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Roasted Cauliflower with Smoked Paprika

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Roasted Cauliflower With Smoked Paprika

Roasted Cauliflower with Smoked Paprika

Add a little smoked paprika and garlic to a cauliflower florets for a delicious Daniel Fast side dish or snack.
3.53 from 17 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 8
Calories 81 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, broken into 1-inch florets (about 8 cups)
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place cauliflower in a large bowl. Combine coconut oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Pour oil mixture over cauliflower, and stir well.
  • Place a silicone mat on an 11 x 17 baking sheet or rub sheet with coconut oil. Bake for about 20 minutes.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

 

Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers

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Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers

Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers

If you're looking for a higher protein dish on your Daniel Fast, this recipe provides a nice amount, thanks to the quinoa. Plus, these stuffed peppers are delicious and filling.
3.93 from 54 votes
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

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

Notes

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

 

Daniel Fast Banana Bread

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Daniel Fast Banana Bread

“Mmm, something smells good! It smells like banana bread!” said my daughter’s friend, Addy. Jocelyn and Addy had been playing in Jocelyn’s room when Addy caught a whiff of the sweet-smelling aroma from my kitchen. 

I smiled at Addy’s comment. I agreed. It did smell heavenly. Addy then went on to tell me how she’d had the BEST banana bread in Hawaii while on vacation.

“Well,” I said. “This banana bread is a little different. It’s a Daniel Fast recipe, which means it doesn’t have any sugar. So it doesn’t taste quite the same as regular banana bread.”

I could tell by the look on Addy’s face that she wasn’t convinced. The “no sugar” clarification didn’t register. That girl wanted a piece of my banana bread, and she wasn’t taking “no” for an answer.

“You’re welcome to have some, if you’d like to try it,” I told Addy. She smiled and shook her head up and down. 

I cut off a small piece for her. Addy took one bite, chewed a little, and grimaced. She then shook her head side to side, backing away from the plate. 

“That’s OK. I’m proud of you for trying!” I told her. “But when you’re on the Daniel Fast, that banana bread tastes wonderful. Believe me!” My daughter, Jocelyn, who has done the Daniel Fast a few times, sampled the bread. “I like it, Mom,” she said. “And, you’re right. If I was on the Daniel Fast right now, I’d love this recipe!”

If you like banana bread, this recipe will probably become one of your favorites on the Daniel Fast. It’s moist, flavorful, and, oh, so tasty!

Daniel Fast Banana Bread

If you like banana bread, this recipe will probably become one of your favorites on the Daniel Fast. It's moist, flavorful, and, oh, so tasty!
4.27 from 682 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 151 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups almond flour
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 flaxseed “eggs” (see instructions below)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use about 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil to grease a 9” x 5” x 2 ½” loaf pan.
  • Make flaxseed “eggs” by putting 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal and ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir, and let sit for about 10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients (except pecans). Add mashed banana, coconut oil, and flaxseed “eggs.” Stir well. Pour in pecans and stir again until thoroughly combined.
  • Pour mixture into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick in center comes clean.
  • Let bread cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack. Store tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Substitute chia seed meal for flaxseed meal.
  • If allergic to nuts, you can omit the pecans and use a whole grain flour instead of almond flour.
  • Use walnuts instead of pecans.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of alcohol-free vanilla extract, if you like.
  • Top a piece with a spread of Date Honey.
  • If you substitute coconut flour, you will need too add a little more oil and/or water if the mixture is too dry. Coconut flour is more absorbent than many other types of flours.

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 2gFat: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

God Will

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“The Lord will work out his plans for my life” (Psalm 138:8 NLT).

“Hello, Abram. It’s me, God. I want you to pack up your things, say goodbye to your home, and settle in a new land. Got it? Now, go!”

That’s pretty much how it happened. God didn’t give Abram details, only directions. He told Abram what he wanted him to do and expected him to get moving. The Bible doesn’t record Abram’s immediate response, but I’m sure he had a few questions, such as, “Where exactly will I be going? What am I supposed to do once I get there? How is this all going to work out?”

