Daniel Fast – Are You Ready for a Reset?

I think there is one point that just about everyone can agree. And that is that we are living in a very stressful, chaotic, frenetic time. So many activities and so many distractions seem to be calling our name and vying for our attention.

You may have a deep calling within your soul for a reset. A time when you can center, once again, on your relationship with God, with becoming calmer in your soul and perhaps even focusing on your health and wellbeing.

Entering into a 21-day period of extended prayer and fasting might be the perfect prescription for your spirit, soul, and body. Let me invite you to see what can be available to you during this spiritual experience.

Fasting is Not About Food

First, let me point out that the Daniel Fast, like all spiritual fasts, is not about the food. It saddens me to see how so many people have turned this powerful method of extended prayer and fasting into a focus on “scrumptious Daniel Fast recipes” or “mouthwatering recipes for your Daniel Fast.” That approach to the Daniel Fast misses the purpose God designed for fasting. Learn more.

Instead, entering into an extended period of prayer and fasting is the time to simplify your life so you can focus more on God. Also, one of the most powerful lessons and experiences you can have during your time of prayer and fasting is recognizing the battle you have between the flesh and the spirit. We live in a culture that has glorified food, and consequently, it’s even happened by so many who highlight the different way you’ll eat while on the Daniel Fast.

I encourage you to keep your meals simple, easy to prepare, and not at all the focus of your fast. Instead open your heart and your soul to the powerful lessons, insights, and experiences that the Lord has for you.

Strengthen Your Spirit

Spiritual fasting is like going on a personal and private retreat for yourself. During your time of fasting, you can spend more of your time and attention on God, His Word, and the ways of kingdom living. It’s very possible that during your time of extended prayer and fasting that you’ll develop habits, routines, and practices that you can use during your fast as well as after your fast for your spiritual growth.

You may have a longing in your heart to draw near to God. Possibly you feel distant from Him. I can promise you He longs to have you near Him. He longs to be with you. And He honors your desire to connect with Him.

Most often, reconnecting with God is not something that we can do in just one or two days. And therefore, an extended period of prayer and fasting is the perfect opportunity for you to lean into Him for your support and for your strength. You can reorder your days, and your practices, so you can put your eyes on Him rather than on all of the distractions that so often gain our attention.

Feed Your Soul

Your soul is made of your intellect, your will, your emotions, and your personality. While our spirit was reborn when we accepted Christ, our soul still needs a transformation to the ways of the Lord. During your time of extended prayer and fasting, you can check in with yourself. You can examine your heart and discover areas that you want to bring into closer alignment with the ways of God and His kingdom.

Many times when I’ve been fasting the Lord has shown me lessons He wants me to learn, adventures He wants me to take, and new insights that He wants me to discover.

Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you’ll find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29. Open your heart to the Lord and see what He has to teach you during your time of prayer and fasting. He loves you so very much and He longs to have you look to Him for your needs and desires.

As you think about a reset, this may also be a time when you can look at the way you use your time, making choices about what you’ll do and what you won’t do, setting goals for the lifestyle you want to live, and designing the future you’ll have along with the Lord’s direction.

Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to powerful promise, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Acknowledging Him in all your ways means to bring God into the center of every part of your life. And so during your Daniel Fast, you can examine your heart, take a look at your life, and find ways and opportunities to bring God in so He can show you the very best way to live.

Renew Your Body

While the Daniel Fast is not about food, because of the simple meals that you’ll be eating during your spiritual discipline, your body will reset. You’ll be eating only simple foods and drinking only water.

It’s very likely that you’ll experience healings, including lowering your cholesterol, balancing blood sugar, dropping unhealthy pounds, or reducing inflammation and therefore lessening or eliminating muscle aches and pains.

You, as the caretaker of God’s temple for His Holy Spirit, you’ll likely experience a refreshment for your whole being as you take your flesh, the world, and food off its pedestal and instead lift the Lord up and focus on Him.

I truly believe that God has anointed the Daniel Fast for this time in the history of His church. The Daniel Fast, which is a partial fast, opens up this powerful discipline of spiritual fasting to many who would not be able to go without food for an extended period of time.

My hope for you is that you’ll encounter God in new and formidable ways during your Daniel Fast. Also that you’ll keep the focus on Him, and that you’ll experience the love, joy, and peace of Christ that renews you and truly resets you for this next season in your life.

How about you? Will you use the Daniel Fast soon? I love hearing from others. Please leave your comments below.

If you want to learn more about the Daniel Fast, you can purchase a copy of the bestselling book I wrote about it, which is now considered the “go-to guide” for this method of fasting. The Daniel Fast: feed your soul, strengthen your spirit and renew your body.

Is the Daniel Fast Being Hijacked?

I started teaching Christians about the Daniel Fast in 2007. If you’ve read my book, The Daniel Fast: feed your soul, strengthen your spirit and renew your body, then you know that this all came about when I received a word from the Lord to “write about the Daniel Fast.” And my greatest desire is to support and guide men, women and teens so they can have a successful fasting experience.

Since that time I have taught hundreds of thousands of people about the fast in one degree or another. And my team and I have responded to tens of thousands of men and women when they have questions about the Daniel Fast.

One thing I know for sure: the Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual experience that truly can bring amazing revelations, blessings, intimacy with the Lord and much more to those who engage in the fast. Prayers are answered. Lives are touched. Addictions are broken. Bodies are healed. Relationships are strengthened. And God is glorified!

