What is Biblical Fasting?

Key text:

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:16-18

What is the purpose of religious fasting?

The question concerning a religious practice known as fasting that does not seem to be as common in the wider church. According to the dope in church attendance on the church books in most churches, the practice of fasting has dropped drastically in the life of the individual members which leads to great concern these days.

Before we look any further into this subject, let's look at some of the biblical passages and narratives where the practice of fasting is mentioned.

Types of Fasting: 

Fasting is not necessarily total abstention from food and drink. In some cases there was total abstention for a prolonged period of time, but in those cases God Himself seemed to have sustained the person. Speaking of Moses the word says, “And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.” Exodus 34:28. Please read Matt. 4:2.

Some people fasted for short periods of time without eating and drinking (Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9). So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. Ezra 8:23

But a normal fast probably allowed the drinking of water in order to avoid the risk of dehydration (Lev. 23:14), particularly in a hot climate, and abstention from food only during the daylight hours (2 Sam. 1:12; 3:35)—similar to the modern Muslim fast during Ramadan. Fasting during the night appeared to have been unusual (Esther 4:16). The Bible also mentions partial fasts, which consisted of the consumption of limited amounts of simple food (Dan. 10:2, 3).

The length of the fast:

We read about fasts of 40 days (Deut. 9:9), seven days (1 Sam. 31:13), three days (Esther 4:16), one day (2 Sam. 3:35), and possibly a night fast (Dan. 6:18). There were community fasts: God ordered the Israelites to fast during the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29); occasionally the leaders asked the people to fast (Judges 20:26; 2 Chron. 20:3); or the prophets called for a fast (Joel 2:12, 13). But private fasting was a more common practice.

Concepts Associated With Fasting: 

Fasting is closely related to prayers of healing and deliverance (Ps. 35:13) and to worship (Acts 13:2); but it is also practiced in the context of a present or future calamity (Esther 4:1-4), in mourning (2 Sam. 1:12), in the selection of church leaders, “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:2, 3), as a sign of repentance (Jonah 3:5), and as an expression of devotion to God (Luke 2:37). Jesus condemned ostentatious fasting that had the purpose of impressing others with the spirituality of the person. He encouraged private fasting (Matt. 6:16-18).

Basic Meaning of Fasting:

It is difficult to find one fundamental purpose for fasting present in all of its expressions, but one comes very close to that ideal. Fasting is an outward expression of the person's inner total commitment and reliance on God's preserving and rescuing power. The Scripture describes humans as single units of self-conscious life inseparable from their bodily forms. Feelings and emotions are not simply inner experiences we have apart from the body; they are intrinsically related to our corporeality and express themselves in it. There is no way of expressing feelings, emotions, and religiosity except in our bodily existence.

In the Garden of Eden, God communicated or informed Adam and Eve that they would have to cooperate with Him in the preservation of their lives through the ingestion of food (Gen. 1:29). An unwillingness to eat or eating improper food would indicate unwillingness to submit to His plan for them (Gen. 2:9). Such attitude would be a bodily/physical expression of a spirit of rebellion. Consequently, fasting would appear to indicate an unwillingness to cooperate with God in the preservation of our lives.

Yet the Bible indicates fasting as a proper expression of devotion and commitment to God. In that case the deprivation of food is not an expression of rebellion but a recognition that life can be ultimately preserved by our Creator and Redeemer. In fasting, we place our lives exclusively into the merciful care of God. It expresses a total and absolute commitment, a loving and trusting surrender of our lives to God as the only one who can rescue us from the oppression of sin.

Repentance and Fasting:

Often, we see in the Bible people fasting as a sign of remorse and repentance. For example, Samuel called a corporate fast when “all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD” and returned to Him following the time of their idolatry (1 Samuel 7:2). After ridding the land of their idols, they gathered to Samuel at Mizpeh “and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD” (vs. 6). Ahab (1 Kings 21:27-29), the people of Israel (Nehemiah 9:1) and even Israel’s enemies at the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:5) fasted to show their sorrow for sin and deep repentance. Christians may do the same today. When we become aware of the awfulness of our sins and humble our hearts in repentance, fasting may increase our sense of our need and dependence upon Christ for all our righteousness, though fasting can never add to the free gift of salvation that Christ has bought for us.

