Your Faith? Is it strong? Atrophying? Weak?

Over and over again in the Bible, God’s handbook for us as followers of Jesus, we are called to live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). We’re also taught that it’s impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).

Anyone who knows much about God and His Word knows that we need to have a strong and vibrant faith to live the life Jesus came to give us  . . . the kingdom of God lifestyle. He promises us peace, health, abundance, security, joy and blessings. But all of this is granted because of faith.

Faith is like a muscle. And every day it’s either getting stronger or it’s getting weaker. Our faith muscles can’t be left unattended to and then expected to be strong when we need them.

Building Weak faith muscles: I remember when my son was in high school. By the way, he is my adopted son from Ethiopia if you are wondering why our “family resemblance” is different.

He really wanted to have strong upper-body muscles. His natural build is very lean (even now as a 30 year-old man he only has 8% body fat). I have to admit that, while I supported his dream, I wasn’t too convinced he would achieve it. But day after day he spent time lifting weights. And a couple months later he was built in a very obvious and impressive way. He took his weak muscles and bit-by-bit and using consistency as his friend, he built his muscles up so they were strong.

Our faith muscles are the same way. They can be weak now, but if we engage in a consistent process of building them up, they will get stronger and stronger. And when some heavy lifting is needed – like prayers for financial needs, healing for a loved one, a change in a relationship – your faith will be strong and ready to act!

Atrophying faith muscles: Back to my son and his story. As long as he kept lifting weights on a consistent basis, his muscles stayed strong and his body chiseled with definition.  But then muscle building lost its priority in his life. He started attending college and also had a job. His social life took time, as well. So slowly his muscles got weaker and weaker. While he still looked healthy, his body no longer had that “built look.” His muscles had atrophied, which the dictionary defines as “degeneration due to lack of use.”

I know you can see how our faith can become weak if we don’t feed it or give our spirits the nourishment it needs on a consistent basis. I don’t know of a single Christian who hasn’t experienced a “weakening of faith.” It might come because we get distracted from daily faith-muscle building activities. Or we get so busy with the cares of this world that we don’t attend to our faith.  And in the same way our physical muscles don’t get weak all at once . . . the same goes with our faith muscles. Bit-by-bit they are strengthened . . . and bit-by-bit they grow weak. And sadly, we often times don’t realize how weak our faith muscles have become until we need them!

But praise be to God, we don’t have to stay that weak. We can start anew diligently seeking God and going after the prize of a strong, vibrant and effective faith that gets results in our lives.

Strong faith muscles: We can have strong faith! It’s available to us. But strong and effective faith isn’t just handed to us. Yes, God gives each person a measure of faith (Romans 12:2), just like our bodies all have physical muscles. The question is, what will we do with our muscles? Will we let them stay weak and undeveloped? Or, will we do the necessary “building of our faith” to get those muscles strong and ready to perform when needed?

The choice is ours. And in today’s age of information technology and the abundance of tools and resources that are available to us . . . if you can read this message . . . I can’t think of one reason why you, like me, can’t work on building our faith muscles every single day.

How to develop your faith: The number one key to getting our faith muscles strong is by being in God’s Word. He shows us! “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.

Each day, get into His Word. And then use the helpful tools that are available to you. God has helped me create many tools to aid in the development of your faith. Use them . . . or use other tools you know will help you. My son needed to use weights to get strong. Those where his “helpful tools.” You too can use tools to help you!

But know this – couch potatoes don’t get strong muscles. Neither do inactive Christians get strong faith muscles. So make the choice. Commit to building your faith . . . and remember, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

Your reward awaits you . . . if you choose to go after it. I so hope you do!

Be blessed!

Thankful for the Lord’s Correction

Yesterday I was feeling anxious and a little undone. My heart was unsettled. So after a while (I admit, I allowed this to all stir inside of me longer than I will next time), I quieted myself and called out to the Lord. “What’s going on inside of me, Father?”

Within seconds I received His answer. It came to me through a “notion” in my spirit. He showed me that I had wandered off the path of His way of living in faith. I was operating from an attitude that wasn’t consistent with His ways. I was being led by my flesh rather than by His Spirit.

I knew exactly what He was saying to me! It was like I was wearing an unbecoming robe of pride . . . rather than the lovely robe of righteousness that was from Him. Within seconds I was able to get things in the right order! I was able to shed the unbecoming robe and get my thoughts and attitudes corrected by the Lord’s truth.

