FASTING AND PROPER DIET

1 FASTING AND PROPER DIET TO REINVIGORATE PHYSICALLY & SPIRITUALLY, RELIEVE PHYSICAL STRESSES, REVIVE & PROMOTE SPIRITUALITY RPS LIFESTYLE - BY R.P....
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FASTING AND PROPER DIET TO

REINVIGORATE PHYSICALLY & SPIRITUALLY, RELIEVE PHYSICAL STRESSES, REVIVE & PROMOTE SPIRITUALITY RPS LIFESTYLE - BY R.P.SULAPAS

(RE+)INVIGORATE- to make strong and vigorous; to brace, refresh, physically or mentally; to strengthen, encourage RELIEVE- to lighten, ease, relax, reduce (pressure, strain, tension, etc); to bring assistance to; to minister to REVIVE- to restore to fresh vigour; to reanimate, after period of depression, etc; to restore to natural state Note: This lecture outline is aimed primarily to help independent Baptist pastors, workers, missionaries, evangelists, teachers who want to maximize their lives in this world. This is also helpful to any bible –believer who desires to have a simple, but healthy, and productive Christian life. The information contained herein are collated from many books and are not intended for diagnosis. Persons with sickness are advised to pray for God’s wisdom and to ask counsel from medical, herbal experts. Due to lack of space and words which are uniquely medical, herbal, nutritional, that must be clearly explained, details and explanations will be given during lectures. For more info, contact RPS: (063) 223-8730; 0917-755-0924.

SOME BIBLICAL REASONS FOR FASTING as found in ISAIAH 58 and other references. DEFINITION OF FASTING- abstinence of food, self- denial in food, esp. as a religious observance. The original

meaning of the word was “to hold firmly”, then to “hold, restrain”, hence restrain one-self from, abstain from; finally, specifically abstain from food.

I.TO BE A GOOD STEWARD OF OUR BODY.

A. We need to glorify God in our body, the temple of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. 3:16,17; 6:19,20 B. We have to give an account (of body actions) on judgment day. Rom 14:12 C. We shall appear before God to receive the things done in our bodies. 2 Cor. 5:10

Fasting is an event done to the body. During fasting, our body’s digestive system will have rest, and on the third

day, the excretory system will release the toxins hidden in the fats inside the body, and become sweat, saliva, and urine. Like a good house that needs regular cleaning from the inside, so is a good body needs a regular rest and cleansing. We have only one body to clean and through it only we can serve God. Be clean and be a healthy steward of your body!

II.TO BE A GOOD DISCIPLE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Self-denial is one of the requirements of the Lord Jesus to his disciples (Mat 16:24). A disciple is not only a believer, but he is also a learner and a follower of his Master. The Lord Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days before he began his earthly public ministry. A true follower of Christ is one who fasts regularly in order to learn the will of God and follow Him in the power of the Spirit. Fasting is one practical application of self-denial. During fasting, God will teach us things so that we can specifically follow him. The Apostles fasted. The church at Antioch fasted before they sent out their missionaries (Acts 13). Fasting is to humble the soul(Ps 35:13, Isa 58:5); undo the heavy burdens (Isa 58:5, Mat 11:28-30); break every yoke (58:5). Christ promised to lift up the humble.

III.TO BE A GOOD SOLDIER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

A good soldier endures hardness (2 Tim. 2:3). Hardness or hardship is part of Christian life (John 16:33). In order to endure hardness, we need 2 kinds of strength, the physical and spiritual strength. A. Spiritual strength - to overcome the hardship brought by demons or demon-caused problems (Mat. 17:21). Demons are real. God answers prayer. Fasting is usually done with prayers. Christ expected it when he said, “when ye fast.” (Mat 6:16-18). It has rewards. Paul fasted in his days (2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27) and experienced victories. Fasting is also “loosing the bands of wickedness” (58:5) and be strengthened to do right. B. Physical Strength - to endure the hardship of ministries. Sometimes arthritis or gout is hindering the knees of some Christians and it becomes a reason for not going up to the mountain or walking good distance for visitation or follow-up of believers. Arthritis is primarily caused by overweight, wrong foods and wrong lifestyle philosophy.

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

2 A true Christian fights his 3 enemies. He must overcome his own old nature (1-self or flesh), the (2)world’s wicked influence, and the (3)devil. When you fast and become cleansed, you are not only presenting your body as a living sacrifice to God(Rom 12:1), but you also will gain a reinvigorated phsyical body, relieved from stresses, and a soul and spirit that is revived and victorious in the service of the Lord. A bible-believing Christian in his right mind will not oppose this kind of life.

FACTORS FOR LONG LIFE BEFORE THE FLOOD OF NOAH’S TIME

According to Genesis, Adam died at the age of 930, Methuselah at 969. 1. Abundant oxygen in the earth. Oxygen cleanses the toxins in the body. 2. Ice canopy surrounded the earth which prevented the harmful UV rays to penetrate and damage skin cells. Now the ice is in the North and South pole. 3. No pollutions (the modern world is producing fuel/gas, pesticide chemical, industrial, visual, noise pollutions-). Pollution is a poison to the body. Music sounds which is above 70 decibels can make a man sick according to many scientific studies about noise. Loud drum sounds (including disco and rock music, gospel rock music) is not good in the churches. 4. Exercise- everybody walks or run in the old time. Exercise burns the excess stored fat/energy. 5. Fresh unpolluted, proper foods, in original state (fruits, veggies, nuts), no meat (Gen. 1:29) maintains good health.

FACTORS FOR SHORT LIFE IN THE MODERN WORLD. Luke 21:34 1. SURFEITING - eating without control, eating wrong/junk foods, eating improperly. 2. DRUNKENNESS - drinking alcohol, and also drinking juices made improperly with magic/ synthetic sugar- aspartame, and too much sugar like softdrinks. 3. STRESS/ CARES of this life – things, thoughts, emotions that causes fear, anxiety, worries, anger, wrath, unforgiving spirit, bitterness, all negative emotions. Regular Fasting helps eliminate toxins of the physical body and spiritually helps temper the attitude of biblebelievers. Indirectly, fasting is the best cure to all problems caused by the character or attitude of the old sinful nature. David fasted to humble himself (Ps. 35:13) and chasten his soul (Ps. 69:10). Fasting as a cleansing process is displayed in God’s nature. Look at the moon that influences the ocean, seas, bays, rivers with its high tide and low tide to regularly cleans the water bodies. Siltations, dead animals and plants are washed out and made into biodegradable materials for recycling. Some animals has annual hibernation/ migration during winter. During hibernation, they just sleep. Crabs (crustaceans) molt their exo-skeleton, snakes (reptiles) shed off their old skins. It is part of rest, cleansing and growing process of the animals. They eat none or very little in this period. Observe also the yearly shedding off of the leaves and branches of the trees. It is a part of rest, cleansing and growing process of trees and plants. They come out of it better, bigger, stronger. MOST of mankind is not observing it to get wisdom. Some bellies are always in the high tide mode. No wonder, toxins are acummulated in the body that lead to different illnesses.

TWO KINDS OF TOXINS IN THE BODY 1. ENDOGENOUS TOXINS - TOXINS/POISONS FROM WITHIN THE BODY.

These toxins are released when one is shocked by an event caused by stresses. During stress, 1400 chemical reactions in the body will trigger reactions in the blood so that hormones (adrenaline, cortisol) will be released, then making the body ready for a flight - and fight situation. But when the problems (bills to pay, interpersonal reactions like anger, bitterness, unforgiving spirit, all negative emotions) does not let you run or fight, it will become a poison in your body because there is no appropriate perspiration during stress. Regular fasting is the best way to cleanse these toxins, and problems are sometimes God’s appointed means of increasing our faith. Fasting is the best way to manage stress and cleanse toxins from whatever kind of sources including the ones from food. Steam bath, and regular exercise can also help. Fasting together with proper diet and exercise can cure abscess, acne, age spots, alcoholism, allergies, back ache, bladder infection, bursitis, cancers, dandruff, emphysema, endometriosis, fatigue, fungus, gangrene, heartburn, hepatitis, hypertension, high cholesterol, indigestion, inflammation, leg ulcers, malabsorption syndrome, multiple sclerosis, mumps, myocardial infarction, obesity, pneumonia, tonsilitis, shingles, sinusitis, tumors. Others may be healed by juice and fruit fasting.

