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January 2018 Daniel Fast Testimonies

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Thanks be to God for victory in Jesus!
Praise God for all He did through the January 2018 Daniel Fast! The seventh annual online fast was held January 7-27, 2018.

Our theme for this year’s Daniel Fast was “Lift Up Your Voice,” which was based upon 2 Chronicles 20. Through the 21-day fast, we studied the story of King Jehoshaphat and discovered the importance of prayer and praise, especially during trials. We also saw how God responded as the people cried out to him for help in their crisis.

Everyone who registered for the online fast received weekly emails and daily videos of encouragement and support (you can view the list of videos here). Many fast participants also chose to use my new book, Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast, to guide their Bible study time. Others took advantage of the resources in The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast to make their fast more effective. I’m so thankful for every person who joined the fast. It truly was an honor to have so many men and women from around the world partner with me in prayer.

Following are just a few testimonies from the January 2018 Daniel Fast:

“I’ve tried to fast in the past, but it has never worked. When I started this Daniel Fast with you, the willpower was unbelievable. I feel amazing! I feel like something has transformed in my life, and I want more. I’m stronger and wiser now. I’m ready to defeat the enemy. The victory has already been won because I cried out to the Lord and sung praises unto His name. Thank you, Kristen, for allowing God to use you to help His people get even closer to Him.” – Ramona

“I’m looking forward to 2018 with great anticipation and expectation. The same GOD who helped King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah will do it for me and all of my Christians brothers and sisters as we use this time to draw closer to Him.” – Robert

“God is wonderful! On the fast, I had applied for jobs, believing that the Lord would answer my prayers and lead me. Last week I got called by two companies. My daughter said, “Mummy, this fast is really good. God is answering our prayers already.” May His name be praised!” – Ibiso

“Since beginning the Ultimate Daniel Fast, I have learned how to really cry out to God. He has absolutely been amazing! He made it possible for me to attend a women’s conference when I didn’t have the money to pay for the hotel, transportation or food. The conference poured into my spirit, and I praised God like it was my last time. He has done so much for me that I cannot tell it all!” – Teresa

“I just wanted to thank you for your leadership during this fast. I enjoyed the structure and following King Jehoshaphat’s story. I’ve been doing the Daniel Fast for at least five years. Every time the Lord meets with me, cleanses me, and reminds me that He has my back and that I will overcome any painful or frightening situation because of who He is. I praise Him! May God continue to bless you and your ministry!” – Wendy

“Kristen, I thank God that He directed you in starting the online fast. It has helped strengthen me, and each year gets better and better. I can the Lord drawing me to focus on nothing but Him and His ability to do above or beyond what we ask or think. I can feel Lord giving me strength. The Lord is going to give back, in this year, what the enemy has stolen. I’m trusting Him for that. Thank you for allowing God to use you and for your continued obedience to Him.” – Sherry

“God called me to participate in the Daniel Fast for the purpose of delivering me from destructive eating habits that were hindering my spiritual growth.  God has empowered me to put aside the sin of turning to food for comfort so that I could turn to the Comforter!  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, my addiction to sugar has been broken, and I’m no longer powerless against the temptation to overindulge in sweets. I’m trusting the LORD for grace to keep me from returning to old, negative habits that were unhealthy and destructive.  God worked mightily in me to teach me the discipline that I was lacking.  I’m so thankful to the LORD for leading me to Kristen’s book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. Giving up the foods that I once liked for the purpose of drawing closer to my God and Father was a life-changing experience. God did wonders beyond imagination!” – Sharon           

“In this time that I’ve come before Him intentionally, He’s done so much. He’s led me to create a prayer closet, and as I come before Him daily He renews me, strengthens me, leads me, and blesses me. I’ve learned so much on this journey with you. I pray that God continues to use you to reach the masses! God is so amazing, and I’m so super excited! Again, thank you! To God be the glory!” – Shataka

Yes, AMEN! To God be the glory! The Lord has certainly done great and mighty things through the January 2018 Daniel Fast! But the best part is that even though our fast has ended, our prayers will continue to make a difference. God is still at work in us and through us! Victory is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord!

