about results as referring to prayer. Matt. 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Fasting lines your life up with heaven. When you pray and fast it brings your life here on earth in divine order with heaven. If you truely desire to walk in the realm of the spirit in a way you have never walked before couple your fasting with prayer.
Prayer is pretty much a lost art, I said this to say fasting is more of a lost art when it comes to the things of God. If you want to see a move of God or your church is in dire straits for a breakthrough prayer and fasting is what brings in the power of God and a great move of God!!