some personal notes from Antwan,

[Guest guest]

Forward if you feel it would be benefical to everyone! Hi, This is a Message of Love. From your Brother in Christ Jesus! You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 Have you ever dreamed of courting God—focusing all your passions on knowing Him intimately? Oh, there is such a great need to bring the romance back between Christ and His Bride. Through indifference we have grieved the heart of God. We have romanced the enemy. We flirt with Satan. It has become difficult to spend even an hour with God in prayer. Begrudgingly, we pick up the bible to appease guilt. Fasting has become a way of the past. It has gone the way of the dodo. Life has become a whirlwind of self–fulfillment. Yet echoing through time, Father still whispers, Be still and know that I am God.­ In the last days, the love of most will grow cold (Matt 24:12). We have forsaken our first love (Rev 2:4) Does love inspire you to pray? In Acts, men of God spend long days and sleepless nights pouring themselves out in prayer. The

result—mighty outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Today we call our time with God a devotion or quiet time, which is usually about half an hour spent in the morning before going to work. Yet our lives ought to be a devotion to Him. Christ promises that when we draw nigh to Him, he will draw neigh to you. Relearn the art of prayer, solitude and fasting. ¨ A man reaps what he sows Fasting has been a part of the spiritual arsenal of men and women of God all through Scripture. Jesus set the example by spending 40 days fasting on water in the desert. In spite of this, fasting has a stigma of fear. My kidneys, liver and other major organs will break down! My hair will fall out, and brain cells will die!. The word fast can conjure up visions of starvation, imagining a sickly scrawny body being hurt by protein–depletion. So lets clear up some misconceptions that cause people to fear fasting. For some, even to go a few hours without food can cause headaches and discomfort. The tongue turns yellow. The breath becomes foul, and they experience weakness and dizziness which

only confirms what they already suspected—fasting is bad! The truth is, most North Americans eat in such a way that the body is never allowed to cleanse itself. What they were experiencing was the result of cleansing the waste that had built up in the body as the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. A man reaps what he sows. If we spend our whole life eating without consideration, then in fasting we will reap suffering during the detoxification stage. Two thousand years ago man lived on a sparse diet, free from pesticides, food additives, drugs and toxins. Today we consume more

toxic substances than all generations before us. The level of lead built up in our bones is 200 times compared to those excavated from the period of Christ. Through air, water, food and even mother's milk, we have absorbed thousands of toxins and chemicals that exist in the environment as a result of modern technology. During fasting, these toxins are released into the blood stream which can make water fasting a difficult experience. Graciously God has provided a way to fast in spite of the abuse to the body. Juice fasting can be used as a launching board for water fasting. Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound. Each extra pound of fat will supply enough calories for one day of hard physical labor. Ten pounds of fat is equal to 35,000

calories! This is equivalent to 35 pounds of fish or 192 pounds of carrots. You get good value for your fat. We are carrying around a supermarket of reserves capable of sustaining us for many weeks. All living things have the ability to survive harsh circumstances. Organisms are able to store nutrients in the fat, blood, bone marrow and other tissues. The camel stores fat and water in its hump. Tadpoles abstain from eating when their legs are developing, subsisting on their tails which are no longer needed. The Mexican Gila Monster stores up reserves in its tail when food is plentiful, and can survive for six weeks when food is scarce. The marine iguana of the Galapagos Islands is named the Vegetarian Dragon because it lives on seaweed. It can abstain from food for over one hundred days. But for us food is plentiful, therefore we never have an opportunity to use up fat reserves conveniently stored around the waist. There is a vast difference between fasting and starving. During the absence of food, the body will systematically cleanse itself of everything except vital tissue. It continually readjusts to make minimum demands on its reserves. Starvation will only occur when the body is forced to use vital tissue to survive. Humans adapt amazingly well to lack of food. A. J. Carlson, Professor of Physiology, University of Chicago, states that a healthy well–nourished man can live from 50 to 75 days without food, provided he is not exposed to harsh elements or emotional stress. There are numerous examples of water fasts over the 75 day mark. Granted, 75 day water fasts are radical but it shows that God has wonderfully created the body to be able to live for extended periods without food. ¨ PHYSICAL HEALING THROUGH FASTING Fasting intensifies healing. In the fasting state, tissues and organs are repaired more rapidly. Digestion involves work. To heal illness, the body must pull all its resources toward cleansing and repairing. To do so, it attempts to reduce or stop digestion by removing the desire to eat. Wounded animals will disappear into seclusion, emerging to eat only after their wounds or broken bones have