As soon as I got up from my “meeting” with the Lord, I felt totally different. I had made a decision to make the correction and get back on the His path. I felt the burden I had been carrying lift . . . and the peace of the Lord returned to me.

The Bible says, “Do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction.” Proverbs 3:11

Oh, what a gift the chastening of the Lord can be in our lives when we take the time to ask for His wisdom and then act on His instruction. This is all part of making Jesus our Lord and opening ourselves up to Him so we can be transformed. I needed correction. I was wandering off the path of God’s perfect way. I was heading in the wrong direction. So when I stopped, asked for help, the One who always knows the right way gave me what I needed.

God so good. He is my Lord. And I praise Him for His love, care and gentle correction so I can walk according to His Spirit rather than my flesh! Amen!

Are You in Danger of Smothering God’s Word?

I’ve felt it. You’ve felt it. Those times when we feel overwhelmed by the problems of the world. We just can’t seem to connect with God. Our lives seem bombarded with troubles and while we aren’t “hopeless,” we feel very close. We pray. No results. We start begging. Still no results. It seems there are no answers coming our way.

Maybe you’ll see yourself (like I’ve seen myself) in this description from Jesus: “Now these are the [seeds] sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word,  and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Mark 4:18-89

Ouch! Is the Word “unfruitful” because I am so caught up in the cares and troubles that God can’t work in my life? Are the thorns so many that the seeds of the Word can’t grow and can’t be fruitful?

If you are experiencing this dark time in your life, see it as a powerful opportunity to step back and take some corrective action . . . even if you don’t feel like you can!

Sometimes, we feel so overwhelmed, worn out and weak that our senses are dulled. Or we are so confused, we don’t know what to do or how to respond. This is where discipline and obedience come in and demonstrate their power. Open your heart to the Lord and pray anyway. Open the Bible, and study God’s ways anyway. Speak the truth from the Word over your situation anyway. And keep doing it, not because you “feel like it,” but because God has told us that this is what works.

Obey God. Meditate on His Word. Put your trust in Him. Look at God’s promises rather than the enemy’s lies. And bit by bit, you will notice the change. Maybe not all at once, but as you keep moving forward there will be a time when you look back and see the progress you’ve made and how the Lord has directed your steps.

Take time and “see yourself in the Scriptures.” Then take action through obedience and discipline. That’s the way of the Lord . . . and the way to peace and rest.

The Daniel Fast for the 2011 New Year

It’s hard to know how many men, women and teens around the world start the New Year with an extended period of prayer and fasting. Estimates range from hundreds of thousands to millions. One thing we know for sure is that the trend is gaining. Very likely, more people than ever will begin 2011 with a New Year fast.  It seems that the preferred method of fasting is the Daniel Fast, which is a partial fast where some foods are consumed and others are restricted.

There is no “official” date to start the 21-day New Year fast, but from what I’ve been able to gather from my research and from the hundreds of email messages I receive each week, most people will begin the 2011 New Year Fast on Sunday, January 9th and complete the fast on Sunday, January 30th.

In years gone by, the common start date for the New Year fast is the first Sunday in January. However, since that’s on January 3rd in 2011, and so close to the New Year when many families will be traveling, many leaders have decided to start the New Year fast on the following Sunday, January 9th.

Jentezen Franklin, the pastor at Free Chapel churches in Gainesville, GA and Irvine, CA has been a prominent promoter of the New Year fast. He teaches about prayer and fasting in the churches he pastors and on his television broadcasts. Many of those joining Jentezen Franklin in this corporate fast will use the Daniel Fast as their method of fasting.

A corporate fast is when as few as three and as many as thousands of Christians join together for a period of prayer and fasting. Many church leaders call their congregations to a period of corporate prayer and fasting. Likewise, many leaders of Christian causes will ask those called to provoking change in the world through intercession to join in a corporate fast. During this time, those fasting will pray for God’s will to be accomplished in the matter for which they are praying.

But you don’t need to fast with other people. Many individuals choose to start the New Year with a period of prayer and fasting for personal needs or to pray for the needs of those who God has placed in their care. Many husbands and wives choose to start the New Year with prayer and fasting and if they have children who are old enough to be introduced to the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting, it might be a family practice.