It is said by them of old, “A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion that can only bring about change. Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposing sacrifice, proclaim that the doer of these things regards himself as righteous, and as entitled to heaven; but it is all a deception. Our own works can never purchase salvation.”

Answers to request made in faith through fasting:

“Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” Joel 2:12. We’re told that “For our sake He (Jesus) exercised a self-control stronger than hunger or death. And in this first victory were involved other issues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness.” Can fasting strengthen us against Satan’s temptations, then? Matthew 4:1-11

What Jesus Say About Fasting:

Jesus Himself had something to say about fasting and seemed to suppose that fasting was an ordinary part of the devotional life for believers. Jesus spoke the words of Matthew 6: 16-18 during His Sermon on the Mount when “the multitudes” had gathered to hear Him and “his disciples came unto him” Matthew 5:1. Look carefully at the following verses:

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:16-18.

Consider Jesus’ comments and instructions about fasting:

·        Fasting is a normal part of spiritual practice for believers. First of all, notice that Jesus said, “When” you fast. He expected believers to fast. So obviously there are times which are appropriate for believers to fast.

·        Fasting is primarily an inward attitude, not an external sign. Jesus taught that fasting for selfish reasons is useless. He used the proud Pharisees as an example of how not to fast. If you fast so that others will think you’re very spiritual, that’s of no value, He said. But if you fast “in secret” then God will reward you openly.

Interestingly, Jesus talked about fasting right after teaching His disciples the Lord’s Prayer. This perfect example of prayer comes from a peaceful submission to the will of God and a humble acceptance of His sovereignty over the believer’s life. This kind of true inward humility is a requirement for meaningful fasting.

Consider also an incident that led Jesus to recommend fasting to His disciples. Jesus had chosen three disciples to be with Him at His transfiguration. Meanwhile, the remaining nine were facing a crisis. A man who had a demon-possessed son came to them and asked them to cast out the demon. They couldn’t. Later when they asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast the demon out, He told them, Because of your unbelief: “for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20.

Apparently, it was the disciples’ lack of faith that cast up a roadblock against their ability to oust the demon. Then Jesus added these often misunderstood words: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (vs. 21). What did Jesus mean?

First, Jesus said their unbelief prevented them from casting out the demon. Then, He told them the demon could only be cast out by prayer and fasting. Did Jesus mean that certain demons are too strong to be cast out without prayer and fasting?

Since Jesus once said that it was by “the finger of God” that He cast out devils (Luke 11:20), it must have been by the same “finger of God” that the disciples cast out devils. Obviously, God’s “finger” is not strengthened by our fasting, but something happens within us through fasting.

Prior to this, Jesus had foretold His death and the nine disciples were sorrowing over His words; so they were discouraged. On top of that, the nine were jealous of the three that had been chosen to accompany Jesus to the mount. Their hearts weren’t right with God, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work”(James 3:16). In that context, they unwisely engaged Satan in battle. “In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must be emptied of self, and be filled with the Spirit and power of God.” DA 431.

Shortly after this event, in the very next chapter of Matthew, we read, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). Obviously, they missed the point about the need for humility and Jesus reiterates, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (vs. 3). So when He said, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting,” He was pointing out the disciples’ own personal need for spiritual renewal and real humility.

Fasting as a Symbol:

As a symbol of the humble position of the heart, Christians kneel in prayer to God. In a similar way, fasting should be a physical demonstration of the believer’s humble submission to God’s will and his or her utter dependence upon Him. Fasting is as appropriate now as it was in Jesus’ day.

According to many great authors, they all say that fasting is actually even more important now than ever. Looking at the earth’s last days, it is said, “We are living in the most solemn period of this world's history. The destiny of earth's teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God.”

When fasting is done in the right spirit and for the right reasons, fasting and prayer are tools God can use to accomplish His work in us: 

“In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.”

