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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!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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As you celebrate this Valentine’s Day,
remember there is One who loves you most of all.

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world
so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins”
(1 John 4:9-11 NLT).

January 2017 Daniel Fast Recap and Testimonies

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Revive Us Again - Jan 2017 Online Daniel Fast
Every January for the past six years, I’ve held an online Daniel Fast through my website. And every year, God has moved in mighty ways. This past January was no exception.

Nearly 4,300 believers participated in the January 2017 Online Daniel Fast, which was held January 1-21. Our theme for the fast was, “Revive Us Again.” Men and women from around the world set aside the first three weeks of the year to focus on the Lord. Together, we cried out to God for revival – in our personal lives, our families, our churches, our communities, and our nations. In addition, nearly 300 people committed to take a small group through the fast and signed up to be a team leader.

Everyone who registered for the fast received weekly emails of encouragement and support. The emails provided helpful resources, such as Daniel Fast friendly recipes. I also sent out daily videos for the entire fast with the assistance of my wonderful co-host and husband, Justin (you can view the videos on my YouTube channel). Through the videos, we explored God’s prescription for revival as spelled out 2 Chronicles 7:14:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

What a privilege it was to partner with such an army of prayer warriors in seeking the Lord! Following are just a few testimonies of how the Lord worked:

“The fast was an awesome experience for my wife and me.” – Corey

“I want you to know how much I appreciated your videos every day. They were so helpful and certainly kept me encouraged. Also, I ordered your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. All the meals I have made have been delicious. Your recipes are fantastic! I will be changing my eating patterns after the fast and use your recipes all year long.” – Debbie

“This was the first time I’ve done a Daniel fast since being a Christian (11 years). I’m so glad I embarked on it. Your website was a tremendous support.” – Mary

 “I’ve attempted this type of prayer and fasting on my own but would always fail. When others are doing it with you, you are strengthened.” – Dorene

 “My husband and I have grown so close through the fast. Seems like we’re on our honeymoon after 36 years!” – Pam

“Thanks for a great 21 days of leading us with encouragement to persevere!” – Roger

 “This was my second Daniel Fast. I relied on your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, and emails for information and encouragement. I’m so amazed at the power of fasting and prayer together! Thank you so much for all your help.” – Rhonda

“I made it 21 days. When I was weak, the Lord gave me strength to continue. God also intervened in my cousin’s life. He got hit by a car and suffered a broken femur. But the miracle is that he’s alive!” – Brenda

“I’ve always struggled with fasting. I would find that I was tired and not very effective in prayer. I wasn’t sure how I would cope on this fast. But I was amazed how the gift of self-control grew in me as I prepared my children’s meals. I wasn’t even tempted to try!” – Suzanne

“I couldn’t have entered 2017 in a better way. I stand in awe of what God has done in my life and what He is still going to do for all of us who have endured the fast.” – Lauren

If you missed being a part of the January 2017 Online Daniel Fast, be sure to sign up for my Ultimate Daniel Fast monthly newsletter to stay informed about future fasting events. 

 

 

 

Apple, Pomegranate, and Kale Salad

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Apple, Pomegranate, and Kale Salad

Apple, Pomegranate, and Kale Salad

This beautiful salad recipe is perfect for a party, holiday gathering, or dinner at home. It's a wonderful complement to a Daniel Fast soup or main dish.
4.43 from 19 votes
Print Recipe
Course Salad
Servings 8
Calories 164 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups torn kale leaves, ribs removed, lightly packed
  • 2 cups chopped apples
  • 1 ½ cups mandarin orange segments (about 4 mandarins)
  • ½ cup chopped toasted chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup pomegranate arils

Dressing

  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin coconut or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Place kale leaves in a large bowl, and set aside. Whisk applesauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a smaller bowl (you can also mix in a blender).
  • Pour dressing over kale, and use your hands to massage onto leaves. Add apples, oranges, walnuts and arils. Stir well to coat.