God saw the fear and doubt in Abram’s heart. He understood Abram’s struggle with leaving the familiar and stepping out into the unknown. That’s why the Lord spoke the following words:

“I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3).

Notice God said, “I will,” five times in two verses. God was making it clear he would be the Prime Mover in this adventure. He would be the One making things happen. He would be Abram’s sole Provider. Abram didn’t have to figure out the game plan for his journey to a foreign land. He just needed to believe God and obey his instructions.

Has God laid something specific on your heart he wants you to do? If you’re hesitant, remember God’s promise to do the work. He will bring his plans to pass if you’ll trust him. If God says it’s time to leave something behind and move forward in faith, don’t delay. Respond as Abram did. Go!

Saved

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Saved

“Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

I was seven years old. It was a Sunday morning, and I stood at the back pew of Calvary Baptist Church in Butler, Missouri. As the preacher invited people to accept Jesus, I sensed a tugging at my heart. I knew God was speaking to me. Even though I wanted to go forward, I didn’t. Instead of walking to the front of the church, I went downstairs to the basement. My mother followed me.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. I told her my stomach hurt because it did. I was nervous and scared. I can’t recall exactly what my mom said, but her words calmed me down. After a few minutes, she and I went back into the service, and I walked up the aisle to the pastor.

Brother Green and I knelt by the altar, and he shared Bible verses with me, including Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (KJV).” The truth of the gospel penetrated my soul. I needed Jesus. I confessed my sin to God and asked Jesus to come into my life. On June 3, 1979, God gloriously saved me!

Decades later, I’m still overwhelmed by God’s great love. That he would send his Son to die for me is unimaginable! That he would choose me before the creation of the world to be his child is incomprehensible! As long as I live, I’ll never be able to grasp the full extent of his affection for me.

Have you met the Lord and been saved by grace? If so, then praise him! Thank God for what he has done, and share your story with others. If you’ve not yet accepted God’s gift of salvation, I urge you to open your heart to him. He loves you more than you can understand. You don’t have to do anything but ask. The Lord is waiting for you to come to him. Just believe and receive. . . and be saved.

Note:
According to the Bible, if you want to become a follower of Christ, you need to:

A – Admit that you are a sinner in need of God’s grace.
B – Believe that Jesus came to this earth as the Son of God, lived a perfect life, died for your sins, and rose again to give you eternal life.
C – Confess your sins to God and receive his forgiveness.

Following is a sample prayer for salvation. Of course, you should use your own words to talk to God, but this prayer might help guide you:

“God, I acknowledge that I’m a sinner in need of your forgiveness. I’m sorry for the life I’ve lived. I repent of my sin (turn away from it) and choose to follow you.

Your Word says in Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).”

I believe you sent your Son, Jesus, to die in my place. I believe Jesus paid the penalty for my sin and that he rose from the dead on the third day.

Today, God, I accept your gift of salvation. I declare that Jesus is now my Savior and Lord of my life. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for making a way for me to have a personal relationship with you. I want all that I do to bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Get Out of the Boat

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boat on shore
Peter was exhausted. He and the other disciples had spent all day with Jesus. They had ministered for hours to the crowds of people who followed them. When it began to get late, Jesus sent the disciples off in a boat so they could get some rest. Jesus stayed behind to pray.

That night the wind picked up and began tossing the boat back and forth on the water. The waves made it hard for the disciples to row. Jesus saw their struggle and went out to them by walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they were terrified. He looked like a ghost. But, Jesus told them, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27).

Peter, the bold leader that he was, said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water (14:28).” Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter got down out of the boat. He took a huge step of faith by putting his feet in the water and started walking toward the Lord.

What Peter did makes absolutely no sense. People don’t walk on water! That just doesn’t happen. But, as we’re reminded in Luke 18:27:

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Sometimes we don’t understand what God is doing or asks us to do. We just don’t see how it can happen. It doesn’t make sense, and we can’t figure it out. But, you know what? We don’t have to understand. All we need to do is to trust in the Lord, focus on his promises, and find peace in his Presence.