If you missed being a part of the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast, be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter to stay informed about future fasting events. Also, if you’re currently on the Daniel Fast or plan to do it later this year, you can take advantage of the 21 daily videos from the January 2018 Daniel Fast. These videos can accompany the 21-day devotional, Lift Up Your Voice.

January 2018 Daniel Fast: Lift Up Your Voice

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January 2018 Daniel Fast: Lift Up Your Voice

In January 2012, I held the first online Daniel Fast through my website. More than 2,000 people signed up to participate. Since then, the fast has grown into an annual event for nearly 6,000 believers from around the world. The Lord continues to call men and women to this three-week fast, and every year God does incredible things among us. That’s why I’m more excited than ever about the next online fasting event.

You’re invited to join the January 2018 Daniel Fast, which will be held January 7-27, 2018. The theme for the January 2018 Daniel Fast is “Lift Up Your Voice.” Throughout the fast, we’ll take an in-depth look at the story of King Jehoshaphat in my new eBook, Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast (available Kindle, NOOK, and as a PDF). We’ll see how Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah responded to an unexpected trial and how God responded to their cries for help. Download your copy of the Lift Up Your Voice eBook today so you’re ready to go on January 7th!

If you’ve never done the fast but are considering it, you should get a copy of The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. It provides everything you need for a successful fast, including tips on how to prepare, 100+ recipes, meal plans, and 21 daily devotions.

When you sign up for the January 2018 Daniel Fast, you will receive:

  • Weekly emails before the fast to help you prepare (starts December 18th).
  • Weekly emails during the fast that will include devotions, fasting tips, new Daniel Fast recipes, daily prayer points, and other helpful resources. Emails will be sent each Sunday.
  • Daily videos throughout the fast to encourage you. 

Also, you can choose from two different tiers of participation:

1) Everything in the above list PLUS a PDF copy of my new eBook, Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast (PDF will be emailed to you within 24 hours of registration payment).

2) Everything in the above list without the PDF version of my eBook. You may select this option if you wish to download the Kindle or NOOK version of Lift Up Your Voice. Also, if you’re going through the Daniel Fast for the first time and using The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, you may decide to use the 21 devotions from that book instead. You can always purchase the eBook version of Lift Up Your Voice at another time.

Note: The PDF version of Lift Up Your Voice may also be purchased separately without registration (see below under January 2018 Daniel Fast Resources).

Registration has ended for this event. 
(You may access the list of 21 daily videos used during the fast by clicking here.)

The January Daniel Fast is the best way to begin the New Year. Decide now to seek the Lord for wisdom, direction, and favor in 2018. Decide now to lift up your voice to the Lord!

 P.S. Watch the :15 promo video below for the January 2018 Daniel Fast. (Click on the photo to watch and share with others.)

Jan 2018 Daniel Fast :15 Promo

New eBook: Lift Up Your Voice

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Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast
Writing another book wasn’t on my radar for the fall of 2017. But God had other plans. I’m happy to announce the release of my new eBook, Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast (available on Kindle or NOOK).

As I prayed about a theme for the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast, I kept being drawn to the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. When Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was informed that a large army was advancing toward his land, he was terrified. But Jehoshaphat didn’t go into hiding or run from the fight. He turned to the Lord and called for a nation-wide fast.

One day when I was hiking and thinking the 2 Chronicles passage, I sensed the Lord prompting me to write a devotional guide about it. The more I thought about the idea, the more excited I became. Later that day, I began working on the book. Less than a month later, Lift Up Your Voice was completed.

Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for your Daniel Fast takes an in-depth look at 2 Chronicles 20 by studying the chapter verse by verse. Lift Up Your Voice explores how King Jehoshaphat and his people responded to their troublesome trial and how the Lord provided as they sought him wholeheartedly. Each devotion begins with a personal experience from my life, which is then related to the day’s assigned Bible reading. At the end of the 21 days, you’ll learn more about me, more about Jehoshaphat, and more about the Lord and His Word.

