Seeking God’s Will Through Biblical Fasting

A Practical Guide to Safely Implementing

in Individuals and Churches

Lynnette Moore, MDVirginia Area Health Coordinator

Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists© 2011 All Rights Reserved

www.adventistwellnesscenter.com

Bible Fasting Trivia

• Who was the first person recorded in the bible to fast?

• Name the 3 persons in the Bible who fasted for 40 days and their circumstances.

• Name a wicked city which was spared from destruction after its inhabitants did a period of fasting.

• In Acts, Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed before they appointed who to service?

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Fasting DefinitionsThe act of willingly abstaining from some or all food,

drink, or both, for a period of time.

• Absolute Fast: Abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period

• Normal/Total Fast: Abstinence from all food. Water is allowed.

• Partially Restrictive Fast: Limiting particular foods and drinks (ie, Daniel fast, fruit fast, juice fast)

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Biblical fasting vs. other fasting “Is not this the fast that I have chosen?” Isaiah 58:5

Biblical Fasting• Is deliberately abstaining

from food for a spiritual reason

• Is not eating with spiritual communication in mind and developing a closer relationship with God

• Is linked together with prayer• Is about becoming more like

Christ• Is about humbling oneself

before God to worship Him• Is about seeking God’s will or

an answer from God

Fasting for Other Purposes• To Lose Weight• To Cleanse the Body of

Toxins• Therapeutic Fasting to Aid

in Treatment of Various Health Conditions

• To Boost the Immune System

• Fasting for Political Reasons

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Motive Makes the Difference

Are you fasting to seek God’s will?

Or

Are you fasting for some other purpose?

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Biblical Examples of Fasting

3 and 7 Day Fasts• Esther and her household:

abstained 3 days from “food and water” both “day and night”. (Esther 4:15-16)

• Ezra: 3 days no food or water (Ezra 10:6-9)

• Paul: 3 days no food or water (Acts 9:9)

• David: 7 days without food as a plea to God to save the life of his child. (2 Sam. 14-20)

Prolonged Fasts• Biblical examples of fasts

that extended longer than 3-7 days were based upon direct guidance from God or a supernatural ability given by God to complete the fast.

• Moses 40 days (Deuteronomy 9:9-18 and Exodus 34:28)

• Elijah 40 days (1 Kings 19:8)• Jesus 40 days

(Matthew 4:1-11) 6

Jesus, Our Example• Then was Jesus led up of

the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward hungry.

• And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God command that these stones be made bread.

• But he answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:1-4

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Spirit of Prophecy Quotes on Fasting Counsels on Diet and Foods

• With Christ, as with the holy pair in Eden, appetite was the ground of the first great temptation. Just where the ruin began, the work of our redemption must begin. pg. 185

• In man’s behalf, Christ conquered by enduring the severest test. For our sake He exercised a self-control stronger than hunger or death. And in this first victory were involved other issues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness. pg. 185

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Corporate Fasting• It is the order of God

that those who bear responsibilities should often meet together to counsel with one another and pray earnestly for wisdom…Let brethren unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally. Counsels on Diet and Foods pg. 188

• A Corporate fast is a joint fast of believers for a specific purpose that can yield powerful results. Although this fast involves others, it is also very much a “private and personal experience.”

• Church leaders, under Holy Spirit guidance, decide the length of the fast, primary purpose of the fast, and what the church body should be praying for.

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Examples of Biblical Corporate Fasting

Ezra Chapter 8• “Then I proclaimed a fast

there,…that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance”. v. 21

• “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.” v. 23

Jonah Chapter 3

• “So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast…from the greatest of them even to the least of them.” v. 5

• “…let neither man nor beast, herd or flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water. V.7

• “And God saw their works…” v.9

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Water Only Fasting

• 1 to 3 days is generally “safe” for “healthy” individuals.

• Safer option: fast for one meal during the day and have water only.

• Ensure adequate hydration BEFORE starting and DURING!

• Individual fasting as the Holy Spirit leads, but short term ONLY.

• Not advised for called corporate fasts.