KINDS OF FASTING RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

3 A. ABSOLUTE FASTING. This kind of fasting is complete abstinence from foods, and water like the one done by Moses, and the Lord Jesus Christ- our model of Christian life. You need special guidance when you engage in this kind of fasting. B. NORMAL FASTING. This kind is drinking water only during the days of fasting. Anybody can do it except young children, pregnant mothers, nursing mothers, and diabetics. C. JUICE FASTING. This kind is a modified one and is best for those who are beginning to become obese or overweight. The juice must come from fresh organic fruits (like pineapple, apple, guava, graviola, etc.) and vegetables (carrots, ampalaya, cucumber, etc.) If possible, don’t add water. Honey,molasses or brown sugar may be added to taste. You may drink one glass of juice, every 2 hours starting at 8 am until 8 pm. Do it at least 3 days up to 7 days every month depending on the need and ailments. Garlic, onions, and ginger may be added for the one with cancer or hypertension. D. FRUIT FASTING. This modified kind is eating furits only. It is best for diabetic and those beginning to feel some symptoms or signs of hypertension, cancer. Many can do it, especially those who want to reduce their weight. You can safely have 7 days a month of this kind of fasting. PREPARATIONS FOR ABSOLUTE OR NORMAL FASTING a. MENTAL PREPARATION. This is planning for the days of fasting. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Put it in the mind that God is pleased with it, and you need it for you to hear God and his ways to make you calm and also he will heal your sickness. b. EMOTIONAL PREPARATION. You have to agree within your heart 100 percent that it is God’s appointed way to enjoy his happiness. The heart is very important in all things you do. c. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION. You need to pray and ask God for the direction, duration, and companion/partners of your fasting days. The devil will try to hinder you by any means when you plan to fast. The devil will be defeated when you fast in the proper way (Mat 17:20,21). d. PHYSICAL PREPARATION. This is the eating of fruits only or veggies before actual days of absolute or normal fasting. You have to do it at least 2 days before the fast. Many of the tropical or Philippine fruits are alkali so that the stomach will be cleansed of acids of the previous days. The acid resulting from the digestion of meats, bread, soft drinks, and other highly processed foods will give more discomforts during fasting if not neutralized. AlkaIi foods will help calm your stomach. If your stomach is alkalinized, your mind is calm. 2. EXOGENOUS TOXINS- TOXINS FROM OUTSIDE THE BODY. These toxins come from the air, water, drinks, medicines, drugs, and foods we take at any time. You have to learn the kinds of foods which are fresh or foods that contain toxins. Beware of Christ’s warning in Luke 21:34 about SURFEITING. Surfeiting is the eating of mostly meat products, highly processed foods, and junk foods. JUNK FOODS are the foods that have very high content of fats/oils, hydrogenated fats or margarine (except virgin oils), high in sugar content, high in salt content, and preservatives. Most of the preservatives in the canned meats are carcinogens or cancer causing chemicals. Even if we eat the right kind of foods, oxides (similar to the rust in the metals) may result during metabolism. This is the reason we need to be cleansed daily by the fresh foods we eat and we need the foods that contain anti-oxidants. Anti- oxidants are abundant even in our local vegetables, fruits, nuts.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMMON WHITE BREAD Our common pinoy bread is not an ideal bread due to 4 things: RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

4 a. Lacking in dietary fibers. We need 2 kinds of fibers, the soluble and insoluble. (e.g. bamboo shoots- 75%, coconut- 71%). A diet which is insufficient or lack of fiber may lead to constipation, piles/ hemmorhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and colon cancer. b. Devitaminized. Wheat germ is separated from the kernel which is full of vitamins. c. Improper baking/cooking which will make it just like a paste inside the intestines. It should be toasted brown for easy digestion and normal disposal. Normal disposal is 2-3 times daily. d. Processed with chemicals that makes it more acidic. Christ also warned about DRUNKENNESS (Luke 21:34). Drunkenness primarily refers to drinking alcoholic beverages, or wine. See also Prov. 20:1. In our modern world, some drinks are made of water, and synthetic chemicals (like magic sugar) only. The best drinks are from the fresh fruits. Some common drinks are very high in caffeine and sugar which contributes to diabetes problem. The most dangerous chemical added or food additives are the MSG and the aspartame. MSG means monosodium glutamate. In many research, it is found as an excito toxin which means that it will become a toxin because it will over stimulate the nerves of the brain. It is also found in most processed foods found in groceries. See the NATURAL REMEDIES ENCYCLOPEDIA pp. 748,749 for more details. Aspartame is also called magic sugar or synthetic sugar. It is made of aspartic acid, phenylalanine, methanolphenylalanine and marketed with the brand names as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, Equal-Measure. It is very dangerous when it breaks down into 4 chemicals inside or outside the body. The first is DKP diketopiperazine, it converts into a near duplicate of a powerful brain tumorcausing agent. The second is, formic acid, which is the venom which ants injects when they sting a victim. The third is formaldehyde or formalin, the embalming fluid. The fourth is methanol or wood alcohol, a substance that can cause blindness. RIGHT ATTITUDE AND RIGHT SEQUENCE OF EATING FOODS AND DRINKING WATER Eat and chew your food slowly when you eat. Let the saliva from your mouth mix in the food you eat. If possible, don’t talk while eating. Eat the raw first which means you eat first the fruits, nuts and salads, then you eat last the cooked ones. If you are diabetic, eat more of the sweet potato/camote or fruits than the well-milled rice. It contains high fiber, and good complex carbohydrates, and many of the essential vitamins and minerals. The Japanese centenarians eat 60% raw and 40% cooked foods. Centenarians are people who are 100 years of age and above. Drink water at least 30 minutes before meal and only after one hour of every meal. The digestive juices will be diluted if water is added immediately to foods. Vitamins and minerals also will be washed out of the body. GOOD MEATS/BAD MEATS Good meats come from the meat of clean animals mentioned in the Bible. They were chosen by God according to his infinite wisdom. It can help man maintain good health, but it does not mean that it should be eaten every meal. Man is designed to live long by eating fruits, veggies, cereals, and nuts (Genesis 1:29). After the flood, meat was allowed to be eaten as temporary substitute for the plants (protein) that was yet to grow again. In our modern times, meat is contaminated with steroids, growth hormones, antibiotics plus viruses, bacteria. When meat is eaten daily, this will make man sick. Clean free range animals are best sources of meat because of lower cholesterol. Good fish may be mixed with the half- cooked vegetables. Beans are the best substitute for meat and fish protein. Actually, most veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts contain different protein amino acids enough to maintain a slim but strong and healthy body. PILLARS OF PHYSICAL (INCLUDING MENTAL & EMOTIONAL) HEALTH

