The Power of Fasting

 

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The Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting

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The Spiritual Discipline of fasting is a tough one for a lot of people. Like many of us, I had fasted a few times, but it was many years, even decades, ago. I haven’t been so keen on fasting, but after studying about it last year, I decided to try it again, and I’m glad I did. During the past year I’ve generally fasted one day a week, and I did one three-day fast as well. I’m no expert, but I’m very happy I’m learning about it and experiencing it, as I’ve found it to be spiritually fulfilling.

The fasting covered in this article will be limited to the fasting of food as spoken of in the Bible. This principle of fasting can be applied to abstinence from things other than food—such as television and other entertainment, recreational Internet browsing, social media, alcohol consumption, or talking—for the purpose of focusing on spiritual matters. However, the focus of this article is abstaining from food.

Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, and in Christianity in general for many centuries, fasting was fairly common. The Bible records types of fasting which differ from one another based on the food or water intake.
Types of Fasting

A normal fast refers to a fast in which a person abstains from all food but not water. It is likely that when Jesus fasted for forty days just prior to the beginning of His ministry, He abstained from food but not water. Luke tells us: He ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, He was hungry.[1]Matthew wrote: And after fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.[2]In neither case does it mention Jesus being thirsty, but it does say that He ate nothing. Since the human body can normally function no more than three days without water, we assume that He drank water during this time.[3]

A partial fast refers to when some types of food are not eaten, similar to how Daniel and his three companions asked the chief official to “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.”[4] By this definition John the Baptist also adhered to a partial fast, as he limited what he ate. His food was locusts and wild honey.[5] Throughout Christian history, believers devoted themselves to partial fasts by eating much smaller amounts of food, or eating only simple foods.

There are instances of what are called absolute fasts during which neither food nor water is taken. Esther petitioned the Jews throughout Susa to hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.[6] Saul, who later was known as the apostle Paul, also observed an absolute fast after his encounter with the risen Christ.

For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.[7]

The Bible also speaks about two supernatural fasts. Author Donald Whitney explains:

There are two instances of these. When Moses wrote of his meeting with God on Mount Sinai, he said, “I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water” (Deuteronomy 9:9). 1 Kings 19:8 may be saying that Elijah did the same thing when he went to the site of Moses’ miraculous fast: “So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he travelled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” These required God’s supernatural intervention into the bodily processes and are not repeatable apart from the Lord’s specific calling and miraculous provision.[8]

While there are Christians today who have fasted for forty days, these would have been normal fasts, meaning that liquids were drunk, as opposed to thesupernatural fast of Moses and possibly Elijah.

Scripture also speaks of congregational fasts[9] in which believers fast together for a specific purpose, and national fasts[10] in which a whole country or people fast. In this article, we will focus on private fasts by individuals, the ones which Jesus referred to when He said:

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[11]

For the most part, those practicing the Spiritual Discipline of fasting today fast from food but not water (normal fast), and many of those do it alone without others knowing about it (private fast).

There is no explicit command in the New Testament that Christians must fast; it is not a specified requirement. Jesus did, however, refer to fasting in a way that showed an expectation that believers would do it. In the verse quoted earlier, Jesus says: When you fast, do not look gloomy, and, When you fast, do so in secret. He used similar language when speaking of prayer:

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. But when you pray … pray to your Father who is in secret. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do …”[12]

The same language was used when He spoke about giving:

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you … When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing …”[13]

Using the phrase “when you” assumes that you do it sometimes.

Richard Foster expressed it this way:

It is as if there is an almost unconscious assumption that giving, praying, and fasting are all part of Christian devotion. We have no more reason to exclude fasting from the teaching [of Jesus] than we do giving or praying … Having said this, however, we must realize that these words do not constitute a command. Jesus was giving instruction on the proper exercise of a common practice of His day. He did not speak a word about whether it was a right practice or if it should be continued. So although Jesus does not say, “If you fast,” neither does He say “You must fast.” His word is, very simply, “When you fast.”[14]

When Jesus was asked by the disciples of John the Baptist why Jesus’ disciples didn’t fast, while they and the Pharisees did, He responded by saying:

“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”[15]

While Jesus was with them, it was a time of feasting, not fasting.[16] The time, however, was coming when He would be taken away, and then His disciples would fast. While we don’t read of His disciples fasting when He was with them, we do hear of the early church fasting after His ascension.[17]

It’s interesting to note that when Jesus spoke about giving to the needy in secret, about praying in secret, and about fasting in secret, a promise of reward was given.

