*photo of Me and my Stepdad Daniel, March 1996

FASTING is a tool from time to time helps Christians to strengthen their focus on right priorities in Christ. It is abstaining from food for a period of time. There is no specific length of time required. It could be for one or more meals, or for one or more days.

FASTING clears our thoughts of distractions that interfere, even so slightly, for the important issues at hand. It is to be done personally, without making a show to others. It is to be done willingly, not out of compulsion from others. It is ALWAYS to be accompanied by personal prayer.

Generally, FASTING does not involve more than just oneself. However, a husband and a wife may choose to fast and pray together seeking God’s will over a difficult issue. The key to effective FASTING when joined by others is or all to stay focused on the concern at hand while diligently praying for insight from God. FASTING seems to produce a special supernatural blessing for a Christian and draws him or her closer to God.

Moreover, when you FAST, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to be men to be FASTING. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you FAST, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to be men to be FASTING, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”- Matt 6:16-18

-Michael Alan Nichols

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*Fasting is a very near and dear component of my life. When I am frustrated with the wiles of the enemy (evil agendas- not some spiritual entity) I must stop and pray and fast when the Holy Spirit invites me to do so.

Fasting is also a big part of my career. I teach on the health reasons for fasting. As a health minister, (yes, one of my titles is actually a legit and certified Health minister) only pointing that out because I get a lot of slack from haters that think I think I’m special because I read some book or watch a YouTube that made me ‘holier than thou vegan’. Projecting and gaslighighting is a daily encountering for me and that is okay, I just keep remembering that projection comes from convictions that have not been dealt with, and you know what’s good for that, “fasting” yup, fast and pray, and actually seek Gods kingdom as opposed to seeking opinions of men and lying agendas that deceived hearts continue to spread.

Fasting is so personal to me for yesterday was 13 years that I lost my step-father Daniel. I almost wrote this blog yesterday, but I needed to not write but to pray and meditate on my inner most holy place and let Christ bring my heart peace, as He always does when I stop and just rest in Him. God called me to a Daniel fast 13 years ago, in March of 2011 what I thought would be a 21 day fast turned into a ‘vegan’ lifestyle. I never even heard of the word vegan, nor did I have any clue what it was. I simply allowed the Holy Spirit to guide me. Not only did it give me clarity, but it brought me a peace beyond understanding. I couldn’t be more thankful for the journey of FASTING which I find works best when we stay in prayer. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].- Phil 4:7

FASTING just to fast for vanity is pointless. FASTING just for the appearance of health is also very pointless, just as much as losing weight vs. actually being healthy. Or being “fit” vs being healthy. There is a huge difference between a physically fit person and an internally healthy individual. It is like cleaning the outside of the vessel (the physical appearance) and not cleaning the inside (the Spirit). When we focus on the inner man (the Spirit) the outer man (the body) shall follow.
-….First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.- Matt 23:26

All of my prayer and FASTING Love, ❤ Diana xo 🙂