Notes

  • To toast walnuts, heat skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts to the hot, dry skillet. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently so walnuts don’t burn. When walnuts are slightly browned, transfer to a small bowl to cool.
  • Substitute apples with pears.
  • Use pecans instead of walnuts.
  • If you have a nut allergy, you can use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 20gFat: 8gFiber: 6gSugar: 9g

Butternut Squash Fries

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Butternut Squash Fries

Butternut Squash Fries

Three words. Best fries EVER. Seriously! But since these fries are not deep-fried, they won't get as crispy as regular French fries. But that's ok. The unique flavor more than makes up for it.
4.25 from 8 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 132 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, and sliced into fries about 3” L x ½”W (or to desired size)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare an 11 x 17 baking sheet by coating it with a little coconut oil. You can also use a silicone mat.
  • Place fries in a large bowl. Stir in one tablespoon of coconut oil, and toss until well coated. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir again.
  • Pour fries onto baking sheet, making sure none of the pieces overlap. You may need to use two baking sheets to cook at one time (or cook in two batches).
  • Bake 20 minutes on a middle oven rack. Use a metal spatula to flip fries, and then bake another 15-20 minutes.
  • Turn over to broiler setting, and flip fries one more time. Move baking sheet to the top rack. Broil 5 minutes, or until desired crispness is reached.

Notes

  • Substitute coconut oil with a different oil (avocado oil, sesame oil, etc.).
  • Use a crinkle cutter to make restaurant-style fries.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 4gFiber: 5gSugar: 5g

Acorn Squash Hummus

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Acorn Squash Hummus

Acorn Squash Hummus

Adding acorn squash to hummus takes it to a whole new nutritional level, boosting your intake of vitamins A, C, and B-6. The squash adds a subtle, sweet flavor that you'll enjoy.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Snack
Servings 12
Calories 146 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cooked acorn squash
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions
 

  • Place ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process, scraping sides of bowl often, until mixture is a smooth paste. You can either refrigerate at this point, or serve immediately.

Notes

  • Substitute butternut squash for acorn squash for a slightly different flavor.
  • Hummus has more flavor after it has been refrigerated at least 24 hours before serving. It can be refrigerated up to a week and frozen up to 3 months.
  • Use as a dip for fresh vegetables.
  • Serve with Whole Grain Tortillas.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 5gFat: 10gFiber: 3g

Spicy Three-Bean Chili

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Spicy Three-Bean Chili

 

Spicy Three-Bean Chili

This chili is one of my favorite Daniel Fast recipes because of the blend of flavors. It's really best a day or two after you make it. If you like a little spice, you'll enjoy this chili recipe!
3.89 from 128 votes
Print Recipe
Course Soup
Servings 6
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups Vegetable Broth or water
  • 1 15-ounce can black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-ounce can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Chopped green onions optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so garlic doesn’t burn.
  • Add broth or water, beans, Ro-Tel, cumin, oregano, salt, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
  • To serve, sprinkle chopped green onions over each serving (if desired).

Notes

  • Use garbanzo beans (chickpeas) or navy beans instead of great northern beans.
  • Serve with a salad.
  • If you use store-bought vegetable broth or stock, be sure to check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain added sugar (including honey). I like to use Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 11gFat: 3gFiber: 12gSugar: 6g

What Do You Want God to Do?

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DFL Prayer Cards

“In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me” (Ps. 86:7).

A few weeks ago I served as a volunteer at the Designed for Life Women’s Conference at JQH Arena in Springfield, MO. During the three-day conference, hundreds of prayer request cards were filled out by women seeking God’s help in various situations.

When I piled all 400+ cards on the table, I was overwhelmed by the size of the stack. So much pain. So many needs.

But, in the next breath, I remembered that we serve a big God, one who is willing and able to answer! One who responds to the cries of His people!

Let me give you an example from the Bible.

One day when Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, they came across a man who sat by the roadside begging. When the man heard that Jesus was near, he cried out to Him. The Bible says the beggar shouted. His voice was so loud that people told him to be quiet.

But the man didn’t zip his lips. Instead, he shouted all the more!

Then Jesus stopped and asked the beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man replied, probably without hesitation, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

Do you know what happened next? The blind man wasn’t blind anymore! He received his sight. And then he followed Jesus.

God cares about what’s happening in your life. Nothing is too trivial to bring to Him. No situation is too difficult for Him to handle. The Lord wants to help you. He wasn’t too busy to answer the man’s cries. And He isn’t too busy to answer yours.

The Lord sees right where you are. He hears your cries. And He will respond. It may not be immediate as it was for the blind man, but you can be confident God is working.