If you’re planning on doing the Daniel Fast this January, you’ll want to get Lift Up Your Voice for your Bible study and prayer time. Also, if you’ve done the Daniel Fast in the past and have been using the devotions in The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, you can get a new set of devotions in Lift Up Your Voice!

I’m excited to share this resource with you because it has been a wonderful gift from the Lord. I believe the Lord will use the devotions in Lift Up Your Voice to encourage you, inspire you, challenge you, and strengthen you. Download your copy today!

Lift Up Your Voice (Kindle)

Lift Up Your Voice (NOOK)

Lift Up Your Voice (PDF)
Submit payment below using a Paypal account or your credit card. Once payment is received, your copy of the book will be emailed to you.


Lift Up Your Voice eBook



**Find out more about the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast.**

Chai Chia Pudding

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Chai Chia Pudding

Sometimes breakfast can be a challenge on the Daniel Fast, especially when you’re used to having yogurt or a bagel and cream cheese with your morning coffee. Here’s a breakfast recipe that requires minimal preparation, is naturally sweet and healthy, and tastes great. The chia seeds also provide a nice amount of protein, and the dates provide energy for your day. 

Chai Chia Pudding

A creamy, tasty breakfast dish that gives you a nutritional boost to start your day. It's also perfect for a morning or afternoon snack.
4.59 from 17 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 268 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in blender, and process until smooth.
  • Set in refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving.

Notes

  • Top with sliced banana and/or unsweetened shredded coconut flakes.
  • Before serving, sprinkle a few chopped almonds or pecans on top.
  • To boost the protein content even more, add Daniel Fast friendly protein powder (see my blog post, Protein Powder on the Daniel Fast, for more information).
  • To reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe, you can omit one date. Each date contains 16 grams of natural fruit sugar.
  • Add 1 tablespoon Date Honey to almond milk and chia seeds before blending instead of using 2 chopped dates.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 5gFat: 9gFiber: 11gSugar: 32g

January 2018 Daniel Fast Begins Soon

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January 2018 Daniel Fast
It’s hard to believe that soon we’ll be saying good-bye to 2017 and hello to 2018. Even though we’re still several weeks away from January, it’s a good idea to begin thinking about how to start the New Year off right. I believe the best way to kick off 2018 is through the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast.

I want to invite you to participate in the January 2018 Daniel Fast, which will be held Sunday, January 7th, through Saturday, January 27th. When you join the fast through my website, ultimatedanielfast.com, you commit to seeking the Lord through focused prayer for 21 days. You also deny yourself certain foods as an act of worship to the Lord. 

Make plans now to join me and thousands of people around the world as we seek the Lord together. Registration for the January 2018 Daniel Fast begins Thursday, Dec. 7th, here on my Ultimate Daniel Fast website.

This January will be my seventh year to lead the online Daniel Fast. I’ve been working diligently since September to prepare, and I can’t wait to share the details with you in a few weeks! The Lord has been helping me get everything ready for our start date, which is only 52 days from today. (Yikes!)

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel FastThe January 2018 Daniel Fast is going to be a powerful, life-changing experience. You don’t want to miss out on this unique opportunity to hear from the Lord and see him work in miraculous ways. For help in preparing for the January 2018 Daniel Fast, you can benefit from the resources in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, which is available online or in bookstores.

Mark your calendar for two important dates that are coming up quickly: December 7th to sign up for the fast, and January 7th to start!

I’m looking forward to all the wonderful things God is going to do as we fast and pray!

Kristen Feola

 


Pack for the January 2018 Daniel Fast

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When my husband and I go rock climbing, we spend at least an hour the day before we leave getting everything ready. Justin takes care of the equipment – the rope, harnesses, carabiners, quick draws, chalk bags, and shoes. My job is pack the food and make sure we have plenty of water. 

If we plan our trip well, we’ll most likely have a successful rock climbing adventure. But if we don’t, our trip to the mountains is bound to be a huge disaster.

The same is true when it comes to the Daniel Fast. 

In a few short months, I’ll be leading the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast. Even though you might be tempted to wait to get ready, you should really beginning planning your journey now. It’s important that you get the materials you need for a successful fasting experience. 

