Fasting

I just finished reading the Fast chapter in Celebration of Discipline and it has inspired me to make fasting a discipline in my life.  God has been opening my eyes recently as to how much I am driven by and a slave to my appetites.  Consequently, I am completely controlled and consumed by that which I attempt to satisfy my appetites with.  This will not do!  The appetites of the flesh are directly contrary to the appetites of the spirit and therefore must not be allowed my energy.

The Plan:

Step 1.

Weekly liquid fasts, or partial fasts.  This means that during the set time of fast, fruit/vegetable juices, milk/honey can be consumed.  This will ease the body into the discipline.  I will do this on Wednesdays, starting at noon, and going for a 24 hour period of time ending on Thursday at noon.  Do this for four weeks.

Step 2.

Weekly water fasts.  No food, no juices, only water may be consumed during the fasts.  Same amount of time.  Do this for four weeks.

Step 3.

Weekly water fasts.  Same as prior step, but for a 36 hour period of time.  Start Wednesday at noon, continue until Thursday at midnight.  Do this for four weeks.

Step 4.

At this point I will process where to go.  I may try to add a monthly three day fast.  We'll see where the spirit leads.

Remember, break fasts with fruits and vegetables!