Today Jesus is asking, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Take your concerns to God in prayer. Just talk to Him about what’s on your mind and heart. Your words don’t have to be fancy or formal. Pour out your heart to the Lord in honest communication. Your heavenly Father is waiting. He loves you so much.

Orange-Carrot Juice

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Orange-Carrot Juice

Orange-Carrot Juice

You'll get a nice, hefty dose of vitamin C and beta carotene with this tasty juice. Just look at that beautiful orange color!
3 from 7 votes
Print Recipe
Course Drinks
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large oranges, peeled and divided into segments
  • 3 carrots, unpeeled and tops removed

Instructions
 

  • Feed carrots and oranges into juicer. Discard leftover pulp.
  • Yield: 2 servings (serving size: 8 ounces or 1 cup)

The Pain You Don’t See

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img_2729-1

Commodus, 5.10a, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Jasper, AR

I stood at the base of Commodus, a popular, 5.10a sport climbing route at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near Jasper, AR. It was a sunny September day, and the weather was perfect. Climbers from all over the country had gathered at Horseshoe for a full day of climbing. Since Commodus is a classic route, several people wanted to get on it, including Justin and me. So when it was finally our turn, I was ready to go.

Justin had already led the route, which means he had attached our rope to the fixed bolts along the wall with carabiners. After he had reached the top of Commodus and secured the rope in the anchors, Justin descended to belay me. My job was to follow him and remove the carabiners, a process known as “cleaning.”

I tied in, chalked up, and started up the rock. The climb to the first bolt was easy and fun. The handholds and footholds were solid. All I had to do was unclip the first carabiner and continue on up to the next bolt.

But I had trouble unclipping. With my right arm extended and left hand holding on, I could barely reach the bolt. Because I was stretched out, the tension on the rope was tight.

I gave the rope a big jerk to force it out of the carabiner. When I did, I came off the rock. I knew I was going to take a fall, but I expected Justin’s belay device to activate before I hit the ground. It didn’t.

Directly underneath me was a tall, pointy rock. When the sharp edge made contact with my tailbone, I cried out like a wounded animal. The pain was immediate and intense. A warm sensation swept over my whole body. I felt nauseated and thought I would throw up. 

Slowly, I stood up. The last thing I wanted to do was keep climbing. But, after a few minutes, I forced myself to get back on the wall. I didn’t want fear to keep me grounded, that day or in the future. I had to conquer Commodus. And I did. Bruised backside and all.

I struggled with constant pain for the next two weeks. It hurt to walk. To sit. And even to lie down. I only felt relief when standing for short amounts of time.

Most people around me had no idea how much I was suffering. Only an extremely observant person would have noticed my gait was a little awkward, like I’d been riding a horse too long. Only someone watching my body language would have picked up on how slowly I moved. And only those paying close attention would have seen my slight grimace as I shifted my body weight from one cheek to the other when I’d been sitting too long.

One day when I was especially uncomfortable, I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart about my experience, challenging me to consider it from a spiritual perspective.

Every day I come into contact with hurting people. People who are in great distress, not from a rock climbing accident, but from circumstances in their lives, past and present. Abuse, rejection, neglect, addiction, and betrayal have caused massive internal injuries. Only I don’t see their pain. I’m not paying attention. I’m too preoccupied with myself to notice.

But I’m not the only one in this predicament. Every human being on this planet struggles with self-centeredness. It’s part of our sinful nature. We’re all guilty of getting caught up in the details of our own lives. But we can do better. We can change! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can become more focused on others instead of ourselves.

If that’s your desire – to be more aware of people’s hurts and ways you can help – pray this prayer with me today:

“God, I confess that I think too much and too often about myself. Your Word says, ‘Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Phil. 2:4 NLT).’ Open my physical and spiritual eyes to the people around me. Give me your heart – a heart of compassion and comfort – and show me how to alleviate their suffering. Thank you for teaching me how to grow in this area of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Once you’ve asked God to increase your sensitivity to others, you can be confident He will answer such a request. In fact, be on the alert. The Lord just might send someone your way today.

[Note: A climber who rated Commodus online as a 5-star climb commented, “Pleasant balancey climbing with some reachy moves. Loved it. A fall might be painful.” Might be? I know from experience that a fall is definitely painful on this route!]