kristen feola

Positioned for His Purpose

February 18, 2019 By Kristen Feola

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.

Obedience Leads to Peace

February 4, 2019 By Kristen Feola

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

January 23, 2019 By Kristen Feola

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

December 9, 2018 By Kristen Feola

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

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast

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.

Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast

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!

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

Pray. Wait. Trust.

November 13, 2018 By Kristen Feola

“I love to wait!” said no one ever.

Just ask the 15-year-old counting down the months until he or she can be a licensed driver. Or the businessman who has been passed over time and time again for a job promotion. Or the pregnant mother eagerly anticipating the baby she has carried for nine months.

Waiting is not a popular past-time, but it’s a big part of our lives. We spend countless hours waiting in traffic jams, in grocery check-out lines, and at the doctor’s office. We wait, and we wait. And we wait.

Every January for the past seven years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast. Each fast has been an incredible time in God’s presence as thousands of believers have joined together in prayer. Since it takes months to prepare materials for the January event, I usually start preparing for it in September. In the past, God has given me a theme, along with a related verse or passage. Then I’ve built the fast around that theme. However, this year has been different.

By late October, I still didn’t have any clear direction on what to do. Although I’d been praying for months about the fast, I wasn’t hearing anything specific from God. But what I did hear was this:

Pray.

Wait.

Trust.

So that’s what I’m doing. I’m continuing to pray about January. I’m waiting on the Lord to make my path clear. I’m choosing to trust in Him to answer at just the right time.

But I know I’m not the only one waiting on God right now. What about you? What are you waiting for?

Whatever it is, take it to the Lord in prayer (yes, just like the old hymn). Talk to God about your need. Maybe it’s something you’ve been praying about for weeks, months, or even years. I know it can be difficult to keep bringing the same request to God, but you can’t give up now! God is at work, and He wants you to trust Him.

One thing I recommend is to rehearse His promises to you. Truth will keep you on track when you get weary in the waiting. Here are a few of my favorite verses:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel” (Phil. 4:6-7 CEV).
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:14).
“Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint” (Is. 40:31 BSB).
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you” (Ps. 9:10 NLT).
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Waiting may not be fun, but it’s always a faith-building exercise that makes us stronger in the Lord. Over the past few weeks, I’ve discovered a growing sense of excitement as I patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) wait on God’s plan for January to be revealed. Whatever He has in store for me, it will be worth the wait! The same is true for you. God’s purposes for you are good (Jer. 29:11), and you can trust Him to work everything out. Just remember:

Pray.

Wait.

Trust.

God will take care of the rest.

Daniel Fast Testimony: God Healed My Migraines

September 18, 2018 By Kristen Feola

It was Sunday, August 19, 2018, and I was sitting in a volunteer meeting at church. We had just completed a 21-day corporate fast. Tom, one of our staff members, was recounting some of the many blessings that had come from our time of fasting and prayer. He then shared a personal testimony of how the Lord had healed him of migraine headaches a few years ago in a similar church-wide fast.

As I sat and listened to Tom, I was amazed at how God had worked supernaturally in his life. After church, I emailed Tom to ask permission to publish his story. He replied, “You certainly have my permission to use it. It was a special blessing for me to write it again, to rehearse some of the events, and to reflect on all that God did and continues to do.” I was thankful because Tom’s story reminds us that no problem is too big for God. Whatever it is you’re seeking from God during your fast, you’ll be encouraged by this testimony of God’s faithfulness.

“When our church began a Daniel Fast, I thought it would be impossible for me to participate due to my ongoing migraine headaches. At that time, I was having a migraine five days out of a week and had been having them for six months. EKGs hadn’t revealed anything abnormal. The prescription medicine I was taking didn’t help. Even the CPAP machine I’d been using was ineffective. I was so desperate for relief that I spent one night in a headache clinic to determine the cause of my migraines. That was an enormous task because everything seemed to be a trigger for me – not eating enough or eating at the wrong time of day, getting too little sleep or too much sleep, getting up out of a chair or bed too quickly, and laughing out loud too hard.

It didn’t matter what I did or didn’t do. Nothing seemed to alleviate the pain. I continued to pray and went forward at church for prayer, but my situation wasn’t improving at all. I’d resigned myself to the fact that I’d have to suffer with migraine headaches for the rest of my life.

When I began the Daniel Fast, I honestly didn’t think I’d last more than a day or two. I figured I’d have to abandon the fast due to the disruption in my eating, no caffeine, etc. I limped through day 1 but held steady.

On day 2, the migraine pain was actually a little less, which was a shock in itself. No caffeine, no medication, and Daniel Fast food. No way!

By day 3, it was obvious something was happening. By the end of the first week, I stopped using the CPAP machine. It was the strangest thing to have time pass without excruciating throbbing in my head.

By the beginning of the second week of the fast, I knew God had miraculously healed me.

That Daniel Fast was more than four years ago, and I haven’t had a migraine since – not even a headache. I continue to live free of migraines. Praise the Lord!”

