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Protein Powder on the Daniel Fast

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Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

The Daniel Fast is an extremely healthy way of eating and provides a wide variety of nutrients that nourish the body. Sometimes, though, people get nervous about a three-week abstinence from meat, dairy, and eggs. They’re worried that the Daniel Fast foods won’t supply them with adequate protein. I understand their concern.

But animal products aren’t the only foods that contain high amounts of protein. Beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, seeds, asparagus, broccoli, kale, spinach, and sprouts are good sources of this important nutrient as well.

If you have a medical condition that requires you to keep your protein levels higher than 20% or you do serious weight lifting, you may consider using a protein powder to supplement your intake. You can’t just use any protein powder, though. Remember, since animal products aren’t allowed, anything with whey is not acceptable.

Protein powder that’s Daniel Fast friendly is one that’s vegan, plant-based, and free of any form of added sugar or caffeine (that includes chocolate!). Check the ingredients label to be sure the powder adheres to the Daniel Fast food guidelines. One product I’ve used is Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein – Smooth Unflavored. It contains organic pea seed, organic flaxseed, organic cranberry seed, organic chia seed and organic pumpkin seed. Plus, it’s gluten free, vegan, dairy free, soy free, and non-GMO whole food protein. The Smooth Vanilla flavor is tasty, but it does contain stevia (whether or not to use stevia is a personal decision; it’s plant based but could be considered an added sweetener). My favorite Garden of Life protein powder is Smooth Chocolate, but I only have it when I’m not on the Daniel Fast since chocolate isn’t allowed. Another product I’ve used is Carrington Farms Coconut Protein Blend. The only ingredients are coconut powder, pumpkin powder, and pea powder (all organic). However, I use much less than the recommended serving size. The label calls for 2 scoops, and I typically only use 1/2 to 1 scoop for an 8-ounce smoothie.

I used protein powder for the first time during my August 2015 Daniel Fast, and I was able to make a variety of delicious smoothies with it (see my Smoothies page for recipe ideas). Sometimes I had a smoothie for breakfast. Other days I enjoyed a refreshing smoothie as a snack after my morning workout.

If you’re concerning about consuming an adequate amount of protein on your fast, a plant-based powder is certainly an option you may want to consider.

Note: The Ultimate Daniel Fast website participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2016

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Lent 2016

The observance of Lent has been practiced for centuries. But what is Lent, and why is it important?

Lent is the season of preparation in the weeks leading up to Easter. The purpose of this special time is reflect on Jesus Christ — his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Although mostly observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, Lent is becoming increasingly popular among evangelicals and other denominations. During Lent, people typically abstain from meat and may also give up other vices, such as sweets, television, or social media. Many believers may also choose to participate in the Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible. On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting. Daniel 10:2-3 says, “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.” The meaning of “choice food” is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets. The Message paraphrase sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”

On a Daniel Fast, people restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God. The idea behind the fast is not to duplicate Daniel’s menu but to imitate his spiritual hunger. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to seek spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast. For more information on doing the Daniel Fast, click HERE.

How will you prepare for Easter this year?

Consider doing the Daniel Fast sometime during Lent (Wednesday, Feb. 10th to Saturday, Mar. 26th). It’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate what God has done for you and pray for others to know His love!

Download my free Lent 2016 Prayer Guide!

January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast Recap and Testimonies

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January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast logo

Nearly 6,000 believers from around the world joined the January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast. The annual online fast was held January 3-23, 2016, and our theme was, “FIGHT!,” based up 2 Cor. 10:3-4:

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

Participants who signed up through my Ultimate Daniel Fast website received a weekly email, which contained a devotion, video, recipe ideas, and other helpful resources. More than 450 participants also registered as a team leaders. Each leader recruited a group to fast along with them, and all leaders were supplied with weekly study and discussion questions.

The January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast was a wonderful journey! We saw God move in mighty and miraculous ways. People were healed. Saved. Encouraged. Changed. Delivered. Strengthened. Transformed.

Our Daniel Fast may have concluded, but it certainly hasn’t ended. God is still working! I believe we’ll continue to see answers to prayer as we trust in the Lord.

