(Okay - I'm sure you have heard this before....but, here it goes again: )
God didn't say, "IF" we fast.... He said "WHEN" we fast (Matthew 6:16-18; Matthew 17:21; Matthew 9:14-17).   It's necessary, and hepful.

Fasting gets the flesh out of the way - or, helps us to be in more control over our decisions and what we do, rather than our fleshly desires having more control over us and what we do.

And an added natural benefit of fasting is that it breaks cravings! You know, like sugars, and other rich foods. I like that it kinda 'resets' my body, and gets me back on track with at least a healthier eating style.

Biblically speaking:

1. There are primarily two types of  fasts listed in the Bible, like: Daniel's Fast (see Daniel 10),  and the 'absolute' fast with no food (see Acts 9:9) and sometimes no water (Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:18).  Most Elders agree that you should only do this type of a fast under the direction of the Holy Spirits leading.
   
2. Fasting humbles, quiets, and places your soul in a place of submission. You hear more readily and much more clearer. Less confusion, less distraction.
   
3. Positions you for breakthrough.....because of what was previously stated, and prolonged periods in the presence of God under His glory destroys yolks of bondage!  "  Isaiah 58:6 ESV -- "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"     
   
4. Revelation - clearer understanding of God's Word. (Psalm 119:130)
   
5. Breakthrough for a friend! (Matthew 17:20-21;  Colossians 4:12)
   

A interesting tale demonstrating f what fasting does, in a brief story I read online:  (click here)

Some great books on Fasting:
Prayer and Fasting, by Dr. Kingsley A. Fletcher
Prayer Power, by Dr. Donna Pittman (pages  81-104 speak on fasting)
6 Steps to Excellence In Ministry, by Kenneth Copeland (my favorites) has a chapter that explains fasting very well to me.

Would love to hear your thoughts  and opinions!

Be blessed!

Davina 

Hello All!

I am very expectant, of great things in 2016! Ministry opportunities, but also 'new life' in a lot of other areas of my life. God has continued to give me vision for things. I expect change! And, new territory. Also enjoying all the new friends God is placing in my life. He has made me a 'better' friend as well! That is to be expected as we all grow though, right! Right.

Anyway - wanted to mention 3 words for your 2016 blessings:

"Turnaround"!

"Transition"!

"Release"!

Apply that were applicable. What does that say to/for you?
A lot for me (phew!).

Have a Blessed one!

Davina

I am the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
I am God's child; I am also His friend. (John 1:12 & John 15:15).
I have been sent out to bear witness of Christ, and spread the word to everybody (Acts 1:8)!
I am a joint-heir with Christ! I inherited His glory (Romans 8:17).
A temple - dwelling place  - for God...His Spirit and life live powerfully in me (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19).
I am FORGIVEN, and everything about me is NEW - the 'past' is just the past (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
I am one with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 3:26 &28).
I have a promised inheritance in Christ to look forward to (Galatians 4:6-7).
I AM right with God, and holy - a saint even (Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 1:2).
I am part of a chosen race, a royal priest! A holy nation...I that belongs to Him (1 Peter 2:9-10)
I am a actual expression of the very life of Christ (Colossians 3:4).
I am reborn, with newness of Life - the evil one no longer has right to hold me (1 John 5:18).