The personal diary/log in real time by this author, describing a detailed account, of the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional changes resulting from a prolonged time of prayer and fasting--only water--to petition Jesus Christ to display His active power and supernatural works among His dedicated disciples world wide.
If anyone has an answer to this question, please let us all know: what is the reason we don’t see or hear of any genuine, visible, miracles or supernatural healing/cures in this 21st Century? I am not referring to the counterfeit miracles on The Trinity Broadcasting Network, done by Benny Hinn. He is an abominable disgrace to all who are genuine Christians.
A personal reason for this endeavor is to help alleviate one of the weakest links in my devotion to Jesus: my inability to produce lengthy and fervent prayers. Mark 9:28-29. "After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn’t we drive it out? He replied, This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting."
Another reason is to somehow draw much more attention to this Biblical blog, and for Jesus Christ to somehow confirm that even though some of my human experiences may have snuck in, the vast majority of the holy words written herein are in accordance with the New Testament, which most of mainstream Christianity fails to comply, and with "good" reason.
A fringe benefit of when a person has gone through the living hell of a long period of fasting, along with constant prayer is this: they will have a firsthand account (meaningful and realistic empathy), especially for the very young innocent one’s who can’t understand why they are poor, besides being neglected or abused, along with all who are burdened with hunger and starvation world wide. Even though one of my few strengths is the empathy I have for the hurting; in this area, I am greedy. I desire to feel their pain and suffering even more. Actually, an unrealistic desire I have is to take their pain and make it mine. Fasting may, to a small degree, do that.
Along with the above reasons, a personal weakness in which I am unable to conquer, for a man well along in years, is the silent and secret pride (vanity) I have in my extremely healthy and youthful body. I know with hope and continually pray, this exerted effort will be the needed action to overcome this ungodly attitude. Result: how can anyone have vanity when one is nothing but skin and bones?
When Jesus left the desert, after forty days of praying and fasting while being tempted by Satan, He must have been as thin as a rail. That was when He was in the power of the Spirit. That power allowed Him to start working in the supernatural by healing all kinds of disease and sickness. Luke 4:14 and 4:33.
While fasting and praying many changes occur. I know a lot of weight will be lost. I am not sure if my emotional and cognitive functions will be affected. But concerning the spiritual aspects: the main and possibly the only reason for prayer and fasting in Biblical times and even now, is where the biggest changes will take place. For instance, most physical barriers and human impediments, which hamper us from gaining the attention of God, will be removed, especially in the latter part of the fast. Then, God, through His Holy Spirit, will be able to inform us of what His desire/will is for us, on a ‘one and one’ basis. That is what I am earnestly hoping and praying for. Hebrews 5:7. "During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." The life of Jesus Christ, how He lived is the paradigm for all disciples of Christ.
One of many such promises Jesus Christ has made to His disciples, those who live only for Him, is this: Jesus said in John 14: 12-14. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." This author is fully persuaded that Jesus Christ has the power and desire to do what I am requesting, according to His promise. Luke 1:37. "For nothing is impossible with God."
I was confronted by a friend, telling me that our prayers and fasting must be in secret, and I am making mine public for all the world to see. My answer is this: the last thing I desire to do is to bring attention to myself. God knows my heart; the attention must go to ‘why is there a lack of visible supernatural works by people like myself and other genuine Christians’?
Jesus Christ and I ask the help of all bloggers who subscribe to this blog--there are hundreds if not thousands who have, or may have, a closer relationship to God then myself--to make this a joint venture and unite with me in prayer and fasting with a pure and honest heart. Anyone who is able to accept all the tough but holy words written in this blog, must be, or desire to be, close to the Almighty One. One must make sure there are no selfish motives, but desire all glory, praise and honor go to Almighty God and Jesus Christ. Remember, God knows the motives behind our every action. For those who do join in, pray that God will make his power come alive. Let us attempt to overwhelm God--which is impossible--with our prayers and fasting. The entire Christian community throughout the world may be greatly blessed. This is an excellent time for us (genuine Christians) to display to God that we ‘mean business’ in our spiritual connection with Him. I am completely confident and have a strong faith in Jesus Christ that He will answer our request; the reason being, if Scripture is correct, and it is, the promises Christ made to His disciples (us) have no expiration date.
DISPLAY OF VITAL SIGNS, ETC.
1) Lean body mass: little less than 111 lbs
2) Body fat: less than , almost 1 %
3) Pulse: 55
4) Weight: little over110 lbs.
5) Body Temperature: 97.8.
6) Blood pressure: 94 over 59. My blood pressure has always been low, but not this low. ----120 over 80 is optimal: 160 over 100, is Grade 1 hypertension (mild), etc.
7) Body fluid’s pH display: 5.5. Since the first two days it has been the same. As soon as I start to eat, by eating a lot of alkaline producing foods, I am certain it will go into the healthy alkaline range. One reassuring thing is that even when the body fluid pH is low the blood somehow remains at 7.5.; how long that occurs, I am not sure. The reason for a very low pH is this: the two main ingredients needed to keep the body fluids alkaline are calcium and vitamin D, along with that a lot of fresh calcium rich fruit and vegetables, cooked and raw, and of course supplementation, like coral calcium. The main source of vitamin D comes from exposure to sunshine; a poor source is from synthetic supplements. It is literally impossible to get enough natural organic vitamin D from food sources, since the majority of natural foods are almost void of natural vitamin D. Vitamin D is added to many dairy products, but it is a synthetic and second rate.