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel FastThe first resource I recommend for you is The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. If you don’t already have a copy, you can order it through my website. If you do have the book, make sure you have it on hand. 

Second, if you’re on social media, follow my new Instagram account. I’ll be posting information prior to and throughout the fast. You don’t want to miss any updates!

Finally, read about King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles, especially chapters 17 and 20. Our theme for the January 2018 Daniel Fast will be based upon those verses. I believe the Lord will prepare your heart for the fast in a special way as you meditate on the truths in these passages.

I’m already praying about the upcoming January 2018 Online Daniel Fast, asking the Lord to go before us. Pray with me. Let’s believe that this year’s Daniel Fast experience is going to be the best one yet!

Spiritually Strong Online Bible Study

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Spiritually Strong by Kristen FeolaDo you want to become stronger in your faith but aren’t quite sure how to get there? Or are you feeling discouraged and defeated, lacking physical and/or spiritual motivation? If either of these scenarios describes your current situation, I want to invite you to join my Spiritually Strong Online Bible Study, which will be held Sept. 11 – Oct. 22, 2017.

Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul is designed to help you get in better shape spiritually and physically. Spiritually Strong teaches you how to train yourself in godliness through the implementation of six disciplines – Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others.

By exercising your spiritual core on a daily basis, you will learn to:

  • Study the Bible and understand what God is saying to you.
  • Pray with power.
  • Incorporate periodic fasting into your life.
  • Honor God with your body through nutritious eating and exercise.
  • Practice good stewardship of the resources God has given you.
  • Serve others in humility as an outward demonstration of God’s love.

When you join the study, you can choose from three different levels of participation:

Tier 1 – You will receive:

  • Weekly email newsletter (begins three weeks prior start date to help you prepare).
  • Weekly video.
  • Access to exercise instruction videos.
  • Tips, recipes, and tools for success.

Cost for Tier 1 is $5. You can pay via Paypal or credit card (see below). **Registration has ended.**

Tier 2 – You will receive:

  • Everything included in Tier 1.
  • Goal-setting and accountability with Kristen through weekly emails.
  • One phone call with Kristen halfway through the six-week session.

Cost for Tier 2 is $10. You can pay via Paypal or credit card (see below). This level is limited to 10 participants.**Registration has ended.**

Tier 3 – You will receive:

  • Everything included in Tier 2.
  • Personalized, signed copy of Spiritually Strong.

Cost for Tier 3 is $25. You can pay via Paypal or credit card (see below). This level is limited to 10 participants. **Registration has ended.**

Throughout the study, I’ll also be hosting weekly webinars. I’ll provide a short teaching time, followed by a time of Q&A. You’ll receive more information on joining the webinars once you register. **Registration has ended.**

Spiritually Strong Book Trailer


Breakfast Recipes for the Daniel Fast

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Nutty Fruit Cereal

When I started my Ultimate Daniel Fast blog in August 2009, I began posting a variety of Daniel Fast friendly recipes–main dishes, snacks, vegetables, soups, and salads. But it wasn’t long before I figured out that the category most people needed help with on the fast is breakfast.

In the United States, a sugar-laden breakfast is often the norm. Just walk down the cereal aisle of any large grocery store and count the number of choices on the shelves, and you’ll see what I mean. We also like donuts, pancakes, muffins, toast, and bagels for our first meal of the day–all of which have little nutritional value. Sometimes we’ll pair these items with a protein, such as bacon, eggs, or ham. But, on the Daniel Fast, none of these foods is allowed.

So what can you eat for breakfast on the Daniel Fast?

You actually have a plethora of options. Following are a few of my favorite Daniel Fast breakfast recipes:

Overnight Oats
Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal
Baked Oatmeal
Fruit Pizza
Nutty Fruit Cereal
Peachy Keen Smoothie (go to “Daniel Fast Smoothies Recipes” for more ideas)

Be sure to visit my “Daniel Fast Breakfast Recipes” page for more ideas.