Outward Signs Alone Are Valueless in Fasting:

The outward signs of fasting and prayer, without a broken and contrite spirit, are of no value in God's sight. The inward work of grace is needed. Humiliation of soul is essential. God looks upon this. He will graciously receive those who will humble their hearts before Him. He will hear their petitions and heal their backslidings. In God’s eyes it doesn’t matter who you are. Ministers and the general people alike need the work of purification in their souls, that God's judgments may be turned away from them. God is waiting, waiting for humiliation and repentance. He will receive all who will turn unto Him with their whole heart.

God calls upon us to help those suffering for truth's sake through prayer and sometimes fasting:

God's cause embraces every needy, suffering saint. We are not selfishly to single out a few relatives and friends and help them, letting our work end here. All the needy who come to our notice are to be helped, but especially those who are suffering for the truth's sake. If we neglect this work, God will hold us accountable. Shall we not as a people who work righteousness, follow the conditions God has laid down, and be doers of His Word?

No yoke is to be placed upon the neck of anyone:

The Lord has not given man the work of putting yokes on the necks of His people, binding them in such a way that they are not free to look to Him and to be led and guided by Him. It is not the Lord's design that His people shall be made amenable to their fellow-men, who are themselves, wholly dependent on God. May the LORD answer your request today. 

Fasting and Physical Health:

Throughout the ages, people have also used fasting to strengthen or regain physical health. Fasting is truly an ancient cure, although the practice may be considered extreme in contrast to this age of fast food and overindulgence.

The rationale behind fasting is that by withholding food from the body, energy normally spent digesting food can be invested instead in repairing the body’s cells, organs and tissues. The result is rejuvenation and an overall sense of well-being, which is why some people incorporate regular fasting as a part of a healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that fasting should always be monitored by a health professional and that fasting is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions.

Just Water Fast:

Some health clinics offer supervised fasting programs in which patients drink only water for 2 – 3 weeks or longer. Remarkable cures have been documented on this type of fasting program including Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, sinusitis and even deafness. During a lengthy water fast, the body quickly burns up its stores of sugar then switches to fat-burning for energy. By God’s design, toxins are kept safely out of circulation by storing them in fat cells, so as fat is broken down and metabolized during a fast, toxins are released and removed from the body. This fat-burning during fasting has a significant detoxifying effect. As more and more toxins are released and removed, symptoms that may have been present for years begin to be eliminated. Typically, water fasting follows this pattern:

·        Days 1 – 2: Blood sugar and sugar stored in muscle tissue is burned.

·        Day 3 and beyond: Fat is burned, ketones are released and feelings of hunger disappear; signs of inflammation (pain and swelling) are gradually eliminated.

Detoxifying Juices Fast:

Water fasting is not the only type of fast that brings physical benefits. Freshly made vegetable and fruit juices along with cleansing herbal teas can assist the body in its rejuvenating process during a fast. There are many books available on juice fasting that may be helpful in planning a juice fast. Preferably, use organic fresh, raw fruits or vegetables for juicing. You can add spirulina to increase nutrient content and fiber such as ground psyllium to aid bowel movement which supports the detoxification process. Juices made from leafy, green vegetables are excellent for detoxifying the body.

Length of the Fast:

Metabolic detoxification doesn’t really begin until the second or third day of fasting, but even fasting for one day can be beneficial in that it allows the digestive organs to rest and recuperate. You may want to go on a one day juice fast from time to time simply to rest the digestive organs while still supplying vital nutrients with freshly made juices.

Dr. James and Phyllis Balch, in Prescription for Nutritional Healing state: A three-day fast helps the body get rid of toxins. A five-day fast starts the healing process. A ten-day fast should take care of most problems before they arise – a fast this long is good twice a year. Do not fast on water alone! Fasting over three days should be supervised by a qualified health professional.ⁱ

If you are planning to fast, you should work with your health-care provider to determine the length of your fast. Regarding the length of a fast, Dr. James and Phyllis Balch make these recommendations:ⁱⁱ

Fast Until:

1.     The tongue is cleared of its coating,

2.     The breath is sweet,

3.     You are very hungry.

Conditions Improved by Fasting:

Fasting enables the body to return to normal functioning and regain its vitality. A number of positive benefits from fasting include: ⁱⁱⁱ

·        Weight loss: this becomes especially apparent after the third day of fasting.