When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[18] But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[19] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[20]

While fasting isn’t a command in the New Testament, it is a Spiritual Discipline available to those who wish to use it in their desire to be like Jesus, to grow in godliness. As with all the Spiritual Disciplines, fasting isn’t a means to gain merit or earn favor with God. We don’t fast in order to impress Him or so that we will get our way in some matter we desire, nor to gain His acceptance. God’s love and acceptance have already been given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Donald Whitney gave examples of different situations within the Old Testament showing when and why it may be beneficial to fast, which I’ve summarized.
To Strengthen Prayer

As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.[21]

Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.[22]

So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty.[23]

Arthur Wallis wrote in his book God’s Chosen Fast:

Fasting is calculated to bring a note of urgency and importunity into our praying, and to give force to our pleading in the court of heaven. The man who prays with fasting is giving heaven notice that he is truly in earnest…. Not only so, but he is expressing his earnestness in a divinely appointed way. He is using a means that God has chosen to make his voice be heard on high.[24]
When Seeking God’s Guidance

Fasting can be helpful when seeking God’s will in decisions, when asking for His guidance. We see an example of the children of Israel seeking the Lord with fasting and prayer when seeking His will as to whether to continue fighting after suffering devastating losses two days in a row.

Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. And the people of Israel inquired of the LORD … saying, “Shall we go out once more to battle against our brothers, the people of Benjamin, or shall we cease?” And the LORD said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hand.”[25]
In Times of Grief

There are a number of biblical examples of fasting and prayer as a response to grief over someone’s death.[26] Fasting can also be a response to grief and remorse over sin, as it can communicate our sorrow for sinning against the Lord. Fasting doesn’t bring forgiveness of sin, as forgiveness is a gift given to us through salvation. However, we are told to confess our sins to the Lord. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.[27] Fasting doesn’t make us more worthy of forgiveness, but it can communicate the grief and confessions our words may not be able to.[28]
When Seeking Deliverance or Protection

Throughout the Old Testament there are examples of people fasting along with praying when in need of protection and deliverance. A number of these instances were congregational or national fasts, whereby those in danger fasted together, beseeching the Lord for protection.

Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.[29]

Then I [Ezra] proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him, and the power of His wrath is against all who forsake Him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty.[30]

Another example includes Esther asking the Jews in Susa to fast and pray before she risked death by going to see the king unannounced.[31]

We also see an instance where King David fasted and prayed because people were speaking hatefully against him and making accusations. He apparently fasted for some time, as he says his body had become gaunt and he was weak through fasting.

O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for Your name’s sake; because Your steadfast love is good, deliver me! For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me. My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt, with no fat.[32]

When you are being gossiped about, falsely accused, spoken against, or persecuted for your faith, you can go to the Lord in prayer and fasting for protection and deliverance.
To Humble Yourself Before God

Fasting can be a physical expression of humility before the Lord. David said in Psalms: I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.[33] We’re not able to make ourselves humble; however, fasting expresses to the Lord that we are dependent on Him and weak without Him. When you fast, you realize how quickly the lack of food affects you. We often feel strong and self-sufficient, so it can be quite humbling to realize how fragile we actually are.
To Overcome Temptation and Dedicate Yourself to the Lord

There may be times when we are struggling with temptation and we need extra strength to overcome it. Or perhaps we have some besetting sin that we can’t seem to overcome. We may be faced with making a decision that will bring benefits into our life, but might put us in a position where we can give less time to the Lord or will be put in temptation’s way. It’s at times like these that fasting can help us overcome temptation or renew our dedication to the Lord. At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus fasted, and during that time He overcame all the temptations He was faced with. Because He did, He received God’s power.[34]
To Express Love and Worship to God

Fasting can be done for the purpose of devotion to God, as an expression of our love for Him, thankfulness for all He’s done for us, and as an act of worship and praise. It can be done to show God that He is more important to you than eating, that you are willing to set aside the pleasure and even need for food for a time in order to focus on Him, that you are nourished by being in His presence.
When You Fast …

As mentioned earlier, there is no explicit command to fast; fasting is a private matter between you and the Lord. The act of fasting doesn’t gain you any extra merit; it isn’t meant to be a bargaining chip with God or a guarantee that He is going to answer your prayers. However, like the other Spiritual Disciplines, it puts you in a position to receive from God.