• “When Christ was the most fiercely beset by temptation, He ate nothing”. CDF pg 186

• … “You are not called upon to fast forty days. The Lord bore that fast for you in the wilderness of temptation. There would be no virtue in such a fast; but there is virtue in the blood of Christ. CDF pg 189

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How Long Can One Live

Without Food? Approximately 4-6 Weeks

Without Water? Approximately One Week

Variables to survival include hydration status, body fat, metabolism (rate at which food is converted into

energy), age, state of health, state of mind, climate, etc.

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Body’s Response To Water Only Fasting “My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.” Ps. 109:24

• Glucose: The body’s preferred energy source.

• If no glucose eaten for more than 4-8 hours, body turns to glucose storage in the liver for fuel (glycogen).

• Fuel in liver lasts up to 24 hours . After used up glycogen is broken down in the muscles for a few days.

• Hunger pains leave after the first 2-3 days of fast.

• If fasting continues, body switches to fat as the fuel and this briefly delays severe muscle wasting.

• Fat is converted to a form called ketones and this can be used by brain as fuel source. Build up of ketones, ketoacidosis, can be toxic.

• If still no food eaten, and fat stores are depleted, the body breaks down muscle for protein and muscle wasting occurs.

• The return of hunger pains indicate body reserves are used up and its time to eat again, or starvation ensues, affecting vital organs.

• Symptoms: foul breath, fatigue, weakness, irritability, headaches, mood swings

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Medical Complications of Prolonged Fast-Induced Starvation

“God does not expect us to starve, but He does expect us to fast!” (From Fast Your Way To Health)

• Starvation is a severe reduction in energy, nutrients and vitamins. Prolonged starvation can cause permanent organ damage and eventually death

• Electrolyte Imbalances• Irregular Heart Rhythms• Thinning Hair• Muscle wasting• Renal failure• Death

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The Daniel Fast Modeled After Daniel’s Example

Daniel Chapter 1

• “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank…” v.8

• “Prove they servants… ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.” v.12

• “And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.” v.15

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The Daniel Fast• “In those days I Daniel

was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth…till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10: 2,3

• Based on this passage, a Daniel Fast is most commonly partaken for 21 days, although fasts of 10 and 40 days have also been observed.

• This plan is a partially restrictive fast resembling a vegan diet. However, a Daniel Fast is more stringent, in that in addition to excluding all animal products, there are no processed foods, white flour products, preservatives, additives, sweeteners, flavorings, caffeine, or alcohol allowed in this plan. 16

Daniel Fast MenuFoods To Eat (examples)

• Whole Grains: brown rice, oats, barley

• Legumes: dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils

• Fruits: apples, bananas, cherries, grapes, peaches, raisins,

• Vegetables: beets, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, spinach

• Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts• Liquids: Water only optimal• Some Daniel fasts include

unsweetened soy milk, herbal teas, 100% fruit juice with no added sugar

Foods To Avoid• All animal products,

including fish, eggs• All dairy• White rice, white flour• Processed foods• All breads (leaven is

symbolic of sin in scripture)• Fried foods, chips, pastries• Carbonated beverages• Foods containing chemicals,

preservatives, or additives• Refined sugar or sugar

substitutes• Caffeine, alcohol 17

What if I am already on a total plant based diet?

• Daniel Fast may not be much of an “affliction”• Consider abstaining from your favorite “pleasure”

foods• Consider juicing some of your fruits and vegetables,

instead of eating the solid form• Consider eating more raw or an all raw diet • If eating two or three meals a day, consider

sacrificing one of the meals, and spend in prayer instead 18

Basic Fasting Principles• Don’t advertise the fact that you are fasting

(Matthew 6:16-18)• The details of the fast are between you and God. He will

honor your BEST sacrifice.• Make a covenant with God and stick with it• Decide the purpose of the fast as the Holy Spirit leads…What

will you be praying specifically for?• Decide the beginning and the ending date• Confess and forsake known sins • Be realistic, not legalistic. Focus more on the details of

connecting with the Lord than with menu details• Plan properly: Shop for needed food items in advance and

eliminate temptations from the home • Wean off addictive drinks and foods before the fast (coffee,

meats, sweets) 19

Basic Fasting Principles• Prayer, bible study, and quiet time with God essential to

seeking God’s will. • Consider avoiding optional work or activities, unnecessary

media, marital relations (1 Corinthians 7:5) , or other distractions in order to spend more time with God

• Supplements may or may not be needed depending on type and length of fast, state of health, etc.