·        Risk factors decrease: high blood pressure, excess weight and metabolic disorders improve.

·        General health improves.

When Not to Fast:

Severe cardiac disorders or severe organ diseases rule out fasting and can actually be harmful. Check with your health practitioner before undertaking a fast. However, you can still benefit from the detoxifying principles employed in fasting by incorporating in your diet an abundance of fresh, unprocessed raw vegetables and vegetable juices.

Follow up on health statements:

i. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing (Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group Inc., 1990), 324-325. 

ii. Ibid., 325. 

iii. Ernst Schneider, Healthy by Nature: The Healing Power of Natural Agents (Madrid, Spain: Editorial Safeliz, 2008), 309-310.

Fasting has both spiritual and physical benefits which can lead us to a greater realization of our dependence upon God. He alone is our only source of health and salvation:

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103: 2-5).

The Secret of Failure In Answer To Prayer in Fasting:

"Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."—Matthew 17:19-21. "And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."—Mark 9:28, 29.

Let us look back on the text. “Those nine disciples, who remained at the foot of the mountain when the Savior took the other three to behold his transfiguration, had each of them a true commission from the Lord Jesus Christ. They were nine of his chosen apostles. He had elected them in his own good pleasure, and there was no doubt about (them) being really called to the apostleship. They were not only elected, but they were also qualified, for on former occasions they had healed the sick, they had cast out devils, and they had preached the Word of Christ with great power. Upon them rested miraculous influences, and they were able to do great wonders in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; and they were not only qualified to do this, but they had actually performed many marvels of healing. When they went forth, girded with divine power, they healed the sick, and cast out devils everywhere; yet on this occasion you perceive that they were completely baffled and beaten.”

(What was the problem that caused them to cry out for help from Jesus as He came of the mount?) “A poor father had brought to them his epileptic son, who was also possessed with an evil spirit; and they could neither cast out the evil spirit nor heal the epileptic boy. They came, as it were, to a great difficulty which quite nonplussed them; and the scoffing scribes were there, ready enough to take advantage of them, and to say in scorn and contempt, "You cannot cure this child, for the power you have received from your Master is limited. He can do some strange things, but even he cannot do all things. Perhaps he has lost his former power, and now, at last, a kind of devil has appeared that he cannot master. You see, you are mistaken in following him; your faith has been fixed upon an impostor, and you had better give it up."

Oh, how ready the evil spirit ever is to suggest dark thoughts if we cannot always be successful in our work of faith and labor of love! I believe that it was for this very reason that our Lord gave us this record of the defeat of the nine apostles in order to let us feel that it is not so great a wonder if, sometimes, we have to come back and say, "Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" It is no new thing that we should be made a laughingstock to the enemies of the cross of Christ because we cannot even do what we have formerly done, and are beaten in the very field where aforetime we have achieved great and notable victories for our Master.

Brethren, why do you think that the Lord allows his servants to be beaten at all? Well, of course, the chief reason in this case was—and of that we will speak presently,—because God gives the victory to faith, and if we will not believe, neither shall we be established. If we are to do the Lord's work, and to do it successfully, we must have faith in him, we must look beyond ourselves, we must look beyond our earthly commission, we must look beyond our personal qualifications, we must look beyond our former successes, we must look for a present anointing by the Holy Spirit, and by faith we must hang upon the Living (Word) of God from day to day.

There were a few more lessons to learn that day, like:

1.     To help the disciples see the infinite superiority of their Master.

2.     A longing for more of the company of Jesus.

3.     The true experience of the joy of prayer that is driven by failure, lost, disappointment, hardship, and pain.

Which leads us to the big question asked by the disciples? "Why could not we cast him out?"

This enquiry, if it leads up to a correct answer, is evidently a very wise one, for every (mankind) ought to try to know all he can about himself. If I am successful, why is it that I succeed? Let me know the secret, that I may put the crown on the right head. If I do not succeed, let me know the reason why, that I may at any rate try to remove any impediment, if it be an impediment of my own making. If I am a vessel that is not fit for the Master's use, let me know why I as not fit, that I may, as much as lieth in me, prepare myself for the great Master's service. I know that, if I am fit to be used, he is sure to use me; and if he does not use me, it will most probably be because there is some unfitness in me. Try to know, brethren and sisters, why you get baffled in (your holy service to God), for it will be wise to know.

