Fasting is NOT Dieting...

As we get ready for our week of prayer and fasting for 2009 at New Life, I want to make an important point about fasting: Fasting is NOT dieting!  While a person may lose weight while fasting, that is not the purpose of fasting.  "Fasting" is sometimes prescribed by physicians before certain blood tests are taken, and often before surgery.  That is not FASTING as the word is used in the Bible.  Certain fad diets prescribe fasting as part of their regimen for losing weight.  Once again that is not FASTING as the word is used in the Bible. As we have said fasting as the word is used in the Bible is abstaining from something--usually food--for a spiritual purpose.  In our case the spiritual purpose is to discern God will for our lives individually and as a congregation during the coming week.  As you fast, pray specifically for God to guide your days, and your year.  Pray for specific leaders of New Life.  In tomorrow's blog post regarding fasting, I'll give you the names of New Life's staff and elders, so you can be praying for them by name during your time of fasting.  The key for now, as you prepare your heart, mind and body for the fast is to remember what fasting is, and just as importantly--what it isn't!