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

5 Our physical body is like a car engine. An engine needs battery for power, water for cooling, oil and grease for lubrication, fluids for some controls, and specially the fuel to make the engine running. Having a healthy body is like maintaining a good car. Good car is not maintained by trial and error. If you are experiencing some diseases already, consider changing your lifestyle without delay or else you will continue to suffer them. Our body works more than a car. It can heal itself as designed by God. We just need to understand the laws of healthy lifestyle, so it is just proper to get knowledge and wisdom from the maker (GOD) of our body. Here are the important pillars that may help us have a healthy body. 1. WATER. Our body is made-up of about 65% water. Water is needed by the body for different functions. Drink at least 8 glasses a day. We can fast for about 40 days and still live, but only a few days without drinking water. Water lubricates the joints, improves immune system, attention span, the brain, memory, and makes the skin smoother. Lack of water may cause arthritis, joint pains, asthma, digestion problems, high blood pressure, dry scaly skin. (taken from Seven Pillars of Health by Dr. Don Colbert) 2. SLEEP. Sleep is very essential to maintain the body’s health. During sleep, cleansing starts at 11 pm. When you disrupt your sleep, you are disrupting the body of its cleansing processes during the night. Deficiency of sleep makes the body sickly. Children needs 8-10 hours of sleep for growth. Teens need at least 8-9 hours of sleep for growth and prevention of sickness. Adults and young adults need at least 8 hours of sleep daily for body maintenance and control of weight. Lack of sleep may cause a hormone to come out and make the person have a craving for carbohydrates, thus making people overweight and obese. (taken from Seven Pillars of Health by Dr. Don Colbert) 3. REST/RELAXATION. Everyday, we need to relax and have peace. Rest from the work and or relaxation is very essential for the good functioning of the mind and heart. When severe problems are making troubles and gives you stress in the family and work, regular prayer (Phil. 4:6-8) and fasting (Mat 17:21, Mark 9:29) can help us control our fears, worries and bad emotions. Bad emotions and attitudes toward happenings may make our bodies weak and susceptible to some diseases. Regular worship and personal devotion (Bible meditation) is essential to our peaceful mind and heart because of the positive exhortation and encouragement we get from the word of God. Submit to God any thought that makes you disobedient. True peace comes from God only, not from anything else. 4. SUNLIGHT. For strong bones, we need to get the vitamin D from the sun. It is processed inside the skin (6-9 am). When bones are strong, we can do many kinds of work necessary for our existence. White people may get skin cancer if not exposed to the sun. 5. CLEAN AIR/ OXYGEN. We can live for many days without food and a few days only without water, but in a few minutes only if without air or oxygen. Oxygen is essential for the blood and proper brain functioning. Go under the trees and inhale oxygen. 6. EXERCISE. In the old times before the flood, people do not need exercises for they all walk and sometimes run because of their work. Now, that almost always we are riding cars, jeeps, etc., we need to have a regular exercise to perspire and get rid of different toxins. Physical exercise is not the main thing (1 Tim 4:8), but essential for good health. Exercise helps gain strength, endurance, energy, skill, agility, flexibility, poise and grace, good muscle tone and posture, weight control and prevention of diseases. At least three times weekly of exercise can help obtain the above-mentioned benefits. 7. CLEANLINESS/ PROPER GROOMING. Cleanliness is part of godliness. Good grooming is a good habit for all people. Many laws in the OT were given by God to Israel for prevention of diseases and to avoid contamination from the sickly persons. We need to clean our teeth, throat, ears, nose, eyes, and skin. Clean clothes are also important. Daily bath is a good routine. It is best to take a bath before eating and any other works. 8. PROPER DIET. This is the most essential pillar to take heed daily. Proper or balanced diet means we need proper proportions of water, vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, and carbohydrates from different natural, fresh, clean, and or living sources. God gave to Israel some laws that governs good health. Today, Christians should learn from these laws for health purposes, so that, we are able to serve God with longer days compared to unbelievers.

PROPER DIET LEADS TO PROPER WEIGHT COMPOSITION OF A PROPER DIET

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6 The overweight/ obese and underwieght persons are both malnourished. Every height has a certain corresponding weight. Be aware that there are more dangers to the overweight/obese persons. Learn why you are undernourished. The info in this page is good for the obese/o/w and the underweight. WATER. Proper drinking of WATER is one hour before or after every meal. It should be in the normal or room temperature. Warm water is best specially during cold days. Our body will easily absorb water if its temperature is almost the same with the body. The best water to drink is natural, mineral/ized, spring water. The filtered water is a dead, acidic water- meaning it has no minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium) that gives strength to the body. Distilled water is best for those who has diarrhea or loose bowel movement but in a temporary period only. Very cold water/ drinks will cause the belly/ intestinal fats to sleep or slow down in their work and thus make people fat. Drinking water while eating will wash away important gastric juices that is needed for digestion and will hinder good digestion, absorption of vitamins, proteins, minerals. RAW FOODS. Raw food should be 60% of the food in every meal. This is the lifestyle of Japanese centenarians. It can be obtained from fruits and vegetables. Eat raw first to assure that you are getting nutrients. Raw foods are impt because they contain fibers, enzymes, vitamin c for resistance against diseases and structured water. Raw fruits and veggies are mostly alkaline. 1. FIBER. Our body need fibers for good health. One is soluble fiber, while the insoluble fiber is the one that helps multiply good bacteria in the intestines. Some good bacteria, in turn will help produce impt vitamin B complex which is needed for metabolism. Fiber helps the person easily filled up in 20 minutes. Insoluble fiber help the normal disposal of fecal wastes from the body. Normal disposal is 2-3 daily. Food that has no fiber (meat, white bread, white pasta, noodles, etc.) is one cause of constipation. Long term constipation may lead to piles and colon cancer. 2. ENZYMES. Most digestive enzymes are found only in raw fruits and veggies. They are lost by cooking. Enzymes are needed to help assimilate or absorb vitamins and minerals. Fat people are full mostly of fat because they had no enzymes, vitamins and minerals working properly that should help burn the fats for energy. Fats in the belly are extra energy deposited to be withdrawn during fasting, famine and or emergencies. 3. VITAMIN C. This vitamin is heat sensitive; it evaporates during cooking. It is very important and needs to be in every meal for it is water soluble- meaning it goes out easily in the urine. It is anti oxidant that fights free radicals. It is needed to absorb calcium for strong bones, nails and teeth and healthy blood. 4. STRUCTURED WATER. Raw foods contain structured water and is very impt to the body because it enters with vitamins and minerals. This is the water that helps digestion, and the absorption of vitamins, minerals. COOKED FOODS. After the raw, then eat slowly also the cooked foods. At this stage you may eat organic brown/ red rice, corn, beans, potato, sweet potato and some cooked vegetables, fish, etc. Most cooked foods are acidic, but since the alkaline are already digested, your stomach will be more calm and in turn helps your mind calm. During breakfast eat like a king, during lunch eat like a prince and during supper eat like a beggar/ pauper. Your breakfast is your energy for the morning work. Eat more complex carbo if you are a farmer, carpenter. The lunch is your energy for the afternoon work. You need less carbo if you work in the office. Your supper is your energy to crawl under the blanket. Fruits and sweet potato are enough for the evening. Why need more? Any unburned energy in the night time will be deposited as fats in the belly. The more your body weighs, the more is your craving for sweets. Slim people has less cravings, but you can redirect your cravings if you have a healthy lifestyle. The obese/o/w needs more regular seasons of fasting, partial fasting to control and discipline cravings of junk foods. Both the overweight and underweight persons has the same procedures to gain proper weight. However, the underweight needs more seasons of fasting, partial fasting to overcome stress related acidity and healthy foods specially raw nuts to gain more weight.

ADVANTAGES OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Good and strong physical body is an investment of God to our lives. However, we need are called by God (1 Cor 6:20) to be a co-investor in it by applying his laws of good health. If we neglect our part of gaining

