Beatitudes Series Part 8: Learning About Fasting
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We are now continuing with Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus continues to speak about the law and the familiar scriptures that have been known for decades, but Jesus is clarifying His expectations moving forward.
In this next continual passage, we will discover hypocrisy concerning offerings and prayer.
The Beatitude Series Part 8:
Jesus Teaches On Fasting
Key Verses of Discussion
Matthew 6:16-18
Isaiah 55:8-9
In the last devotion, we discussed Forgiveness, and we learned that forgiveness brings unity between God and us, along with whomever we may have conflicts with. Forgiveness is another added tool to our Christian faith that we must regularly exercise so that we may not have any hindrances weighing us down.
While we continue to study the Beatitudes, there’s so much to slow down and unpack as we read along, so this may seem like just a few short verses we are studying at a time, but there’s so much to discover, and studying God’s Word is a journey, not a race.
Grab a fresh hot cup of tea or coffee, grab your Bible and even a notebook, let’s continue to learn on what Jesus teaches us about FASTING!
“…when thou fastes, anoint thine head, and wash thy face.”
Jesus Teaches About Fasting
Matthew 6: 16-18
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Matthew 6:16
Why Would One Need To Fast?
Many reasons! Some reasons may include, but are not limited to, sickness, intercession for a loved one, rebuking evil or demonic spirits, humbly being in God’s presence, purifying oneself to ask forgiveness of sins to be realigned, and refocusing towards God.
I feel that fasting is not talked about much in the Christian society, and it’s an important part of a Christian way of life. If Jesus mentions it, it must be important! So let’s dive in….
The Hypocrites
Just like Jesus warned not to pray as the hypocrites do, we are instructed on the proper way to fast. We have been warned several times not to do as the hypocrites do. It’s easy to repeat what we see, and even if it may be an individual that we admire or may be well known, doesn’t automatically mean they are doing things correctly. You know the telephone game, where the message gets twisted and misunderstood if we continue to go by others’ interpretations of the first message, God’s Message.
We must be cautious not to fall in line with man’s traditions, but to examine the Word of God so we know it for ourselves, and what the truth says.
Jesus gives an example of how the hypocrites would fast, so that we may recognize it when we see it. They always appear sad, and they starve themselves to the point that it disfigures their faces.
The Intent Behind Fasting
Before fasting, one should take into consideration what the fast is for; one thing it’s not for is the approval or attention of men. Fasting is done in an intimate, private manner that is between you and God. Fasting can be done in a group along with other Christians, but each sets their own fasting schedule of what they will give up during that time. Each will pray and fast in accordance with the same desire or intention, perhaps for a loved one.
Fasting Variations And Benefits
There are many ways to fast, and the intention is to cleanse yourself of sin, remove distractions for a time, and focus on God. Fast may look different for individuals; it should be something that you feel you should restrain from that is an automatic go-to in your daily life. The ultimate purpose of fasting is to focus on God by prayer and reading the Bible, to allow God to be first in your life above all other things, activites or even consumptions.
Fasting has health benefits as well; there’s a reason behind these things that God would have us do, and fasting is no exception. I will put those towards the end so that we may continue to focus on our Bible Study.
Jesus Teaches The Proper Way To Fast
Matthew 6: 17-18
“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: and thy Father which is in secret shall reward thee openly.” Mathew 6:17-18
How To Fast
After Jesus warns of how NOT to fast, he instructs on the proper way by… “anoint thine head and wash thy face.”
We are to be cleansed and anoint our head; this is to cleanse our body and mind to focus on God during a time of fasting.
Fast In Secret
We are to set our intentions and purpose of our fast with God; this is not a time to perform for the sake of others. If we fast because it is praised by others, we will not get the adoration that we should get from God. This is a time to set your intentions to God, so that when you spend time that is spent in secret, God will hear your prayers, and He will reward you openly.
Rewards - Blessings
Fasting is a sacrificial action that we take to do without a certain comfort in our daily life so that we may focus on prayer and unite our fellowship with God. Do be careful, though, this is not a true sacrifice for the atonement of sin; Jesus is the only true Sacrificial Lamb that can cleanse us from our sins. When I mention it as a sacrificial action, I’m refrencing it in a lighter manner as to give up something. One is putting action to the fasting process by removing any comforts, pleasures, or even, in some cases, entertainment.
God knows our hearts; He sees our intentions behind our actions, if they are for God’s honor or for the outward man, or to boast oneself up. When we go to God in prayer, He knows our deepest desires. When we spend time with Him in prayer, studying His Word, and fasting, He will openly give us blessings. A blessing that can only be described as God has given.