Acidic body fluid is one of the main reasons for much of the sickness and disease in the world today. So I can understand why my body fluids are so low; I haven’t had any calcium or vitamin D for 21 days. I am certain I will survive until the end of my time of prayer and fasting. My pH has always been from 7.0 to 7.5. ------ 7.0 is neutral; any digits below 7.0 is acidic; any digits above 7.0 is alkaline. Most healthy people, especially the young, will usually have readings in the alkaline range, while most older people will have readings in the acidic range. Over a long period of time, that spells trouble.
8) Mental and emotional conditions: Although I am having a hard day today, mentally, I am joyful because I will start eating tomorrow. It seems all my mental faculties have improved, especially my memory. I feel they are almost normal.
9) Spiritual experiences: I now realize that I was not heavy enough to fast as long as I wanted to: I should have waited until I gained much more weight, and then attempt this fast. I am disappointed with the results, but have learned much spiritually through this undertaking.
Repeating, the reason for lack of strong faith in the world nowadays is because of our modern, sophisticated lifestyle. Faith in spiritual matters is not needed, since our present-day culture has made it just about obsolete. This world can give us almost everything we need. Will we have enough faith to overcome this enormous barrier? The only way that will be possible is if that power is given to us by God, and I am confident He will give it.
10) Physical condition : I was extremely weak this morning, and not much better in the afternoon. Now that I will be stopping this fast, I am starting to crave all kinds of foods. Worth repeating what I said a few days ago: Actually there are three unexpected windfalls: first my sense of smell is more acute, next, my hearing is better, and lastly, my eyesight have improve measurably, to the point of giving my eyes near perfect vision. Believe it or not by Ripley. Of course, other than the spiritual benefits, there has been a great deal of internal cleansing of all the poisons I have taken in from the environment for the last thirty years. Most people who fast, usually do it exclusively for the great internal cleansing. There is nothing in all creation that can deep cleanse except fasting.
11) Daily activities: Listen to the New Testament a little less than usual. Then, I had to change these vital signs, which is boring, especially when I feel handicapped. I got plenty of sleep and rest. I always read for several hours. I am still driving. I drove to the park to get in the sun for 45 minutes. At this time, I am ashamed to let anyone to see me. I look that bad. I am glad I decided to stop tomorrow. I am not sure I could have lasted much longer unless I stayed in bed all day. Spend some time on the Internet, doing what was needed. To my knowledge, the experiencing factor, and the displaying of this intimate information on the Internet is delving into uncharted territory.
8 comments:
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
jc
Anonymous, thanks for the wonderful passages of Old Testament Scripture, found in Isaiah chapter 58. I certainly agree, my puny fast does not compare with the true fasting as the Lord speaks of herein.
Of course Isaiah was speaking to the rebellious Israelites, who while fasting did many nasty things, such as fighting, quarreling and whatever else they pleases. My fast, though it was not successful, was done with a pure heart.
I will try again, if and when, I gain enough weight to sustain a longer fast, and I certainly will keep this portion of Scripture in mind to guide me in a fast the Lord approves of. Thanks again for partaking in this Biblical blog. May God continue to bless you with His peace and grace. And if you have more Scripture to remind and instruct us, please make it known. JC
JC
The above has nothing to do with how much weight you can gain, or how long you can fast, or pray. It is your actions towards others! I hope that you are not just trying to prove that you are worthy becasue you can inflict misery on yourself. Can you not see that the point is to sacrifice for others. The last will be first because of their service to others not their mistreatment of themselves.
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
JC
Anonymous,looks like you desire to play spiritual hardball with words. Now that you have revealed your true colors (a member of a demonized religion) although I will whole heartedly agree, one of our main duties as disciples of Christ is to the service of others in need–I won’t waste valuable time in an attempt to respond to your accusation, but simply let the New Testament defend the truth written in this blog, which is my life. Go elsewhere, to your own kind. Why I say that is because you know nothing of my work in the Lord. And, no need to post more comments; they will not be published.
Al
I don’t understand. Why don’t you think your fast was successful? Will you refresh your purpose for this fast for me again. I think one thing you wanted God to do, was that your blog would be read more and that you would have more comments. Shouldn’t you give God more time before you call it a failure. May God give you wisdom and understanding. Jay
Jay, glad to hear from you again.; it’s been a long time. In answer to your comment: I should have said, my fast was not a complete failure, because I did not accomplish all that I wanted to, and still gains were made spiritually by my learning how to pray for long periods of time, and getting closer to God and Christ than before.
I believe the main, if not the only, reason for my disappointment was that my faith wasn’t strong enough; there must have been some hidden doubt lurking in my subconscious.
All I can say is I just pray that others were blessed in their efforts of becoming more like Jesus every day. If that happened, the my effort was a success.
I did acquire some physical benefits, which were a windfall, since I didn’t expect them, especially the cleansing of many toxins out my body. I hope that answers your question.
How has your spiritual growth been doing? I hope well. JC
You asked why we don't see supernatural miracles nowadays.
From the Lord's teachings in the Great Gospel of John given to us in his New Revelation to Jakob Lorber in 19th century he explains: Miracles limit the free will of people to decide between good and evil. Whereas improvement of souls to godchildship needs to be based on loving the Lord out of free will decisions.
Miracles would judge mankind, as animals or plants are judged, who don't have a free will.
Thanks for your comment. What you said my be true, the only thing is it does not coincide with New Testament Scriture, where Jesus made several promises to the contrary of what Jakob Lorber said. Again, thanks for your response. JC
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