But lately, and this has all accelerated over the last six months are so, it seems like the true Daniel Fast is being hijacked and unknowing people suffer the consequences. Let me explain what I mean:

One of the most powerful lessons we can learn during the Daniel Fast is strengthening our faith muscles by putting our flesh in its proper place! What is that proper place? Submitted to the Spirit of God! The Bible teaches us this, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16. Also, we are called to this truth, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13.

During the Daniel Fast you will wrestle with the flesh. Your flesh will want certain foods that aren’t allowed on the fast. It will whine because it can’t have coffee, tea, soda or juice to drink. And every time you tell your flesh to “take the backseat, I am living according to the Spirit” we grow in our faith. Self-control is practiced. Walking according to the Spirit is experienced. Submission happens.

In our culture today almost everything around us encourages us to pander to the desires of the flesh. It’s an “if I want it, I buy it” mindset. Or an “if I want it, I eat it” way of living. Feed me. Make it delectable. Don’t make me wait. I want it now!

So what does this have to do with the Daniel Fast? And why do I wonder if it’s being hijacked?

In today’s Internet world and the easy and quick access to information, it only takes a computer and a few keystrokes to “publish information.” And with the introduction of self-published digital books including Kindle and Nook, it’s easy for anyone to present their offerings to the world for their consumption.

What am I seeing? A multitude of books and publications being presented about the Daniel Fast that overflow with errors, nurture the flesh, and guide people away from the amazing experiences they can have. It’s like thousands of men and women are walking on a path wanting a powerful spiritual experience using the Daniel Fast. They come to a table piled with books with enticing words and pictures of food! The covers and descriptions include messages like these:

• Daniel Fast Smoothies: Scrumptious and Nutritious Blend of Flavors That Make Up a Mouth Watering Array of Smoothie Beverages
• The Daniel Fast Made Delicious
• Daniel Fast Desserts: a Tempting Assortment of Dessert Meals that Will Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
• Daniel Fast Desserts: Over 20 Sweet Treat Recipes for Your Daniel Fast

And here’s one that lifted part of the title of my book to promote their offering: Daniel Fast Cookbook: Feed Your Soul and Strengthen Your Spirit with Over 30 Delicious Recipes.

The photo on this book cover includes eggs, cheese, ham, jam, raised breads, milk, juice, coffee and other foods not allowed on the Daniel Fast! Just one example of the Daniel Fast being hijacked!

So you choose one of the “Daniel Fast books” that feeds your flesh in a “tantalizing” and “scrumptious way” and you keep moving down the path. But here’s the problem, you unknowingly have taken a detour. This detour takes you on a path to satisfy your flesh. “Wow! I don’t have to give up sweet foods. I can make these yummy cookies.” “Oh, look here. I can have all these delectable dishes! I don’t have to deny myself at all. This is great!” And you keep moving along.

Meanwhile, you miss out on the treasure that you could have had if you would have had a true guidebook and entered this spiritual experience as it was originally intended: a powerful, consecrated time of extended prayer and fasting so you can draw closer to God, develop your faith, and learn how to walk according to the spirit rather than by the desires of the flesh.

I understand that the Daniel Fast, being a partial fast, presents some challenges about food. Is it okay to enjoy the foods you eat while on the fast? What about preparing meals for others?

And here is where you, as a follower of Jesus Christ and as a temple of the Holy Spirit, can exercise your discernment. Are you feeding your body? Or are you indulging your flesh? Are you staying within the boundaries of a spiritual experience? Or are you figuring out ways you can stay within the food guidelines but still meet the needs of the flesh by concocting “tantalizing” recipes?

There are times when there’s a fine line when it comes to eating some foods or making up some recipes while on the fast. But I also know that we have a Guide inside of us who will show us the direction that will best meet our desire for spiritual growth.

We have a choice when we enter into an extended period of prayer and fasting using the Daniel Fast. We can “seek first the kingdom of God” and consecrate ourselves for the time and gain in maturity and understanding. Or, we can continue to pander to the flesh and have a mediocre experience with some benefits . . . but still missing out on the supernatural blessings the Lord wants to deliver.

Paul says this, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

And here is even a stronger message from Paul: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” Romans 8:5-7

Like I mentioned, I have been teaching about the Daniel Fast for many years. The Lord has blessed me with the assignment. And I am humbled when I hear from men, women and teens that have been powerfully touched by the experiences they’ve had while in the Daniel Fast. I know the potential of this fast! I have heard and read the testimonies of thousands! And that’s why I am saddened to see what is happening.

My hope is that people on the path toward their fasting experience will allow the Lord, and not their flesh, to direct their steps. And that they will indeed be able to receive the amazing and powerful gifts, blessings, revelations, and answers to prayer that are available to them.

Okay . . . end of rant! But I do ask you that, as someone who has taken the time read this article, help me and others keep the Daniel Fast the powerful spiritual experience it can be. Let’s work together to keep the main thing the main thing . . . and that is submitting ourselves to God as we enter into a time of extended prayer and fasting and open our hearts to Him so we can be transformed into the people He calls us to be! The Daniel Fast is not about the food! It’s about entering into a spiritual experience that brings us closer to God and allows Him to shower us with the blessings and gifts He so wants us to have.  Please, help me to preserve the true purpose of this method of fasting!

Click here to receive Daniel Fast helps and tips.

Prepare for your fast

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
Benjimin Franklin

My number one purpose in teaching about the Daniel Fast is to guide people into a successful fasting experience. The blessings, insights, and revelations you gain during your time of extended prayer and fasting can be life-changing. I am often moved to tears when I read letters from women and men telling me about the miracles and blessings they’ve experienced on the fast.

My heart sinks when I hear from people who have abandoned the fast and feel like they’ve failed themselves and failed God. And without any doubt, the primary reason for breaking the fast is because they didn’t prepare. Instead, so many people just jump in and try to go for it. It’s like never training for a marathon and starting the race anyway!