Personally, I think it’s wise to start the New Year with prayer and fasting. The purpose of fasting is to draw closer to God, to pray that His will be done, and to study the Word and the ways of the Lord. In these shaky times you and I can either be controlled by circumstances and the tough times – or we can partner with the Lord and through our prayer release His will into our lives and our situations.

If you want learn more about the Daniel Fast, receive a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines or find helpful resources that will assist you toward a successful fast, visit www.Daniel-Fast.com and join with hundreds of thousands of men, women and teens around the world as they focus their lives on God for a powerful period of prayer and fasting.

Daniel Fast – does it change God or change you?

I am now entering into my fourth year of teaching people about the Daniel Fast, a method of spiritual fasting practiced by millions of people throughout the world. Over the years, I’ve answered literally thousands of questions about the Daniel Fast and God has blessed me to make friends with men and women from more countries than I can count.

One thing I’ve noticed is that many people have a serious misunderstanding as to why they fast. And the greatest misunderstanding is that God will think of them as “better Christians” or accept them more readily if they complete a successful Daniel Fast.

But here’s the truth . . . you will not change God’s mind about you through prayer and fasting. The only thing that changes God’s mind about you – or I should say the only thing that will change your position with God – is Jesus Christ.  Because you believe in Christ and abide in Him and His word . . . that’s what makes you acceptable to God. Jesus makes you righteous and able to enter into the presence of the Holiest of Holy. The sacrificial blood of the Jesus did all the work that you will ever need to be acceptable to God.

Another misunderstanding about fasting is that we can change God’s mind by praying harder or more diligently when we fast – as if we need to counsel God so He can make the right decision about a matter.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, God greatly desires His will be to “on earth as it is in heaven.” He wants the very best for you and everyone in your family. He wants you healed. He wants you free of worry and stress over money matters. He wants you to have loving and healthy relationships. His Word is full of what He wants – His will for you and for me and for all of humankind.

We don’t need to convince God or inform Him or guide Him. Instead, it’s the other way around. God is eager to shower you with love, healing, peace and goodness. He is good! He is love.

So what are the spiritual laws that God designed so that His will can be done on earth as it is in heaven?

It’s prayer. Prayers from God’s people serve as a conduit to release His will from the spiritual realm into the earth realm. Prayer is the essential element.

One of my favorite Bible teachers likens this spiritual law to a power plant. The power plant is there and eager to release its power to whatever needs it. So let’s say you have a light bulb that you want to use to manifest light. The power plant is where it is ready to release electrical power. The light bulb is with you ready to receive the electricity. But there is a missing part . . . the conduit – the wires. Once the right wires are in place the power plant can release the power – and the light bulb can receive it.

The same is with our amazing Father. He is in heaven full of power, love, mercy and grace. His will is to have His power released in the earth to relieve burdens, bring order to chaos, heal the brokenhearted, remove disease and so much more. But before His power can be released there needs to be the conduit – men and women declaring His will through their prayers. Intercessors are required to stand in the gap for those who can’t pray for themselves. Prayer warriors must voice the will of God for the needs in our world.

Prayer taps into the power plant – the almighty God in heaven – and allows Him to release His power and His ways into the earth realm – His will on earth as it is in heaven.

So prayer and fasting is a period of time where God’s children can separate themselves from their typical activities and focus on God and pray that His will be released in the earth. Jesus says in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Notice all the elements? Prayers to heaven – the need on earth – the release of God’s power.

Enter a time of prayer and fasting using the Daniel Fast as your method of fasting . . . study God’s Word to learn His will for a situation . . . and then use your consecrated period of time to pray His will into the circumstances! He already knows everything you need. He’s the almighty God. He doesn’t need us to inform Him or convince Him or move Him.

Instead, God needs you! He needs you to pray . . . and sometimes prayer needs to be intense and focused . . . and that’s when it’s time for a fast! Fasting was designed by God to help us change what we’re doing in our typical days so we can pray that His will be done – on earth as it is in heaven.

Be blessed on your fast.

Join with millions for the 2009 Daniel Fast

Over the last several years millions of Christians have joined in the Daniel Fast. Perhaps one of the strongest promoters of the fast is Pastor Jentezen Franklin, an on fire preacher from Gainsville, Georgia. By the way, note that his name is spelled differently. Many people search for “Jentzen Franklin” and miss him. His first name has an extra “e.”