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

7 true knowledge and applying it with wisdom, then it is a kind of agnosticism and unbelief of his WORD. We can never accuse God of negligence, he promised faithfulness to us. U CAN EASILY RECOVER FROM ANY ILLNESS. Dali nga maulian gikan sa bisan unsang sakit. Nobody is perfect! No person can be 100% healthy all the time (3 John 2), and it includes the imperfect bodies of the believers in Christ. Perfect, glorious bodies are in heaven. Yet, you can easily recover if you have a good and healthy lifestyle. Dis/ease is a manifestation that the world is already corruptible as a result of sin that entered into this world since the time of Adam and Eve. You can prevent some diseases from coming to your body. U CAN DO THE WILL OF GOD EVERYDAY. Makahimo sa kabubut-on sa Dios sa matag adlaw. Christ gave a Health Warning in Luke 21: 34. See also Acts 20:27,32; 2 Tim 1:7. When you are enjoying good health such as strong body and sound mind, you can do many things that may be considered the general will of God in our lives. Dis-ease may make you moody and “irritable” which may turn off others and may hinder or prevent the study of the Scriptures, prayer, worship attendance, giving, soulwinning and discipleship. U CAN BE A EXAMPLE TO OTHERS. Mahimo nga usa ka ehemplo ngadto sa uban. Mat 5:14-16. If you are actively a health conscious person, your words and acts (fasting- Isaiah 58 and proper diet-Luke 21:34, Prov 23:1-3) may be noticed. Your immediate family members may need a good example of healthy lifestyle & help them save money and recover from any sickness. It is your initial physical “capital” to win the world to Christ. The sick person you “win” may become someday an active soulwinner, evangelist or pastor. U CAN SPEND THE RICHES OF GOD PROPERLY. Makagasto sa mga bahandi sa Dios sa saktong paagi. Proper spending of Go’ds financial blessings start with returning the tithes and offerings that glorify the Lord. Sickness may put Christians in a strong temptation to use tithes and other offerings. Tithes and offerings will bring more blessings because it is like a sure capital that always bring profit. Luke 16:10, 2 Cor 9:6,7, Gal 6:7. Good health prevents unnecessary expenses for any emergency medical situations that need doctors, nurses, and other specialist except incidents allowed by God. If you have a healthy lifestyle, you don’t need to spend money for consultation, laboratory exams, synthetic meds and hospitals. How can you finish school or find and maintain a job if you are sickly? All you need to do is spend the money for the activities and healthy foods for the maintenance of good physical body. Ideally, God’s riches must be used positively to maintain and sustain a healthy lifestyle instead of recovering from any sicknesses. Who will enjoy being hooked to tubes carrying medicines and lying daily in a bed? Who will enjoy being constantly monitored by nurses and frequently injected with expensive medicines? It is more expensive to recover than to prevent a disease. Remember the saying, Prevention is better than cure. U CAN ATTEND TO THE NEED OF THE FAMILY & OTHERS. Makatagbo sa panginahanglan sa pamilya ug sa uban. If you have the time and has a strong and healthy body, you can always attend to the need of your family members’ education’s expense, some help for relatives, friends. U CAN SAVE FOR THE FUTURE. Makatigom alang sa umaabot. If God allows, and the Lord delays his coming, you may be able to give for a big church project (land, building) and also have a once-in a life-time personal project such as building a big house, a tour or vacation (in Baguio, Manila, USA, England, Israel). These are good desires. You may plan to surprise your family or parents with a few expensive gifts. U CAN ENJOY LONGER THE THINGS FREELY GIVEN BY GOD. Makapahimulos og mas taas nga panahon sa mga butang nga gawasnong gihatag sa Dios. 1 Tim. 6:17. Everyday is a day to be enjoyed with the blessings of God. The longer you serve Him with a strong & healthy body, the more you enjoy your fellowship and service to God.

BEST COMMON CULINARY HERBAL MEDICINE / VEGETABLE AVAILABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Culinary means pertaining to kitchen or cookery. Culinary herbal medicines means the plants have medicinal qualities, but usually used as spices or food. When these plants are regularly used as food, it will help man maintain his own healthy immune system. Immune system is given by God so that RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

8 human bodies function properly and become resistant to common diseases. The vitamins and minerals found in vegetable and fruits will give human bodies a good immune system. Here are some: Garlic (ahos in Cebuano, bawang in tagalog) can cure 37 common diseases and prevent it when taken daily. Eat garlic found in every recipe. The best way to benefit from garlic is eating it raw during meals sliced very fine/small using a very sharp knife. Uncooked garlic has vitamin C which can be destroyed by cooking. Finely sliced garlic with honey is the best preparation for medicinal purpose because it will be absorbed by the body easily in just a few minutes. In Genesis, the Jews in Egypt benefitted because of strength and endurance derived from the garlic when they were subjected to forced labor. Aside of the good flavor, this was one of the reason that they survived in that persecution from Pharaoh. Garlic treated infections of the soldier’s wounds in World War I and thus, saved soldiers’ lives and in the past times when synthetic medicines were not yet formulated. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antiparasite, and anti-fungal properties. It is not true that garlic makes your sweat foul-smelling, but it is the result of meat eating and when one takes a bath only once a week. Garlic can even help excrete toxins from pesticides inside the body. Onion (sibuyas in Cebuano) is a plant related to garlic and it can prevent and cure 53 common diseases. Warning about onion (bulbs, including shallots, leeks) preparations - use sliced onions immediately after slicing for it will absorb toxins from the environment. Do not store any kind of sliced onions. Ginger (luy-a in Cebuano) is a common spice to different Filipino foods. It can cure simple head aches and swellings due to sprain. It is a pain-reliever, and has anti-bacterial properties. Taken 2 hours before a travel, it helps prevent vomiting, nausea, dizziness. It contains vitamin B-complex- vitamin B3 to maintain health of nervous system, Vitamin B5 which prevents drying of skin, fatigue and anemia, vit B9. It stimulates blood circulation, and reduces spasm and cramps. Turmeric (dulaw in Cebuano and luyang dilaw in Tagalog). It has curcumin (yellow color) which is antioxidant, found out to cure cancer and specially helps cleanse the liver. Sweet potato (kamote in Cebuano and Tagalog) is a vegetable root of the plant called kamote. It can cure or help prevent hypertension and colon cancer because it has Vit C, Vit E and good fiber. Kamote contains vitamin A which is good for the eyes and skin. It contains also vit E and vit c which acts as antioxidants or (pangkontrataya), and has carrotenoids which really helps prevent and cure cancer. The complex carbohydrates (which in turn become complex sugar when metabolized) found in kamote can help prevent diabetes. Due to its high fiber content, it can help you have regular bowel movement and thus, prevent hemorrhoids/ almoranas and colon cancer. Coconut (lubi in Cebuano, niyog in Tagalog) in its fresh state and in the virgin oil form can help prevent or cure about 100 common diseases. It is also a good subtitute to power drinks due to its good energy derived from its oil which makes the body more alert even in the night time. Warning about coconuts- due to its high fiber content and its cleansing effect- it may cause more sweating (release of toxins), fast disposal of fecal waste or bowel movements within the first week of regular eating. Don’t be alarmed for this is part of a healing crisis. It makes you easily get satisfied. It helps prevent the graying and thinning of hair when used daily in hair care. The fresh coconut milk or coco cream is also a practical antidote to common poisoning (lanag). Some skin allergies due to weak immune system can be relieved with the use coco milk or cream. It also helps prevent hairfall.

DISEASES WHICH CAN BE HEALED BY COCONUT & TOGETHER WITH OTHER NATURAL REMEDIES Taken from the book COCONUT CURES by Dr. Bruce Fife

1. Aches and pains 2. Acid reflux

3. Acne 4. Age Spots

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9 5. AIDS/HIV 6. Allergies 7. Arthritis and stiff joints 8. Asthma 9. Atherosclerosis 10. Autoimmune disease (lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, allergies) 11. Back pain 12. Bacterial and viral illnesses 13. Bad breath 14. Bed sores 15. Bee sting 16. Bladder infections 17. Blisters 18. Blood pressures 19. Bloody nose 20. Body and foot odor 21. Boils 22. Breastfeeding 23. Bruises 24. Burns 25. Bursitis 26. Cancer 27. Candida infection 28. Carpal tunnel syndrome 29. Cataracts 30. Chapped lips 31. Chicken pox 33. Colitis 34. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) 35. Cirrhosis 36. Colds 37. Colon health (constipation, colon cancer, colitis, Chron’s disease, IBS) 38. Constipation 39. Cuts and wounds 40. Dandruff 41. Dehydration 42.Dermatitis 43. Diabetes 44. Diaper rash 45. Digestive disorders 46. Dry nasal passages 47. Ear fungus 48. Ear infection 49. Ear wax

50. Fever blister 51. Fibromyalgia 52. Gall bladder disease 53. Gangrene 54. Gum disease and tooth decay 55. Hair conditioner 56. Heart disease 57. Hemorrhoids 58. High blood pressure 59. Hypoglycemia 60. hypothyroidism 61. Immune system 62. Indigestion 63. Insect bites and stings 64. Insect repellent 65. Insomnia 66. Intestinal parasites 67. Itchy skin 68. Kidney disorders 69. Kidney stones 70. Libido 71. Lice 72. Liver disorders 73. Malnutrition 74. Moles 75. Nose bleed 76. Nausea- Coconut Ginger drink 77. Osteoporosis 78. Prostate enlargement 79. Sinus congestion 80. Skin fungus (athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, foot and nail fungus) 81. Sore throat 82. Sprains 83. stretch marks 84. Sunburn 85. Tendonitis 86. Toenail and foot fungus 87. Ulcer 88. Urinary Tract Infection 89. Warts 90. Weight Management 91. Wrinkles 92. Yeast infection 93. Zoonosis.