Preparing for your fast is part of the fast. When you prepare you’re in a period of expectation and anticipation. The time can be joyful and spiritually charged. So that’s why I want to give you some tips about preparing for your fast.

Learn about the fast: The truth is, there is a lot of erroneous information “out there” about the Daniel Fast. I didn’t invent the fast, but I have been teaching about it since 2007. I’m not saying this pridefully, but I really don’t think there is another person who has researched, taught, and written about the fast more than me. I strongly encourage you to learn about the Daniel Fast so you stay healthy and can tap into the powerful benefits of this spiritual experience. The bestselling book is The Daniel Fast: feed your soul, strengthen your spirit, and renew your body. It’s available wherever books are sold. You can also find it in many local and church libraries. Includes a complete cookbook and daily devotional.

Decide when you will fast: Most people use the fast for 21 consecutive days. Some use the Daniel Fast for as few as seven days or as many as 40. Even now, as you look into the beginning of the New Year, plan the day you will begin your fast. Look at your calendar and events that might come up. Plan ahead for them so you are ready. Also, in the book I cover those times when you may need to “push the pause button” on your fast and how to successfully and faithfully navigate those times.

Establish your purpose for your fast: Fasting is a time to be highly focused on one or two specific areas of your life. Do you have financial pressures? Issues with relationships? Do you want to learn more about prayer, worship, or developing your faith? Open your heart to God for your NOW experience. You will draw nearer to Him. And as you study His Word and use other study mateirals, you will learn, grow and enter into a powerful time of transformation. Blessings. Answers. Growth. Love. They all await you!

My prayer is that your upcoming fast will be one that “knocks your socks off” because it’s such a blessing for you. I hope your fast is so powerful that you experience an abundance of love and care from your loving Father. Your 2016 Daniel Fast has the potential to be life-altering for you and for those brought to your heart for prayer. I hope you are already excited about what’s to come!

Preparation is a big part of your success! Plan to succeed.

Join the New Year Fast

Happy New Year! Oh, what a great time to start a new course and establish the direction for the coming months. Beginning the New Year with a period of extended prayer and fasting is the most perfect way to start. And especially since hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of believers around the world will all be opening their hearts to God at the same time! We are blessed to be together for this powerful spiritual experience.

So, when does the New Year Fast begin? Most churches, study groups and individuals will begin the fast on Sunday, January 4th. However, whatever date the Lord leads you to begin your fast is the right date for you. The New Year Fast is not like Lent (a called fast) that has a specific start and end date. If you are fasting with others or with a church congregation, you will want to follow the leaders and the dates they establish.

Most people begin the fast being highly focused on the food and the changes to their menus. I encourage you to keep your meals simple and easy to prepare. One of the greatest mistakes I see today is that people put way too much focus on the food miss out on the powerful spiritual benefits of the fasting experience. Remember, this is a fast (which means to restrict food for a spiritual purpose). Keep the main thing the main thing. Eat simply. And invest most of your time and attention on your Lord.

Most people will fast for 21 consecutive days. And for the Daniel Fast, there are not times during the day when you don’t adhere to the restrictions. There are some fasts where you don’t eat at all during daylight hours, and then eat whatever you desire or within some guidelines after sundown. But that is not part of the Daniel Fast.

Be sure to learn about the fast. There is so much erroneous information “out there” about the Daniel Fast. I have been using the Daniel Fast for decades and I have been teaching about it since 2007. I have researched the fast extensively and feel confident that the information you’ll find in the books I’ve written and on this site and at Daniel-Fast.com is grounded in the scriptures and is accurate. I can’t tell you the number of times discouraged people have written to me sick and not feeling well after they’ve tried to eat only vegetables and drink only water because they didn’t learn the complete background of the fast and just plunged in. So please, study the information on our Daniel Fast sites and the Daniel Fast book includes everything you need for a successful fasting experience (including a cookbook and a daily devotional).

Put your flesh where it belongs . . . under submission. One of the most powerful lessons you can learn on the Daniel Fast is how to put your flesh in its rightful place, which is under the authority of God. Your flesh may throw a fit. It might try to sabotage you and tempt you to break the fast or change the guidelines to satisfy it’s desires. But we are called to walk in the Spirit and not by the flesh. You can work on your self-control muscles during the fast and realize that you don’t have to give in to the whims of your flesh. I truly believe this is one of the most powerful lessons you can learn during your fast.

If you have health issues then be sure to follow the advice of your earthly physician as you pray to your Great Physician. Due to medical needs or special issues, you many need to modify the fast. Keep the core of the fast and make the slight adjustment. This is the same for pregnant or nursing mothers and for athletes who expend a lot of energy.

Get support and encouragement – we provides lots of help, tips, encouragement and support to anyone who wants it through our websites, emails, and Facebook groups. Click on the the Join the Fast link to receive daily emails. Or join our Facebook Group. Also, keep visiting our sites as we update and add helpful information and tips almost every day.

Meanwhile, open your heart to the Lord and submit yourself to Him. Allow Him to direct your steps as you begin this New Year and as you enter into this fasting experience.

Be blessed!

Fasting soon? Then it’s time to say bye-bye to coffee

A lot of us are used to starting our day with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For me, drinking coffee and visiting with my Father is the favorite part of my day. For decades I’ve had “Jesus and java” as the first part of my morning. So not drinking coffee during the Daniel Fast is challenging for me, even after all these years of fasting.