Remember, anything goes! As long as your food choices fall within the guidelines of the Daniel Fast Food List, you can eat whatever you like. For example, recipes that are listed under the following categories can also be breakfast dishes. 

Daniel Fast Snacks and Appetizers
Daniel Fast Salads
Daniel Fast Soups
Daniel Fast Vegetables
Daniel Fast Main Dishes

If you’ve done the Daniel Fast, what are some of your favorite breakfast recipes?

Side Effects on the Daniel Fast

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Man reading Bible

A question I frequently receive from readers is, “Will I experience side effects on the Daniel Fast?”

Yes, you probably will. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Not all side effects are negative in nature. For example, during the January 2017 Online Daniel Fast, one woman (a diabetic), emailed to share how the fast decreased her blood sugar levels. On day 9 of her fast, her blood sugar was 114 (it’s normally 130-140). She was excited and encouraged by how the Daniel Fast was impacting her health in a positive way.

Many Daniel Fast participants have reported having significantly lower cholesterol numbers after 21 days. Other have testified to having more energy and being able to sleep more soundly at night while on the fast. Several men and women have lost weight by making healthier food choices and following the Daniel Fast Food List.

Sometimes, though, people do experience unpleasant symptoms on the Daniel Fast, such as body aches, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and digestive distress. Such side effects usually occur within the first few days of the fast as the body adjusts to a different way of eating. My advice to people who are struggling is, “Just hang on! You should feel better in a few days.” And, in most cases, they do.

One Daniel Fast participant found that easing her way into the fast has helped prevent negative physical side effects. She writes, “The first time I did the Daniel Fast, years ago, I had so much stomach distress that I was in great pain. The past three years I’ve adjusted the way I do the fast, and it has really helped. Week 1, I eat one meal a day Daniel Fast. Week 2, I have two meals per day Daniel Fast, and by Week 3, I’m doing a complete Daniel Fast. So if someone really wants to try the fast but finds it difficult, this modification might be an option they’ve not thought about doing.”

Following are a few steps you can take to avoid uncomfortable side effects on the Daniel Fast:

  • Drink plenty of water –The Daniel Fast includes many high-fiber foods, so it’s important to consume plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Water is also necessary to flush out any harmful toxins that have built up in your system over time. Try to drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water each day (you may need more, depending on your weight and activity level). If you’re not used to drinking that much water, take it slowly. You may have to work up to that amount.
  • Exercise – God created your body to be mobile, and it will work much more efficiently when you exercise on a regular basis. Plus, going on a walk, run, or bike ride will do wonders for you mentally.
  • Consider taking digestive enzymes – A digestive enzyme enables your body to break down food into smaller particles, making the food easier to absorb and assimilate. For example, if beans tend to make you gassy, you can take a digestive enzyme before eating them to reduce and sometimes prevent digestive distress. Sometimes the best route is a broad-spectrum supplement, such as Digest Gold by Enzymedica, that covers a wide variety of foods, such as fruit, vegetables, etc. Personally, I have found that Digest Gold helps me tremendously when I’m on the Daniel Fast.

But any physical challenges you may encounter on the Daniel Fast pale in comparison to the wonderful spiritual benefits you receive. You can expect to:

  • Hear God’s voice more clearly– You’re probably not going to hear the Lord speak audibly to you on a fast, although that would definitely be an amazing side effect! God typically chooses to communicate with us in a variety of other ways – through the Bible, other believers, prayer, and our circumstances. As you spend focused time in prayer and in God’s Word on the Daniel Fast, you’ll have greater understanding of truth as you’re led by the Holy Spirit.
  • Become more spiritually sensitive – Fasting changes your perspective and allows you to “see” things differently and more clearly. I believe it’s partly due to the fact that you’re hungry, which causes you to realize how dependent you are on the Lord for strength. When I’m on a fast, I’m usually more in tune with the struggles of people around me, which causes me to pray more fervently for them. 
  • Participate in the suffering of Christ – Jesus fasted from all food for 40 days and nights in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry (Matt. 4:1-11). When you and I commit to a fast, even a partial fast, we’re choosing to undergo one of the spiritual disciplines Jesus practiced while on Earth. By following Christ’s example, we are becoming more like Him, which leads to great joy and blessing. “Instead, be very glad–for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world” (1 Peter 4:13 NLT). 
  • Enjoy God’s favor – Even though the Bible doesn’t contain a direct command to fast, God’s Word indicates that fasting should be a regular discipline in the believer’s life. The Lord is pleased when His children seek Him wholeheartedly, and He promises to reward our efforts when we do.
  • Know God in a deeper way – The main goal of a three-week Daniel Fast is to grow closer to the Lord. As you devote yourself to studying the Bible and spending time in prayer, you’ll learn more about the Lord and His ways.