For, whatever may be the reason of your failure, it may be cured. In all probability, it is not a great matter, certainly not an insuperable difficulty to the Lord. By the grace of God, this hindrance may be taken away from you, and no longer be allowed to rob you of your power. Search it out, then; look with both your eyes, and search with the brightest light in your mind…. (Ask God to help you find out everything that restrains the Spirit of God, and injures your own blessing and usefulness.)

Let us consider Jesus answer:

The first answer that the Lord Jesus gave to his disciples was, "Because of your unbelief." He told them that their failure was due to their want of faith. The want of faith breaks the connection between us and Christ. We are like the telegraphic wire, which can convey the message as long as the electricity can travel along it; but if you break the connection, it is useless. Faith is our connection with Christ; (but if you) break the connection, and then what can we do? It is by faith that God works in us and through us; but if unbelief comes in, we are unfit for him to work with us…. 

If we distrust him, what can happen to us but what happened to the children of Israel whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? Now, you know that even the body of a child of God is precious in his sight; for there is faith in him, and he is precious in the sight of the Lord; but as for those who have no faith, Paul calls their bodies carcases! "Whose carcasses fell in the wilderness." Hebrews 3:17 / Numbers 14:29.  If you have no faith in God, why, what are you? The Bible says you are like brute beasts-"carcases." But faith gives God somewhat of his due; it trusts him, and God says, "I will never let you trust me beyond what I will do for you. If you trust me, I will be as good as your faith." …. We shall do great things when God gives us more faith!

But then the text says, "By prayer and fasting." Our Lord Jesus Christ never made much of fasting. He very seldom spoke about it; and when the Pharisees came to Him to trap Him, he generally put them off  by telling them that the time had not come for his disciples to fast, because the Bridegroom was still with them, and while he was with them their days were to be days of joy. But, still, the Holy Scripture does speak of fasting, in certain cases it advises fasting, and there were godly men and godly women, such as Anna, the prophetess, who "served God with fasting’s and prayer night and day."

I believe, literally, that many people would be a great deal the better if they did occasionally have a half, or whole day of fasting and prayer. If we only ate about half what is ordinarily eaten, we should probably all of us be in better health; and if, occasionally, we put ourselves on short commons, not because there is any virtue in that, but in order to get our brains more clear, and to help our hearts to rest more fully upon the Savior, we should find that prayer and fasting have great power.

But I will take the fasting in another sense, for I believe that this also is what is meant by our Lord Jesus. Suppose that we have such cases as these to pray for, a church full of discord, a nation or an individual full of sin. We might say to one another, "We will appoint such-and-such a time for prayer." Fast or not, according as your body would be the better or the worse for it. To some, it would be mischievous and injurious to fast; but say to yourselves, "We are going to take a whole day to ourselves. Two or three of us have agreed to devote an evening or a whole night if it is a hard case, and we are going to meet together for no purpose but just to pray about that one matter; and if there is no answer, we will meet again."

Lastly, When fasting we identify ourselves with the needy and the oppressed in these last days, and allow God to use us to enrich their lives. Speaking about Gods last day fast for His people, the Bible says, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Isaiah 58:6-7.

  

Notices the steps one must take if they are a child of God as outline in Isa. 58:6:

1.     To loose the bands of wickedness

2.     To undo the heavy burdens

3.     To let the oppressed go free

4.     That ye break every yoke

5.     To deal thy bread to the hungry

6.     That thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house

7.     When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him

8.     That thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh

The remedy for formalism and selfishness is that the church and its members are to go, give, and gain. They are to become actively engaged in personal ministry with heartfelt concern for fellow humans in every walk of life. Not only to care, but to share the precious knowledge of eternal riches.

The true fast is no mere formal service. The Scripture describes that fast that God has chosen . . . (Isa. 58:6, 10). Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world. --The Desire of Ages. p. 278.