But the is another part of giving up coffee and other caffeinated beverages and foods that we need to address. And that is the withdrawals that can be debilitating unless we taper off the substance before the fast begins. So if you are starting the Daniel Fast soon, I encourage you to start now saying ‘bye-bye’ to caffeine. Here are a few steps you can follow to minimize your withdrawals – and by the way, even if you drink only one cup a day you may still experience serious withdrawals. These can be from light to severe headaches, leg cramps, muscle aches and mild to extreme fatigue. It’s worth tapering off caffeine before you begin your fast if you want to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.

Four to five days before your fast begins, start substituting some of your regular coffee (or tea) for decaffeinated varieties. Start with 25 percent decaf to 75 percent regular. Then the next day about a 40 percent decaf to 60 percent regular. The next day try a 50/50 blend. Then go 75/25. And do that again for another day or start your fast, depending on the amount of time you have.

All along, drink more water throughout the day. Try to drink at least four tall glasses of water (16 ounces each) during the day. You might also try increasing potassium-rich foods in your diet including bananas and cantaloupe. Get lots of rest and be aware that you are literally tapering off a natural drug.

If you drink sodas with caffeine, use a similar strategy by substituting non-caffeinated sodas with caffeine-free varieties. And remember, there are some foods that include caffeine, such as cocoa powders and chocolate.

You will be very happy you’ve taken these measures when you don’t experience the excruciating headaches and withdrawals that some people who go “cold turkey” and don’t taper off before they fast.

One more note, when you complete your fast, the first thing you might want to drink is a cup of rich, dark, caffeinated coffee. But remember, your body has been free of the substance for 21 days. So go easy. If not, you may experience jitters and rushes from the caffeine.

Is the Daniel Fast being hijacked?

I started teaching Christians about the Daniel Fast in 2007. If you’ve read my book, The Daniel Fast: feed your soul, strengthen your spirit and renew your body, then you know that this all came about when I received a word from the Lord to “write about the Daniel Fast.” And my greatest desire is to support and guide men, women and teens so they can have a successful fasting experience.

Since that time I have taught hundreds of thousands of people about the fast in one degree or another. And my team and I have responded to tens of thousands of men and women when they have questions about the Daniel Fast.

One thing I know for sure: the Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual experience that truly can bring amazing revelations, blessings, intimacy with the Lord and much more to those who engage in the fast. Prayers are answered. Lives are touched. Addictions are broken. Bodies are healed. Relationships are strengthened. And God is glorified!

But lately, and this has all accelerated over the last six months are so, it seems like the true Daniel Fast is being hijacked and unknowing people suffer the consequences. Let me explain what I mean:

One of the most powerful lessons we can learn during the Daniel Fast is strengthening our faith muscles by putting our flesh in its proper place! What is that proper place? Submitted to the Spirit of God! The Bible teaches us this, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16. Also, we are called to this truth, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13.

During the Daniel Fast you will wrestle with the flesh. Your flesh will want certain foods that aren’t allowed on the fast. It will whine because it can’t have coffee, tea, soda or juice to drink. And every time you tell your flesh to “take the backseat, I am living according to the Spirit” we grow in our faith. Self-control is practiced. Walking according to the Spirit is experienced. Submission happens.

In our culture today almost everything around us encourages us to pander to the desires of the flesh. It’s an “if I want it, I buy it” mindset. Or an “if I want it, I eat it” way of living. Feed me. Make it delectable. Don’t make me wait. I want it now!

So what does this have to do with the Daniel Fast? And why do I wonder if it’s being hijacked?

In today’s Internet world and the easy and quick access to information, it only takes a computer and a few keystrokes to “publish information.” And with the introduction of self-published digital books including Kindle and Nook, it’s easy for anyone to present their offerings to the world for their consumption.

What am I seeing? A multitude of books and publications being presented about the Daniel Fast that overflow with errors, nurture the flesh, and guide people away from the amazing experiences they can have. It’s like thousands of men and women are walking on a path wanting a powerful spiritual experience using the Daniel Fast. They come to a table piled with books with enticing words and pictures of food! The covers and descriptions include messages like these:

• Daniel Fast Smoothies: Scrumptious and Nutritious Blend of Flavors That Make Up a Mouth Watering Array of Smoothie Beverages
• The Daniel Fast Made Delicious
• Daniel Fast Desserts: a Tempting Assortment of Dessert Meals that Will Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
• Daniel Fast Desserts: Over 20 Sweet Treat Recipes for Your Daniel Fast

And here’s one that lifted part of the title of my book to promote their offering: Daniel Fast Cookbook: Feed Your Soul and Strengthen Your Spirit with Over 30 Delicious Recipes.

The photo on this book cover includes eggs, cheese, ham, jam, raised breads, milk, juice, coffee and other foods not allowed on the Daniel Fast! Just one example if the Daniel Fast being hijacked!

So you choose one of the “Daniel Fast books” that feeds your flesh in a “tantalizing” and “scrumptious way” and you keep moving down the path. But here’s the problem, you unknowingly have taken a detour. This detour takes you on a path to satisfy your flesh. “Wow! I don’t have to give up sweet foods. I can make these yummy cookies.” “Oh, look here. I can have all these delectable dishes! I don’t have to deny myself at all. This is great!” And you keep moving along.

Meanwhile, you miss out on the treasure that you could have had if you would have had a true guidebook and entered this spiritual experience as it was originally intended: a powerful, consecrated time of extended prayer and fasting so you can draw closer to God, develop your faith, and learn how to walk according to the spirit rather than by the desires of the flesh.

I understand that the Daniel Fast, being a partial fast, presents some challenges about food. Is it okay to enjoy the foods you eat while on the fast? What about preparing meals for others?