This should not be our main focus for fasting; set your intentions towards God as your reason to fast. God will answer our prayers if it’s His will for our lives, when it’s the perfect timing.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
My Personal Experience
I have witnessed God answering prayer for me with one of my adult children recently. I was distraught and saw my adult child being trapped in a toxic situation that was draining the life out of him. I was emotional because that’s my kid, right? I talked to him, I would pray occasionally over the situation, I asked God to help me see the situation in His view, so on and so on.
But nothing happened.
Finally, after I had allowed the worry and concern consume me, mentally and emotionally, I realized I was doing it all wrong! This situation called for fasting and prayer. There are just some things in life that this powerful combination will clear us from any sin so that our prayers may not be hindered.
I consulted with my long-time Spiritual Sister in Christ, who offered to fast and pray with me, and we did for a week. During this time, I spent more time in my Bible and in prayer, eliminating any type of entertaining distractions. My heart and mind focused on God, and praying with the faith that I claimed a breakthrough for my adult son, that God, in His timing and His own way, would deliver my son from this stronghold situation he was in.
A short time, I believe just a few weeks, I haven’t said much more to my son about the situation. I got a call from him, and he said he is getting out of that situation. After he did, I talked to him again and asked him how he was now that he was away from it, and he said he didn’t realize the bondage and the cloud of darkness that he was under.
God Answers Prayer!
Praise God that He is still our Heavenly Father who answers prayers today! These are our testimonies that we can share to give a glimpse of hope and faith, and share what God has done for us in our lives. I am nobody special, but I am special just as you are in the eyes of our Heavenly Father! He wants to be there for us and seek Him for His divine interventions.
Fasting Health Benefits
Health Benefits To Fasting
I heard someone once say that sin is unhealthy for us; everything that relates to sin leads to our health being compromised, indulging in too much food, drinking alcohol, and even worry! Yes, worry can be a sin. When one worries, worry leads to one's own thoughts, and we focus on that instead of realizing what God can do for the situation if we just turn to Him.
When we fast, it can have many healing benefits to our physical, mental, and spiritual being! I’m not a fan of science or some medical practices, but I find it interesting that when scientists are studying the body on a molecular levels it can reveal God’s creation and His perfect design for us. Let’s look at a few discovered benefits that fasting can have on our body….
While doing a quick search on a few different websites, I came across some of the information below. I will say a bit of a warning, I would consult your family physician, especially if you already have medical conditions. I am not a doctor or physician; the information that is provided is for knowledge information only and not to be substituted by professional advice. If you are unable to do a food fast, there are other ways, such as giving up certain comforts or daily entertainments that you usually enjoy.
Please consult a physician before conducting a fast.
There are many types of fasting, as I mentioned earlier; some are things that you may do or enjoy that you replace with prayer and spending time in the Bible. Others, however, may include removing sweets, caffiene or watching T.V. or avoiding social media. The intent behind your fast and communicating with God is what is the most important aspect of your fast.
Possible Health Benefits From Fasting
Promote Cellular Cleanup- When fasting begins, it can activate what’s called autophagy, which is a process that the body will begin to clear out damaged cells and regenerate healthier ones. This helps support longevity, immune deffense and cellular support.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Sugar Control- Fasting helps reduce glucose and insulin levels, therefore promoting healthier blood sugar and insulin levels.
Heart and Metabolic Health- Fasting is shown to improve cardiovascular markers, including lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation. These can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Inflammation- Fasting could lower levels of inflammatory markers like C. reative protein. Inflammation occurs when there is an injury, immune response, illness, or infection. If these occor it’s the body’s way to defend and protect itself from harm. If there’s potential harm, then fasting may be the best way to resolve the issue, to remove the threat, and then the inflammation will go away.
Brain Health- Fasting may help with mental clarity and protect against age-related decline in the brain and heart. Fasting helps clear out damaged cells and suplport mitochrodial pathways and reduce oxidative stress.
Different Types of Fasting
As I mentioned before, some fasting can be eliminating activities or certain comforts, but if you are interested in food or water fasts, here are a few examples of those. Not every fast is right for everyone. I would encourage you to do your own personal research into each one and find the best possible fit for your health and your lifestyle.
