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Saved

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Saved

“Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

I was seven years old. It was a Sunday morning, and I stood at the back pew of Calvary Baptist Church in Butler, Missouri. As the preacher invited people to accept Jesus, I sensed a tugging at my heart. I knew God was speaking to me. Even though I wanted to go forward, I didn’t. Instead of walking to the front of the church, I went downstairs to the basement. My mother followed me.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. I told her my stomach hurt because it did. I was nervous and scared. I can’t recall exactly what my mom said, but her words calmed me down. After a few minutes, she and I went back into the service, and I walked up the aisle to the pastor.

Brother Green and I knelt by the altar, and he shared Bible verses with me, including Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (KJV).” The truth of the gospel penetrated my soul. I needed Jesus. I confessed my sin to God and asked Jesus to come into my life. On June 3, 1979, God gloriously saved me!

Decades later, I’m still overwhelmed by God’s great love. That he would send his Son to die for me is unimaginable! That he would choose me before the creation of the world to be his child is incomprehensible! As long as I live, I’ll never be able to grasp the full extent of his affection for me.

Have you met the Lord and been saved by grace? If so, then praise him! Thank God for what he has done, and share your story with others. If you’ve not yet accepted God’s gift of salvation, I urge you to open your heart to him. He loves you more than you can understand. You don’t have to do anything but ask. The Lord is waiting for you to come to him. Just believe and receive. . . and be saved.

Note:
According to the Bible, if you want to become a follower of Christ, you need to:

A – Admit that you are a sinner in need of God’s grace.
B – Believe that Jesus came to this earth as the Son of God, lived a perfect life, died for your sins, and rose again to give you eternal life.
C – Confess your sins to God and receive his forgiveness.

Following is a sample prayer for salvation. Of course, you should use your own words to talk to God, but this prayer might help guide you:

“God, I acknowledge that I’m a sinner in need of your forgiveness. I’m sorry for the life I’ve lived. I repent of my sin (turn away from it) and choose to follow you.

Your Word says in Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).”

I believe you sent your Son, Jesus, to die in my place. I believe Jesus paid the penalty for my sin and that he rose from the dead on the third day.

Today, God, I accept your gift of salvation. I declare that Jesus is now my Savior and Lord of my life. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for making a way for me to have a personal relationship with you. I want all that I do to bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Get Out of the Boat

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boat on shore
Peter was exhausted. He and the other disciples had spent all day with Jesus. They had ministered for hours to the crowds of people who followed them. When it began to get late, Jesus sent the disciples off in a boat so they could get some rest. Jesus stayed behind to pray.

That night the wind picked up and began tossing the boat back and forth on the water. The waves made it hard for the disciples to row. Jesus saw their struggle and went out to them by walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they were terrified. He looked like a ghost. But, Jesus told them, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27).

Peter, the bold leader that he was, said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water (14:28).” Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter got down out of the boat. He took a huge step of faith by putting his feet in the water and started walking toward the Lord.

What Peter did makes absolutely no sense. People don’t walk on water! That just doesn’t happen. But, as we’re reminded in Luke 18:27:

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Sometimes we don’t understand what God is doing or asks us to do. We just don’t see how it can happen. It doesn’t make sense, and we can’t figure it out. But, you know what? We don’t have to understand. All we need to do is to trust in the Lord, focus on his promises, and find peace in his Presence.

In order for Peter to walk on the water, he had to get out of the boat. He had to cast all doubt and fear aside and keep his eyes on Jesus. As long as he did, Peter lived in the supernatural. He experienced God’s power working in his life. Instead of being paralyzed by fear like the rest of the disciples, Peter walked in faith.

Jesus calls out to each of us, “Come.” What he is calling you to do may be different than what he’s placing on my heart. But, the invitation is still the same—to trust in him—no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what everyone else is doing, no matter what obstacles are in front of you, and no matter how much you’re afraid.

I want to be like Peter. I choose today to put my feet into the water and take steps toward what God wants me to do. What about you? Will you get out of the boat?

Leaders are Readers

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Little Girl Reading

When I was around five years old, I often wanted to read when it was time to go to bed. After my mom tucked me in at night and turned out the light, I’d sneak out from under my covers, tip-toe quietly across the room, and open the door to my happy place—my bedroom closet. In that tiny space, I learned. I dreamed. I had crazy adventures in far-off places. Many nights my mom would find me sitting on the floor of my closet, surrounded by books, still wide-awake long past my bedtime. Years later, I still enjoy curling up with a good book (but not necessarily in my closet!). 