And here is where you, as a follower of Jesus Christ and as a temple of the Holy Spirit, can exercise your discernment. Are you feeding your body? Or are you indulging your flesh? Are you staying within the boundaries of a spiritual experience? Or are you figuring out ways you can stay within the food guidelines but still meet the needs of the flesh by concocting “tantalizing” recipes?

There are times when there’s a fine line when it comes to eating some foods or making up some recipes while on the fast. But I also know that we have a Guide inside of us who will show us the direction that will best meet our desire for spiritual growth.

We have a choice when we enter into an extended period of prayer and fasting using the Daniel Fast. We can “seek first the kingdom of God” and consecrate ourselves for the time and gain in maturity and understanding. Or, we can continue to pander to the flesh and have a mediocre experience with some benefits . . . but still missing out on the supernatural blessings the Lord wants to deliver.

Paul says this, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

And here is even a stronger message from Paul: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” Romans 8:5-7

Like I mentioned, I have been teaching about the Daniel Fast for many years. The Lord has blessed me with the assignment. And I am humbled when I hear from men, women and teens that have been powerfully touched by the experiences they’ve had while in the Daniel Fast. I know the potential of this fast! I have heard and read the testimonies of thousands! And that’s why I am saddened to see what is happening.

My hope is that people on the path toward their fasting experience will allow the Lord, and not their flesh, to direct their steps. And that they will indeed be able to receive the amazing and powerful gifts, blessings, revelations, and answers to prayer that are available to them.

Okay . . . end of rant! But I do ask you that, as someone who has taken the time read this article, help me and others keep the Daniel Fast the powerful spiritual experience it can be. Let’s work together to keep the main thing the main thing . . . and that is submitting ourselves to God as we enter into a time of extended prayer and fasting and open our hearts to Him so we can be transformed into the people He calls us to be! The Daniel Fast is not about the food! It’s about entering into a spiritual experience that brings us closer to God and allows Him to shower us with the blessings and gifts He so wants us to have.  Please, help me to preserve the true purpose of this method of fasting!

Click here to receive Daniel Fast helps and tips.

Give us this day our daily WHAT?

Many Christians regularly recite the “Lord’s Prayer” at home and during their church services. And a lot of people use Jesus’ teaching about how to pray in Luke 11 as a model or an outline.

One of the instructions from our Lord is to ask our Father in Heaven to “give us this day our daily bread.”

Now, I don’t think Jesus was talking about literal bread! But instead, He was teachings us to ask God to meet our daily needs for food, clothing, shelter, and all the other things we need for a well-lived life.

So here is my question . . . do you know how much you need for your “daily bread?” In a time when so many men, women and couples struggle with financial pressures, this can be a very important number to know! And it can also start you on a path to peace and security.

And then when we know the number, just like Jesus tells us to do, we can pray with clarity and specificity “give us this day our daily bread.”

Your daily bread is an easy number to compute. You add up all your expenses (remember to include those that you pay only once or twice a year). Figure out how much you need for a full year . . . and then divide that figure by 365. Voilah! Now you know how much you need for your daily bread! See, it’s easy.

Now here are the challenges that many people have:

First, they never do the work to see how much they really need to live on! And when you don’t know how much you need, it’s almost impossible to stay within good stewardship boundaries (that’s another way of saying a budget). This is especially true for those who don’t have lots of money coming into their coffers each and every month! So you don’t know where you are. You don’t know where you are going (a money plan). And thus, you have no idea what to do next to manage your finances.

Second, so many people live without a spending plan! Actually, I can understand why. When you look at a lot of the plans financial experts suggest – they just seem too complicated and hard to manage. So, folks give up or never get started in the first place.

I used to be that way until I created the “Six Pots System” I use for my financial matters. Not only is this helpful for managing and tracking my household expenses, but it also serves as a really great system for setting goals and working toward growth. I think one reason the Six Pot System is so successful is that it’s balanced and takes into account how real people live and what we really need to stay on track.

I can’t go into all the details about this in one short article, but here is the gist of the system. There are Six Pots that “hold” the money that comes into my household. And then the funds are distributed according to the designated pots:

Tithing 10%
Investment 10% (never spent)
Fun 10%
Education and Spiritual Development 10%
Savings for Spending 10% (for occasional expenses)
Household Expenses 50% (housing, food, utilities, etc.)

Every dollar is divided according to the percentages and allocated into one of these pots . . . and then the funds are spent only in that manner.

Using this Six Pot System – along with what I’ve learned about God being my Source and how to pray about financial matters – has eliminated the confusion for managing a home budget. Plus, it’s so easy and keeps me on track!

So, how much do you need for your “daily bread?” Do yourself a favor and figure it out!

And then, take some time and figure out your own Six Pot allocations! You might need to shift some of the percentages at first. But I can promise that using this system to manage your money . . . and then to come to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to “give us this day our daily bread” when you really know what you are praying for . . . will make a huge difference in your life!

If you want even more help, check out The Daniel Fast for Financial Breakthrough (best viewed using Internet Explorer). Many people use it whether they are fasting or not . . . and so many have experienced the breakthrough they need and the financial security and peace they want and that the Lord wants for them and YOU!

Daniel Fast for Lent – Finish Strong

You are moving toward the end of the race! In less than two weeks you will cross over the finish line and enter into a celebration for Easter Sunday!

So today, I want to challenge and encourage you to finish strong! To really “go for it” for this last stretch in the Lenten Journey and cross that finish line with excitement and success!

Perhaps you’ve fallen off the path. Maybe you got frustrated or unmotivated. Maybe you encountered stumbling blocks and haven’t been able to stick with the Daniel Fast for Lent as you had intended. You may even feel like a failure.