Many participants have emailed to share what God has done. Following are testimonies from this year’s online fast:

  • “I thank God for the Daniel Fast. It brought me closer to the Lord, and I also have a deeper understanding of the Word.” – Martha
  • “This was my first time doing the Daniel Fast, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My greatest fear was giving up coffee. However, as I lay awake that first Monday morning, the Lord reminded me that I hadn’t really enjoyed my coffee so much the last couple of weeks. So I said, “Ok, Lord. Let’s do this.” I never had the slightest hint of a headache or lethargy from giving it up. I praise God for that touch of His hand! I have also found out from a health standpoint that, while I’m not planning to embrace a total vegan lifestyle, I want to eat this way a lot more than not. It has been a wonderful time with the Lord.” – Charles
  • “During the Daniel Fast, I prayed that God would give me peace about a situation, and He did just that.” – Olivia     
  • “I’m so grateful about how rejuvenated I feel and the revelations that have been revealed throughout this time of fasting. This fast has not strengthened only my personal relationships but also my working relationships. My spiritual ears have been more open than ever before.” – Kay
  • “This is this first year I have done the Daniel fast with a group. It was great for my family and me to be a part of this group. I always journal during my fasts and this year I was able to feel the Holy Spirit speak about issues of shame and guilt that needed to be released. I knew I had a group of prayer warriors behind me as well! I have a healed heart, which now helps me to be more present to share the gospel to others! Praise be to God!” – Denise
  • “This was the first time my girlfriend Ruth and I did the Daniel Fast, and it was amazing. I was diagnosed as a diabetic in 2013. My blood sugar stays in the range of 200-340 the majority of the time. During the fast, it was around 200. After the 21 days, my blood sugar has been 122-140!” – Guain      
  • “My husband I were separated, but we managed to work it out and save our marriage. We were having problems with finances. But we were able to get our light, gas, and cell phones paid for a couple of months. I’m so thankful and blessed to have God’s people helping me on this journey. God is so good!” – Kionna
  • “After weaning off my coffee addiction more than 22 days ago, this morning I realized I’m changed. It’s good but not a necessity. God has changed my perspective on a lot of things. He is good and worthy of ALL praise!” – Anne
  • “Thank you so very much for connecting me with Sue, my team leader. We’ve had a couple of heart-to-heart conversations by email. She has been an answer to my prayers for a prayer and fasting partner. I couldn’t have found a better one. Thanks so much.” – Ina
  • “Thank you, Kristen, for your leadership and for putting Ina on my team. We became good friends and exchanged phone numbers and addresses in order to stay in touch. She has been a complete blessing to me and so have you!” – Sue
  • “I’m praising the Lord for the strength He has given me during this fast. I have been diagnosed with polymyalgia rumatica, which causes excruciating pain all over the body. I noticed that during the fast as I eliminated all sugar, my pain seemed to subside. I’m overjoyed at the results! I told my doctor about it, and she just smiled. Apparently, she knew about sugar causing inflammation. She told me to continue what I was doing. I appreciate you and wish you nothing but blessings. Please continue to help all those out  there who are sick with inflammation and other chronic problems.” – Iris
  • “I decided to seek God this year during the fast for several reasons but mostly to draw closer to Him. I resolved to suit up daily (Eph. 6:10-18) and continue to FIGHT on my knees because my battle is the Lord’s, and He is for me. I was able to seek and find Him during my fast. Praise Him! He is so faithful.” – Martha
  • “This is the third year that my husband and I have done the Daniel Fast, and we love your book. Thank you for taking the time to lay things out so clearly!” – Robin
  • “I’ve previously had challenges with fasting, but this time I had made up my mind I was going to fast, so I enquired about the Daniel Fast. It has been a wonderful month. I have never spent as much time with God. I feel so much closer to Him.” – Faith
  • “What can I say? This fast has been so blessed! I’ve done the Daniel fast before, but not in a couple years. Each time I’ve done it, I’ve experienced such a spiritual awakening and such a closeness with the Lord that’s always indescribable! The fast is over, but I don’t feel like it’s the end. I believe it’s the beginning of going even deeper, greater, and higher in our Lord!” – Tinie

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

If you weren’t able to participate in the January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast, don’t be discouraged. You can do the Daniel Fast any time of the year!