You may be an avid reader like me, or you might steer clear of books. But I think we can agree on one thing: Leaders are readers.

Whether you’re a parent raising a child, a boss supervising a department, a pastor shepherding a congregation, or a college student facilitating a Bible study, you can benefit from reading for the following reasons:

1) Reading increases your knowledge.

If you’re gathering information about traveling to Europe, looking for decorating tips, or trying to figure out how to be a better parent, you can glean information from people who have more experience and knowledge than you have. Reading is a great way to learn and grow in your understanding of any subject.

2) Reading expands your vocabulary.

When I come across a word in a book I don’t know, I’ll look online to find out its meaning (unless I’m feeling lazy). Even though I may never use that particular word in conversation, it’s still nice to learn a new term in case I see it again sometime. If I do, then I’ll know the definition.

3) Reading allows you to escape.

If you’ve had a rough day, you can open up a book and take a break from your problems temporarily. This aspect is one of my favorite parts of reading—that I can “lose myself” in a story for a little while. 

4) Reading inspires you.

A couple of months ago, I read I’ll Push You, a true story about two best friends—one of them in a wheelchair—who set out to complete the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek through Spain. After reading the book, I was encouraged and motivated, not necessarily to attempt the same feat, but to challenge myself to do more than I think I can.

Below I’ve highlighted a few titles I recommend—books that cover a wide variety of topics, including fasting. My goal is to encourage you and equip you with information so you can grow in the Lord, accomplish his purposes for your life, and lead others well!

Happy reading!

5 Kitchen Gadgets to Make Your Daniel Fast Easier

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Daniel Fast Kitchen Gadgets

When it comes to the food portion of your Daniel Fast, the best way to experience success is to prepare. The more time you spend planning your meals, the better off you’ll be. 

Since 2009, I’ve done the Daniel Fast many times. Over the years I’ve figured out several meal prep shortcuts, as well as what works and what doesn’t. Following are five gadgets that have saved me time and energy in the kitchen when on the Daniel Fast:

  1. Silicone Mats – My aunt gave me three silicone mats several years ago for Christmas, and they’re one of the greatest kitchen gifts I’ve ever received. Now, I use them all the time. For example, instead of oiling a baking sheet to roast vegetables, I use a silicone mat, which makes clean up so much easier! You can also use the mats to make Butternut Squash Fries or Chipotle Black Bean Burgers.
  2. OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowls -What I like most about these mixing bowls is the three different sizes. The little 1.5-quart bowl works great for fresh fruit, and the medium 3-quart and large 5-quart bowls are ideal for mixing just about anything. Another great feature is the three bowls nest well (they stack nicely), so they won’t take up much room in your cabinet. They’re also dishwasher safe. You can also select a multi-color option.
  3. Chef’n Palm Brush – On the Daniel Fast, you’ll be consuming a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, which will need to be cleaned. I prefer the Chef’n Palm Brush because it fits so well into my hand. Also, the bristles are stiff and scrub produce well. 
  4. Good Quality Knife – Even though I have more than 20 different  knives, I mostly use only two. . . and they’re both J.A. Henckels. I have a Santoku, which works best for big jobs, like cutting butternut squash, and a 4-inch paring/utility knife, which is great for smaller jobs, like dicing carrots. Another option is to invest in an 8-inch chef knife. Even though buying a Henckels knife is a bit of an investment, it’s one you won’t regret, especially if you want a product that will last for years.
  5. Mini Serving Spatula – This spatula is a small but mighty tool. It’s one of my most-used kitchen items and is perfect for serving Daniel Fast Banana Bread or for transferring a hot Oatmeal Raisin Cookie from a baking sheet (lined with a silicone mat, of course) to a plate.

Before beginning your 21-day Daniel Fast, make sure you have the proper kitchen appliances and tools you’ll need. Having the right equipment on hand will certainly make your fast more enjoyable and effective.

For more information on making your fast successful, see my blog post, “How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast.”

Note: The Ultimate Daniel Fast website participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Soups & Smoothies

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Soups & Smoothies
The Daniel Fast provides a unique opportunity for you to grow closer to the Lord, but the benefits of the fast aren’t just spiritual. On the Daniel Fast, as you feed your soul with the truth of God’s Word, you also supply your body with with healthy, nutritious foods. Today, I’m highlighting two food categories: Soups and Smoothies.