Jentezen Franklin first challenged members of his church to enter the Fasting Movement several years ago. Their results were so powerful, both corporately and for the individuals, that they were all convinced of the power of prayer and fasting!

What is the Daniel Fast? It’s a time that an individual or group sets aside to fast and pray for specific purposes. While there is no absolute length of time, the most popular is a 21-day Daniel Fast, in which one limits their diet to those described in the first chapter of Daniel. To learn more about Daniel and why he chose to eat specific foods, please see my other post titled “What is the Daniel Fast.”

This site is specifically designed to be a place where believers can learn about the Daniel Fast and communicate with each other.

I hope to draw at least 1000 Christians who will commit to the fast and log their name on this blog. If you want to commit to the 2009 Danial Fast, please go to this link and leave your information:

Sign me up for the 2009 New Years Fast

Let’s see how many we can enlist . . . and then support one another through prayer, information, and wisdom.

Fasting with a Purpose – The Daniel Fast

When you study the Scriptures, you’ll find that when people fasted it was for a purpose — not just a religious exercise. Daniel fasted from the king’s foods and wine because they had been offered to the Babylonian gods and he didn’t want to defile his body. He later prayed and fasted to “encourage” the prophesied release from captivity for the Israelites from Babylon. And in his third recorded fast, Daniel was seeking solace for the great pressure he felt because of a dream he had experienced.

 In the New Testament, people would fast when they needed guidance or answers to prayers. Many times, when the Scripture used the words “by prayer and supplication” it likely referred to fasting.

As you prepare for your Daniel Fast, what will be your purpose? Are their special needs in your family? Is there a loved one who has not accepted Christ? Do you have financial pressures? Is there illness that needs healing? Do you need a new job or help with your business?

Take some time and write down your needs and your purpose for fasting. These will be your subjects of prayer and Bible study. Amazing things happen during times of prayer and fasting! Seek the Lord. He is our Holy God! The Almighty. And nothing is impossible for Him. Call on the Name of the Lord! Prayer opens the doors of our lives so the Lord can perform His works! Ask. Seek. Knock.

Fast with a purpose! And see what the Lord will do!

Good-bye 2007

I am so looking forward to the end of this year! It’s been one of great testing and stretching of faith. I’ve heard from many others that they too experienced major trials in 2007.  The violence and hatred in this last week is just another example of the gross darkness of the world today.

In the Bible, the number 7 means completion! Oh, I am so glad of that . . . and the number 8 is new beginnings! Thank God.

And what a great way to start a year of new beginnings with prayer and fasting. Psalm 91 is one of my favorite bodies of Scripture. In it, we read about the Lord being our refuge and our dwelling place. A “refuge” is a place of safety, security and protection. A “dwelling place” is where one lives. God gives us a wonderful promise that we can live in Him and under His protection.

In these turbulent times, we need to know where we live! It is the Secret Place of the Most High! And we need to make sure we don’t just visit this beautiful place, but that we do indeed live there and rest in the presence of God. Yes, we are in this world, but we are not of this world.

Jesus earned our entry into the Throne Room. We have free access there, a place of peace, joy and abundance. As we begin this New Year, let’s all remind ourselves of our home address — The Secret Place of the Most High! And let’s enter into our Father’s presence with praise and worship as we draw closer to Him.

Whose Voice Is That, Anyway?

 In a short time, you will begin the Daniel Fast, a time when you will increase your time with God in prayer. It’s a time when you hope to hear from the Lord about specific things you are bringing before Him.

But do you ever wonder if the “impressions” your hear are from God, you , other influencing voices in your life, or the enemy? It’s a common problem that I hear people talk about all the time. I used to wonder about it myself, until I learned how to distinguish between those voices.

Think about it. You pick up the phone and hear another voice on the line saying, “Hi! How ya doin.” The caller doesn’t have to identify himself because he knows you will recognize his voice. And you don’t have to ask who’s calling because you do in fact recognize the voice.

Now, why is this voice so identifiable? Because you have spent enough time with the person so that his voice is familiar. You’ve talked with him and he’s talked with you. You know each other!

The same goes with God. When you spend time with Him you will recognize His voice out of the crowd of others who are trying to get your attention.

Keep in mind that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His voice NEVER changes. One of the best ways to become familiar with the sound of His is to hear what He says in His Word (interesting that it’s called that — coincidental?).

