day 3.. If your wondering how I am doing and what I am thinking....

Christian Fasting explained - what is it?
What is Christian fasting? Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth. Specifically we humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life by going on a fast.

Christian Fasting - Focus Deeper on God
Christian fasting isn't some kind of a "work" that's commanded by Christ or required by Scripture. However, that doesn't mean that fasting isn't recommended as a part of our spiritual growth. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. However, the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1Corinthinas 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish our flesh, but to focus on God.
Fasting should not be considered a "dieting method" either. We shouldn't fast to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Yes, anyone can fast. Some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example), but everyone can temporarily give up something in order to focus on God. Even unplugging the television for a period of time can be an effective fast.
Yes, it's a good idea for believers to fast from time to time. Fasting is not required in Scripture, but it's highly recommended. The only Biblical reason to fast is to develop a closer walk with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18). 

Christian Fasting - is a Lifestyle of Servant Living
Christian fasting is more than denying ourselves food or something else of the flesh - it's a sacrificial lifestyle before God. In Isaiah 58, we learn what a "true fast" is. It's not just a one-time act of humility and denial before God, it's a lifestyle of servant ministry to others. As Isaiah tells us, fasting encourages humility, loosens the chains of injustice, unties the chords of the yoke, frees the oppressed, feeds the hungry, provides for the poor, and clothes the naked. This concept of fasting isn't a one day thing - it's a lifestyle of servant living for God and others.
"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' (Isaiah 58:8-9)

Morning

* Begin your day in praise and worship.
* Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees.
* Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
* Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.
* Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.

Noon

* Return to prayer and God's Word.
* Take a short prayer walk.
* Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community's and nation's leaders, for the world's unreached millions, for your family or special needs.

Evening

* Get alone for an unhurried time of "seeking His face."
* If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
* Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.

Fast Day Two

Hey all, I made it!
Day two, lol I still have a LONG way to go! The hunger pains were bad for a while then I prayed and drank some broth and I felt MUCH better. I actually have MORE energy today than yesterday. Tomorrow I have another liquid/juice day and then one Tuesday it will be water only. then Wednesday-Friday are juice days. and so on until i am done.

I have been doing good with taking in liquid calories. Enough so that my body does not hurt too bad. But on my water day I am sure it will be intense.

Whether your addiction be sugar, salt or TV, fasting cuts at the spiritual roots of addiction: fear, insignificance, laziness, self-centeredness, guilt, negative thinking, resentment and spiritual emptiness. Fasting, being still, prayer and reading the Bible have the power of a chainsaw on these roots. During your fast, you take an aggressive stance on a battlefield to face all your addictions. Urges come and you say no. They return with greater urgency, and you stay firm in resolve. With each resistance, the power of addiction grows weaker.
I like thinking of myself on the battlefield of life, facing the toughest things in my life and standing firm!

In the Bible we were told to fast and we were given directions on how to do it. I feel honored to get to share the suffering of Christ. Even though it is only in a small fraction of the suffering He went through.

Tonight I am going to take a long bath and dive into His word. I am going to try to get closer to Him the deeper into this thing I go.

Thanks for joining me on this quest and reading along, if you want to leave a comment I would love that! I hope to write every day to chronicle what God has been doing in my life.


XOXOXOXO

Fast day one

12 pm -Hey all I am on my first day of the fast, today is not a water day but a juice and liquid day. This way I prep my body for the harder fast.
Today so far I have had tea, and veggie juice. And now I am having some diluted broth. The main issue I am having is that I am tired, and my home is not the stress free environment needed to truly get into the fasting process. I wish I could just slip away to some other place for ten days to be alone.
But oh well such is.......

THE PRE FAST BLOG!

Hi all,
I am starting a new and exciting challenge! I am about to embark on a ten day fast to clean out my body, break my addictions (to caffeine and nicotine) and to become closer to God. I hope you will join me as I go through this. I would love to have your support and help for the next ten days!

Today I am prepping, mentally and physically. I am cleaning my house top to bottom, doi9ng all the chores and eating all natural foods today. Nothing processed, I will do this through tomorrow and maybe even into Friday we will see how I am feeling. And then probably on Sat I will start with three days of juice and water. I want to start off this way to ease myself into it. I know I have a bunch of crud built up in my body and if I go straight into a water fast I will get uber sick. So on day four it will be a water day, days 5-8 will be juice and 9-10 will be water. This is a good first time fast so i dont over load with toxins too quickly. I am hoping to get some help around the house and with meals during this time. And will look to cook as few as possible,( for my sanity!)

If you have done this before I would love to hear from you and if not you can join in on the "fun" with me. lol I have talked to a few friends who have done this before and they say the first few days are the worst, hence why I am doing it while my husband is home to help out.

Well here goes nothing I will keep you all updated and let you know what is going on with me!