Soups and smoothies are great options on the Daniel Fast because they’re:

  1. Filling.
  2. Packed with nutrients.
  3. Easy to digest.
  4. Simple to make.
  5. Delicious!

You can also be creative and adapt the recipes according to your own personal preference. For example, if a soup recipe calls for chickpeas but you’re not a fan, you can substitute another type of bean. Or if a smoothie lists a banana as an ingredient but you’re allergic, you can use another fruit instead. When it comes to Daniel Fast soup and smoothie recipes, the possibilities are endless. 

Soup

I love having soup at any time of the year. If it’s cold outside, a bowl of hot soup makes me happy, but I also enjoy soup in the spring or summer. Plus, when I make a pot of soup, I don’t have to cook lunch or dinner for a few days, which is always an added bonus! If you’re looking for classic soup recipes, I recommend Black Bean Minestrone or Vegetable Bean Soup. If you prefer something heartier, try Spicy Three-Bean Chili or Taco Soup. Two of my favorite Daniel Fast soup recipes are Spinach-Artichoke-Tomato Soup and Tuscan Soup.

Smoothies

Start your day off right by having a smoothie for breakfast, such as the Raspberry-Pecan Smoothie or Strawberry Fields Smoothie. Or, give yourself a mid-day boost with the Chanana Chiller or the Plum Good Smoothie. When experimenting with different smoothie flavors, use this handy checklist as a guide:

  1. Liquid – Water, unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, rice, soy, etc.), 100% fruit or vegetable juice.
  2. Fruit – Bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, kiwifruit, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, etc.
  3. Greens – Kale, kelp powder, spinach, spirulina.
  4. Protein/Fat – Avocado, chia seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, flaxseed meal, nuts/nut butters, unsweetened plant-based protein powder.

Another smoothie add-in you can use is steamed or lightly cooked vegetables, such as carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini. None of these veggies is too overpowering, so you most likely won’t even taste it when you’re using fruit. 

If you’re like me, you can easily get stuck in a recipe rut. But I hope that today’s post inspires you! Once you try a few of these soup and smoothie recipes, let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your feedback. Then before you know it, you’ll be coming up with your own Daniel Fast soup and smoothies recipes! 

 

Love Your Enemies

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Love

When Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies,” who exactly did he mean? In elementary school, the enemy is the big, mean bully who picks on other kids. In adulthood, the enemy looks quite different.

What if the enemy is a former friend who betrayed you? Or a co-worker who seems determined to make you look bad? Or, worse yet, what if it’s someone in your family–a child, a sibling, or your spouse?

God’s command is the same: Love. No matter who the hostile person is, show them love. 

Extending love in the face of persecution isn’t easy, and it’s definitely not natural. In fact, it’s impossible without God’s help. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can you show kindness to people who are hateful toward you.

When someone spews toxic words in your face or does horrible things to you, remember one thing: That person is not the enemy. The evil behavior they’re demonstrating comes from somewhere else. Actually, from someone else–from Satan, the father of lies. He is your real enemy. Satan is completely opposed to you and to all Christ followers. His goal is to destroy your joy, hope, peace, and faith. . . and, eventually, your life.
 
But the good news is: God is on your side! The Lord is your Defender, and he fights for you! So you don’t have to take revenge when people hurt you. You don’t need to come up with some plan to make them pay for what they did. Instead, take your pain to the Lord in prayer, and let him comfort you. Trade your seething anger for his perfect peace. 

God is patient with us. He knows sometimes it takes a few days for us to get to the point of surrender. But when we do, it’s a sweet time of letting go. You and I weren’t designed to carry the burdens of bitterness and resentment. Such emotions only cause more wounds and end up stunting spiritual growth.

Ask the Lord to reveal any unforgiveness in your heart. If he shows you something, confess it. Then, pray for anyone in your life you would classify as an enemy. Pray that person will know the love of God in a personal way.

Positioned for His Purpose

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Doors

Have you ever wanted to live somewhere else? In another state or even a different country? I have, especially this time of year. It’s winter in Missouri, and I’m not a fan of freezing temperatures.

The adventurous part of me would love to relocate. In fact, several years ago, my husband and I seriously thought about living closer to his parents, who live in New York. Justin flew out to Pennsylvania for a job interview. We dreamed about a new life together on the East Coast and began making plans to move.

But then we sensed the Lord putting the brakes on the whole idea. As much as we wanted to be near Justin’s family, we didn’t believe it was right for us to leave. We sensed God’s voice saying, “Stay.” So we did, and we’ve lived in Missouri for more than 20 years.

