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January 2024 Daniel Fast Testimonials

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2024 Daniel Fast

Although you can observe the 21-day Daniel Fast anytime throughout the year, many people choose to participate in January through my website. “I Surrender All” is the theme for 2024. For more information on the fast and to access helpful fasting resources, visit 2024 Daniel Fast.

Following is a brief list of testimonies from believers who participated in the January 2024 Daniel Fast. I hope you’re encouraged by these stories of God’s goodness.

“My first Daniel Fast changed my life! I am so much closer to God now and have seen real changes in my life AND my body. Thank you so much for the fantastic resource in your book; the recipes and daily readings made the journey so much easier.” – Cheri

“In the past when I tried to do the fast, I was trying to do it in my own strength, but this time I did it in the Lord’s strength. He is so faithful!” – Derica

“Thank you so much for leading this fast again. I’d like to share my Daniel Fast testimony. On Day 14 of the January 2022 fast, I wrote, Today, I pray for my future. What does God have planned for me? Within a few weeks, I felt like God was telling me to start working on my principal certification. Although I had taught for 12 years and had been an instructional coach for seven, I’d never wanted to pursue being a principal. However, after much discussion with God and family members, I knew I had to start working on it, so I did. When the assistant principal at my school retired in May 2023, I was hired for her position. I am enjoying this new challenge because I needed a new mission. And, of course, God had been planning this for me always. If it wasn’t for the Daniel Fast I may have never heard him calling me. Truly amazing!” – Lily

“I want to thank you for the 21 videos. They were so helpful for me this year! Especially the Day 18 video. Have a great 2024 in the Lord!” – Anthony

“Thank you for following your giftings by the Lord in guiding us in this lifestyle. You are an inspiration and true blessing.” – Trilby

“My family just completed  the Daniel Fast, and it was enjoyable. We have never been so organized on our Daniel Fasts in the past. Our kids  thoroughly enjoyed picking out the meals, shopping for the ingredients, and cooking. We couldn’t have done it without you.” – Crystal

“Kristen, I started doing your Daniel Fast several years ago. Thank you for all you do to encourage us on this spiritual discipline journey. I have three of your books and have been so blessed by your ministry. Thank you for the faithfulness to your calling.” –Angie

“I really enjoyed your videos. They were such an encouragement to me. I especially enjoyed the one on Day 16 with Justin. I loved to hear how God blessed him in his job situation. Really cool how Jesus shows up for his children!” – Jeff

“Thank you for your Daniel Fast resources and recipes. Our church was called to a Daniel Fast this January 2024. I was looking for breakfast recipes and found your 21 Attributes of God. It was a blessing to my family and my church family. Thank you!” – Meghan

“One week into fasting God blessed me with the apartment I prayed for, and he blessed me with a new job opportunity that would turn into my taking over a business full-time!” – Latonya

“My wife and I have been using the guidelines of your book for the last 14 years. We usually start in January and find ourselves incorporating the majority of the ingredients to our regular diet and lifestyle. Thank you so much for guiding us through the years.” – Thomas

“Thank you for being obedient to God’s calling. Your provisions for the people are tremendous and gratefully appreciated.” – Karina

“Thank you, Kristen, for your guidance during our 21-day fast. God bless you and see you next year!” – Nicole

See Online Daniel Fasts for details on previous fasts.

2024 Daniel Fast

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2024 Daniel Fast

When I was a child, I remember being in church and singing, “I Surrender All,” without thinking much about the words flowing easily from my lips:

“All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give.”

The hymn from the late 1800s is a simple tune with simple lyrics. But I’ve learned over the years that while singing about surrender is easy; actually doing it is not. 

Surrender is not something we’re eager to embrace. After all, it implies a giving up of our rights, desires, hopes, and/or dreams. Surrender involves relinquishing control and submitting, a process that’s usually painful, which is why we resist it. But surrendering to God is 100% for our benefit. The following is an excerpt from gotquestions.org in answer to the question, “What does it mean to surrender to God?”

“God has a plan for our lives, and surrendering to Him means we set aside our own plans and eagerly seek His. The good news is that God’s plan for us is always in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11), unlike our own plans that often lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Our Lord is a wise and beneficent victor; He conquers us to bless us.”

He conquers us to bless us. Just let that thought sink in for a minute. Typically, a conquering situation involves something or someone being overcome by force, usually by an enemy. However, biblical surrender isn’t like that at all. When we come to the Lord voluntarily—broken and empty—he gently takes the reins and rescues us. We stop striving, and he fills us with his power and peace.  