• Consider Juicing Fruits and Vegetables: “natural liquid vitamin , mineral, and antioxidant supplement”

• The longer the fast, the slower you need to break it• Discuss plans with health provider and/or someone

experienced in fasting for additional guidance if necessary20

Medical/Health Considerations• One day water only

fasts typically pose no serious threat to “healthy” individuals. Usually not recommended.

• Daniel Fast generally safe for most persons…Most advisable for called corporate fasts

• Diabetes• Cancer• Kidney Disease• Mental Health• Anorexia/Bulimia• Children• Elderly• Pregnancy• Medication dosage

adjustments under health care provider direction.

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Biblical Support for the Health Benefits of Fasting

Isaiah 58:6-8

• Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

• Is it not to deal they bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

• Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily…

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Effect of a 21 day Daniel Fast on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

By Richard J. Bloomer, Mohammad M. Kabir, Robert E. Canale, John F. Trepanowski, Kate E. Marshall, Tyler M. Farney, Kelley G. Hammond

Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152,• “The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the

Daniel Fast to improve markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk.”

• “Forty Three subjects (13 men; 30 women; 35±1 yrs; range: 20-62 yrs) completed a 21 day period of modified food intake in accordance with detailed guidelines provided by investigators. All subjects purchased and prepared their own food. Following initial screening, subjects were given one week to prepare for the fast, after which time they reported to the lab for their pre-intervention assessment (day 1). After the 21 day fast, subjects reported to the lab for their post-intervention assessment (day 22). Subjects’ self-reported compliance, mood, and satiety in relation to the fast were also recorded. Diet records were maintained by all subjects during the 7 day period immediately prior to the fast (usual intake) and during the final 7 days of the fast. Subjects’ compliance to the fast was 98.7±0.2% (mean ± SEM). Using a 10 point scale, subjects’ mood and satiety were both 7.9±0.2.”

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Conclusion of Study

• “Conclusion: Our data indicate that exercise trained and untrained individuals, inclusive of normal weight, overweight, and obese men and women can benefit from a dietary approach in accordance with the Daniel Fast. This is evidenced by reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and trends for reductions in insulin, HOMA-IR, and C-reactive protein. The diet plan was well-tolerated by subjects, with several noting a desire to continue with the plan long-term, and appears to provide a default nutrition education.”

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How Often Should We Fast? Biblical Fasts

• As the Holy Spirit Leads• When faced with dire

situations or circumstances and need God’s direction and intervention.

• Before making important decisions

• Though the Bible does not command believers to fast, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good and beneficial.

• It is assumed it will be done by believers (Matthew 6:16, 9:15)

For General Health• Daily: After Last Meal….

No Snacking!!!• Consider variations of once

a week, monthly, or annually for health enhancement

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Conclusion

• The safest fast is the one that is safe for YOU!

• Safest Corporate Fast: The Daniel Fast—Its varied choices of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, allows flexibility and can be tailored to meet individual needs.

Why not make the original diet for man a permanent part of your lifestyle?

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Final Spirit Of Prophecy QuotesCounsels on Diet and Foods

• The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. Pg 188

• All the fasting in the world will not take the place of simple trust in the word of God. Pg.189

• Now and onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest, more wide-awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. Pg 188

• The spirit of true fasting and prayer is the spirit which yields mind, heart, and will to God. Pg 189

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Counsel From JesusMatthew 17:19-21

• Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

• 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.

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Seeking God’s Will Through Biblical Fasting © 2011

May be reproduced for noncommercial, educational purposes only.Dr. Lynnette Moore, MD

www.rainbowhopehealth.comReferences

• Holy Bible• Counsels on Diet and Foods

(EG White)• The Daniel Fast

(Susan Gregory) http://www.daniel-fast.com/

• Fasting Made Easy (Don Colbert, MD)

• Fast Your Way to Health (Lee Bueno-Aguer)

Disclaimer• The information presented here

is for general education only and in no way is intended to be specific medical advice or medical treatment. Persons are advised to consult with their personal health care provider before making major lifestyle changes, including fasting. The author, Dr. Lynnette Moore, assumes no responsibility or liability for any possible consequences from any treatment, action, or application of any information provided in this presentation.

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