Looking back, I can see why the Lord kept us in Springfield. God has poured out countless blessings on our family in this place. We’ve also grown exponentially through trials, tragedies, and triumphs. Yes, God had specific plans for us here, some of which he is still working out. We won’t be going anywhere until he gives us the go-ahead.

Where you live is not an accident. Your address is not random at all. God’s Word is clear on this issue:

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26).

The Lord has strategically positioned you in a particular city and community. You are where you are for a reason. God has purposes in mind for you and people he wants you to reach.

Ask God to increase your passion for the people in your community. Start by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading when people who cross your path. If you’re at the grocery store, talk to the checkout person instead of texting. Thank a waitress for working so hard. Encourage a young mom who looks exhausted. Sometimes the smallest expressions of kindness open people’s hearts to the Lord.

Finally, thank God for where you live. Even if it’s not your first choice, trust the God who loves you. He has a plan for you there.

Listen to God

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Listen to God.

“Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God” (John 8:47 NLT).

It was an early Saturday morning, and no one else in the house was awake. I quietly slipped out of bed, put on my workout clothes, and headed to the gym. After more than two weeks at home with my children on Christmas vacation, this momma was desperate for some time alone.

When I entered the facility, I was immediately assaulted by deafening, rap-style music. The song blared through the speakers at full volume. At first I thought, There’s no way I can exercise like this! But, I was determined. I wasn’t going to leave. In the thirty seconds it took me to walk to the treadmill, I heard at least five obscenities. I couldn’t get my headphones on quickly enough.

Even after I turned on my Christian music, I could still hear the other song. It was distracting and disturbing. The lyrics made me uncomfortable. I did my best to concentrate on the positive words in my ears and tune out the profane.

It wasn’t long before I barely noticed the rap music and was able to settle into my workout. After fifteen minutes, the perpetrator turned off the radio and left the building. I was finally able to relax and exercise in peace.

We live in a world that’s riddled with sin. Evil is all around us, and we’re constantly bombarded with negative influences. Sometimes the world can be loud – shockingly loud – and it’s difficult to hear the Lord’s voice. We must choose to focus on truth and tune out anything opposed to it.

Daily Bible reading is essential to walking in victory. You should hunger for God’s instruction just as you hunger for food. You need to take pleasure in his commands more than you savor a fine meal. If you struggle with consistency in this area, ask God to increase your desire for his Word. May you find renewed delight in listening to him!

Pray for Your Leaders

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American flag
I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t pray regularly for the leaders of my country. I know I should, but I forget to do so, that is, unless some kind of tragedy occurs or our nation is facing a presidential election. 

When the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he encouraged him to intercede specifically for “kings and those in authority” (1 Tim. 1:1-2a). In fact, the Bible says he urged young Timothy to pray in this way. If it was important for them, it’s important for us as well.

Notice Paul didn’t say, “Pray for your leaders if you like them and agree with their policies.” Sometimes we find ourselves failing to intercede because of this reason. We don’t approve of the leader’s lifestyle, past, decisions, and/or political agenda. Instead of interceding, we grumble and complain.

God is calling us to a higher standard. He wants us to focus on advancing his kingdom by fighting on our knees.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1-2 NLT).

The next two verses explain why this intercession is crucial:

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4 NLT).

When we pray faithfully for our leaders, we do a good, God-honoring thing. It pleases the Lord because His desire is for all people to experience his salvation and to understand his Word.

If you want revival in your land, pray for your leaders. Thank the Lord for the men and women he has placed in authority over you. Ask God to give them wisdom, strength, and a heart to know him. The Lord will certainly hear your prayer and bless your obedience.

 

Obedience Leads to Peace

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Open Bible with Mug
The simplest instructions can sometimes be the most difficult to follow. Let me give you an example (hypothetical, of course). When a parent tells her teenage daughter, “Clean your room,” you’d think the teen would know to pick up her various piles of clothes on the floor, not bunch them up in one gigantic, overflowing heap! But somehow what’s obvious to the parent seems to befuddle the child.

Fortunately, when it comes to obeying the Lord, we don’t have to guess how we’re supposed to live. The Bible gives us simple, clear-cut instructions, such as, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Sounds easy enough, right? I wish it was. Let’s take a closer look at the truths in these two verses:

  • “Don’t worry about anything.” You may be wondering, Is that even possible? It must be, or God wouldn’t have included this command in the Bible.
  • “Pray about everything.” Talk to God about the details of your life. No matter how big or small, He cares about it all!
  • “Tell God what you need.” If you haven’t already, make a list of prayer requests for yourself and others in a journal. Then continue to bring those requests before the Lord on a regular basis.
  • “Thank him for all he has done.” Tell the Lord how thankful you are for specific blessings in your life. Make it a goal to write down five or 10 things every day.

