Comments on: Mormon Prophet Says Abstaining from Water in Fast Not Necessary. Science Says it’s Healthier

By: graceforgrace

graceforgrace — Mon, 28 May 2012 18:37:12 +0000

Lee,

I support noblenarcissist and Doug’s comments and will add my two cents in as well.

I am like you in the sense that i do not like to blindly follow. Things have to make sense to me for me to do it. Fortunately, Jesus in His mercy has visited me and the Holy Spirit has witnessed to me that fasting is from Him and will bring me closer to Him if I choose to do it.

There are commandments that Jesus has given us (i.e. fasting) that are for our benefit. I am of the personal persuasion that it doesn’t necessarily matter what we fast from as long as it is with a pure heart and a sacrifice to the Lord. When we choose to do this, I know from personal experience we will be blessed.

I challenge you to do this. Humble yourself before the Lord and ask Him for a witness the next time you fast. You’ll be amazed how gracious the Good Lord is.

By: noblenarcissist

noblenarcissist — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:23:11 +0000

It’s easier to convince ourselves that what we are doing has God’s approval, than it is to change our ways to conform with God’s ways. This kind of self deception only robs us of blessings. Sadly it’s the path of least resistance and so the one most often chosen.

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:56:21 +0000

Lee-whether you like it or not we are all sheep and Jesus Christ is our shepherd. Fortunately for you and me-he is our “good” shepherd. I trust him and love him. I want to submit to him. I believe the Lord does give us freedom of choice-and that can include the freedom to be wrong. Our good shepherd says that his sheep hear his voice. We all need to humble ourselves in his presence and listen.

By: Lee T Miller

Lee T Miller — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:52:08 +0000

yes, it lays under the heading of “freedom of choice”, I can’t believe in a God that would not allow me the freedom of making my own choices, what works for me, I have no desire to make it to the highest kingdom nor do I ever want to be perfect, being flawed means growth I never want to stop learning ever. I never have believed in following traditions of any kind just because “everyone does it” or some big wig thinks it is the way back home. I am not a sheep that follows blindly I have my own mind and think things out for myself.

By: Doug Dwyer

Doug Dwyer — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:56:33 +0000

Lee-what do you do about all the Scriptures that speak of fasting as being an important spiritual disipline? Toss them out?

By: Lee T Miller

Lee T Miller — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:41:44 +0000

I don’t believe this for a minute, I grew up where food was tough to get enough of. I often went hungry, not once did I tie to any spiritual connection to it. Later when my family joined the church, I grew to hate fasting so much so that to this day I will not even enter the chapel on fast Sunday nor will I pay fast offerings. If you are poor and hungry there is a plate at my table for you. But this fasting concept is shot full holes. I’m 6’2″ 210 lbs pushing 50 years old and have yet to base my spirituality on depriving myself of common sense essentials like food and drink.

By: Cal

Cal — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 03:03:32 +0000

Since graceforgrace’s kick-off post above is about fasting, I’ll stick to that topic.

Another benefit of fasting I’ve found, and one reason I like to fast, is that it gives me more time.

In 1 Corinthians 7:5, Paul mentions another benefit of fasting—which might be related to the benefit already mentioned. He mentions a sexual fast “so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.”

I’ve never tried that kind of fast (:-)) but if that kind of fast can help people devote themselves to prayer, certainly fasting from food can also. (The verse shows how important prayer is, too.)

By: John Peterson

John Peterson — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:12:20 +0000

Yes, I do find scripture study can be more enlightening when I’m fasting. I think that’s because our bodies are temples of God. When we clean our temples (both physically and mentally), we make a more inviting place for his Spirit to stay.

By: John Peterson

John Peterson — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:07:57 +0000

Fasting and prayer go together like peas and carrots

By: John Peterson

John Peterson — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:05:34 +0000

I totally cut off food for the whole week, but I do drink water.