The voice you hear in Scripture is the same you will hear when the Lord speaks to you in that “still small voice” that comes up in your spirit. And as you spend more time with Him in His Word and in prayer, you will soon become very familiar with His voice.

The Daniel Fast is a perfect time to seek the Lord and to learn the sound of His voice if you are not already familiar with it. The great news is that once you know it, you will just want to hear it more and more. That’s part of the blessed life! Amen!

Sign up for the Fast

As wild as this may be, we are going to try and keep a list of all Christian men and women who are joining in the January 2008 Fasting Movement. Leave your name and city in the comment field below and I will add you to the list. Let me know how you want to be listed and your city and state!

Example listings:

• Jan and Dennis, Gainesville, GA
• Jan and Dennis Smith, Gainesville, GA
• J & D, Gainesville, GA
• GeorgiaPeach, Gainesville, GA (User Name instead of Real Name)

 Look who’s Fasting!

Susan Gregory, Ellensburg, WA

Lentil Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 pound lentils (approximately 1 1/4 cups)

2/3 cup pearl barley

11 cups vegetable broth (can substitute water)

4 to 6 fresh thyme sprigs  

1. Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes with their juices. Simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the lentils and pearl barley, mix to coat. Add the broth and stir. Add the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils and barley are tender, about 40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil and serve.

Six Servings

 

Greek Vegetable Stew

Recipes from: A Taste of Tradition, the Friends of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, Coaldale, PA

2 tablespoons oil
2 onions, chopped
1 pound green string beans, broken in half
1 package frozen or fresh spinach
4 cups water
6 zucchini, chunked
4 yellow squash, chunked
2 cups celery leaves
4 tomatoes, quartered
1 teaspoon salt
8 slices lemon
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons fresh basil
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice  

Lightly brown onions in a hot dry skillet in 2 Tablespoons oil. Add oregano & garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add 4 cups water and tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Cook covered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with a lemon slice in each bowl. 

Eight servings.

How Long is the Daniel Fast?

There is no prescribed time in the Daniel Fast. Rather, the Daniel Fast is about limiting the types of food intake to vegetables and water. The word vegetable in the Scripture actually means fruits and vegetables as these were all allowed under the Jewish dietary laws.

Daniel asked the Chief of the eunuchs to allow his three friends and him to eat just vegetables and water for 10 days and then check in to see their condition. But that didn’t end the dietary restrictions to this 10-day period. It appears that instead, this was a lifestyle for Daniel and the others. If the only meat available to them was that which had been offered as sacrifices to idols, they did not eat it.

There was another time in Daniel 10 where he was seeking wisdom from the Lord and he consecrated himself in a fast of vegetables and water for 21 days. This is perhaps why so many link the Daniel Fast with a 21-day fasting period. “In those days, I Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I at no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.”  Daniel 10:2, 3

There are a couple things we see from this portion of Scripture. One is that it seems that Daniel had resumed eating meat. The meat that he rejected in Chapter 1 was that which had been offered to idols and false gods. For him to consume that meat would defile his body, which he had consecrated (set apart) to the Lord.

Secondly, we see that in this fast, Daniel ate no delicacies. With what is known of diets during that time, this probably referred to breads (especially yeast breads), sweets, and other rich foods.

So when you plan a Daniel Fast, you need to also decide how long you want your fast to be. Most Christians who will enter the 2008 Fast in January chose a 21-day fast. That’s because this is more of a corporate fast with Christians throughout North America  joining together in a common effort to fast and pray.

Not everyone is starting on the same day, however most start on the first few days of January. If you are joining in a corporate fast with your church or a group of believers, then your start date might be determined. Otherwise, this is a prayerful decision you can make.

The same it true with the length of your fast. Remember that this is a spiritual fast, with the Daniel Diet serving as the definition for the foods that you will eat. So planning your fast should be serious and with a purpose.  Spiritual fasting is for spiritual results. So consider your goals.

The common lengths of time for fasting are 1-, 3-, 7-, 10-, 21-, and 40-day fasts. Obviously, there is no set rule for any number of days. If you are new to fasting, you might want to start with 3 or 7 days. If you are more experienced, a 21 day fast is probably the one to match a fast for entering the New Year. The 40-day fasts are generally undertaken only a few times (if ever) in ones lifetime.

Keep in mind that there are many kinds of fasts — and there are numerous types of spiritual fasting. They vary in length and in the types and amounts of food intake. This site focuses on the Daniel Fast as it grows in popularity among the Christian community.