If you choose to fast, you should consider beginning by fasting one meal or maybe two. It may be best to not start by trying a fast for three or more days. One way to start is to begin by fasting lunch, and then the next time by fasting both lunch and dinner. This way you go into the fast having just eaten, and you end it with breakfast the next morning, which means you are fasting for about twenty-four hours. In time, you can move to beginning your fast after dinner and fasting breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next day, and breaking the fast with breakfast the following morning. This is a thirty-six-hour fast. For someone choosing to fast on a regular basis, this could work well. There are, of course, various options of how to fast, how to start, and how to build up to it, so if you choose to fast you can experiment to see which one works best for you.

Longer fasts of three, five, ten or more days require more knowledge regarding what to expect, how to keep hydrated, and how to break the fast without damaging your body. If you consider a longer fast, there are some websites listed at the end of this article that have important information which you should read and follow. If you are diabetic, have a health condition that is affected by your diet, are pregnant or nursing, ill, frail, or recovering from illness, or have any other health problem, you probably shouldn’t fast; and if you wish to, you should check with a doctor first. Also, check with a doctor before considering a fast if you are taking strong medicines. If you have any health concerns whatsoever, consult your doctor as to whether it’s safe for you to fast. Children shouldn’t fast meals, though they may want to give up eating desserts or sweets for a time.

It may not be possible for you to fast a number of consecutive meals due to your work, your health, or caring for your family. If that’s the case, another option would be to fast one meal, and perhaps use the time you’d normally spend eating that meal to pray or read, or maybe witness. Another possibility is that if you regularly eat out at work, or if you dine out fairly regularly, you could consider fasting one meal a week and donating the money saved to someone in need.

Fasting might seem to be a big step to take; it did to me. I can say, though, from my experience that I am glad I took the step, as I feel that I’ve benefited from practicing this Spiritual Discipline. I can’t necessarily say my fasting has resulted in a specific blessing or reward that has come to me because of fasting, but that’s not the reason to fast. I don’t fast because I want something from the Lord. I fast because I love Him and this is one way of expressing that love and that He comes first in my life. Any spiritual blessings or results are a side effect and completely in the Lord’s hands. When I fast, or practice any of the Spiritual Disciplines, I’m committing to live in accordance with God’s Word and nature. My desire is to do what I can to be more like Jesus, to have a close relationship with God, to endeavor to live my life in alignment with His will. I find that fulfilling and rewarding in itself. I’ll end with a quote from Donald Whitney which expresses what I have experienced since beginning to fast.

Like all the Spiritual Disciplines, fasting hoists the sail of the soul in hopes of experiencing the gracious wind of God’s Spirit. But fasting also adds a unique dimension to your spiritual life and helps you grow in Christlikeness.[35]

Websites that have information about the physical aspects of fasting and breaking a fast:

http://www.ihopkc.org/about/fasting-guidelines-and-information/

http://viralchrist.com/spiritual-growth/prayer/1163-the-most-important-part-of-fasting-is-how-to-break-it

Note

Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptures are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[1] Luke 4:2.


[2] Matthew 4:2.


[3] Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 1991), 161.


[4] Daniel 1:12.


[5] Matthew 3:4.


[6] Esther 4:16.


[7] Acts 9:9.


[8] Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines, 162.


[9] Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber (Joel 2:15–16).


[10] Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD (2 Chronicles 20:3–4). See also Nehemiah 9:1, Esther 4:16, and Jonah 3:5–8.


[11] Matthew 6:17–18.


[12] Matthew 6:5–7.


[13] Matthew 6:2–3.


[14] Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline (New York: HarperOne, 1998), 52–53.


[15] Matthew 9:15.