healed. This is why there is little desire for food when sick—the body wants to cleanse. We need to learn to listen to our bodies! This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. When that alarm goes off at six o’clock in the morning—it inflicts pain. Dragging the carcass out of bed the first thing that greets us is a horrible representation of our face in the mirror, confirming how much our spouse must love us. Hair everywhere, swollen half–open eyes caked with greenish sleepy dirt. White pasty skin and

breath that could stop a freight train. The body goes into a state of fasting while we sleep. With great patience it waits until we start dosing off, and finally in the sleep state, it begins its miraculous work of cleansing. Upon awakening from this short fast, the tongue is coated, breath is foul, skin is puffy, and the mind is foggy. These are all the early symptoms of the body in a state of detoxification. Those short little holidays that we take every night from a life of feasting. Bacon, eggs, a cup of coffee and a side order pancakes is a sure way of halting detoxification. You of course feel instantly better, attributing it to that greasy breakfast. The term breakfast is appropriately named, as we are breaking a nightly fast with a

morning feast. One of the blessings you will experience on a fast is an effervescent energy when rising out of bed in the morning. No sleepy dirt, no puffy eyes, your hair in perfect place. A breath sweet as the morning midst that flows over the hills covered in spring flowers. Fasting followed by a healthy diet is a way of rediscovering the sense of God’s Spirit in the birth of a new day. ¨

MICROSCOPIC TUBES AND MEMBRANES The continuous eating of mucus–forming foods clogs the body's microscopic tubes and membranes. Internal waste builds up and the chance of illness increases. Fasting enables us to dissolve this internal mucus. A common experience during fasting is for the nose or throat to pass a sticky mucus. Within minutes the sinuses can become clogged. The person breaking a fast also may experience white strands of mucus passing with the stool after the first meal. Fasting or following a natural–food diet, cleanses the tube and membrane structure from

mucoid matter and toxins. Eliminated during the cleansing process: • dead, dying or diseased cells • unwanted fatty tissue • trans–fatty acids • hardened coating of mucus on the intestinal wall • toxic waste matter in the lymph and blood stream • toxins in the spleen, liver, and kidneys • mucus from the lungs and sinuses • imbedded toxins in the cellular fibers and deeper organ tissues • deposits in the microscopic tubes responsible for nourishing brain cells • excess cholesterol Fasting removes cellular waste. About 600 billion cells in your body are being replaced daily. Approximately one–quarter of your cells are either dying, old or need to be

replaced. Unless the body gets rid of the dying cells, it cannot build new ones. In the fasting state, the body scours for dead cells, damaged tissues, fatty deposits, tumors, abscesses—all of which are burned for fuel or expelled as waste. ¨ MUSCLES MAINTAINED DURING FASTING Another unwarranted fear of fasting is that strength is diminished from the catobalization of proteins from the muscle fibers. Even

during long fasts, the number of muscle fibers remain the same. Although the healthy cells may be reduced in size and strength for a time, they remain perfectly sound. On December, 1903, under the supervision of Mr. Macfadden, eight athletes entered an athletic contest in Madison Square Gardens. Amazingly, all were on the seventh

day of a water fast. Joseph H. Waltering, one of the eight, won both the 50–yard dash and the 220–yard run. Another member of the eight, Gilman Low, won first prize in the strength contest. The following day on the eighth day of his fast in front of 16,000 well–fed spectators munching on popcorn and peanuts, he established nine world records for strength and endurance that would stand for years. Some of these records were: • deadlifting 950 lb. three times in four seconds • leg lifting 1,800 lb. 18 times in 18 seconds • back lifting 2,500 lb. five times in ten seconds After the competition instead of going home and watching TV he thought he would work off extra energy by lifting a ton 22 times in the presence of physicians to demonstrate that there was no deterioration of strength after a week of

