When Jesus was asked why his disciples didn't fast like the Pharisees and John the Baptist's disciples, Jesus answered there is coming a day when they will fast! It is a given that we as followers of Jesus will fast! We will get to a place of desperation for God that we will seek Him through fasting. For Jesus the question was not will we fast but how will we fast.
One of the ways he taught us about fasting was this simple verse about wine and wineskins. Jesus was saying that the Good News of the Gospel was so amazingly new that it would no longer fit in the old structure of religion that was in place. The way of the Pharisees and the way of even John the Baptist would not be enough to contain the new Spirit of God that will be poured out in our lives. The Spirit will burst the old systems and so we need to start fresh with the new spiritual life from God.
I have been humored by reading the ways people have tried to define the Daniel Fast for today. There is a list of things you should eat and shouldn't eat. If you are really spiritual you will do the Daniel Fast in this way! I think we need to remember that the Spirit of God is our director of fasting! Ask the Lord for guidance and He will direct your path into a new way to fast and connect with His Spirit through fasting. It is okay to get some suggestions and advise from others, but then determine in your heart what you will do and be faithful to do it.
Fasting is so much more about prayer and connecting with God and His Holy Spirit in our lives than any regulation or rule. God wants to connect with you and sometimes if you change your rountine to pursue Him you will find some great moments - "God Times!"
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