In order for Peter to walk on the water, he had to get out of the boat. He had to cast all doubt and fear aside and keep his eyes on Jesus. As long as he did, Peter lived in the supernatural. He experienced God’s power working in his life. Instead of being paralyzed by fear like the rest of the disciples, Peter walked in faith.

Jesus calls out to each of us, “Come.” What he is calling you to do may be different than what he’s placing on my heart. But, the invitation is still the same—to trust in him—no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what everyone else is doing, no matter what obstacles are in front of you, and no matter how much you’re afraid.

I want to be like Peter. I choose today to put my feet into the water and take steps toward what God wants me to do. What about you? Will you get out of the boat?

Soups & Smoothies

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Soups & Smoothies
The Daniel Fast provides a unique opportunity for you to grow closer to the Lord, but the benefits of the fast aren’t just spiritual. On the Daniel Fast, as you feed your soul with the truth of God’s Word, you also supply your body with with healthy, nutritious foods. Today, I’m highlighting two food categories: Soups and Smoothies.

Soups and smoothies are great options on the Daniel Fast because they’re:

  1. Filling.
  2. Packed with nutrients.
  3. Easy to digest.
  4. Simple to make.
  5. Delicious!

You can also be creative and adapt the recipes according to your own personal preference. For example, if a soup recipe calls for chickpeas but you’re not a fan, you can substitute another type of bean. Or if a smoothie lists a banana as an ingredient but you’re allergic, you can use another fruit instead. When it comes to Daniel Fast soup and smoothie recipes, the possibilities are endless. 

Soup

I love having soup at any time of the year. If it’s cold outside, a bowl of hot soup makes me happy, but I also enjoy soup in the spring or summer. Plus, when I make a pot of soup, I don’t have to cook lunch or dinner for a few days, which is always an added bonus! If you’re looking for classic soup recipes, I recommend Black Bean Minestrone or Vegetable Bean Soup. If you prefer something heartier, try Spicy Three-Bean Chili or Taco Soup. Two of my favorite Daniel Fast soup recipes are Spinach-Artichoke-Tomato Soup and Tuscan Soup.

Smoothies

Start your day off right by having a smoothie for breakfast, such as the Raspberry-Pecan Smoothie or Strawberry Fields Smoothie. Or, give yourself a mid-day boost with the Chanana Chiller or the Plum Good Smoothie. When experimenting with different smoothie flavors, use this handy checklist as a guide:

  1. Liquid – Water, unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, rice, soy, etc.), 100% fruit or vegetable juice.
  2. Fruit – Bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, kiwifruit, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, etc.
  3. Greens – Kale, kelp powder, spinach, spirulina.
  4. Protein/Fat – Avocado, chia seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, flaxseed meal, nuts/nut butters, unsweetened plant-based protein powder.

Another smoothie add-in you can use is steamed or lightly cooked vegetables, such as carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini. None of these veggies is too overpowering, so you most likely won’t even taste it when you’re using fruit. 

If you’re like me, you can easily get stuck in a recipe rut. But I hope that today’s post inspires you! Once you try a few of these soup and smoothie recipes, let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your feedback. Then before you know it, you’ll be coming up with your own Daniel Fast soup and smoothies recipes! 

 

Love Your Enemies

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Love

When Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies,” who exactly did he mean? In elementary school, the enemy is the big, mean bully who picks on other kids. In adulthood, the enemy looks quite different.

What if the enemy is a former friend who betrayed you? Or a co-worker who seems determined to make you look bad? Or, worse yet, what if it’s someone in your family–a child, a sibling, or your spouse?

God’s command is the same: Love. No matter who the hostile person is, show them love. 

Extending love in the face of persecution isn’t easy, and it’s definitely not natural. In fact, it’s impossible without God’s help. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can you show kindness to people who are hateful toward you.