But remember this, you only fail if you stay down. You only fail when you keep limping along when you have the ability to pick up the pace and start running again!

So right now I am urging you to brush yourself off and begin tomorrow morning with a refreshed desire to finish the race you started and to finish it strong. Here is what I am going to do to finish strong:

• Eat according to the Daniel Fast Guideline every day between now and the end of the Lenten Fast (complete on Easter Eve) except for Sundays.
• Walk at least 30 minutes each day (I walk and pray at the same time – and it’s so wonderful to be with God in this way)
• Meet daily with my God and open my heart to Him and His Word.

Will you join me? Will you shake off any apathy, mistakes, discouragement . . . and get back in the race?

If you’re ready to finish this Lenten Fast with enthusiasm, strength and success, just leave your reply below! And then get up tomorrow morning with a new bounce in your step and let’s get running!

Love and peace to you! I know you can do it!

Click this link to download a form to keep track of your progress! I Will Finish Strong

LEAVE YOUR REPLY BELOW!

Feeling Attacked During Your Daniel Fast?

Let me share some scriptural truths with you that I hope will help you understand what is happening when you make strides toward God . . . but then experience major attacks by the enemy.

First, remember that Satan has one purpose for your life and that is to steal, kill and destroy any good thing that happens to you! He literally hates you! And he doesn’t want you strong, full of faith and able to experience victory in your life. He is the enemy of our soul! The Bible says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Second, when you start making advances in your faith he is quick to fight! You are taking over territory that he held. The light is overtaking the darkness and so he will come to the defense and fight against you. The Bible teaches us to prepare ourselves and then to stand, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

Third, when you are searching for God’s truth in His Word, again the enemy is quick to come against your efforts. He does not want you to get God’s Word deeply rooted in you, because then you will be strong, able and trusting God. Here is what Jesus says about this situation, “The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.” Mark 4:14-15

Understand this, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

When you feel attacked . . . when fiery darts seem to be coming at you from every direction . . . when things seem to be crumbling before your eyes . . . step back. Take a look at what is really going on. Then get more of God’s truth deeply rooted in to your heart and stand on the sure promises that are yours. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Jesus has authority over Satan. The scoundrel is a defeated foe. He may try to rear his ugly head and come against you. But he has no power over you when you arm yourself with faith and keep Jesus the Conqueror at your side. Do not fear. Have faith in God. And put your trust in the One who loves you!

Tips for Getting Your Mind Off the Food and onto the Lord

The Daniel Fast requires some unique balancing moves. It’s not like a “normal fast” when you drink only water and that’s it. And it’s not like a “juice fast” when your choices are clearly defined.

On the Daniel Fast, which is a “partial fast,” some foods are eaten and others are allowed. And the choices are wide and many. So you will need to spend some time thinking about food and food choice for meals. But you don’t want food to become your focus . . . and you don’t want the Daniel Fast to become another way to satisfy the desires of the flesh by concocting “yummy, delicious, scrumptious” meals.

Does that mean your meals shouldn’t taste good? No. But it does mean that you want to keep the first thing the first thing. Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” We want to keep Jesus and our growing relationship with Him as the foundation of the fast . . . and not the food!

So how can you still eat according to the Daniel Fast Guidelines and not get carried away? Here are a few simple steps you can take so you are sure to keep Jesus first.

Decide to eat more simply for this period of prayer and fasting. Prayerfully consider the purpose of fasting and how it can be a powerful time for putting the flesh under the authority of the Spirit. Don’t make the Daniel Fast more complicated than it needs to be or should be! Humble meals. Simple dishes. Flavorful and pleasing is fine . . . but in balance for the purpose of fasting, which is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose.

Plan a few simple meals. I like to tell the people I coach about the fast to plan just 3 breakfast menus, 4-5 lunch menus (using leftovers from dinners is great), 5-6 dinner menus and then about 3 different snacks. Then you can rotate these menus and get good at preparing them and making sure you have the ingredients on hand. Keep your meals uncomplicated and undemanding. Then you won’t have to be so consumed about meal preparation and about satisfying the flesh! Instead you can focus on God, study and prayer.

Prepare several meals at one time. For example, make a double recipe of Vegetarian Chili and freeze one and eat the other for dinner and lunches. Using this pot of flavorful and nutritious chili as the center of your menu makes it easy to add a simple green salad and flatbread for a nutritious and satisfying meal. I like using Saturday as my meal prep day. I plan and prepare five or six meals and I use the time to pray, listen to worship music, memorize scripture or listen to a teachings. The time flies by and meanwhile my spirit is fed and I experience the joy of the Lord during my labors.

Using these simple approaches will do two things. First, when you plan and prepare ahead you will be ready and have the primary parts of your meals on hand! You won’t have to worry about, “What’s for dinner?” You’ll know and it will be simple and easy for you to finish up the meal and stay on the fast.

Second, you won’t be anxious! I hear from many people who end up quitting the fast because of one of two reasons: 1) they felt preparing all the meals each day took too much time and energy; 2) the meals were too complicated and too expensive.  You can avoid both these issues by keeping your meals simple and preparing them ahead of time.

But the most important benefit about all of this is that you won’t be centered on the food. I’ve had people write to me and say, “Susan, I spent too much time trying to make all these special meals and new recipes each day. I realized I was really on nothing more than a diet . . . and I totally missed the blessing of the fast.” The good news is that you can make sure you don’t miss out. Keep your meals simple. Plan only a few menus that you like and can rotate them over and over again. And prepare ahead so you have the food on hand and available so you don’t have to think about food too much  . . . and so it won’t take up too much of your time!