{For more information on the Daniel Fast, visit “What is the Daniel Fast?” and “Daniel Fast Food List.” Also, you’ll be encouraged by reading more Daniel Fast testimonies.}

One Month of Psalms

June 18, 2018 By Kristen Feola

Even the most committed Christian can struggle with consistency in reading the Bible. Life gets hectic. Distractions cause us to lose focus. Demands at work and responsibilities at home overwhelm.

It’s easy to miss a day of reading God’s Word. One day becomes two. Then a few days here and there can turn into several weeks. Soon, months pass. And, in some cases, months become years.

In a recent blog post titled, “Get Alone With God,” I shared about my recent struggle with regular Bible reading. May 2018 was jam-packed with multiple soccer games, out-of-town travel, school programs, doctor appointments, and ministry commitments. My calendar was full nearly every day, and I neglected to have quality time with the Lord.

No matter how many days it has been since you’ve opened your Bible, you can get back on track. I’d like to share one idea on how you can do it.

It’s called One Month of Psalms. You complete the whole book of Psalms in 30 days by reading five psalms a day. Five psalms is a manageable amount of verses (except for the day when Psalm 119 is part of the five!).

Following are four suggestions on how to make your 30-day study of Psalms more meaningful and effective:

Plan your start date. – The best part about doing One Month of Psalms is that you can begin any day of the year. I suggest using an online resource to help you. For example, Psalms in a Month allows you to choose your start date, which version of the Bible you prefer, and what time of day you’d like the verses emailed to you.
Ponder – You’ll read several verses each day, but often one or two will speak directly to your situation. Highlight those particular verses in your Bible. Write them on notecards. Put them in your phone. Think about them as you go about your day. Then, before you go to sleep at night, read them again, if you can. Saturate your mind with God’s promises.
Pray for opportunities. – Look for ways to share specific Bible verses with others. Maybe God will prompt you to email or text a friend. Or, perhaps you’ll have a chance to share a verse with someone in your family. If you ask the Lord for a chance to encourage people with His Word, you can be sure He will answer that prayer!
Persist! – Set your heart and mind on completing Psalms over the 30-day period. Be determined! Let nothing move you! Also, don’t allow yourself to go to bed at night unless you’ve finished your reading. Ideally, you should read the assigned verses early in the morning, so you can draw strength from them throughout the day.

One reason I love the psalms is because of the range of emotions they contain. The various writers poured out their hearts to the Lord through their words. Sometimes we see anger. Other times we witness confusion and pain. But many psalms include cries of joy and victory as believers put their confidence in the Lord.

If you decide to do One Month of Psalms, let me know in the comments below. I pray that as you set aside 30 days to immerse yourself in Psalms, you’ll be strengthened and encouraged to keep reading God’s powerful Word. It’s truly life changing!

Get Alone With God

May 31, 2018 By Kristen Feola

Do you have a special place where you like to read your Bible and pray? Maybe it’s a comfy chair or a designated area of your house. Perhaps you’re like me and you can best hear from the Lord outside among His creation, such as in the mountains or on the beach.

But sometimes life gets hectic. Before we know it,we’ve failed to connect with our heavenly Father for days. Weeks. Sometimes even months.

I say “we” because I’ve been there. Often. So, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

All throughout the month of May, I struggled with being consistent in reading God’s Word. Prayer was often sporadic as well. Although I thought about the Lord, I rarely took the time to commune with Him. Instead, I kept myself busy with other things. With less important things. Soon I missed my Friend. I desperately needed some one-on-one with Him, and I longed to hear His voice.

Last night at our church’s Wednesday night prayer service, I confessed to the Lord how I’d been rebellious and lazy and apathetic. I also thanked God for His mercy and grace and patience. A huge weight was lifted from my shoulders as I expressed my deep desire to grow closer to Him.

Has something similar ever happened to you?

When we feel distant from the Lord, it’s because we have pulled back, not because He has. The best remedy for that kind of situation is to humble ourselves before the Lord and just talk to Him. In those moments, we can be completely honest about our feelings and struggles because He knows our hearts anyway.

God is always ready to meet with us. He’s never too busy. Never distracted. Never inconvenienced. When we make a move toward the Lord, His arms are already open wide, ready to embrace us in unconditional love.

I want to encourage you to get away with the Lord today. Go to your special place where you can be alone with Him. If you don’t have one, ask God to provide. (Also, if you’d like a plan for regular Bible reading, check out my recent blog post, “One Month of Psalms.”)

No matter how you feel right now, after a few moments with the Lord, you’ll be changed. Strengthened. Uplifted. And blessed.

May God fill your heart with great joy as you spend time in His presence today!

{Additional resources for growth in your prayer life: The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast, and Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul.}

January 2018 Daniel Fast Testimonies

January 29, 2018 By Kristen Feola

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.

Pack for the January 2018 Daniel Fast

October 19, 2017 By Kristen Feola

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 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

July 21, 2017 By Kristen Feola

Do 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.**

Breakfast Recipes for the Daniel Fast

June 3, 2017 By Kristen Feola

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?