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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

 


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

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.
4.38 from 16 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 from 6 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

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.

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!]

August 2016 Daniel Fast Testimonies

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August 2016 Daniel FastWhen my pastor announced in mid-June that we would be doing a church-wide Daniel Fast in early August, I immediately prayed about my response. Of course, I would participate, but I believed God wanted me to do something more.

I shared about the fast on my website, inviting others outside James River Church to join us. I had no idea how many people would respond. After all, August is not typically a popular time to do the fast. Families are often on vacation. Teachers and students are gearing up to go back to school. So when more than 800 people signed up, I was overwhelmed! The high number just confirmed to me that God had something miraculous in store for all of us.

The August 2016 Daniel Fast was a wonderful, life-changing journey! The online fast was held August 1-21, 2016. Participants who signed up through my Ultimate Daniel Fast website received two emails each week. Emails contained a short devotion, fasting/prayer tips, recipes, and other helpful resources.

Even though our Daniel Fast has concluded, it certainly hasn’t ended. God is still at work! I believe we’ll continue to see answers to our prayers in the coming weeks, months, and years as we trust in the Lord.

Many participants have emailed to share what God has done. Following are testimonies from the online fast:

“God is great. He took my hand and made this fast an easy journey. He showed me that I needed to be more like him in so many ways. I’m so thankful I did this fast with my wife. It has brought us closer together through Christ. Over the past three weeks we had some very stressful family situations and friendships to deal with. Had it not been for this fast and being focused, we both know it would had been much harder. We’re also going to continue eating much healthier as we both feel so much better. Praise be to God.” – Wayne

“My daughters and son did the fast with me. There were a lot of failings on the fast, especially in the beginning, but we made it through. Thank you for inviting us! – Felicia

“Thank you for your emails, recipes, and prayers during this Daniel Fast. My husband and I both participated, and it was truly amazing.  Prayers were answered and the blessings are flowing.” – Kimberly
 
“I had a number of requests, which, so far, haven’t been answered like I anticipated. In fact, for me, it was the opposite. One request I had was for a salary increase at work, which was declined. But I didn’t react like I normally would have, which shocked me. I just looked at my manager and told him it was okay. The calmness and stillness is my testimony. In normal circumstances, I would have cried, panicked, and become discouraged. God’s timing is best, so I know somehow this request will be answered.” – Patricia
 
“We were reluctant to participate in this Daniel Fast because we knew we’d participate in the 2017 Daniel Fast. But God confirmed to my wife that we should, and I’m overjoyed that we listened! We were given an unexpected 25% discount at the cash register for shoes our children desperately needed. Also, a spot supernaturally opened up for our child to attend a private school (there were multiple lists and our child was on the second to last list). I received a job offer for a job that initially did not accept me. I pray for those struggling to stay faithful and to develop the habit of doing small things well! I also pray that this be a season of turning for many others!” – Foster
 
“I started this fast knowing God had called me to it. You said that it would be life changing, which I doubted, but it truly was. After three horrible days of withdrawal from sugar, caffeine, and processed foods, I began to feel better, lighter, and more clear-headed. I asked the Lord to help me to remove anything that I relied on besides Him. I thought it was just food and coffee. But on Day 4, when I went to take my antidepressants, it was like the Lord said, “What about this?” I froze because I’ve tried to come off the medication before. I’ve also convinced in my mind and by doctors that I would have to always take them. But I trusted God and His voice. I prayed and took a reduced dosage every day since and have experienced no side effects. Praise the one and only God and His work in our lives.” – Lauree
 
“On July 31 (the day before the fast began), I took a pregnancy test, and it came up positive! We’ve been praying for a baby for a while now, and God knew when He would bless with one! I’m super excited because He heard our prayers!” – Janae 

“When I first received the email about joining the August 2016 Daniel Fast, I was excited but a little skeptical. I usually do the 21-day fast in January and didn’t know if I could tackle this one. However, I asked God to help me. I struggled the first seven days with all sorts of conflicts. Some days were just too intense to pray. I continued to stay with the fast, praying and reading my Bible. I began to feel distraught and discouraged when I felt the Lord speak gently to me saying, “And having done everything, STAND!” I’d received my breakthrough! God was telling me to continue standing on his promises no matter what. I received those words and applied them every time the enemy whispered in my ear that the fast was just a waste of time and nothing was happening. After the seventh day, I started to feel a peaceful spirit and an inward confidence. Then it happened! I had been out of work for a year and was desperate for a job. Well, guess what? I was offered a position, and I’m currently working. I give God all the glory because I know this is only the beginning of God’s blessings for me. I want to encourage everyone who participated in this fast. If you haven’t yet received your miracle, don’t give up! Continue praying and standing on God’s Word for whatever your situation might be.” – Sara

“It was an extremely challenging period in many ways, but I had no doubt that God led me into this fast. I saw miraculous answers to prayers on behalf of family members and friends. Yet I also encountered many seeming mishaps and testings that I felt discouraged sometimes. There were a few days I was so rushed that I did not spend enough time with the Lord, and I felt like giving up and coming off the fast. But then you sent encouragement via email or someone called to ask how my fast was going. I have extended my fast as I am in a 40-day prayer challenge. I look forward to future times of fasting.” – Paulette

“The Lord is so good in that He answered and ministered to me during this time.  1) He reminded me to be more grateful by thanking Him for His provisions each month when we receive our pension checks/other income. We used to do this but have gotten away from it. He also impressed me to pray over our tithe/faith promise to the church. 2) Next, He gave me confirmation of what my next Life Group Bible study should be. 3) He surprised me with an answer to prayer for harmony in our marriage which I have long been praying about.” – Charlene 

When I received your email, I decided right away to participate. The first thing I did was buy a prayer journal and begin writing my requests. Before the fast even started, my prayers were answered. My daughter got a teaching job. It was a miracle from God! I am so thankful for your invitation to do the fast. My faith and trust in the Lord has increased because of the miracles He has shown me. – Gayle

Praise the Lord for all these wonderful testimonies of His goodness! All glory to His holy name!

If you missed the August 2016 Daniel Fast, you can plan to join the next online fast, which will be held, January 1-21, 2017. More details will be available in late November.

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Broiled Brussels Sprouts

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Broiled Brussels Sprouts

 

Broiled Brussels Sprouts

Coconut oil provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to these naturally bitter vegetables. And, before you get too excited, that is NOT bacon in the photo! What you see is the result of broiling with a little bit of Date Honey (see Notes below). But this recipe is still very good, even without bacon.
2.77 from 13 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 114 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12- ounce package frozen Brussel sprouts
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook Brussels sprouts according to package directions. Drain.
  • Add coconut oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat.
  • Place under oven broiler on top rack (a small toaster oven works well). Broil 15-20 minutes, depending upon the degree of broiling you prefer. Stir halfway through cooking time.
  • Transfer to a glass dish, and serve warm.

Notes

  • When you mix the coconut oil with the salt and pepper, stir in 2 teaspoons of Date Honey to add a touch of sweetness.
  • Substitute coconut oil with a different oil (avocado oil, walnut oil, etc.).

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 6gFat: 4gFiber: 6gSugar: 4g