My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, will be a huge help on your journey. It walks you through every aspect of the fast with 21 daily devotions, 100+ recipes, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, and tips on fasting. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about future online fasts.

 

How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast

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How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast is a unique type of fast because you can eat, unlike a liquid fast where only water or juices are consumed. But just because you can have food doesn’t mean the Daniel Fast is easy.

Fasting, in any form, is difficult because you’re doing battle physically and spiritually. However, there are steps you can take to strengthen you for the fight. Following are ways you can prepare your heart, mind, and body for your 21-day Daniel Fast journey.

Spiritual Preparation
1. Pray
Begin praying for your Daniel Fast even before it begins. Ask the Lord to reveal any unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, or rebellion. When God reveals it to you (and he will), confess your sin quickly and repent. Take time to get your heart ready for what God wants to do in and through you on the fast.

2. Read verses on fasting.
Take time to study passages in the Bible that have to do with fasting. It will help you gain insight on people fasted, the ways God responded to their prayers, and what God requires of His people on a fast. Suggested passages are Isaiah 58, 2 Chron. 20:1-4, Ezra 8:21-23, Neh. 1:1-4, Est. 4:15-17, and Matt. 4:1-11).

3. Buy a journal or use a notebook.
Use a journal or notebook for prayer requests, praises, and answers to prayer. Record what the Lord shows you through his Word.

4. Write down prayer requests.
What do you want to see God do during your fast? Take time to identify your primary motivations for fasting. Record your prayer requests in your journal or on a separate piece of paper. Keep the list visible, and pray over those needs throughout your fast. Make sure you include requests for others and not just your own requests.

5. Find a prayer partner.
It’s important to have a trusted friend or family member who can be your prayer partner during your fast. Ideally, you should choose someone who is doing the fast with you, but it’s certainly not a requirement. The key is to ask someone who will lift you up and keep you accountable.

Physical Preparation
1. Ease into the fast.
Start cutting back on restricted foods about a week before the fast begins. Reduce your intake of caffeine, meat, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. Doing so will help your body adjust to the Daniel Fast and also reduce the severity of any unpleasant side effects. Trust me, the temptation to eat everything you can’t have on the fast will be strong, but splurging will only make the transition much more difficult. Also, it’s a good idea to increase your water consumption before your fast begins.

2. Plan your meals for the first week.
The key to success with the food portion of the Daniel Fast is proper planning. It will save you time in the long run and help prevent the frustration of trying to decide at the last minute what to eat. Having a plan will also keep you from indulging in foods that don’t fall within the Daniel Fast guidelines. If you want help with this process, you can find three weeks of meal plans in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. Take advantage of the fact that some of the meal planning for your fast has already been done for you!

3. Make a grocery list for the first week.
Putting a list together before you go to the grocery store will make your shopping much more efficient. Again, I provide a grocery shopping list for each meal plan in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

4. Get your kitchen ready.
Make sure you have the proper appliances (ex. blender, cutting board, food processor, etc.) and utensils (ex. knives, spatula, garlic press, etc.) before embarking on this three-week adventure. When preparing recipes, having the tools you need will make everything much easier. Check out my blog post, “5 Kitchen Gadgets to Make Your Daniel Fast Easier,” for help in this area.

5. Prepare food ahead of time.
Look at the first week’s recipes on your meal plan to find ways you can speed up food preparation and make it more efficient. For example, if you’re making Taco Soup for dinner on Sunday, go ahead and prepare the Taco Seasoning on Saturday, so it’s ready to go.

6. Cook and freeze meals.
Every time I do the Daniel Fast, I carve out a few hours the weekend before the fast begins and make a few meals, such as Baked Oatmeal, Black Bean Chili Bake, and Tuscan Soup. Then I freeze half of each recipe. That way I have food when I don’t have time to cook or need a quick go-to meal. You’ll really appreciate this step when you reach the third week of your fast.

Proper preparation is the key to making your fast successful. My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, provides the resources you need. It includes 21 daily devotions, 100+ Daniel Fast recipes, grocery shopping lists, meal plans, and more. You can find The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast in bookstores or online.

When you do your part in getting ready, God will do the rest! 