MEDICAL PROBLEMS/ DISEASES THAT DIET CURES

Taken from the book- DIET CURES FOR COMMON AILMENTS by Dr. H.K. Bakhru

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10

1. Acidosis 2. Acne 3. Alcoholism 4. Allergies 5. Anemia 6. Appendicitis 7. Arteriosclerosis 8. Arthritis 9. Asthma 10. Back aches 11. Bronchitis 12. Cancer 13. Cataract 14. Cholera 15. Cirrhosis of the liver 16. Colitis 17. Common cold 18. Conjunctivitis 19. Constipation 20. Cough 21. Depression 22. Diabetes 23. Diarrhea 24. Dysentery 25. Dyspepsia 26. Eczema 27. Epilepsy 28. Fatigue 29. Fever 30. Gall bladders disorders 31.Gastritis 32. Goiter 33. Glaucoma 34. Gout 35. Heart disease 36. Hiatus Hernia 37. High blood cholesterol 38. Hypertension 39. Influenza 40. Insomnia 41. Jaundice 42. Kidney stones 43. Low blood pressures 44. Lower blood sugar 45. Malaria 46. Migraine 47. Nephritis 48. Neuritis 49. Obesity 50. Peptic ulcer 51. Piles/hemorrhoids 52. Prostate disorders 53. Psoriasis

54. Rheumatism 55. Sexual disorders 56. Sinusitis 57. Stomatitis 58. Stress 59. Thinness 60. Tonsilitis 61. Tooth decay 62. Tuberculosis 63. Varicose veins 64. Women’s ailments

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11 DISEASES WHICH CAN BE CURED BY ONIONS AND GARLIC Taken from the book: The Secret Benefits of Onion and Garlic by Vijaya Kumar Recommended also in the book Prescription for NUTRITIONAL HEALING of James F. Balch, MD and his wife, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; and the 7 Pillars of Health of Don Colbert, MD, anti-ageing specialist, and other alternative medicine books SIBUYAS-ONIONS

AHOS-GARLIC

1. Acidity 2. Anaemia

Arthritis Asthma

3. Artherosclerosis

Bacterial infections

4. Arthritis

Blood clots

5. Ascitis

Blood disorders

6. Asthma

Cancer

7. Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular diseases

8. Bacterial infections

Cholesterol

9. Blood clot

Cold and cough

10. Blood disorders

Constipation

11. Boils

Diabetes

12.Cancer

Digestive disorders –burnt garlic

13. Children’s ailments

Dysentery

14. Cholera

Ear disorders

15. Cardiovascular diseases

Epilepsy

16. Cholesterol control

Fevers

17. Cold and cough

Gastric problems

18. Constipation

Gout

19. Dental disorders

Headaches

20. Diabetes

Heart disorders

21. Digestive disorders

Hypertension

22. Dysentery

Infectious diseases

23. Ear disorders

Influenza

24. Eczema

Intestinal disorders

25. Epilepsy

Meningitis

26. Eye disorders

Paralysis

27. Fevers

Pneumonia

28. Flatulence

Respiratory disorders

29. Goitre

Rheumatism

30. Hair disorders

Sciatica

31. Heart diseases

Sexual disabilities

32. Hiccup

Skin disorders

33. Hoarseness

Tuberculosis

34. Hypertension

Typhoid

35. Inflammation

Urinary disorders

36. Influenza

Weight problems

37. Insomnia

Wounds

38. Jaundice

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12 39. Menstrual disorders 40. Neurogenic pains 41. Nose bleed 42. Osteoporosis 43. Pimples 44. Piles-haemorrhoids-almoranas 45. Poisonous bites 46. Respiratory disorders 47. Rheumatism 48. Sexual disability 49. Skin disorders 50. Spleen enlargement 51. Sun stroke 52. Swooning 53. Urinary disorders

NUTRIENTS FROM THE SWEET POTATO/ KAMOTE

Kinutlo gikan sa Philippine Star April 17, 2008, sa kolum nga sinulat ni William M. Esposo sumala sa medical documentary nga iyang nakita sa KBS/ South Korean TV Network nga nakuha gikan sa research sa mga South Korean doctors ug American doctors. CAMOTE/sweet potato 3 OUNCES RICE/HUMAY 100 grams serving Calories

90

361

Fat

0

.8 grams

Saturated fat

0

Cholesterol

0

Carbohydrates

21` grams

82 grams

Protein

2g

6g

Dietary fiber

3g

.6 g

Sodium

36 mg

31 mg

Vitamin A

19,218 IU

Folic acid

6 micrograms

Panthothenic acid

1 mg

Vitamin B6

1 mg

Vitamin C

20 mg

Vitamin E

1 mg

Calcium

38 mg

Manganese

1 mg

Carrotenoids

11,552 micrograms

Potassium

475 mg

Magnesium

45 mg

8 mg

111 mg

Phosphorus

87 mg

Vitamin B1

0.07 mg

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13 Vitamin B2

0.02 mg

Niacin

1.8 g

NUTRIENTS FROM ONIONS AND GARLIC Taken from the books- Secret of Onion and Garlic, Health chart, Prescription for Nutritional Healing

ONIONS-SIBUYAS

GARLIC- AHOS

100 grams

moisture

87.0%

Moisture

62.0%

protein

1.2%

Protein

6.3%

fiber

0.6%

Fiber

0.8%

minerals

0.4%

Minerals

1.0%

carbohydrate

11.1%

Carbohydrate

29.8%

calcium

47 mgFat

phosphorus

50 mgCalcium

30.0 mg

iron

0.7 mgPhosphorus

3.10 mg

carotene

15 mcgIron

riboflavin

0.1%

1.3 mg

0.01 mgRiboflavin

niacin

0.23 mg

0.4 mgNiacin

thiamine

0.40 mg

0.08 mgThiamine

Vit c- when raw

enzymes

Vitamin c- when raw

Vit A with the green

Chlorophyll,

Vit A, Enzymes

Vit B1, B6, folic acid, sulphur, Trace minerals- chromium, selenium, zinc Anti-oxidant-quercetin Amino acids-cystine, histidine, serine,

0.06 mg 13.0 mg Vit B1, B2

Trace minerals-iodine, sulphur, chlorine, zinc, Selenium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, Copper, germanium, Amino acids-cystine, histidne, methionine, serine

MEAT, & MEATY PRODUCT REMINDERS GOOD MEAT. Protein is important to the body. Its best sources are plants. Just look at the horses, cows, goats

eating grasses daily! Fruits and veggies also contain protein. Beans are the best substitute of meat. Two kinds of beans may contain the complete 23 protein amino acids needed by man.