Be blessed as you grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus during your fast.

The Daniel Fast Daily Devotional for Lent

MY GIFT TO YOU!

Announcing the release of The Daniel Fast Daily Devotional for Lent which is a Kindle book and available through Amazon for FREE through February 17th.

ASH WEDNESDAY – Today is Ash Wednesday. Lent will start at sunset tonight (February 13th) and continue until the celebration of Resurrection Sunday (March 31).

Lent is a powerful time of prayer and fasting when millions of believers focus on Jesus and His life and ministry. It’s a time of personal reflection and examination. It’s a time of growth and drawing closer to the Lord.

Lent is a season for denominations that follow the Church Calendar (Liturgical Calendar), including Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians and some Reformed Churches. Lent is also observed by a growing number of individuals who want to enter into an extended period of prayer and fasting.

During the Lenten Season, there are 40 days of fasting. These fasting days commemorate the 40 days following Jesus’s baptism that He spent fasting in the desert before starting His public ministry. The fast is “paused” on Sundays as believers celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and acknowledge that He is alive today!

The Daniel Fast – will you see what the Lord wants to show you?

As I met with the Lord this morning, He showed me something that I want to share with you. It has to do with the condition of our hearts.

Psalm 44:21 tells us that God knows the secrets of our hearts. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Too often we come to the Lord and ask Him to use us for His purposes. We ask Him to make in us a clean heart. It’s like walking up to the Lord, but meanwhile behind us we are dragging lots of baggage. Some of the contents we know, but it’s very likely that most of the “stuff” is invisible to us.

So then the Lord says, “Yes, I want to use you! So let’s get you ready for service. How about getting rid of that stuff that’s dragging behind you and keeping you from running the race with top speed?”

This message often comes to us when we knowingly disobey Him or when our emotions are filled with fear, anxiety or unforgiveness. It might be when we collide with our own unhealthy attitudes or behaviors.

These are all times when we can humbly come to the Lord and allow Him so show us the secrets in our heart. He is our loving Father. He wants only good for us. And we can trust Him.

I hope this thought is helpful to you . . . our Father wants us well so we can be all He created us to be!

Be blessed as you continue to grow in the love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In Him and for Him,

Corrected Not Condemned

During the Daniel Fast we spend time examining our hearts and work to align our ways with the way of the Lord.

The other morning during my daily quiet time, I found I was doing a good job of “beating myself up.” Have you been there? My guess is that you have. So often we are our biggest critics! So I was feeling pretty frustrated with myself and kind of low.

Then I heard the Lord say in my spirit, “I only correct – I don’t condemn.”

Oh, that was a huge message with loads of truth in it. I meditated on that message for a while and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. And I’ve come to realize that the differences between correction and condemnation really show up the way our Lord works with us and the way the enemy tries to steal, kill and destroy us!

Think about the meaning and purpose of correction. When pilots correct their course while in flight, it’s because they are not aligned with the direction necessary to reach the desired destination. So they make a few changes and get back on the proper flight path.

When parents or teachers correct children it’s to instruct them of the right way to behave so the child can have success.

Proverbs 3:12 says, “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Correction is all part of reaching success. It’s necessary and part of growth. Correction is life-giving and filled with hope and care.

First Peter 5:10 teaches us, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” Sometimes our “suffering” is the correcting and learning process – but all along we are on our way to good results!

Hebrews 12:9-10 reads, “Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.”

We want correction from our Lord and we want to keep our hearts open to His chastening. Correction is moving forward to better results. It’s full of love, life and care.

But condemnation is totally different. Condemnation is what the enemy does to make us feel worthless, low and defeated. And we want to guard our minds and heart from his death-giving ways! Condemnation partners with shame, sorrow, self-loathing. It can paralyze us and keep us stuck. Satan’s condemnation is what Christ abolished for us!

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

So the next time you are feeling bad about yourself . . . or when you’re picking yourself up from a fall . . . checkout what’s going on in your thoughts. Are you feeling condemned or are you being corrected. Then choose life and grow rather than be defeated and stuck!

I hope this helps! Our God is so good!

 

Woman’s World Magazine and the Daniel Fast

The March 26th issue of Woman’s World Magazine features the Daniel Fast on the cover! The article includes a lot of information about the fast and the great benefits for health and weight loss.

One of the editors of Woman’s World Magazine contacted me after reading my book about the Daniel Fast. I also pointed her to Richard J. Bloomer who is an associate conducting detailed clinical research about the Daniel Fast at the University of Memphis.

This is great exposure for the Daniel Fast and my hope and prayer is that more and more men and women will see the tremendous benefits of the Daniel Fast for the spirit, soul and body.

You can also see in the Woman’s World article that a lot of medical professionals are seeing the value of this way of eating!

One thing is VERY important and that is to follow the eating plan described in my book. There is a lot of erroneous information out there about the Daniel Fast and it’s steering people in wrong directions. I’ve been researching the Daniel Fast since 2007 after I followed a very specific directive from the Lord. I’ve answered thousands of questions about the Daniel Fast and researched just about every aspect of the experience.

Be sure to use good instructions. You can get a list of the Daniel Fast Guidelines at http://daniel-fast.com

 

Daniel Fast Breakfast Ideas

Daniel Fast Breakfast Ideas

I receive a lot of questions about the Daniel Fast and breakfast ideas! When we’re not fasting we’re so used to having dairy products (not allowed on the Daniel Fast), eggs and other animal proteins. So this is a good time to be creative!