January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast – FIGHT!

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January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast logo

This past year I’ve struggled more with prayer than during any other time in my life. There have been days I haven’t wanted to pray. And I didn’t. There have also been times when I couldn’t pray because the hurt was so deep.

My heart has been heavy for family members who continue to reject the Lord. Friends whose marriages are falling apart. People who are facing life-threatening illnesses and addictions. And, of course, I’ve been broken over my own sin.

So much devastation. So much despair. And I’m weary.

But God has reminded me that I must not let up. Now isn’t the time to get lazy in prayer. Now is the time to FIGHT!

The struggles we face aren’t random or coincidental. Forces of good and evil are in conflict all around us. A powerful and present enemy, Satan, wants to steal, kill, and destroy God’s work in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones. But God doesn’t want us to shrink back in fear. He wants us to engage! But, in this battle, physical weapons like guns, knives, or hand grenades are useless. We must put on spiritual armor and fight through prayer! 

The good news is that we’re not alone. God is fighting FOR us and WITH us. And, the best part is, He won’t be defeated.

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deut. 20:4).

This January you have the opportunity to fight the good fight with thousands of believers around the world. Make plans now to participate in the January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast. The three-week online fast will be held January 3-23, 2016, and the theme, of course, is, “FIGHT!”

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4).

Will you make the commitment to participate in the Daniel Fast this January? Will you fight on your knees in prayer?

(Online registration has closed for this event.)

God has great plans for you in 2016. Seek His face through prayer and fasting, and praise Him now for the victories to come!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

In Your Anger, Do Not Sin

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obscenities road sign

Last year I saw an interesting road sign at Virginia Beach. I knew I’d use it in a blog post at some point. Well, today is the day. It’s an appropriate visual for what I experienced this afternoon.

After working on the computer for a few hours this morning, I decided to take a break. I went rollerblading. As I started out, I prayed, “Lord, you often speak to me when I’m exercising, so I’m listening.”

Boy, did I get an earful!

At about the four-mile mark, I was passed by a dark gray Acura. The man who was driving yelled, “Are you blankety-blank kidding me?! Get on the blankety-blank sidewalk!”

At first, I was offended. The street was very wide and even had a passing lane. I was practically hugging the shoulder on the right side of the road, so the car had plenty of room.

The man’s nasty words stung, but only for a few seconds. Then I started thinking, What kind of pain does he have in his heart? What’s going on in his life that caused him to scream obscenities like that?

Then it hit me. I’ve done the same thing. I’ve spoken harsh words. I’ve raised my voice for no good reason. I’ve lost my temper with strangers. And family. And friends.

I can’t judge that guy because I am that guy. And, if you’re completely honest with yourself, so are you.

Anger isn’t wrong. It’s a normal, God-given emotion. The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” (Eph. 4:26). How you handle feelings of irritation can be destructive, though. If you spew forth venomous words when you’re upset, that is sin. When the guy in the car screamed at me, he was essentially saying, “You’re in MY way. I’m more important than you are, and I’m going to let you know it!”

Human beings are naturally self-centered. We tend to think of ourselves first in most situations, and when someone threatens our comfort, we tend to get a little miffed. Sometimes a lot miffed. 

The only way to respond rightly when angry is to stop thinking about yourself. Turn to God in those heated moments, and rely on His power. He will give you strength to resist the temptation to lash out and teach you to develop self-control. 

Think about how you’ve spoken today. Have your words been life giving? Or have they caused deep wounds in the people around you?

Choose to follow God’s standard for your conversations: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29 NLT).

You can be angry and not sin. With God’s help, you can.

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

 

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

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Roasted Acorn Squash with

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

4 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ -2 pounds acorn squash
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground sage or 3-4 fresh sage leaves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse squash and scrub well to remove any dirt. Cut squash in half, and remove seeds and pulp. Follow the natural lines of the squash to cut into long pieces; then cut again into 1-inch cubes.
  • Place squash in a large dish. Mix in olive oil and stir well. Add sage, salt, and pepper. Stir again to coat.
  • Arrange squash cubes in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Bake 30-35 minutes or until edges are slightly browned (or longer if you desire more "roasting").
  • Yield: 6-7 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

January 2015 Online Daniel Fast Testimonies

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"Spiritually Strong" - Jan 2015 Online Daniel FastFor the past four years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast during the first three weeks of January.  I’m always so encouraged by the number of believers who join me in prayer and fasting.