[16] Foster, Celebration of Discipline, 53.


[17] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:2–3).

When they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed (Acts 14:23).


[18] Matthew 6:3–4.


[19] Matthew 6:6.


[20] Matthew 6:17–18.


[21] Nehemiah 1:4.


[22] Daniel 9:3.


[23] Ezra 8:23.


[24] Arthur Wallis, God’s Chosen Fast (Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade, 1968), 42, as quoted in Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 1991), 166.


[25] Judges 20:26–28.


[26] 1 Samuel 31:12–13; 2 Samuel 1:11–12; Judges 20:25–26.


[27] 1 John 1:9.


[28] Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines, 169.


[29] 2 Chronicles 20:2–4.


[30] Ezra 8:21–23.


[31] Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16).


[32] Psalm 109:21–22, 24.


[33] Psalm 35:13 NIV.


[34] Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines, 175.




[35] Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines, 180.

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Why Am I Not Getting Answers to Prayer?

By Dennis Edwards --

Are you having trouble getting answers to prayer? God has promised to supply all your needs, so what is hindering you from getting the answers you so desperately need? Why does it seem like God is not attentive? Let us take a look in the Bible and see if we can find the answer, or a possible solution. We will be reading from the Book of Isaiah.

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.[1]

A trumpet is often used in times of war to stir up the soldiers to get ready for battle, or as a warning of attack, or an awakening sound to prepare for duty. God wants us to wake up and be attentive to what he is about to tell us. We, the Christians, are today’s “house of Jacob,” because we are the descendants of Abraham by faith.[2] God is going to be pointing out to us where we are failing!

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinances of their God. They ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.[3]

In other words, the people, the religious people, act as if they are good people. They even seek God daily and may even listen to his word. But, they feel good in themselves. They take pleasure in “approaching to God,” whether by masses, prayer meetings, synagogue and temple attendance or New Age exercises like yoga or meditation.

Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.[4]

The people have even fasted or denied their flesh some physical pleasure, like the Catholics do during lent, or some Protestants engage in for “purification,” and they are feeling good about their sacrifice. The Jews, Moslems and Hindus have similar “fasting” activities.

Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.[5]

Fasting to show others how righteous you are is not the way to have your prayers heard. It is religious hypocrisy and often leads to spiritual pride.

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?[6]

The Lord says that your fast, of denying yourself food and making a big show, is not his fast. Samuel the prophet had said something similar when he corrected Saul for his disobedience.

Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.[7]

God wants to be in relation with us so that he can use us to help and encourage others. He wants to use us as vessels of his love, to pour his love on others through us. It is not a matter of sacrificing and fasting, but on being living instruments of his love to the needy world. In Isaiah the Lord explains what a true fast is. It has nothing to do with afflicting oneself by denying oneself food.

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?[8]

Are the bands of wickedness that need to be loosed the chains of financial slavery which the rich use to oppress and to afflict the poor? And in the church system, is it the yoke of self-righteous religious rule keeping and commandments that needs to be broken?

Apostle Peter made the same point when he said,

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus we shall be saved, even as they.[9]

The religious Jews who had accepted Christ wanted to continue to try and keep the old commandments which never saved them in the first place and which they were unable to keep. They were arguing that the Gentile Christians needed to keep the laws of Moses. Peter and Paul both rejected this rule keeping “yoke.”

Paul went on to say,

Wherefore, my brethren, ye are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.[10]

Those who managed to make a better show of keeping the law were so self-righteous in their rule keeping that they had rejected the living God who had walked among them. Paul was telling the disciples that following the law was not the right path. We need to be married to Christ. In other words, we need to be in love with and in communion with Christ and following his leadings to be able to bring forth fruit in our lives. In an earlier place in Isaiah we read:

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? Saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beats; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of goats.Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Your new moons and your appointed feats my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.[11]

Again we see the same principle. God does not want us playing religion. He wants us living lives of love; to help the oppressed, the poor and downtrodden, those who have no voice in today’s world. Is the blood on our hands the blood from the unjustified wars we have waged against other nations? Or is it the blood of the fatherless, the aborted children, like Jeremiah seems to indicate:

Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.[12]

Let us return to our original study. The Lord is speaking about what the true fast requires.