Though meat has the complete source of protein, it is not the best. However, it should be eaten occasionally, not daily, due to its high cholesterol level, bacteria, viruses, antibiotics, growth hormones, toxic substances, etc.. The Lord Jesus ate fish in his time. Fish contains less cholesterol. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver for the existence of man and animals. Man’s liver produces enough level of cholesterol (whether it is high density or low density). Good meat truly comes from clean animals (free range) declared by the Bible. They should be organic meaning they are not raised in a controlled environment like a poultry. The food or feeds should be natural without antibiotics, growth hormones, recycled meats from dead animals (allowed in the USA), insecticides, and that they are walking, running in their places. Even if meat is derived from clean animals, man is allowed to eat the other parts of the animals such as the following:

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14 1. Blood. Blood should be poured back as water to the earth as instructed by God in Genesis 9:4, Lev 3:17, Lev 17:11-14, Lev 19:26, Deu 12:13, 15:23, Acts 15:20,29. Blood is the life (Deu 12:23) of an animal. Pouring the blood back to the earth after slaying the animal in a proper way, is act to honor the Creator God. When an animal dies, there is a rapid multiplication of bacteria, or viruses present in the blood. Blood is not flesh designed for eating, but tissues for life. 2. Fat/s. Exodus 29:13, 22; Lev 1:8, 3:3-5,14-17, 7:23-25. All the fat is the Lord’s (Lev 3:16). Fat is not allowed to be eaten as part of diet of man. Most of the toxins are fat soluble. The more fat you eat, the more toxins you have in your body. Animal fats and protein should be limited because they are a burden to the liver of man during its conversion. The healthy fats good for the body and backed-up with vitamins and minerals are derived from plants like avocado, coconuts (VCO). Fats as part of the offerings were burned with fire (in the altar- Lev 4:19, 4:35, 6:12,). Animal oils may be used in any other way. Death is the penalty of eating fat (Lev 7:25). 3. Internal organs. Internal organs such as caul above the liver, kidneys along with the fats were burned with fire in the tabernacle and temple ceremonies. Exodus 29:13, 22-25, Lev 3:3-5. Presently, internal organs including intestines are found to be high in purine which turns to uric acid that causes the common arthritis, gout. 4. Skin. (Usually cooked as balbacua- in the Phils). The skin is called hide in the Bible (Lev 8:17, 9:11) and it is not allowed to be eaten as part of a proper diet. In the offerings, it was burnt with fire. As it is today, iIt was also used in the old times for the accessories of man such as shoes, sandals, bags, etc.

MILK, cheese, butter. These are considered meat by-products and contain cholesterol. In some persons, milk may cause lactose intolerance (partly due to lack of enzyme and lack vitamin C). Milk is one cause of mucus over production and its symptoms are colds, cough, asthma, and may lead to pneumonia. BAD MEAT. Bad meat are those meat which comes from unclean animals declared by the Bible (Leviticus chapter 11, Deuteronomy chapter 14). Unclean animals were designed by God to be scavengers or janitors of the earth. They are cleaning our land, rivers, seas, oceans. They can absorb much toxin in their bodies and will not easily get sick or killed because this is their natural function. The man eating them will suffer the consequences of unclean/ bad diet. The above two chapters include how to choose fish supply also. For health reasons, if possible, minimize or avoid eating canned meats or processed meats specially if they contain nitrates, nitrites, artificial coloring, preservatives, flavorings, etc which are found to be cancer causing chemicals.

ANSWER TO UNITED PRAYER AND FASTING/ TUBAG SA HINIUSANG PUASA UG PAG-AMPO Taken from the book “ONE BOOK STANDS ALONE”; chapter 19, FASTING PHASED OUT (from NIV,NCV Bibles), p. 329. In the early spring of 1877, Minnesota farmers surveyed their lands, dreading the first hordes of locusts that had caused such widespread destruction the summer before. Another such plague threathened to destroy Minnesota’s rich wheat lands spelling ruin for thousands of families. Suddenly, Governor John S. Pillsbury proclaimed April 26th a day of fasting and prayer, urging that every man, woman and child ask divine help. A strange hush fell over the land as Minnesotans solemnly assembled to pray. The next morning the sun rose in cloudless skies. Temperatures soared to mid-summer heat. The people looked up at the skies in wonder, and to their horror, the warm earth began to stir the dreaded insects. This was a strange answer! Three days passed. The unseasonable heat hatched out a vast army of locusts that threatened to engulf the entire Northwest! Then, on the fourth day the sun went down in a cold sky and that night frost gripped the earth. Most of the locusts were destroyed as surely as if fire had swept them away! When summer came the wheat waved tall and green. April 26 went down in history as the day on which a people’s prayer had been answered.

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15 The translation (into Cebuano) below was made by RP Sulapas on July 4, 2009. Gikuha gikan sa libro nga “ONE BOOK STANDS ALONE”; kapitulo 19, ANG PUASA GIWALA (gikan sa NIV, NCV nga mga Biblia), pahina 329.

Diha sa sayo nga tingpamulak sa 1877, ang mga mag-uuma sa Minnesota misusi sa ilang kayutaan, nga nagakahadlok sa unang dakung panon sa mga dulon nga mipahinabo og halapad nga kadaut sa miaging tinginit. Ang lain nga ingon niana nga hampak mihulga sa pagdaut sa tambok nga kayutaan sa trigo sa Minnesota nga nagkahulogan og kadaut sa linibong mga pamilya. Sa kalit, si Gobernador John S. Pillsbury mipamantala sa ika 26 sa Abril nga usa ka adlaw sa puasa ug pagampo, nagaawhag sa matag usa ka lalaki, babaye, ug bata nga mangayo og diosnong tabang. Usa ka talagsaon nga kahilom ang miabot ibabaw sa yuta samtang ang mga Minnesotanhon sa tinuoray mitigom aron sa pag-ampo. Sa pagkasunod buntag ang adlaw misidlak sa walay panganod nga kalangitan. Ang temperatura misaka ngadto sa kainit sa tungatungang ting-init. Ang katawhan mihangad sa kalangitan diha sa kahibulong, ug sa ilang kalisang, ang maigang nga yuta misugod sa pagpagimok sa gikalisangan nga mga insekto. Usa kini ka katingad-an nga tubag! Tulo ka adlaw ang milabay. Ang wala sa panahon nga kainit mipapusa sa daku kaayong kasundalohan sa mga dulon nga mihulga sa pagsakop sa tibuok Amihanan-kasadpan! Unya, sa ikaupat ka adlaw ang adlaw misalop diha sa bugnaw nga langit ug niana nga gabii ang bagtik nga tun-og mihakop sa yuta. Ang kinabag-an sa mga dulon nangamatay ingon ka siguro nga daw kalayo ang mipapha kanila! Sa dihang ang ting-init miabot ang mga trigo mibalodbalod nga tag-as ug berde. Ang Abril 26 miagi sa kasaysayan ingon nga ang adlaw diin ang pag-ampo sa usa ka katawhan gitubag. Aron ka mahagit pag-ayo, basaha ug pamalandongi ang mosunod: tibuok libro ni Esther; Ezra 8:21; 2 Kasaysayan 7:14, 20:3; Salmo 35:13, 69:10, Isaias 58; Mateo 6:16, 17:19-21; Markos 9:29; Mga Buhat 13:1-3; 2 Corinto. 7:5; 2 Corinto. 11:27. Unya himoa ang pagpuasa alang sa imong mga problema sa kinabuhi, iglesya, negosyo, trabaho, mga anak o ginikanan, mga minahal, ug alang sa atong nasod.

FASTING

By Mike Van Horn Mark 9:29; “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Numbers play a very significant part in the study of the Bible. As you begin to study about fasting you will recognize that many verses include the number nine. The number nine is three times three, and three signifies Divine Completeness. With this in mind, the number nine would then mean; finality in Divine things. When you add fasting to your prayers you are completing your communication with God. The topic of fasting is not one that is studied very often. It is a practice that seems to have been forgotten. In this study you will see that fasting is a way of tapping into God’s power. Fasting is a form of worship and communication with the LORD separate from praying. In no way are you to try to force God to answer your prayer according to your will, but to show him your willingness to afflict yourself in order for God to show you His will in your need. It gives the LORD a sense of urgency in your request and shows Him your total