Here are some of my favorites . . . you can find many recipes in the Daniel Fast books and cookbooks available at http://daniel-fast.com/store.html

Also, if you have Daniel Fast breakfast ideas . . . please post them here!

1. Muesli with unsweetened soy milk
2. Rice cakes (made with brown rice) with peanut butter and raisins
3. Fruit smoothies with unsweetened soy milk
4. Sautéed apples in coconut oil with brown rice
5. Oatmeal with dried fruit and unsweetened soy milk
6. Homemade tortillas with stir-fried veggies

These are just a few of my Daniel Fast Breakfast Ideas! Please add your favorites and be blessed on your fast!

God’s Chosen Fast

I am writing to ask you for money! And I admit, for this cause I will ask boldly and without any embarrassment or shame. Let me explain:

January 9th was the first day of my Daniel Fast. My purpose for fasting this year is for one primary reason . . . to help children who don’t have enough food to eat.

If you’ve read much of my writing or heard me speak, you know that I am a strong advocate for fasting. I know prayer and fasting changes people and for many their lives are forever blessed as they draw closer to God. As one who teaches about the Daniel Fast, I also know the amazing health benefits of this partial fast as we eat a plant-based diet of only foods created by our Creator. I believe with all my heart that God is pleased as we fast with a sincere and submitted heart.

God also teaches about another kind of fast. He declared it to His people in Isaiah 58:6-9 —

Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.”

Life in Jesus calls us to care for those who are hurting. And right now as you read these words children around the world are dying because they don’t have food to eat or clean water to drink! With all the resources in the hands of God’s people, this shouldn’t be. And that’s why I can without any reservation ask you to help feed these children by donating from your financial resources to buy them food.

I’ve traveled to the poorest countries in world. I’ve seen children dying because of starvation and I can tell you it is tragic! My heart has been broken for the poor — which I am sure is nothing compared to how much God’s heart must break every hour of every day.

I am partnering with Compassion International, one of the most highly respected Christian child-advocacy ministries in the world. And so today I am asking you to join me by giving a financial gift of whatever amount the Lord leads you to give. I have decided to give the amount I spend on myself for food during the Daniel Fast. You might be able to give more . . . or perhaps you can give only a small gift at this time.

I am just asking you to give something . . . to share your bread with the hungry . . . to enter into God’s chosen fast.

You can give your gift very simply by clicking on this link: http://www.firstgiving.com/susangregory-danielfast

If you want to learn even more about the effort, go to http://Daniel-Fast.com/fff.html

Every day my team and I answer the questions of hundred of men and women who are on the Daniel Fast. They want to follow the eating plan and so their questions are valid. They want to know what they can eat . . .

I am asking you to answer the cry of children who don’t have food . . . children who also ask, “What can we eat.” But their question is more dire and the answer is more critical and mere words won’t help them.

Please, I hope you will join me in God’ chosen fast.

Be blessed, 

 

´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ Susan

 

Make Love Your Aim

I read a story today that really touched my heart . . . in fact I found tears rolling down my cheeks as imagined a grandfather experiencing what was probably the darkest day of his life . . . and then the light of love penetrated it to bring him some relief.

You can read about the story here: Hero Pilot

Reading this story reminded me of the darkness there is no our world today. Many people are confronting despair, evil and hopelessness every day. But you and I have the light of Christ living in us . . . and we’re not to keep that light under the bushel basket, but instead let it shine so others can see!

The pilot that extended his compassion for this grandfather didn’t know him. And he even was willing to risk some pretty severe consequences by acting in love instead of following policy. But it was the right thing to do . . . and he allowed love to reign in his heart and bring a ray of light to a very dark circumstance.

Let’s love someone today who doesn’t expect it. Not because of anything they’ve done but because of what Christ has done in us. Let’s make love our aim today . . . and tomorrow . . . and the next day . . . and so often that it becomes our way of life.

God is love and oh He is so needed in our world today. He’s put His love inside of us. Let’s love on purpose! To be the light of Christ in this world so that others can see and want the Source of that light in their own lives.

The Daniel Fast – is it Really Hard on the Budget?

I am eager to hear from men and women about the cost of the Daniel Fast eating plan. I read posts from men and women saying they can’t afford to go on the Daniel Fast because it’s too expensive.

Please leave your thoughts about this so I can address if from a place of more specific information. What is too expensive? And what are the comparisons?

My food bill goes down during the Daniel Fast. So that’s why I am curious about this claim that, “the Daniel Fast is too expensive and so I can’t fast.”

Thanks for your help! I am eager to hear from people who will give specific information and not just generalities, which have already been supplied.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Daniel Fast on Paula Today

God is so good to have opened another door so others can learn about the Daniel Fast! I appear on Paula White’s television ministry program on January 6th and 7th where we talk about the Daniel Fast and its many benefits.

Susan Gregory and Paula White - The Daniel Fast

 You can check your Christian television schedule to learn of when the show will broadcast in your area . . .

The Daniel Fast and Fasting for Food

I am delighted to announce a new partnership with Compassion International, one of the most respected child-advocacy ministries in the world, and Richard Bloomer who is an associate professor at the University of Memphis. Richard and his team of researchers have conducted clinical studies that show the health benefits of the 21-Day Daniel Fast.

Together, we are all working to recruit men and women who are using the Daniel Fast to begin the New Year – to help raise funds so children who don’t have enough to eat can receive the food they need.

Go to http://Daniel-Fast.com/FFF.html to see a short video about this great opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of hurting children. This is an exciting new program and truly puts the power of Christ’s love into action as we help those in poverty by “fasting for food.”

You can also visit the Fasting for Food site: http://FastingForFood.com