FASTING
Although most people associate fasting with a dreadful empty platter...
fasting is more about gaining than losing !

GET BLESSED !

Fasting sets out to accomplish a specific purpose. Do not go into it saying, "What will I have to give up if I want to fast?" Rather, "What will I gain from engaging in this fast?"

You should always approach fasting with a specific goal. Never be led into fasting by a feeling of depression or sorrow. These are fleshly reasons for fasting.

POSSIBLE GOALS:
1. To gain or keep control over the flesh.
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. Luke 4:1-2

2. To discipline our own spirit so it may overcome specific demonic powers by a greater dependence on the Lord.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, 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. Matthew 17:20-21

3. To humble oneself before God.
Because we want to exalt God more:
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. Nehemiah 9:1

Because of our sins:
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: Joel 2:12

4. To help us focus on a singular objective in prayer.

Because they needed more help:
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Acts 14:23

Because he needed greater knowledge:
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: Daniel 9:3

FASTING SHOULD ALWAYS BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY:

Stay faithful to your commitment to fast. If you promised the Lord that you would fast for three days, don't try to get by with 2 1/2 days. It is recommended that you do not attempt to fast an extremely long period of time at first. Begin slowly, and later, when the need arises, you will have a better idea of how long a fast will be necessary, or possible.

Each year millions of people around the world celebrate "Lent" by promising to "fast". There is a lack of seriousness among many of them. A common fast was often staying away from a favorite candy bar for 40 days. They would simply replace it with another candy bar. Some Christians commit to fasting "one meal each day". This really doesn't mean much, because many people miss one meal a day and barely notice it.

A serious fast would be not eating food at all for a specific period of time. It may also include fasting from flavorful beverages in favor of "water-only". For those who want an even deeper fast, some have been known to fast from both food and water for days. But you should ask the Lord Himself for advice of what type of fast He would want you to commit to, rather than looking at what others have done.

FASTING AND PRAYER MUST BE INTERTWINED:

When you fast, use the time you would normally be eating for special prayer, rather than watching others eat and longing for your next meal. Use the time wisely or it will be spent in vain.

If you begin to experience the normal pleading of the flesh which says, "Feed me or I will die," you should be thinking about all that our Lord Jesus went through to provide eternal life for you. Consider the little discomfort you may experience as a minor thing to remind you more of your need for Him.

Consciously pray about the goal you believe God has established for this fast.