The Daniel Fast is a unique, life-changing experience. If you’ve never participated in the three-week journey, you can see why it’s such a powerful spiritual discipline. Focus on all the benefits of drawing closer to the Lord, and trust Him to help you with any unexpected trials along the way. Yes, doing the Daniel Fast is a sacrifice, but it’s one that you’ll never regret. 

For more information on the Daniel Fast and instructions on how to complete the fast successfully, be sure to get my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. Also, be sure to check out my FAQs page if you have specific questions about the Daniel Fast. Contact me with any question that’s not covered.

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast

Resources for Lent 2017

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Lent 2017
Lent is the season of preparation in the weeks leading up to Easter when believers reflect on Jesus Christ—his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Such preparation often includes days of fasting. For more information on Lent, read my blog post, “The Daniel Fast and Lent 2017.”

You can choose from a variety of ways to participate in Lent 2017. There is no hard and fast rule as to what your fast should look like. For example, some people will do a Daniel Fast for the entire Lenten season (March 1 to April 15). Others will fast one day a week from now until Easter. Maybe you want to do a combination of the two types of fasts. That’s fine. But whatever you decide, you want your prayer time to be as powerful and effective as possible.

I want to help you. Following are a few resources that will keep you on track:

  1. The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast – If you’ll be doing a Daniel Fast anytime during Lent, you need to get a copy of my book. I truly believe the information I provide will help you stay focused and finish strong. The book provides 100+ recipes, 21 daily devotions, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, and more. You can purchase The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast in most bookstores and online.
  2. Lent 2017 Prayer Guide – Take advantage of this FREE guide! Simply download it and print it. I recommend putting the list in a highly visible place, such as on your mirror, refrigerator, or in your Bible or journal. 
  3. Lent 2017 Daily Prayer Points – If you’d like daily accountability during Lent, you can subscribe to my Lent 2017 Prayer Points mailing list. Each day I will send you the prayer point from the Lent 2017 Prayer Guide. The email will also include a Scripture, prayer, and sometimes ministry action steps.

As we humble ourselves, pray, and seek the Lord during Lent, we will see God pour out His favor in miraculous ways! 

Call to Prayer for President Donald Trump

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Pray for President Trump

As I drove my daughters to school this morning, I turned on our local Christian radio station. The DJ was explaining how he had accidentally left his microphone on during the last break, which broadcast his discussion with a co-worker to thousands of listeners.

The conversation was about a disturbing article he “just happened” to see on a newsfeed. He read that witches around the country will cast a spell on President Donald Trump and his supporters tonight, February 24, at midnight (Eastern time). Future hexing dates are also scheduled for March 26, April 24, and May 23.

Immediately, I explained to my girls how this situation is an example of spiritual warfare. I told them that, yes, there are really witches – not the black hat, flying-on-a-broom kind, but ones who follow Satan and are actually empowered by him to do evil. I assured them we don’t have to be afraid, but we do have to pray.

The issue is not whether you like President Trump. It also doesn’t matter if you voted for him or someone else. If you’re a believer who lives in the United States of America, you’re responsible for covering President Trump in prayer. So am I.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:1-4). 