Is it not to deal thy 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?[13]

It looks like the Lord is interested in our taking care of the poor, even the poor within our own family, however unworthy of our help we may feel they are.

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.[14]

Again we see the rewards for taking care of the poor, for fighting oppression, for even being loving and helpful to those of our own family. We will have happiness and clarity of purpose. We will find health. We will feel good about ourselves, and finally, we will have God’s presence in our lives which may even make our faces to shine.

Then shall thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity:[15]

If we make the right kind of fast which involves considering the poor, God will be attentive to our cry. God does not want the yoke of rule keeping, nor for us to look down self-righteously on others. He does not want vain speech. He wants our loving actions.

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noon day:[16]

That “if-then” phrase is the formula for blessing. You do this and then I will bless you. If you do this, then I will hear your prayer or be attentive to your affliction. You want me to be attentive to you? Be attentive to those who need your help.

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.[17]

The secret of wealth and health is here: Consider the Poor! God promises you his blessing. Do you want God’s blessing and his protection? Do you want him to answer your prayers and prosper your ways? Then Consider the Poor! It’s the key to your relationship with God.

The Lord wants to be in relationship with us. He does not want our false religiosity. He wants us to delight in loving him and hearing his words and following their admonitions. If we do so he says,

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.[18]

In other words, God's promises to Abraham and Jacob of blessing and supply shall be ours.

Let’s finish with the stirring words of Jesus himself.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.[19]

It behooves us, therefore, to Consider the Poor. Do it today. Tomorrow may be too late!

Footnotes:

[1] Isaiah 58:1
[2] Galatians 3:29
[3] Isaiah 58:2
[4] Isaiah 58:3
[5] Isaiah 58:4
[6] Isaiah 58:5
[7] I Samuel 15:22
[8] Isaiah 58:6
[9] Acts 15:10
[10] Romans 7:4
[11] Isaiah 1: 11,13-17
[12] Jeremiah 2:34
[13] Isaiah 58:7
[14] Isaiah 58:8
[15] Isaiah 58:9
[16] Isaiah 58:10
[17] Isaiah 58:11
[18] Isaiah 58:14
[19]Matthew 25:34-40

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Fasting renews immune system!

Fasting for three days renews entire immune system, new study finds

Sarah Knapton, The Daily Telegraph, June 5, 2014

Fasting for three days can regenerate the entire immune system, even in the elderly, scientists have found in a breakthrough described as “remarkable.”

Although fasting diets have been criticized by nutritionists, research suggests that starving the body kick-starts stem cells into producing more white blood cells, which fight off infection.

Scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) say the discovery could be particularly beneficial for those suffering from damaged immune systems, such as cancer patients on chemotherapy. It could also help the elderly whose immune systems become less effective.

The researchers say fasting “flips a regenerative switch” that prompts stem cells to create white blood cells, essentially restoring the immune system.

“It gives the OK for stem cells to go ahead and begin proliferating and rebuild the entire system,” said Valter Longo, professor of gerontology and biological sciences at the university.

“And the good news is that the body got rid of the parts of the system that might be damaged or old, the inefficient parts, during the fasting. Now, if you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or aging, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system.”

Prolonged fasting forces the body to use stores of glucose and fat but also breaks down a significant portion of white blood cells. During each cycle of fasting, this depletion induces changes that trigger stem cell-based regeneration of immune system cells.

In trials, volunteers were asked to fast regularly for between two and four days over a six-month period. Scientists found that prolonged fasting also reduced the enzyme PKA, which is linked to aging and a hormone which increases cancer risk and tumour growth.

“We could not predict that prolonged fasting would have such a remarkable effect in promoting stem cell-based regeneration of the hematopoietic [formation of stem cells] system,” added Longo. “When you starve, the system tries to save energy, and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot of the immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged.

“What we started noticing in both our human work and animal work is that the white blood cell count goes down with prolonged fasting. Then when you re-feed, the blood cells come back.”

Fasting for 72 hours also protected cancer patients against the toxic impact of chemotherapy.

“The results of this study suggest that fasting may mitigate some of the harmful effects of chemotherapy,” said co-author Tanya Dorff, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital.

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