fasting. During the fast, the athletes were guarded to ensure authenticity. Even more astonishing, are parents who have been sighted spending whole days, cleaning house, doing laundry and feeding hungry children, while fasting! Dr. Ehret who was an avid faster, walked for ten days through the mountains fasting on water. Bragg, another fasting enthusiast, walked 30 miles across Death Valley in July during a fast. It was invigorating walk for Bragg, but for the ten athletic college students that went with him through the blistering heat, it would be an experience they would never forget. Enjoying his first stroll so much, he

decided to hike another 30 miles the next day. Not bad for a great–grandfather! ¨ metamorphosis The butterfly is a magnificent example of catabolism (tearing down) and anabolism (building up). During metamorphosis the butterfly’s muscles and organs dissolve into a thick yellow solution. All internal structures are torn down and rebuilt into

another form with different organs. It emerges from the chrysalis, unfolding its wings, a new creation. The miraculous aspect of metamorphoses, is that it occurs while fasting. All the substances needed for rebuilding come from within. Why does fasting have such a powerful effect in healing the body? Fasting dissolves diseased cells in a systematic manner, leaving healthy tissue. The result is a thorough cleansing of the tube, membrane and cellular structures. There is a remarkable redistribution of nutrients in the fasting body. It analyzes its reserves and distributes

them according to need. It hangs on to precious minerals and vitamins while disposing excess elements and inferior materials. During a fast a metamorphosis occurs. The body undergoes a tearing down and rebuilding of damaged materials. For this reason, fasting is famous for its ability to rejuvenate and give the body a more youthful tone. During fasting: • mental clarity is improved • rapid safe weight loss is achieved without flabbiness • the nervous system is balanced • energy level is increased • organs are revitalized • cellular biochemistry is harmonized • the skin becomes silky, soft, and sensitive • there is greater ease of movement • breathing becomes fuller, freer and deeper • the digestive system is given a well deserved rest There should be no doubt that fasting is not only healthy, but a tremendous physical blessing. Yet this healing is just a fringe benefit to the true value of fasting. Fasting can reach down to affect the very core of our relationship with God. There is much to be said for the effects of fasting on the brain and senses. It is common knowledge that the brain is sharper when hungry. When University of Chicago students

fasted for seven days while attending classes, mental alertness increased and their progress in school work was cited as remarkable. The universal testimony of fasters is that their thinking is enhanced. The mental and physical senses are heightened and often there can be a feeling of euphoria, especially during longer fasts. For the first time some will experience emotional stability. There can be a number of reasons for this. The first being the elimination of the emotional dependence on food. Secondly, the elimination of stimulating foods. This includes caffeine, processed sugars and trans–fatty acids which have a devastating effect on the chemical balance that affects emotions. Therefore it is easy to understand how people can mistake

these liberating experiences to involve something of a spiritual nature. The New Age Movement has embraced fasting because it has such an impact on the brain's ability to function clearly. There are many groups that consider fasting to be innately spiritual. It is considered part of the pathway to higher understanding. The question is... ¨ WHAT IS SPIRITUAL ABOUT FASTING? To decide whether something is spiritual or not, we must look at it from God's vantage point. For instance, sex can be spiritual. When a husband and wife share their love for one another using sex as a tool of expression, it becomes a sweet aroma before God. In contrast, sex can also be wretched and sickening to God. Homosexuality, rape and incest are common examples of sex being twisted into a tool for self–fulfillment rather than an expression of love. Fasting, like sex, can be used either as a tool of expression or of self–fulfillment. As a tool of expression, the focus

is on God. In self–fulfillment, the focus is on self. What can fasting do for me? This is the most important distinguishing factor of what separates true spiritual fasting from your run of the mill fasting. Isaiah 58 is the classic passage that distinguishes the difference between true spiritual fasting and vain fasting. The Israelites fasted regularly. It was a part of their culture. As with so many things, fasting had become so ingrained in tradition that it lost its true meaning. The problem is when something becomes an empty ritual, it no longer has the power to affect our hearts. This is what fasting had become to the Israelites. "Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for a bowing of one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? (Isa 58:5) "For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right, that has not forsaken the commands of God." Isaiah 58:2 Notice the emphasis on as if and seems eager. It is tough to pull the wool over God's eyes. We can pull the wool over our own eyes and other people's eyes, but not God's—He sees the heart. What was the Israelites motivation for fasting