Our theme for this year’s online Daniel Fast was, “Spiritually Strong,” because our desire for 2015 is to, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The fast ended Saturday, January 24th, and already I’ve received many testimonies about God’s faithfulness. The Lord has given victory over sin, strength during weakness, wisdom in job situations, and salvation of loved ones!

One fast participant emailed to share the miracle God did in the life of her Buddhist father. Her dad, who lives in Singapore, has never been interested in the things of God. But in the last two weeks he began attending a Chinese church with a friend. On day 20 of her fast, the woman received word that her dad gave his life to the Lord! She wrote, “I’m overjoyed! I have been praying for his salvation for 28 years.” This woman’s story is a perfect example why we must continue to pray fervently, not just in January but throughout the year.

Following are more testimonies from the January 2015 Online Daniel Fast. I pray you’re encouraged by them as you hear just some of the wonderful things God has done!

  • “I have a testimony to share from my Daniel Fast in 2010.  I prayed for a job and got the job while doing the fast. I’m still working at that same job four years later. Praise be to our faithful and loving God who gives us the desires of our heart.” – Pam
  • “This was my first Daniel fast in many years, and God has truly worked wonders in my life. Two days into the fast I was praying about my relationship, and the Spirit began revealing to me that I had been battling a spirit of perversion. But my submission to God during the fast loosened the enemy’s grip on me. Deliverance is mine! I also prayed that God would lend professional guidance to my business partner. Three days later, he received word that a new company was taking them over, and his new bosses would be people he used to work for that he LOVES and respects. I began the fast giving my living arrangement to God. I was renting way above my price range, and now 21 days later I’m working with a Realtor on the purchase of my first home! I cannot believe how my life has changed. I give God all the glory and the honor.” – Jerome
  • “I used your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, for my New Year’s Daniel Fast in 2014, but this year it has been a WHOLE NEW level since I received the daily newsletters with the videos, focused prayers, and other information. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. ” – Seary
  • “Thank you for all the good recipes and encouraging pieces every day.  My thinking is renewed, and I know God is at work in me. ” – Henriette
  • “I wasn’t sure I could do this fast, and I have to say at times it wasn’t easy being such a huge coffee drinker and meat eater. I prayed every day that God help get me through the next day. I’ve always been a huge food addict. I weigh more than 300 lbs, and food has always been my go-to. Each day was a little easier as I looked forward to reading more of my Bible and your emails. I lost about 20 lbs in the 21 days, but the weight loss was just a plus. Thank you for helping with your encouraging words every day. I can’t wait to continue on this journey and learn more! God is good!” – Keri
  • “The fast was inspiring, and we believe many of our group members here in Saudi Arabia have entered into a closer relationship with our Savior.” – Marcel
  • “I found the Daniel fast to be fun and easy compared to two years ago when I did it the first time. This year I lost 11 pounds and had a substantial decrease in heartburn and gastric reflux. Now I’m looking forward to eating this way the rest of my life at least 75-90% of the time.  Spiritually, I have been blessed in many other ways. Thank you for your website and encouragement.” – Deb
  • “I’m so grateful I was looking up recipes on Pinterest and saw an invite to join for the daily fast emails! My church does a fast at the beginning of every year so this was perfect! This fast was so much needed for me to get a handle on the sweets I overdid during the holidays, and I’ve been so excited to see what God has for me this year! Thank you so much, Kristen. Your encouragement was much needed and appreciated!” – Ann
  • “Thank you, Kristen, for the Ultimate Daniel Fast and your videos. They’ve been so encouraging and have helped me make it through the whole fast. The Lord has done so much for me, just in more freedom in my walk with Him (a weight loss of 10 lbs and getting those cravings back into control again). I love fasting and what it does so much that I plan on implementing it in my life in smaller time frames.” – DeDe
  • “I’m learning how to focus on the positive even in negative situations. God is showing me how to do that.  Thank you for your website. It has been a blessing to me.” – Wray
  • “The past 21 days have been cleansing both spiritually and physically. The daily videos, recipe ideas, and your encouraging words, Kristen, were God-anointed. I praise God I stumbled across your website. Thank you so much for being obedient. You have helped other soldiers in the fight. I will continue to do this fast annually as it’s a perfect way to start out the New Year!” – Debbie
  • “You did a great job with the devotions, suggested meals, and videos.  The videos made it feel like you were cheering me on. The fast has helped me reach a new level of a relationship with my Lord and Savior.” – Lynette
  • “My husband and I did the fast, and it was a great adventure in so many ways. Your book is a fantastic resource, and we experimented with recipes that we would never have tried before. While it’s true we’ve denied ourselves some food items, we’ve gained much more than what we didn’t have. Thank you!” – Kathy
  • “This was my second year on the Daniel Fast, and it was the most difficult. And I thought last year was rough. But the two times I was about to throw in the towel, give up and quit, I cried out to the Lord. I actually felt His strength and grace overwhelm me. ” – Barbara