Intermittent Fasting- Eating and fasting cycle, there are a few that suggest a 16:8 method. This method involves fasting from food for 16 hours, then eating within an 8-hour window (sleeping is included in this time). For example, you would fast and eat between 8 AM and 4 PM. Another is a 5:2 method, which reduces your calorie intake by 500-600, and you eat for 5 days and fast for 2.
Extended Fasting- Fasting lasting longer than a 24-hour duration. Please consult a physician before attempting any longer fasting durations.
Juice Fasting- This type of fast allows only fruits and vegetables in your diet while eliminating solid foods. This gives the digestive system a break while providing the body with micronutrients.
Broth Fasthing- There are many types of broths you can try, beef, chicken, or fish bone broths, and don’t forget vegetable broth! While doing a fast, these supply nutrients you will need to keep your immune system strong, improving overall health since all you are consuming are nutrients and your digestive tract can focus on restoration and detoxification.
I hope this encourages you to do more research on this topic of fasting and the many ways that you can. There is something for everyone who can partake in fasting. I wanted to give you a few details of how fasting can also promote a healthier, cleaner body, as well as spiritual clarity.
Be sure to HYDRATE!!!!!
Hydration is so critical; we need to hydrate so we can give our bodies the proper circulation.
God wants our physical being to be as healthy as our spiritual, when we are sick or ill, we tend to focus on getting better instead of focusing on our fellowship with God. When our body is weak, we are effected menatlly and spiritually as well.
We are only distributed one body while we are visitors in this world; we need to take care of it for longevity, so that we may be able to spread God’s message while we are here. On a serious note, our spirit is our lifeline to God; we must care for the things of our spiritual man more than our physical, but we are not to neglect any part of our being. God wants us whole and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Jesus mentions fasting, which is an important part of a Christian's life
Avoid fasting as the hypocrites do, for they do it to be noticed by others
Fasting is a tool we have to strengthen our faith, by prayer, studying God’s Word, and eliminating distractions
What are your intentions for fasting? Fasting is almost similar to making a covenant with God to purify the spirit and body while in meditative prayer for a duration.
Fasting when your intentions are pure, God rewards openly, in God’s timing, if it be His will for your life.
Fasting, prayer, and purification = blessings!
Don’t set expectations when you fast. Even if what you pray for does not happen in your time or the way you think it should go in the time you expect it to, you are placing those expectations on God. Remember, our ways are not His ways, His timing is not like ours. Your prayers are always heard! Keep your trust and faith in God and place all the expectations at His feet, for Him to care for your needs.
Fasting has many health benefits as well! I encourage you to look further into this on your own. When I did a little research myself, I was intrigued by all that I found.
More Study For Fasting
Fasting is mentioned throughout the Bible; you can find it in the Old and New Testaments. Many situations called for prayer and fasting for different aray of situations and events. Here are a few that may get you started in doing a little more study on fasting:
Public Calamities: 2 Samuel 1:12
Afflictions: Psalms 35:13; Daniel 6:18
Private Afflictions: 2 Samuel 12:16
In Dangerous Situations: Esther 4:16
Ordination of Ministry: Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23
Before you leave, will you join me in prayer?
Father, we thank You for Your precious Word. Thank you for giving us instructions on so many aspects of our lives that are to benefit our spiritual and physical being. I ask that You will continue to guide us in fasting and allow it to become a more natural part of our Christian walk to strengthen our fellowship with You. I ask that You be with the sick, the ones that are seeking to know You, and for those put into leadership positions, that they may turn to follow after You, God, that they may lead in a righteous God-fearing manner. We are faced with so many afflictions, mental, physical, and spiritual, we ask that You lift us to be stronger, walking in faith, caring in love, and having the boldness to speak Your salvation message to others we may meet. Give us each strength where we are found weak, protect each one praying and their families, we ask this in Your precious Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Sources: Fasting - https://www.themanual.com/fitness/benefits-of-fasting/
Fasting Benefits - https://foodrevolution.org/blog/what-is-fasting/
Quick Note:
Some Bible studies may take longer than others, as I am often led to explain certain verses in greater detail. I want you to know that these blog posts are written straight from my heart - they are not created by AI, so if you pay close attention, you may find my little nuggets of imperfections! What you read here are my own thoughts and reflections, guided by where God leads me.
I am not a professional; I’m simply a southern wife and mother of five with a deep desire to share the truth of our loving Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He longs to have a relationship with you. We are not called to be perfect, but we are called to be led by Him.
God has placed so much on my heart to share, and my prayer is that these words bless and encourage you. I’m not here for recognition or fame - only to spread the message of God’s love to you, my new friend, and to many others.
