Now you probably knew that Moses was the first recorded
faster in the Bible. And perhaps you also knew that the
longest time of fasting was for 40 days.
We too have begun our journey, “40-Days with Jesus”,
a journey of fasting and praying. When Jesus spoke about
fasting, he didn't say if you fast, but "when you fast"
(Matthew 6:16). Our Lord assumes that Christians will fast.
Andrew Murray said, "Fasting helps to express, to deepen,
and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice
anything - to sacrifice ourselves - to attain what we seek
for the kingdom of God”. Fasting is a way to humble
your self denying yourself food, to focus on God, and His
program shows humility.
We continue to offer advice to you so that your journey
will be successful and rewarding. Make sure you are medically
able to fast. Seek your physicians’ advice. God does
know and He understands your medical condition(s). He does
not want you to harm your temple. Some people may experience
some dizziness, headaches, nausea, and changes in elimination
for the first few days. Below are a few suggestions:
• Make sure that you continue to drink plenty of
water, at least 48 to 64 oz per day, to prevent dehydration.
• I recommend that you have some legumes (navy,
red, black, soy, lentil, great northern, etc.), soymilk
and/or some nuts at least twice daily in order to replace
sources of meat. .Nuts is an excellent source of meat
substitute and provides other healthful nutrients. A cup
of cooked lentils has 18 grams of protein, but less than
1 gram of fat.
• Include a multivitamin in your daily regimen.
• Eating is enjoyable, so slow down. Eating slowly
gives your body time to signal fullness. It takes about
20 minutes for the brain to know that food is in the stomach.
• Do not skip meals. Plan ahead so you’ll
be able to eat regularly and consistently. Eat often at
least 5-6 meals daily.
• Ending a fast should be with foods that are light
and easy to digest. Overeating after a prolonged fast
will make you sick.
• Do not be afraid to experiment with your foods.
Be creative and enjoy.
• Pray without ceasing and give thanks(1Thessalonians
5:17-18)
This year we have included two sample menus, one menu
is for most men, women, and young adults and another
Insulin Resistant version to assist the Insulin Resistant
member(s). Enjoy and be prayerful and watch God fulfill II
Chronicles 7:14. “If my people, who are called
by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my
face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from
heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Excerpt from "Nourishment for the Body and Soul, Vol
I"
Patricia A. Jones, RD
PJones@JEWELChristianAcademy.org
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