One of the best ways to place yourself in a posture of surrender is through prayer and fasting. Through the discipline of the Daniel Fast, you set aside your desires for certain foods for 21 days (see Daniel Fast Food List) and accept a limited menu as you seek the Lord. 

“I Surrender All” is the theme for the 2024 Daniel Fast. When you commit to the fast, you can access to the following to encourage you on your journey:

You can also take advantage of more free resources on my website (see below). 

Surrender is scary, so if you feel hesitant to commit to a three-week fast, you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way before a time of fasting (myself included). However, let me encourage you to trust God to help you one day at a time. He is faithful, and he will provide all you need. 

I think this encouragement from Hannah Whitall Smith sums up the theme and the 2024 fast perfectly:  

“What you need to do is to put your will over completely into the hands of your Lord, surrendering to Him the entire control of it. Say, “Yes, Lord, YES!” to everything, and trust Him to work in you to will, as to bring your whole wishes and affections into conformity with His own sweet, and lovable, and most lovely will.”

In 2024, say YES to the Lord, YES to surrender, and YES to the Daniel Fast!

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2024 Testimonies

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2020

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The Daniel Fast and Lent 2020

Easter is one of the two most significant holidays for Christians, the other one being Christmas. On December 25, we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save us from our sins. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory we’ve been given through his death, burial, and resurrection.

The six weeks leading up to Easter is known as the season of Lent. Many believers choose to set aside time during this 40-day period to reflect on the Lord’s sacrifice and to consecrate themselves before him. 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.

This year, the Lenten Fast starts on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and ends on Thursday, April 9. (Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday is technically 44 days; however, the number of days for penance and fasting before Easter is still 40: 44 days minus six Sundays equals 38, plus Good Friday and Holy Saturday equals 40).

Will you commit to fast and pray during Lent? Following are a few ways you can participate:

The most important thing you and I can do is to pray. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16B NLT). May the Lord go before us and perform miracles in people’s lives during this Lenten season!

[For more information about the Daniel Fast, visit About the Daniel Fast.]

Creole Seasoning

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Creole Seasoning

Creole Seasoning

Store-bought seasonings often contain preservatives and other chemicals your body doesn't need. This homemade recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it's a healthier choice.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Mix all ingredients in a small glass jar. Cover, and store until ready to use.
  • Yield: 12 servings (serving size: about 1 teaspoon)

Notes

Tropical Fruit Salad

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Tropical Fruit Salad

 

Tropical Fruit Salad

Tropical Fruit Salad is a light, refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 6
Calories 96 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 3 kiwifruit, peeled and quartered
  • 1 1/2 cups orange segments, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, cut into tidbits

Instructions
 

  • Mix fruit in a large bowl, and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use mandarin oranges instead of regular oranges.
  • Top with chopped almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, and/or walnuts.
  • Sprinkle lightly with toasted unsweetened shredded coconut.
  • Other fruit choices are apples, bananas, blueberries, peaches, and/or mangoes. However, if you do use apples, bananas, or peaches, mix in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 1gFiber: 4gSugar: 15g

Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers

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Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers

Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers

If you're looking for a higher protein dish on your Daniel Fast, this recipe provides a nice amount, thanks to the quinoa. Plus, these stuffed peppers are delicious and filling.
4.07 from 64 votes
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup diced zucchini
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 3 chopped canned artichokes, drained
  • ½ cup chopped black olives
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano flakes or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 medium bell peppers, green, orange, red, and/or yellow
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 ½ tablespoons pine nuts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place artichokes in a food processor, and pulse until artichokes are chopped well. Set aside.
  • Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and zucchini. Cook 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Lower heat, and add garlic. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly so garlic doesn't burn.
  • Add tomato sauce, artichokes, olives, oregano, parsley, and salt. Cook 15 minutes, or until sauce is thickened.
  • While sauce is cooking, prepare peppers. Cut in half lengthwise, and remove stems and seeds. Place peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain in colander, and place in a large baking dish.
  • When sauce is finished, mix in the quinoa and pine nuts. Stir well. Spoon mixture evenly into pepper halves. Add hot water to dish to a depth of ½ inch. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Notes

  • Increase the protein content of this dish by adding 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained.
  • Use brown rice instead of quinoa.
  • Add chopped fresh spinach leaves to the rice mixture.

 

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?

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!

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.