Answers To Practical Questions
2015 Ardyss Forty Day Consecration
The Master’s Call
January 5, 2015 (Monday) – February 13, 2015 (Friday):
ANSWERS TO PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Theme: In 2015, Thru Me, Miracles, Signs And Wonders ARE Seen
Scriptures: II Kings 4: 8-37; Daniel Chapter 1, Ephesians 5: 1-2, John 15:1-10, l John 4:8-16
- DIZZINESS: Is there any way of preventing dizziness during fasting?
This is usually a temporary symptom. It is sometimes caused by a
sudden change of position, especially sitting up from the lying position.
The remedy in that case is to move slowly.
- SLEEPLESSNESS: Can one do anything about sleeplessness?
This is sometimes due to the fact that the mind is overactive. It is
wise to avoid any concentrated mental activity before retiring, and resist
the temptation to sleep (though not to rest) during the day.
- FOUL BREATH: What can be done about bad breath?
It has been suggested that a small quantity of menthol crystals be
procured, and if one is allowed to dissolve on the tongue it will provide relief.
- DRINKING WATER: How much water should one drink during a fast?
Some recommend drinking as much as possible, on the assumption
that this aids the process of elimination by flushing the system. There
seems some doubt whether this is the case. Better to let the body
determine how much is drunk. Sipping water does help stave off the
craving for food and the spasms of weakness. It may be taken hot, cold
(but not chilled), or lukewarm. A slice of lemon in the water jug will take
away the metallic taste.
- FASTING AND THE BOWELS: Should one use laxatives or enemas while
fasting?
The bowel, a twisted tube some 25 feet long, takes on average about
24 hours to discharge its contents. It is quite common to find that after the
first few days, without the stimulation of fresh intakes of food, it ceases to
function. Some recommend Blauber’s Salts (1-1/2 oz. In 1-1/4 pints of
warm water) on the first day of the fast, and then periodical enemas.
Laxatives are not recommended once the fast is underway. Dr. Shelton,
however, prefers to let nature handle its own affairs without any forcing
by laxative or enema. He takes the view that if the bowels need to
operate they will; otherwise they may be more benefited by prolonged
rest. This seems to be the simpler and more natural course, and what
must have been done in Bible times. On a long fast food residue may
remain in the bowel for as long as three weeks, but while there is no food
intake this should not create any problem with constipation.
In breaking a long fast it may be some days before the bowels start to
operate. Again it is wise to exercise patience and give them time. Once
they start they will usually function more regularly and efficiently than
before. Some people are helped by taking prunes or figs first thing in the
morning, and a daily drink of molasses.
- FASTING IN WINTER: Is it advisable to fast in the winter?
While one is fasting, the fire of metabolism is being fed with low-
grade fuel and consequently not generating its usual heat. The body
therefore tends to feel the cold. Provided one is careful to keep warm,
there is no reason for not fasting in the winter.
- WHEN FASTING IS INADVISABLE: Are there some illnesses or
conditions that render fasting inadvisable?
In cases of serious undernourishment or nervous exhaustion, fasting
is not recommended unless for very short periods. It should not be
undertaken by diabetic patients, especially if insulin is being taken. Nor
is it deemed advisable for expectant mothers. If there is any doubt about
fitness to fast, one should seek medical advice.
- PRACTICAL MEASURES: What other practical points should one bear
in mind during fasting?
A daily shower or bath with warm but not hot water.
Deep breathing, concentrating on exhaling as fully as possible.
Regular exercise (not too strenuous), except where there is great
weakness.
- HOW TO BREAK THE FAST: What are the best foods to eat when
breaking a fast?
One could, if necessary, break a fast on almost any kind of food, but
obviously some foods are much more suitable than others. The two
determining factors are what the can digest and what will most suitably
and speedily build it up generally, at any given stage.
Almost all are agreed that a normal fast (i.e., on water only) of some
length is best broken with fruit or vegetable juices, if possible freshly
squeezed or extracted, rather than canned or bottled. Many affirm that
the citrus fruits are the best. This may well be the case in lands where
oranges and grapefruits are picked ripe. But where they are imported
the fruit is invariably picked unripe, and the juice can often be too
acidic for many stomachs. Apple, tomato or grape juice are possible
alternatives, or pure citrus juices canned from the sun-ripe fruit.
Start at first with a small quantity, say a half tumbler, diluted if
necessary and taken every two or three hours the first day. Increase
the quantity gradually, and then you will be ready to take the fruit itself.
Milk can be included at this point, especially in the form of yogurt,
which may be taken with the fruit and is highly beneficial.
Fresh salads (without dressing), homemade vegetables soups
(no fat), and cooked vegetables may then be included in the diet,
always starting with a little of everything new and building up gradually.
A little crisp bread or toasted whole-meal bread with a scraping of
butter may next be eaten with the meals, but cakes, pastries and cookies
should be avoided. Protein is best introduced first in the form of cheese,
eggs or nuts, with fish and meat last of all. Just how quickly you increase
your diet in variety and quantity depends on the length of your fast and
how you find the body succeeds in coping.
It is of the utmost importance that the food be eaten slowly, and so
chewed that it is reduced to liquid before swallowing. At the first sensation
of fullness in the stomach you should stop, even if you haven’t completed
your portion. Discomfort following a meal should be regarded as a signal to
ease off and, if necessary, miss the next meal. This is where self-discipline
is needed.
It is important to rest as much as possible during this period so as to let
the body concentrate on this business of digestion and assimilation. Resist
the temptation to become active too soon.
Finally, remember these Golden Rules:
- Watch your quantities.
- Eat slowly and chew well.
- Stop at the first warning sign.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Don’t try to do too much too soon.
*Source- God’s Chosen Fast … A Spiritual and Practical Guide to Fasting
Arthur Wallis. Christian Literature Crusade, Fort Washington, PA 19034
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