I have been studying on the subject of fasting. It is something I have never personally participated in nor fully comprehend. In reading Matthew 13:1-23 I have learned God wants to clear out the "rocks and weeds" in my life breaking up the hard soil. So my question is how? What must I do to take this next step in my spiritual walk? Is it structured or done during a certain month? I would appreciate any feedback, guidance, or further reading to be considered before moving forward.
Although fasting is seen as a good thing, as far as I know, there is no commandment given to Christians to do so. Matthew 6:16-18 gives us the correct understanding of fasting. The Jews were required to fast only once a year at the Day of Atonement. On the Day of Atonement they fast. But the Pharisees fasted twice a week, every Monday and Thursday. That's 104 times a year! But the requirement was to only fast once a year. The Pharisees wanted to show themselves as being "Super Spiritual."
Now, you touched on something that should be the goal of every believer, which is about the next step in one's spiritual walk. After salvation, the next step is to have our minds transformed. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we are to submit ourselves to His humbling process. You call it "rocks and weeds," and I like that. Here is something you should know. If you have received Jesus Christ (Been born of His Spirit), there is no "hard soil" to break up. That's already been far penetrated and broken up since you've received Him. (See Parable of the Sower).
However, once we are saved, the effects of sin in our past remain stuck in the cortex of our minds. We can't get away from that. So we have to submit ourselves to the Lord so He can mend us from our past and so that He can transform us and renew our minds.
Sorry if I'm getting off-topic. If you choose to fast, that is between you and the Lord. It should be done in secret. It doesn't necessarily mean to give up food for the day, even though food can be a distraction. But if you decide to fast, just put aside a time where it's just you and the Lord, clear your mind of all worldly distractions, and just focus on Christ and His word. It should be a one on one time with Him without distraction. But just so you know, there is no commandment given to believers to fast.
Thank you so much to both replies. I looked up the scripture & found solice. I prayed before posting my original thread. He has answered and I am at peace.
I have been studying on the subject of fasting. It is something I have never personally participated in nor fully comprehend. In reading Matthew 13:1-23 I have learned God wants to clear out the "rocks and weeds" in my life breaking up the hard soil. So my question is how? What must I do to take this next step in my spiritual walk? Is it structured or done during a certain month? I would appreciate any feedback, guidance, or further reading to be considered before moving forward.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
Although fasting is seen as a good thing, as far as I know, there is no commandment given to Christians to do so. Matthew 6:16-18 gives us the correct understanding of fasting. The Jews were required to fast only once a year at the Day of Atonement. On the Day of Atonement they fast. But the Pharisees fasted twice a week, every Monday and Thursday. That's 104 times a year! But the requirement was to only fast once a year. The Pharisees wanted to show themselves as being "Super Spiritual."
Now, you touched on something that should be the goal of every believer, which is about the next step in one's spiritual walk. After salvation, the next step is to have our minds transformed. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we are to submit ourselves to His humbling process. You call it "rocks and weeds," and I like that. Here is something you should know. If you have received Jesus Christ (Been born of His Spirit), there is no "hard soil" to break up. That's already been far penetrated and broken up since you've received Him. (See Parable of the Sower).
However, once we are saved, the effects of sin in our past remain stuck in the cortex of our minds. We can't get away from that. So we have to submit ourselves to the Lord so He can mend us from our past and so that He can transform us and renew our minds.
Sorry if I'm getting off-topic. If you choose to fast, that is between you and the Lord. It should be done in secret. It doesn't necessarily mean to give up food for the day, even though food can be a distraction. But if you decide to fast, just put aside a time where it's just you and the Lord, clear your mind of all worldly distractions, and just focus on Christ and His word. It should be a one on one time with Him without distraction. But just so you know, there is no commandment given to believers to fast.
Your question is, what must I do?
You answered your on question in the sentence preceding you question.
I HAVE LEARNED God wants to clear out the "rocks and weeds" in my life breaking up the hard soil.
GOD IS FAITHFUL IN ALL HIS WANTS. HE will do the work. Sit still and behold the salvation (WORKS) of God.
Psalms 57:2 I will cry into God most high; unto God THAT PERFORMETH ALL THINGS FOR ME.
As to fasting in God's eyes the answer is in Isaiah 58
To Him be the glory forever Amen.
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