How to Pray

  • Ask the Lord to protect President Trump and to be a shield around him, his family, his Cabinet, and his Cabinet’s family members (Ps. 18:2).
  • Pray that President Trump will have a heart to know the Lord and to follow in His ways (Jer.24:7). 
  • Ask the Lord to surround President Trump with godly men and women, who will instruct and guide him according to God’s Word (Ps. 1:1-3).
  • Pray that any plans to harm President Trump or his family will be thwarted (Ps. 138:7). 
  • Pray that Christians will answer this call to prayer and intercede on a regular basis for President Trump and his Cabinet (2 Chron. 7:14). 

God is at work in our land. He has great plans for our country. But Satan also has a plan. He wants to destroy us.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12 NLT).

Will you commit to pray regularly for President Trump? Don’t forget to pray tonight and to mark your calendars for March 26, April 24, and May 23. Also, if you live in another country, will you join us on these dates? I encourage you to pray for the leaders of your nation as well.

I believe that as Christians respond to this call to intercede, we will see God pour out His power in miraculous ways. Let’s not sit back and be apathetic. Let’s hit our knees and pray for our president!

 

 

 

 

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2017

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Lent 2017

As an author, I’m a big fan of words. I enjoy looking up definitions to understand terms in a deeper way. So when I began writing this blog post about Lent 2017, of course, I had to do research on “lent.”

The word “lent” comes from the Old English term “lencten,” which means “spring.” On the surface, the meaning seems nice and sweet. After all, Spring is a wonderful season of the year. The weather turns warmer. Flowers begin to bloom. Nature comes alive. What’s not to like?

But you can’t experience the beauty of Spring without the harshness of Winter. Frigid temperatures. Brown, barren landscapes. Bitterly cold winds that cut to the bone. All components of Winter. All necessary to usher in Spring.

(You may think I’m chasing a rabbit trail here, but stick with me. I promise it will all tie together.)

Let’s go back to Lent. You may be wondering, What is Lent? It’s OK if you have no idea. I didn’t really either until a few years ago. 

Lent is the season of preparation in the weeks leading up to Easter when believers reflect on Jesus Christ—his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Such preparation often includes days of fasting from certain foods, television, and/or social media. During this time, many Christians also choose to participate in a Daniel Fast.

These types of sacrifices are certainly beneficial. But when I consider the definition of Lent, I have to conclude that its practice should involve more than mere meditation on what Christ did for us. 

Of course, it’s good to remember how Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. Our Lord willingly subjected Himself to the cruelest, most unforgiving Winter of all so we might experience life in Him. His death on the cross may a way for us to experience a wonderful, eternal Spring that lasts forever!

The purpose of Lent is designed to make believers ready for Easter Sunday, a day that’s all about celebrating this new life we’ve been given in Christ. But how can we celebrate to the fullest when men and women around us are still dying in their sin? How can we rejoice in our Spring when people we love are stuck in Winter?

The truth is, we can’t.

If you’re like me, you don’t think about eternity enough. You don’t dwell on the fact that your brother or sister or spouse or child is headed to Hell. But you need to think about it. And so do I.

Hell is real place. It’s not a figment of anyone’s imagination. It’s also not a joke or a party. Heaven is also a real place. People who have accepted God’s gift of salvation will be in God’s presence forever when they die. Those who haven’t, won’t. They will spend eternity separated from God and anything good. Instead of unending joy, they’ll endure utter darkness and misery, being tormented in ways we can’t even comprehend.

I see Lent, then, as a perfect opportunity to pray others into the kingdom of God. Eternity is at stake here. The need is urgent. People are desperate to know the hope we have in Christ. Lent is also a great time to intercede for other believers, who need wisdom, strength, and perseverance as they follow the Lord.

Will you fast and pray during the Lenten season, which is Wednesday, March 1, to Saturday, April 15? If so, indicate your commitment in the comments section below.

Ways you can participate:

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel FastThe most important thing is that you pray. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16B NLT). Your prayers make a difference and will change the history of people you know!

My prayer is for the Lord to pour out His power as we seek Him during Lent. May we see thousands of people turn to Him for salvation! May we also be revived in the process!

If you plan to do the Daniel Fast during Lent, be sure to take advantage of the helpful resources in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. It provides everything you need, including 21 daily devotions, 100+ recipes, three weeks of meal plans, grocery shopping lists, fasting tips, and more!