And, then, one final testimony from Chase. It’s a bit long, but well worth your time in reading through it. I like how Chase sat down to list what God showed him on his fast. It’s a great way to reflect on God’s many blessings and lessons. If you participated in the online fast this year, I encourage you to do the same!

What I Learned:

  1. Food is not my master!
  2. Fleshly desires are not my master!
  3. God is so much greater than we can even think or imagine!
  4. Never give up on friends no matter what they did in the past!
  5. Always trust in God. If you believe in Him, He will show you everything!
  6. The flesh will always be weak! (Don’t give into it!)
  7. There is so much power in the blood of Jesus! It covers all and heals all!

What Has Happened:

  1. I got a new job on the second day of the fast! I am so excited for the future!
  2. I rekindled an old friendship and have forgiven this person for what happened!
  3. I’ve learned how to take control of my mind, spirit, and body to focus as one unit!
  4. I’ve had more Spirit-filled goodness than I can account for!
  5. I’ve grown not only closer to God but also closer to my accountability partner through this fast!
  6. I realized very quickly that what I was doing in life was wrong. Life is not about money and possessions. It’s about what we can do to serve others.
  7. I completely and totally changed my thinking and thought process to what God wants, and I play the background!

“There’s a whole lot more that has happened on this journey.  I can’t believe it’s already finished. I gave up sugar, salt, preservatives, and meat for 21 days straight, and you know what? I feel better than I ever have! I feel renewed! I feel like I am once again reborn to a new creation!  I encourage any believers to take the time to do this fast as well. It has been amazing!” – Chase

 Praise the Lord! All glory to His holy name!

If you weren’t able to participate in the January 2015 Online Fast, don’t be discouraged. You can do the Daniel Fast any time of the year! My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, will be a huge help on your journey. It walks you through every aspect of the fast with 21 daily devotions, 100+ recipes, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, and tips on fasting. Also, you can get a list of the 21 videos I sent out during the online fast. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about future online fasts!

“Spiritually Strong” – January 2015 Daniel Fast

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"Spiritually Strong" - Jan 2015 Online Daniel Fast
Holiday parties and programs are in full swing, which means festive foods are also in abundance. Cookies, candy canes, pies, and all sorts of sweets seem to assault us at every turn. And, since such indulgences seem to be part of celebrating the Christmas season, we partake. In excess.

That’s precisely why when January 1st rolls around, most people are suddenly highly motivated to make healthier choices. Weighed down by all the extra sugar and calories, their main desire for the New Year is to lose weight. Gyms all across the country are bursting at the seams with people working hard to get in better physical shape.

But, what if we put that much energy into improving our spiritual health?

One way I like to prepare for the year ahead is through prayer and fasting. For the past three years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast in January. I’ve seen God do amazing things in my life and in the lives of thousands of others. This year the online Daniel Fast will be held January 4-24, 2015. Our theme is “Spiritually Strong,” based upon the verse, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph 6:10). If you and I want to fulfill God’s plans for us in 2015, we must focus on building spiritual muscle!

Will you join us in seeking the Lord? I recommend also getting a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, to help you on your journey. Your commitment won’t be in vain. God will honor your sacrifice and bless you beyond what you can imagine!