Daniel Fast Food List

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3

One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.

Special Note: if you have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast including the Daniel Fast. If you would like a list of the foods included and excluded in the Daniel Fast to show your doctor, just copy the contents of this page. Also, if you are interested in a collection of recipes that will take you through an entire 21-day Daniel fast, click here.

After answering hundreds of questions about the Daniel Fast, I am updating the food guidelines. My hope is that it will serve as a more complete list. The original list used by many people was issued in a book about fasting. I know the author tried to do the best he could, but that isn’t the same as getting hundreds of questions seeking clarification. So here is the new list that I hope helps.

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines,  oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed foods products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Remember, READ THE LABELS!

What is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is named after the prophet whose name also titles the Old Testament’s Book of Daniel. His name means “God Is My Judge,” which he upheld with his unshakable consecration to Yahweh and his loyalty to God’s chosen people.

He was deported from Jerusalem as a teenager in 605 B.C. to Babylon where he lived for more than sixty years. This deportation was prophesied by Isaiah, “And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

So Daniel was among those sons . . . initially serving as a trainee in Nebuchadnezzar’s court and later was an adviser to foreign kings. The expansion of the Babylonian Empire required many skilled and educated workmen. Much of this manpower was found through the slaves. Because of their wisdom, knowledge, and handsome appearance, four young Hebrews were selected for the training program. The outstanding character of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah locked in their positions in the king’s palace. It was Daniel that rose to the top and excelled all the wise men of the vast empire.

In Daniel 1:1-21, we find the model for the Daniel Fast. The four young men were to become servants of the king. Nebuchadnezzar instructed the master of the eunuchs to feed them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank. Most people would want to eat “like a king,” but Daniel had a higher calling. He did not want to defile himself with these foods that were not consistent with the Jewish dietary laws.

Daniel requested a plain diet from the chief of the eunuchs. The chief  was very concerned that granting Daniel the plain foods would leave him weak and emaciated. And then the king would behead the chief for not obeying his command.

Daniel negotiated with the chief, asking for a trial period, “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.”

At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three other companions looked better and fatter in flesh than all the other young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.

So Daniel and his friends were allowed to remain on their diet. God rewarded the young men with knowledge and skill . . . and the king found them to be ten times better in wisdom and understanding than all his magicians and astrologers.

So the Daniel fast is limiting ones diet to vegetables and water, and at the same time increasing time in the Word of God and prayer. This is not a fast to lose weight, although that certainly will happen. And it’s not a diet to improve your health, yet you will likely feel better than you have felt for some time. Instead, the Daniel Fast is a time to consecrate yourself unto the Lord in a desire to draw closer to Him.

Welcome To The Daniel Fast

Welcome to the Daniel Fast. We hope to provide thorough information about the Daniel Fast and offer support and encouragement for the thousands of men and women who will engage in the fast in 2008. The Fasting Movement is capturing the attention of more and more Christians as they enter into the New Year!

Please read the posts to learn about what the Daniel Fast is all about. If you are experienced in fasting, you probably are already aware of the Daniel Fast. Please share your experiences and comments with us if that’s the case. If you are new to fasting, please read about it here and then if you have questions, please ask! We truly to want to serve this community of believers who want to devote themselves to prayer and fasting using the Daniel Fast.

Vegetarian Chili

This is a very easy to prepare and hearty meal. I make this even when I’m not on the Daniel Fast! 2 medium-sized green peppers, chopped

1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped

1 zucchini, sliced

1 yellow squash, sliced

2 tablespoons salad oil

2 tablespoons chili powder

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground red peppers

2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

2 16 oz. cans tomatoes (juice and all)

2 16 oz. cans pinto beans (juice and all)

2 16 oz. cans black beans (juice and all)

1   4 oz. can mild green chilies

1   4 oz. can of tomato paste

[When I make this during non-fasting times, I also add 1 tablespoon of sugar with the other spices.]

Chop and sauté in oil the peppers and onions. Add the sliced squashes, chili powder, salt, ground red peppers, and corn. When all the vegetables are soft but still firm, add the tomatoes, all the beans, the green chilies, and the tomato paste. Stir until just blended.

Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Yield: 6 generous servings

 I featured this recipe in my book titled Out of the Rat Race published in 1994 by Servant Publications.