in Isaiah 58? At first glance, their fast seemed noble. It seemed they were eager for God to come near to them. They seemed eager to seek God out and know His ways. They would lie down dressed in sackcloth and ashes, wailing and crying to God. A vivid picture of humility and supposed brokenness. But as with the modern church, ancient Israel was plagued with religitous—a disease of convenience. This comes from the misunderstanding that we can wrap something up in a pretty little package, offer it to God and hope it would be pleasing to Him. But the Lord says all our works are as filthy rags. God does not want our works or pretty little gifts. He wants our hearts, and that is where the Israelites blew it! That is why

their fasting was an insult to God's intelligence. What God is saying in Isaiah 58 is: Do you really think you can appease Me by offering your little fasts and expect Me to turn a blind eye to the corruption and rebellion in your heart? That corruption and rebellion was oozing out in the fabric of their society. How can a tree bear two different kinds of fruit? The answer is—it cannot. All we are doing is doctoring up some of the fruit to make it look like something it is not. Someone who fasts because they sincerely long to know Jesus will reflect that in everything that they do. It will be reflected on every level of relationship they have. ...is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the chords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderers with shelter—when you see the naked, to cloth him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? ...Do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfying the needs of the oppressed,..." Isaiah 58:6–10 What God is saying to the Israelites is, your heart has to change. God does not respond to the things that we do, He responds to a change of heart and it is here we come to the true purpose of spiritual fasting. Spiritual fasting is a tool to help us change our hearts before God. Fasting is not something we are offering up to God but instead it assists in offering ourselves up to God. We are a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Rom 12:1–2). When a chef is preparing food, he uses many tools of the trade:

pots and pans, slicers and dicers, spoons and spatulas. All these tools are to create his tasty culinary delights. Could you imagine sitting in a restaurant and having the chef come out of his kitchen, plunk down all his dirty pots and pans on your nice clean table, as he smiles with pride and delight. The reaction would be negative. Yet we do the same thing with God. Going to church, fasting, speaking in tongues, reading the Bible—we offer these things up to God as being pleasing to Him. Yet these are the tools that assist in giving to God what He truly wants—our body (Rom 12:1). Our life is the dish that delights the heart of God. ¨ RECEIVE GOD’S LOVE God weeps. His love is beyond searching out. More than anything, He desires spiritual communion with His church, and will pay any price. The path that Christ has paved to your heart is marked by His own blood. All He asks is for a response. A response of surrender. Opening the door of our heart so that He may come in and have friendship with us. The problem is that so many are unable to respond to God, to realize the fullness of His love. We are crippled and wounded inside. Fearful to trust. We hang on to destructive security blankets that are familiar. These wounds may have come from an experience in childhood. An oppressive father who belittled you, making you feel worthless. And so you learn

to escape into a world where there is no pain. A world of your own creation. Putting steel walls around your heart, locking in a hell of suffering. Some of these experiences have been helpful, having a positive effect on who we are. Others have been destructive, shaping us in a way that God never intended us to be. God does not force us to give these hurts up. He will not barge into the dark rooms in the heart, which we are so fearful to expose. He understands that most need help in properly responding to His unbelievable gifts of love. More info is on www.freedomyou.com

[Guest guest]

, Antwan Penn

<esiasemanuel wrote:

>

> Forward if you feel it would be benefical to everyone!

>

> Hi, This is a Message of Love. From your Brother in Christ Jesus!

>

> You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

> Jeremiah 29:13

>snipped>

 

While this is profound for Christians I want others to know that whether

or not they wish to look at the deeper ramifications of a spiritual

approach to fasting that is in many religions, they will still receive

great results and improvements in health doing it for their health.

An atheist will still improve health. Sometimes people dismiss fasting

as products of fanatics and it need not be so at all. Thanks for your

great posting.

 

Mike