MEMORY VERSE SELECTIONS

Mk. 9:29 “He replied, This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Pr. 23:2 “And put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.”

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 58

CHAPTER 19 QUESTIONS

1. 1. What is the purpose of fasting?
   

1. a)to open up our spiritual understanding
   

2. b)to drop a few fatty pounds
   

3. c)to get what we want from God
   

4. d)all of the above
   
   

2. 2. What is the name of the Catholic monk who thought that self-affliction was a holy and pious way to get God’s attention and blessings? 
   

3. 3.A fast is abstinence from food and/or water for the purposes of carrying specific burdens to and from the Lord to accomplish His goals through prayer.   T     F
   

4. 4.The small indiscretions of King David’s life did not lead him into adultery.   T     F
   

5. 5. We naturally hide from God when we are guilty of sin.  
   

        T    F

6. 6. Are there different kinds of fasts?    Yes     No
   

7. 7.  Who was led by God in the Old Testament to fast for 40 days without food and without water? 
   

    a) David    b) Joshua   c) Moses    d) John the Beloved

8. 8. Does fasting always mean abstinence from all food and water?  Yes    No
   

9. 9. Which of the following are a few of the spiritual blessings that can result from fasting?
   

a) to get our fleshly desires under control so that our spiritual senses become acutely aware of God’s presence

b) to loose the band of wickedness and undo heavy burdens

c) to help the poor in many ways

d) to slim down and shake off a few pounds

10. 10. What are a few of the natural benefits of fasting?
    

a) Our bodies get a rest from the routine of digestion.

b) The immune system is strengthened.

c) Harmful toxins are eliminated.

d) Cholesterol fat levels decrease.

e) All of the above

11. 11.  God is a judge; therefore, He loves it when we judge one another, because we are acting like Him.   T     F
    

12. 12. Being critical and judgmental of others is a divine gift.  It shows that such a person is superior to others because he shares God’s opinions.   T    F 
    

13. 13. A critical person will most likely have all of his prayers answered.   T     F
    

14. 14.  By the third day of fasting, people usually experience a sense of well being because of having eliminated toxins.   T     F
    

15. 15.  When does hunger usually diminish while fasting?
    

        a) 48-72 hours   b) After 40 days    c)  Never

16. 16.  God was quite impressed with the wicked King who humbled himself with prayer and fasting.  What’s this King’s name?
    

        a) Josiah   b) Ahab   c) Hezekiah   d) Jeroboam

17. 17.  Fasting can help us become more aware of God’s presence. 
    

        T    F

18. 18.  Why did the Pharisees fast often?
    

19. 19.  Name two people who were sent out from the church at Antioch after receiving new direction as a result of fasting.
    

        a) Mary and Martha        b) James and John

        c) Barnabas and Saul      d) Nathan and Silas

20. 20.  Can fasting bring healing when God is directing us in this way?   Y    N
    

21. 21.  Can fasting minister mental healing from evil spiritual oppression?   Y     N
    

22. 22.  What is the right motive for fasting?
    

RESOURCES

CHALLENGE

Fast!  Sure, there are different kinds of fasts ranging from total abstinence from food to nibbling enough to maintain consciousness.  Skip a meal or two for a day or days, perhaps a week. 

We can also fast from the distractions and addictions in our lives like television, video games, shopping,  and only God knows what else.   Go ahead and try it with a right heart motive of drawing closer to the Lord.

JOURNAL your experience.  Have a good time with the Lord and fasting!