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

16 confidence in the Word of God, THE KING JAMES BIBLE. Notice how fasting and prayer are two totally separate ways to reach God. Please read Esther chapter 3 verses 8-15. We see in these verses that a decree to destroy the Jewish people was sent out by, “This wicked Haman (Esther 6:6).” (It is interesting how the number six denotes the manifestation of evil. The number six falls one short of seven [perfection] thus it is a picture of man without Christ. He is incomplete, lost and undone). Haman had devised a plan to destroy all of the Jews and convinced King Ahasuerus to sign a writing “to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey (3:6). When the Jewish people read this decree, which had been posted in every province, they surely began to pray to the God of their fathers for help. In Chapter 4 of the book of Esther we even see Mordecai with his clothes rent, dressed in sackcloth and ashes, and crying bitterly in the midst of the city. (Sackcloth and ashes is an outward demonstration of mourning). Notice how Esther prepared for her entrance into the king’s chamber when she decided to accept the challenge of approaching him with her request. First of all, in chapter 4 and verse 11, you will see that an unwanted appearance before the king was an appointment with death. Esther knew she must have the help of a Holy God to intervene in her case. In chapter 4 verse 16 you will see her preparation for the gigantic task that is ahead of her. She commands Mordecai to; “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Did you notice that she did not say, “fast and pray.” Esther was sure that the people were praying already. Some were even fasting (4:3), but she wanted all of the Jews to collectively fast for their people. It could be said that fasting gets both ears of our GOD (FINALITY IN DIVINE THINGS)! How did she know what to do in such a time of crisis? This can be answered in Esther chapter 2 verse 20; “Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.” Esther was raised in the home of Mordecai; “And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. Mordecai was a man who feared God. The whole reason the Jews were in this mess was because he would not bow down to the wicked Haman (Exodus 20 verse 5). In Mordecai’s home I am sure when tough times arose, he would gather the family together and proclaim a fast. God is not a liar! He honoured their fasting and answered their prayers. Esther was raised in a home that practiced getting a hold of God through fasting. Esther prepared spiritually for a task that would determine the destiny of God’s chosen people by practicing fasting like when she was brought up, (Esther 2:20; for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him). Please read the entire book of Esther. You will see how God answered their fasting. Mordecai was honoured, Haman was hung on the gallows he built to hang Mordecai, and the Jews were spared. The words “fast, fasted, fasting, and fastings” are used 69 times in the Bible. There are many other phrases that are used to describe fasting like; I Samuel 1:7; “…therefore she wept, and did not eat,” Esther 4:16; “…neither eat nor drink three days, night or day…”, Acts 9:9; “And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink,” and in Daniel 10:3; “I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. It is estimated by Dr. J Harold Smith that there are eighty-six references in the Word of God that speak of fasting. With this many references to fasting in the Bible it is certain the LORD wants us to practice fasting. Fasting has not been outdated. Some reasons why people fasted: 1. Judges 20:22-26: To receive counsel from the LORD. 2. 1 Samuel 1:7: Hannah fasted for God to open her womb. 3. 1 Samuel 7:1-6: In confession and repentance toward sin and the preparation to serve the LORD.

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

17 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

1 Samuel 31:13: Mourning the death of Saul. 2 Samuel 12:16-23: David fasted for the health of his child. 2 Chronicles 20:1-4: Fear of a great war. 1 Kings 21:26-29: Ahab fasted as he begged God for mercy. Ezra 8:21: Ezra proclaimed a fast, “to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” He fasted for the children. 9. Nehemiah 1:1-4; Nehemiah fasted after hearing news of the condition of his people and Jerusalem. 10. Nehemiah 9: They were fasting while confessing their sins. 11. Esther 4:16 : Esther call for a fast for the salvation of the Jewish race. 12. Psalm 35:13: David fasted for his enemies when they were sick. (Matthew 5:44) 13. Daniel 6:18: A friend in trouble. King Darius fasted for Daniel while he was in the den of lions. 14. Daniel 9: In confession and repentance toward sin. 15. Daniel chapter 10: Daniel was in mourning because of the condition of his people. Please note in verse 12 how God heard his prayer, “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.” 16. Jonah 3: The king proclaimed a fast because of a repentant heart. The fast was to beg God for mercy. 17. Joel 2:12: God commands the people to turn to Him with all their hearts (repentance), to weep, and to fast. God commanded them to fast. 18. Zechariah 8:19: It was to express joy, gladness, cheerfulness, the love of truth and peace. It was part of religious practices. 19. Matthew 4:2: Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights in preparation for His ministry. 20. Matthew 17:21: Extraordinary manifestation of the hand of God can only come through prayer and fasting. 21. Mark 14:34-41: Jesus fasted from sleep while praying. 22. Luke 2:37: Anna served God with fastings. 23. Acts 10:30: Cornelius, a Gentile, was fasting because he feared God and wanted his people to know the truth. 24. Acts 13:1-3: Paul and Barnabas fasted as they prepared to leave on their mission. 25. Acts 14:23: In the delivering of a charge to the elders of the church. 26. Acts 27:33: The men in the boat were fasting because it looked like sure doom for them. 27. 1 Corinthians 7:5: Fasting to keep the devil from tempting you with sexual thoughts and actions. 2 Corinthians 6:4, 5: Approving yourself as a minister of God. When you are a minister or a servant of God it will include fasting. 2 Corinthians 6:4, 5; “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;” Fasting is a discipline that pleases God. In Isaiah 58:8-12 we are given a list of precious promises to those who fast. 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward (The part of an army that marches in the rear, as the guard; the rear guard.) 9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: 11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. Again, you cannot manipulate God by your fast. You must pray in His will not yours.

Fasting can bring revival to you, your family, and a Nation!

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

18 2Chronicles 7:14; “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Let’s study the great verse concerning revival of the land (2 Chronicles 7:14) to see how fasting may apply. What a comfort it is to know that God has given us (Christians) His name. Those who have called upon the LORD Jesus Christ, repenting or turning from their sins, believing that He was born of a virgin, lived 33 years on the earth, tempted in all areas of sin yet who knew no sin, died on the cross of Calvary, was buried, rose the third day praise God, and is sitting at the right hand of the Father, are given GOD’S Name. If you are born again, trusting in Jesus and Jesus alone you are His child (Acts 4:12; “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”). Now that we have established who God is talking to let’s see what he commands. The very first thing He tells us we must do is to humble ourselves. This word humble has the meaning of bringing yourself unto subjection. 1 Peter 5:6 says; “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” The LORD has pleasure in the exaltation of His saints. When we humble ourselves it is as if to say to the LORD, we trust Him to give us the strength to be used of Him. Fasting from food or some form of pleasure is a way of us giving ourselves to God. We rely on Him for strength both physically and mentally to endure the period in which we are afflicting our bodies for His cause. In this humbling process we are totally depriving ourselves of the pleasure of physical nutrition in order to receive spiritual nutrition. Until we realize that power cometh from God we will never have His power to accomplish great things for Him, (Psalm 62:11; “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.”). So many times we try to operate in our own power. We fail to remember that all we are and all we have accomplished are because He has allowed us to be used. When we humble ourselves before God, He then can use us as a mere channel of His power and love. We must then be careful not to fall into the trap of being proud that we are being used. It is a daily battle to fight against all of the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16). Pride is the number one dart that is hurled by the devil. During this time of humbling or fasting prayer plays a very important part. You will then be ushered into the presence of the Holy God and experience the closeness to Him you desire. Please do not try to manipulate God! You are sadly mistaken if you think that your fast will make God do what you want. God will do what He wants knowing it is the best for you, (Romans 8:28; “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”). If you are seeking a closeness to the LORD you are promised to find Him, (2 Chronicles 15:2; “…The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” The seeking of God’s face is not the same as God’s hand. When you are seeking His face you are seeking to be in His presence. When ushered into His presence we are able to accomplish great things for Him. It is in His presence where we desire to please Him, (Proverbs 7:15; “Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.”). He commands you to turn from your wicked ways. If you are not willing to forsake sin in your life, there is no sense in fasting (Proverbs 28:13; “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”). God demands repentance in order to have fellowship. (Acts 20:21; “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”) When we put our faith in Christ we receive salvation. That is our part. When we repent then God gets his child back. That is God’s part. Dr. Ron Gearis, founder of Rock of Ages Prison Ministry, says, “Repentance and faith are like Siamese twins. You cannot have one without the other.” After these ingredients are accomplished in our meeting with the LORD, He then promises to heal our land. God always keeps His end of the deal!