May the Lord bless you richly as you hunger for Him!

 

 

 

 

 

What I Learned on my Daniel Fast

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“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!'” – Psalm 118:15

When I invited people via my blog to begin 2012 with a Daniel Fast, I anticipated that many would respond. However, I was completely blown away when more than 2,000 decided to join me! Sunday was the final day of the fast. During the past three weeks, God has taught me so much. Today, I want to share three of the lessons I learned on my Daniel Fast:

1. I am not in control.
If I were to itemize all the technological problems I encountered on my fast, you wouldn’t believe it! The amount of daily setbacks was almost comical. From losing my Internet connection for two days to text alignment/formatting issues in the newsletter, I encountered one problem after another. At one point, I literally lifted up my hands and declared, “God, I have no control over this. It’s out of my hands! I need you to help me!” That was just the cry the Lord was waiting to hear. Each time I confessed my inability to correct a situation, God stepped in and provided what was needed.

2. God answers prayer in His way and in His timing.I have a family member who has been struggling in her relationship with the Lord for some time. Even though I’ve interceded for her for years, I sensed the Lord wanted me to focus on her needs during my fast. As I prayed daily for her, my faith increased. I knew God was going to bring her back around, I just didn’t know when. This past week, God did it, and in a very big way! I praise Him for His faithfulness. He showed me through this experience that I must never give up in praying. Even when it seems as if nothing is happening, God is always at work. That’s where the trust comes in, walking by faith not by sight.3. God cares about the details.

Although I could provide many examples of how God is a God of the details, I want so share one in particular. Throughout the fast, I gave away prizes to my newsletter subscribers, just as a fun reward for those who committed to the January Daniel Fast. Shortly after announcing the winners of the Week 3 prize giveaway, I received the following email:

I was so thrilled to find that I had won a copy of The Color of Rain. I wanted this book because the story so closely mirrors my life and where I have walked. I lost a precious sweet husband nine years ago on January 27th (today happens to be the anniversary of his death). I know that this was a gift from the Lord, and when I saw the story on this book, I wanted to read it. God has opened that door through your ministry.

When I read this message, my heart was full of awe and wonder of the One who is mighty and all-powerful, yet tender and gentle. He cares about the details of our lives, and this truth is evident in the above testimony. Did you catch the part about how this sweet lady won the book on the ninth anniversary of her husband’s death? Yes, we serve El Roi, the God who sees!

If you’re considering a Daniel Fast, let me encourage you to do it. You’ll be amazed at how God works in your life as you humble yourself before Him. Also, be sure to get a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. It will serve as your faithful companion on your journey.

Praise the Lord for the great things He has done already this year! Praise Him for what’s to come!

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

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Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

This salad is one of my favorite recipes on the website. I love the combination of black beans, vegetables, and diced avocado, tossed in a light lime-flavored dressing. The flavors really blend nicely after it sits for a couple of hours, but will reach its peak after about 24 hours (the longer it sits, the better it gets). Serve as a side dish or a topping for a green lettuce salad. Any way is tasty!
4.34 from 6 votes
Print Recipe
Course Salad
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped green bell peppers
  • 1 cup chopped red bell peppers
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes, unpeeled, unseeded
  • 1 cup chopped avocado, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 1 medium avocado)
  • ½ cup diced onions
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Put beans, peppers, tomatoes, avocado, onions, and parsley in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Whisk until combined and pour over salad.Toss well to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to blend, and serve.
  • Yield: 12 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)

Black-eyed Peas and Potato Soup

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Black-eyed Peas and Potato Soup

Black-eyed Peas and Potato Soup

4.37 from 22 votes
Print Recipe
Course Soup
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth or water see Recipe Notes
  • 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed & drained
  • 2 cups cubed potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic, and cook 1 minute. Add vegetable broth, black-eyed peas, potatoes, parsley, chives, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.
  • Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Notes

  • For a chunkier soup with a little more texture, place half in a food processor or blender.
  • Substitute black-eyed peas with great northern beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans.
  • If you don’t have time to make your own vegetable broth, you can use a store-brought brand that’s Daniel Fast friendly. I recommend Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock.