
During this Lent season, many of us will be engaging in the practice of fasting.
A centuries-old tradition that has numerous benefits.
I want to remind you why fasting can be such an excellent practice for our health and well-being.
If you are unsure about whether you should participate in it or not, this will hopefully assist you in making a decision.
First and foremost, fasting is scientifically proven to have a number of health benefits.
When we abstain from eating, we go into a state of ketosis, in which our system burns fat for energy instead of glucose.
This reduces inflammation and improves heart health.
It also leads to a more controlled weight, as well as improved glucose levels.
Fasting has even been shown to improve cognitive function and increase longevity.
But the benefits go beyond the physical.
Fasting is a spiritual practice that has been used by Christians for centuries as a way to draw closer to God.
When we are fasting, we are intentionally setting aside pleasure and other distractions to focus on prayer.
This can deepen our relationship with God and hear His voice more clearly.
Scripture has many examples of fasting being used as a way to seek God’s guidance and intervention.
One notable example is the story of Esther, who had her fellow Jews participate in fasting and praying for three days.
Through their fasting and prayer, Esther and the Jews were able to experience God’s miraculous deliverance.
Fasting also develops discipline.
We teach our minds to control our impulses.
And in doing so, we can even grow in humility and become more compassionate and loving toward others.
Everyone should at least consider incorporating fasting into their spiritual practice this Lenten season.
There are many different ways to do that, from abstaining from food altogether to giving up certain foods or activities for a period of time.
Whatever you choose, I pray that this practice will bring you closer to God.
Will you be participating in fasting this season? Just comment and let me know!
When fasting for Lent, let us focus both on what we intend to give up, and on what we intend to achieve seeking to follow Christ’s commandments 😇🙏☦️
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God bless
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Lent has been a season that has not been at the forefront of my mind since I changed denominations in the late 90s. I miss the focus on self-denial which deepened my appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me. Thank you for bringing my mind and heart back to the spirit of Lent!
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I am so glad my article sparked some positive feelings for you! And I really appreciate you letting me know! Thank you & God bless
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This Lent and the previous one have been spent in preparing and delivering two Lenten series, the first one at my church and the second one online. The first part of each is as follows:
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A long story short, I am Jewish by Blood meaning that some of my Ancestor’s came to The United States Of America from Israel.
However I was raised Catholic because of the persecution against The Jewish people.
Today, I consider myself a Christian Jewish person, which means that I am Jewish by Blood but I believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and The Messiah.
I don’t believe in a Synagogue or a Church in particular.
However, I do believe in God Almighty Himself.
You see, Synagogues and Churches come and go, but God will always be there Forever.
Going back to The Biblical Days, when people used to fast more then, than people do Today, I still go by Old Traditions.
I don’t eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent, only Fish.
I fast on major holidays such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
To me, Lent is a Time of repentance and Forgiveness because Jesus Christ suffered and died for all of us on The Cross, not just certain people.
That is kind of why I got away from Churches itself and I put more focus in God, than Churches.
Hopefully everybody will understand what I mean
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God bless you! This is such a wonderful comment!
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It’s also Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!
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The Story of Esther, yes, is an inspiration when I fast. But it’s not only Lent that I fast. Sometimes, I fast when my birthday is coming up. 😊
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