When we develop the habit of trusting God with every situation, we’ll have tranquility instead of tension. Also, as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, our hearts will be full of joy. But wait. There’s more! Check out Phil. 4:7:

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Did you catch that? The peace of God will act as a garrison around us so the enemy can’t break though!

In your prayer time today, thank the Lord for the gift of his perfect peace that protects you, strengthens you, and leads you to victory.

January 2019 Daniel Fast Testimonies

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January 2019 Daniel Fast Testimonies

For the last eight years, I’ve held an online Daniel Fast the first three weeks of January. Every year, the Lord has moved in power. This year’s fast was no exception.

Men and women from 16 different countries joined together to seek the Lord through the January 2019 Daniel Fast, which was held January 1-21, 2019. Our theme was “A New Thing,” based upon Isaiah 43:19:

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Everyone who registered for the online fast received weekly emails and daily videos of encouragement and support. Many fast participants took advantage of the resources in The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast to make their fast more effective. Others chose to use Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast to guide their Bible study time. 

Throughout the fast, we experienced countless blessings and many answers to prayer. Following are just a few testimonies:

“My soul weeps with thanksgiving for this fast. It cleansed my body and my heart of so much baggage. I didn’t believe I could do it because last year I failed miserably. I was determined to do better this year. This time I prepared beforehand, seeking God’s support because I knew it would be difficult. He answered my prayer. My first test occurred a few days into the fast. While having lunch with a few close colleagues, I shared I could not have certain foods. One of them is a minister, and he said he doesn’t believe fasting is necessary. This gentleman is someone influential in my life, so I began to question my reason for fasting. For an answer, I went to God, not man. He made it clear to me that I was to continue, and I did! What an awesome God we serve!” – Gwendolyn

“I thank the Lord for strengthening me from day one of the Daniel Fast. I wanted to quit several times, but I didn’t because I wanted to honor my commitment to the Lord to complete it. I’m learning to persevere until the end even when its hard and not give up.” – Shish

“Back in October, my parents listed our house for sale. For the last couple of months, people would tour it, but wouldn’t buy. We continued to pray and seek God. As I entered the Daniel Fast, I put my parents’ house on my prayer list. On day 15, I felt like giving up. I missed eating my normal foods and didn’t see God moving. That day, my mom called me to tell me that some people had made an offer. This fueled my faith and I sought God more as I prayed for the house to sell. The next day, the house went under contract! Praise God for his faithfulness and his miracle-working power! – Jenna

“God changed my heart, my mind, and even my physical body during this fast. He changed my heart by allowing me to draw near to Him. I also gained strength and wisdom from His word. My mind became very clear about his will and his purposes for my life. During the fast, I learned I don’t need sugar, coffee, alcohol, or dairy to survive. I lost 13 pounds in three weeks, and I feel great!  Also, at the beginning of the fast, the marriage of my son and his wife was in danger. They joined me for the Daniel Fast, and now they’re going to work everything out. They’re also expecting their first child! God has made his presence known to us through this Daniel Fast, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to grow in Christ as a family.”– Helena

“I knew God was calling me to this fast for the New Year but didn’t want to do it alone. Finding your website was such a blessing. You really have no idea. I went through a terrible divorce that was finalized last March. I know God is working, and I believe he is going to bless my two boys and me through this fast. Thank you so much for your commitment to the website and the annual fast.” – Amy

“Throughout the fast, I kept asking God to reveal himself and to give me peace, wisdom, and patience. I haven’t received all of them, but I’ve received FAVOR! I’ve gotten a raise, won an 18-week challenge worth $800 (free), and have spent so much more time in prayer. I’m thankful for God’s guidance and for leading me to ultimatedanielfast.com!” – Gabriela

“On day four of the fast, God showed me the word “discipline” in a dream. I kept thinking, “Is he referring to my parenting skills or myself?” I prayed for the Lord to show me the answer. After reading the email on day 21, I got it. The word was for me to discipline myself to read his word, to seek him in prayer, and make healthy meals for my family.” – Rosario

“Once again God showed his mighty power during this fast.” – Deborah   

“Thank you for the online fast. God definitely put it in my path at the right time. The fast was a blessing to me. I was able to get my mind off of sugar, diet sodas, and overeating. I feel as though God was recalibrating my eating through this fast. The devastation from Hurricane Michael has taken a toll on me, my husband, and our whole community, but we’re thankful just to be alive. Prayers are appreciated as we rebuild our home and business and as I rebuild my body, God’s temple.” – Debbie

