Fasting “after the flesh” and “after the spirit” are considered today, along with more on whether believing brings about reincarnation and resurrection. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “mopar Mike” (Level 6 with 18,975 points, a member since December 23, 2008) posted the following:
Christians: Whats been your experience with fasting ? Has it significantly enhanced your Christian walk?
I’ve heard other Christian say it’s very effective in breaking strongholds.
Also. I realize fasting is not to pry God’s hand open in giving you what you want. I’m just curious as to your experience.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
THE BATTLE AXE: Does Believing Make It Happen? (09/18/2012)—For many reincarnation is an event in nature like reproduction, childbirth, toothache, and “growing up.” As a fixed and set condition of existence, reincarnation requires no explanation or justification: It just is. However, given such ideas as karma, and possibilities for movement through higher and lower levels of being (including divinity), reincarnation also speaks to “judgment”, and the valuing of life accomplishments. Given the absence of a divine person who presides over reincarnation, benefits, compensation, penalties and rewards are held to be distributed on a basis that is balanced, neutral, and “fair”. For Christians, power derives from being in correct relationship with Almighty GOD, and is more a product from acting according to belief than from simply believing. Without proper action, believing is fruitless, has no substance, and is no more than day-dreaming, fantasy and wishing. As a reality of judgment, all must face both the actual outcomes and consequences of their own deeds as well as appear in the full presence of the Holy One and Judge, who himself is the eternal standard for all substance, person and life. While as humans all our relationships entail change, conflict, instability, stress, and surprise, the contribution of relationships to life experience far exceeds the beauty, potential, power and richness of any life event, or mechanical process of nature and time.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, (Matthew 4: 3-5)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why We Do…and Don’t (01/18/2012); All Righteousness (01/11/2012); Binder 24: If Ye Continue (10/21/2011); Lent (03/10/2011); Getting Ready? (11/05/2010); Bible Boring? (09/29/2010)
Be encouraged as you consider the following:
Where fasting is “after the flesh” its focus is upon abstinence from eating and drinking. One is made more introspective and self-aware, both through signals from their body, and from their mind as they break the usual rhythm of their day. Their consciousness is repeatedly directed to their own physical wellbeing as well as to the comfort and mechanics of their own organs. A person may miss meals, or endure hunger and thirst for many reasons (e.g., competition, health regimens, illness, lack of appetite, no food in their home, poverty, self-discipline, sleep, study, weight loss, work), thus, the practice of simply skipping meals is not regarded as automatically having spiritual benefit.
Where one fasts “after the spirit,” the time ordinarily used in preparing and taking meals is spent instead “consuming” the word of GOD. The focus of fasting is then upon humbling oneself to GOD, and confirms the divine truth that the spirit in man also must be nourished: man lives not by bread only, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (see Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, King James Version). The holy writings are correctly understood as containing and supplying spiritual, rather than carnal, material and social substance.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in the same way Christian believers are circumcised in the body and person of Jesus Christ, believers have already fasted 40 days and nights as did Moses. It is not necessary that we repeat all the sufferings that Christ has accomplished for us, beyond what will open our understanding, and establish us with him in his finished work.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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