Eat while you fast!!

I recently was sent a link to a program called the Daniel Fast. It seems this fad is sweeping 'Christians' off their feet in allowing them to pretty much eat almost anything while 'fasting'.

Within the very first paragraph on this site subtle wording pretty much sums up this money making scheme parading as a fast: While the Daniel Fast is a partial fast, (rather than total abstention from all food) it still provides many of the attributes of denying the self and seeking God. You have got to be kidding. To say that this program is a partial fast is really stretching the truth and to claim that it still provides many of the attributes of denying the self and seeking God is totally bunk. But what do you expect in today's atmosphere of 'Having your best life now'?

I think the real reason this 'fast' exists can be found in a post by the site keeper herself, Susan Gregory. Susan, in a comment section of the page says: 'The Daniel Fast is a very healthy eating plan. Our bodies should actually be in better condition after the fast than before. I have been on the fast since January 6th and I have lost six pounds and my body is definitely liking what I am feeding it!'

Ahhh, it's all about me, isn't it? It's about my body being in better condition than before the fast. It's about losing weight. It's about my body liking what I feed it. It's all about me.

So what is real Biblical fasting for anyway?

Well, here's what its not: It is never for dieting purposes. It is never for self-beautification. It's not to obtain a physical benefit. It is not a way to 'get' something from God.

The word fast comes from a Greek word 'nesteia' which literally means not to eat. When we fast we are seeking God with all our heart and doing it with a sacrificial intent. Fasting is a humility action that puts the focus on God and not on yourself. When we fast we are saying, "Lord, You are the provider and sustainer of my body. It is in You alone that I depend on my very next breath as well as the food in my belly. Things of this world are not as important as You Father."

Why fast? Well, it could be for a sin in a persons life or needing counsel and guidance, direction, mourning or safety. Seeking God through Biblical fasting is denying ones self and putting the focus on Him; not you.

God's Word continues to get watered down in the pulpits and in the bookstores and now through fasting. Seek God first through His Word and prayer and forget about looking for your best life now. It's all about Him, it's all about Him.