He designs that the medical missionary work shall prepare the way for the presentation of the saving truth for this time, the proclamation of the third angel's message. If this design is met, the message will not be eclipsed nor its progress hindered. --Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 293.

Do medical missionary work. Thus you will gain access to the hearts of the people. The way will be prepared for more decided proclamation of the truth. --Evangelism, p. 514.

A close look at Isaiah 58 makes it clear that this chapter is the outstanding authority for medical missionary work. In this chapter is found a message of special urgency for the spiritual benefit of God's people, and it contains practical instruction on personal ministry to meet the needs of the world. "The whole of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah is to be regarded as a message for this time."--Welfare Ministry, p. 29.

The welfare ministry work is liken to the medical missionary work that shall open the door of the gospel in the last days:

1.     Is of divine origin. Combined with the gospel it is person-to-person ministry and makes possible complete ministry for the complete restoration of man.

2.     Is complete in every detail to meet human need in any emergency and is God's chosen method Of approach for church members to minister personally in the neighborhood of their home or church.

3.     Is a ministry of kindness, sympathy, understanding, and love.

4.     Overcomes prejudice as nothing else can. Creates a favorable climate for better relationships with those for whom we are to labor.

5.     Is basic to all phases of evangelistic endeavor; it is the right arm of the gospel. "God desires His people to bind medical missionary work up with the work of the third angel's message. This is the work that will restore the moral image of God in man." --Medical Ministry, p. 160.

6.     Ministered with Christlike love, will reach human need on all levels of society.

7.     Provides a cure for selfishness. Overcomes cold formalism and superficial religion in the church.

8.     Will give prominence to God's message of salvation and speed the advancement of the work.

9.     Will be the only work done along ministerial lines in the closing days. And, if carried out in harmony with the Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy instruction, will broaden and deepen at every point of its progress.

What will happen to church members when the church really begins to put God's plan to work? The next verses unfold the personal benefits of caring and sharing:

Isa. 58:8 Thine health shall spring forth speedily

Isa. 58:9 Thou shall call and the Lord will answer

Isa. 55:77 The Lord shall guide thee continually

The pleasure of doing good to others imparts a glow to the feelings which flashes through the nerves, quickens the circulation of the blood, and induces mental and physical health. --Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 56.

Good deeds are twice a blessing, benefiting both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. The consciousness of right-doing is one of the best medicines for diseased bodies and minds. When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others, the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole being. –The Ministry of Healing, p. 257.

All who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to Cod's service will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind. --Testimonies, vol. 6, 306.

What will be the effect in regard to the impact of the church on the world when God's plan is carried out? Note how truth becomes prominent through caring and sharing:

Isa. 58:8 Thy light shall break forth as the morning Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward

Isa. 58:10: Then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noon day.

So we see, we have everything to be thankful for. Never ought Christians to move along like a band of mourners in a funeral train. God does not require this of His followers. He does not ask them to spread sackcloth and ashes under them. “Is it such a fast that I have chosen?” He asks; “a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” God tells us what kind of fast He has chosen. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” This is the fast He wishes us to observe. Isaiah 58:7 quoted. In these words our duty is outlined. God shows us where we should place our treasures. As we follow in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, helping the needy and suffering, we shall lay-up treasure before the throne of God.

In summary, we have seen that “believers fast for a number of different reasons, but to reap spiritual benefits from fasting it should be accompanied by true repentance and humility. In addition, fasting can bring spiritual revival and can put us in a proper mind frame to better receive the things of God.” A wise person once said, “Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.” May God always clear your path, and the path of those whom God blesses you to minister too.

A prayerful moment: Lord I come to thee in the names of Jesus. Forgive me for the way on how I have not followed your way of prayer and fasting. I ask if you would bless me to bless other others. Amen

The spoken Words: By Chaplain Kevin Santucci 

Song of the day: Nothing Between / I Surrender All

Neville Peter shares a Hymn from "Simply Hymn Volume 1" his second cd. available on http//www.nevillepeter.com

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci, on facebook live.

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments  

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact us at Garden Ministry. We would love to connect with you. Email us your questions today!

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