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

19 You can rest assured that revival can and will come to your life, your family’s lives, your children’s lives and our great country if someone like you would be satisfied with a fasting and prayer ministry. You may never be a great preacher in the public eye, you may never stand before thousands of people to preach the Gospel, but wherever you are you could accomplish as much as they will by having a ministry of prayer and fasting before our LORD. Set a time aside where you and God meet every day. He will help you as you seek Him in the area of fasting. You can set aside a specific time to fast. Your health may not permit you to fast from food for a long period of time. You can commit to the LORD to skip a meal on a regular basis. The great Futon Street Revival of years past started when one man committed to fast and pray for revival in America during his lunch hour ever day. He hung a sign on the church door and said, he was praying for America during his lunch hour and if you would like to join him you could. The church building soon was full and it spread on to other churches in the area and soon a great revival swept across America. Was it due to the preaching? Although preaching of God’s Word played a very significant role, it was the answer to the fasting and prayers of many ordinary servants of God, (Mark 9:29; “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”). Different Types of Fasts Fasting from pleasure: Daniel 6:18; “Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.” In this passage we see King Darius fasting from a pleasure. He did not allow music to be played in his presence, nor did he sleep. This allowed King Darius to stay focused on the need at hand and to diligently pray: James 5:16; “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When you are willing to give up something that you enjoy, as a reminder to pray, it will amaze you how many times you remember to pray for your request. A man once decided to not drink coffee until the LORD answered his prayer. Almost every time he thought of or even smelled coffee, the Spirit of God reminded him to pray for his need. His children knew why he was not drinking coffee any longer. On occasion he would make a comment like, “Boy that coffee smells good.” His daughter would say to him, “You better pray Daddy.” Like Queen Esther, you can rest assured when trouble comes this little girl’s way she will know how to reach God. A young lady in a youth department decided to fast from Soda-pop until her youth pastor’s wife became pregnant. When the preacher that taught her to fast heard of her commitment, the LORD impressed upon his heart to fast from sodas with her (Matthew 18:19; “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”). The youth pastor and his wife had been trying for three years to have children and were unsuccessful. Within one month after the fast began the youth pastor’s wife was with child. At least two other babies are in this world because of this teenager’s testimony in the power of fasting. These are referred to as partial fasts. One man was molested at age nine and the abuse continued for some years. This led him to believe he was a homosexual. In his heart he knew that lifestyle was wicked and tried his hardest to have victory over it. He even got married to camouflage his homosexuality. After hearing a message preached about the power of fasting, he began an extended fast to beg God for victory over the demonic oppression involved in this wicked sin. He made a list of the requests with which he desired to have God help him. He wanted to be totally free from homosexual thoughts, deliverance from pornography, masturbation, and a gossiping tongue. He also wanted to restore his love with his wife, become a prayer warrior, obtain a spirit of humility, have financial freedom, and be able to recognize that Christ was active in his life. This man was asking God for a miracle. According to his own testimony, half way through the fast he became very hungry. It did not seem as if God was helping him with his homosexual thoughts. He almost quit but decided to ask God for renewed strength. He said that it was then when the LORD showed him that he was under demonic oppression. The last day of his fast he realized that he had been set free from the bondage of the demonic stronghold of homosexuality. He felt totally delivered, free, and clean. This man had a heart desire to be released from the sin that held him in bondage. Through fasting God gave him the victory. God also is able and wants to give you victory over your sin. Length of Fasts The longest recorded fast in the Bible was completed by Moses. In Deuteronomy 9:9; “When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

20 abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water.” When Moses came down off of the mountain to see the sin of the people he cast the Tables of Stone down and took care of the problem. The Bible then tells us that he then continued his fast for forty more days and nights. Deuteronomy 10:10; “And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.” This was definitely a supernatural fast. There is no set outline for the amount of time or type of fast. This will be determined as you begin to meet with God and study this topic. When you make a commitment to the LORD please do not break your vow. In 1 Kings 13 a prophet of God was killed because he allowed another prophet talk him into breaking his commitment to the LORD. Ecclesiastes 5:4; “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.” You do not have to set a specific time. You can ask God through Scripture to reveal to you a start and finish time. His Word is alive and He will show you start and finish times. One man was seventeen days into a 40 day water only fast. In his prayers he asked the LORD if he could drink some juice. The very next day in his studies he came across 1 Timothy 5:23; “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.” He said, “thank you LORD,” and finished out the remaining twenty-three days on juice. Make sure you spend plenty of time in your Bible as you are fasting. The LORD will speak to you through your Bible reading. One-day fasts were very common in the Bible and can become a part of your worship to the LORD. You can pick one day a week to fast for a particular reason or to just worship God. Judges 20:26, 1 Samuel 7:6, I Samuel 20:34, 1 Samuel 28:20, 2 Samuel 1:12, 2 Samuel 3:25, 2 Samuel 11:11, Three-day and seven-day fasts were also observed. Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9, 1 Samuel 31:13, 2 Samuel 12:16-18, and 1 Chronicles 10:12. Ten-day fast: Daniel observed a ten-day partial fast from the king’s meat. They only ate pulse and water. In Daniel 10:3 he observed a three-week complete fast, only drinking water. Forty-day fast: Moses observed a forty-day fast with no drink or food (Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 9:18, 25; 10:10). Elijah went forty days in the strength of the food provided by God (1 Kings 19:8). Jesus fasted forty days (Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:2). Moses is the only man in the Bible that did two forty day fasts. Jesus and Elijah only did one. Some Myths It has been said that in a God ordained fast you will not experience hunger. This is not true! How could it be an affliction to you if you did not experience hunger?” Your body is on a time schedule. When it is time to eat your brain sends blood to your stomach to help with the digestion process. This is why your stomach growls when you are hungry. Your hunger pains will remind you to pray and seek God’s face. It has been said that you will have all of your strength. The Psalmist said in Psalm 109:24; “My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.” You will experience weakness and headaches from a withdrawal of caffeine. You can function and perform a regular schedule on an extended fast. You must ask the LORD for victory and He will give it to you. One of the biggest myths concerning fasting is that you should never talk about your experience through fasting. When Jesus is teaching about fasting, in Mathew chapter 6, He is saying that during your fast you should not appear unto men to be fasting. This could bring glory to you instead of the LORD. During your fast it is not appropriate to tell folks so you can look like you are some kind of spiritual giant. Your fast will go unrecognized by the LORD if you choose to have the praise of men. On the other hand, the LORD tells us to tell of His wonderful works (Psalm 26:7, Psalm 40:5, Psalm 78:4, Psalm 105:1,2, Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31, Psalm 114:4). We need to tell the results of our fasting to others so they too will have the desire to meet with the LORD through fasting. There is nothing wrong nor will you lose favor with the LORD when you brag on the method He chose to complete your communication with Him.

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually

21 People are more apt to communicate with God through fasting if they know it is working for others. Fasting is a wonderful way to spend personal time with the LORD! God wants us to experience His power through fasting. Matthew 6:16-18, Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Jesus said, “When ye fast,” not if ye fast. He wants us to experience the power of God through fasting. He taught us not to draw attention to ourselves during our fasting. This can be difficult at times. We live in a fast paced world. People will recognize that you are not eating. Just simply tell them what you are doing and move on. It is a good idea to keep a journal during this time of fasting. It is good to go back and reflect on the answered prayers and the experiences you had with the LORD. This is a very refreshing time (Psalm 46:10; “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”). Please be very careful when coming off of an extended fast. vegetables. Slowly work your way back to eating regular meals.

Begin slowly with crackers, fruit juices, and some

May the LORD bless you and keep you as you enter into this new experience with Him. Dr. J Harold Smith said, 1. “We are empty of grace and full of grease.” J. Harold Smith 2. “We need to go on a hunger strike for the glory of God!” 3. “Fasting is a discipline that is pleasing to the Father.”

Book list:

1. “The Power of Prayer and Fasting” by Ronnie W. Floyd; Broadman & Holman Publishers ISBN 080540164-4 2. “Fast your Way to Health” by J. Harold Smith; Thomas Nelson Publishers

ISBN 0-8407-5676-3

3. “The Discipline of Prayer” by Dennis Corle. His book can be purchased from “Revival Fires” *Please note that not all of these books use the King James exclusively. This does not mean that these men are ignorant of the topic of fasting. Chew up the meat and spit out the bones! Please feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions you may have. 419-651-6604

RPS LIFESTYLE-Revive & Promote Spirituality, Relieve Physical Stresses, Reinvigorate Physically & Spiritually