“God has gone before me and prepared the way even before I had to ask. I travel a lot, so my husband and I had our devotional time together over the phone. Also, my son’s heart is changing towards God. My prayer is he will continue walking in the Lord’s way and allow God to direct his paths. The Lord is faithful, and he will do it in his time.” – Louise

“One of my specific prayers on the fast was to have discernment for God’s will in my marriage. I was recently led by the Lord to transition from full to part-time. This change required a leap of faith financially for us. During the fast, my husband and I had a meeting with our pastor to discuss the upcoming quarter (we serve as leaders in the youth department at church). Our pastor offered us full-time youth positions. Not only did God provide insight and direction for our marriage, he has also rewarded us for following his plans for our family.” – Trisha

“I had a rough start at the beginning of my Daniel Fast. I struggled with financial problems, home repairs, and job issues. It was one thing after another, but I continued to fast and praise God. Through it all, I’ve become more patient and have learned how to listen more to God’s Word when he’s speaking to me. During the fast, I also had a death in my family. But God gave me self-control. I didn’t eat the food people brought to show their support. I’m a better person by studying his Word and by fasting and praying. I know trials, tribulation, sickness, illness, death, heartache, and disappointment will still come, but I have a God that will see me through these things.” – Brenda

“I had such a great time in the first two weeks of the fast and saw God miraculously answer prayers, especially in relation to my friend and my church. Then, I got ill with a flu and felt beaten. I also came under attack at work, which made me feel sorry for myself that the last week didn’t go as well. But I’m rejoicing! I’m giving thanks to God for his love for me that remains strong. I’m still receiving the word that he is doing a new thing. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” – Paulette

Even though the January 2019 Daniel Fast has officially come to an end, our prayers will continue to make an impact. God is still at work. We give him all the glory and eagerly anticipate all the new things he’ll do in and through us this year!

January 2019 Daniel Fast

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A New Thing - Jan 2019 Daniel Fast
When I was in third grade, I began having headaches. Even when I sat close to the chalkboard at school, I still couldn’t see the words. Everything looked fuzzy. After several weeks of hearing my complaints, my mom took me to an optometrist. Sure enough, I needed corrective lenses. Once I got glasses, my eyesight became crisp and clear. My headaches also disappeared.

As we think about the next 12 months, our vision is limited. We can’t possibly know what’s ahead because we can’t predict the future. But we can receive supernatural wisdom and guidance from the Lord if we draw near to Him through prayer.

Prayer is like putting on spiritual glasses. Time in God’s presence brings clarity and helps us focus on truth instead of on our circumstances. Then when we combine prayer with fasting, we position ourselves to hear from God and see Him work in miraculous ways. That’s why every January for the past seven years I’ve held an online Daniel Fast. I believe prayer and fasting is the best way to begin the New Year so we can fulfill the plans God has for us.

You’re invited to participate in the January 2019 Daniel Fast, which is January 1-21. The theme for this year’s fast is, “A New Thing,” which is based upon Isaiah 43:19:

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Is. 43:19 ESV).

God is doing a new thing in you and through​ you. But the question is, can you see it?

The Lord doesn’t want you to remain stuck in disappointments and failures from the previous year (or years). He’s bringing about something different in your life – something beautiful and exciting and NEW! Like Isaiah 43:19 says, He will make a way where there doesn’t seem to be a way. If you’re struggling, the Lord will refresh you. If you’re lonely and hurting, He will fill you with joy. If you’re feeling defeated, He will give you victory.

When you sign up for the January 2019 Daniel Fast, you’ll receive:
– Emails before the fast to help you prepare.
– Daily emails during the fast that include a video, focus verse, prayer point, featured recipe, and other helpful information.

**Registration for the January 2019 Daniel Fast has ended.** 

Daniel Fast Resources

This extremely helpful resource provides everything you need for a successful fast, including tips on how to prepare, 100+ recipes, 21 daily devotions, meal plans, and information on fasting. If you’d like a signed copy of the book mailed to your home, you can select that option on this page.

Daily devotions follow the story of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah (2 Chron. 20) as they face a national crisis. Available on Kindle, NOOK, or as a PDF. 

Decide now to devote the first three weeks of the year to the Lord so you can experience the wonderful things He has in store for you in 2019! 

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P.S. Watch the :30 promo video below for the January 2019 Daniel Fast. Feel free to share it with others!