When someone spews toxic words in your face or does horrible things to you, remember one thing: That person is not the enemy. The evil behavior they’re demonstrating comes from somewhere else. Actually, from someone else–from Satan, the father of lies. He is your real enemy. Satan is completely opposed to you and to all Christ followers. His goal is to destroy your joy, hope, peace, and faith. . . and, eventually, your life.
 
But the good news is: God is on your side! The Lord is your Defender, and he fights for you! So you don’t have to take revenge when people hurt you. You don’t need to come up with some plan to make them pay for what they did. Instead, take your pain to the Lord in prayer, and let him comfort you. Trade your seething anger for his perfect peace. 

God is patient with us. He knows sometimes it takes a few days for us to get to the point of surrender. But when we do, it’s a sweet time of letting go. You and I weren’t designed to carry the burdens of bitterness and resentment. Such emotions only cause more wounds and end up stunting spiritual growth.

Ask the Lord to reveal any unforgiveness in your heart. If he shows you something, confess it. Then, pray for anyone in your life you would classify as an enemy. Pray that person will know the love of God in a personal way.

Positioned for His Purpose

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Doors

Have you ever wanted to live somewhere else? In another state or even a different country? I have, especially this time of year. It’s winter in Missouri, and I’m not a fan of freezing temperatures.

The adventurous part of me would love to relocate. In fact, several years ago, my husband and I seriously thought about living closer to his parents, who live in New York. Justin flew out to Pennsylvania for a job interview. We dreamed about a new life together on the East Coast and began making plans to move.

But then we sensed the Lord putting the brakes on the whole idea. As much as we wanted to be near Justin’s family, we didn’t believe it was right for us to leave. We sensed God’s voice saying, “Stay.” So we did, and we’ve lived in Missouri for more than 20 years.

Looking back, I can see why the Lord kept us in Springfield. God has poured out countless blessings on our family in this place. We’ve also grown exponentially through trials, tragedies, and triumphs. Yes, God had specific plans for us here, some of which he is still working out. We won’t be going anywhere until he gives us the go-ahead.

Where you live is not an accident. Your address is not random at all. God’s Word is clear on this issue:

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26).

The Lord has strategically positioned you in a particular city and community. You are where you are for a reason. God has purposes in mind for you and people he wants you to reach.

Ask God to increase your passion for the people in your community. Start by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading when people who cross your path. If you’re at the grocery store, talk to the checkout person instead of texting. Thank a waitress for working so hard. Encourage a young mom who looks exhausted. Sometimes the smallest expressions of kindness open people’s hearts to the Lord.

Finally, thank God for where you live. Even if it’s not your first choice, trust the God who loves you. He has a plan for you there.

Listen to God

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Listen to God.

“Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God” (John 8:47 NLT).

It was an early Saturday morning, and no one else in the house was awake. I quietly slipped out of bed, put on my workout clothes, and headed to the gym. After more than two weeks at home with my children on Christmas vacation, this momma was desperate for some time alone.

When I entered the facility, I was immediately assaulted by deafening, rap-style music. The song blared through the speakers at full volume. At first I thought, There’s no way I can exercise like this! But, I was determined. I wasn’t going to leave. In the thirty seconds it took me to walk to the treadmill, I heard at least five obscenities. I couldn’t get my headphones on quickly enough.

Even after I turned on my Christian music, I could still hear the other song. It was distracting and disturbing. The lyrics made me uncomfortable. I did my best to concentrate on the positive words in my ears and tune out the profane.

It wasn’t long before I barely noticed the rap music and was able to settle into my workout. After fifteen minutes, the perpetrator turned off the radio and left the building. I was finally able to relax and exercise in peace.

We live in a world that’s riddled with sin. Evil is all around us, and we’re constantly bombarded with negative influences. Sometimes the world can be loud – shockingly loud – and it’s difficult to hear the Lord’s voice. We must choose to focus on truth and tune out anything opposed to it.

Daily Bible reading is essential to walking in victory. You should hunger for God’s instruction just as you hunger for food. You need to take pleasure in his commands more than you savor a fine meal. If you struggle with consistency in this area, ask God to increase your desire for his Word. May you find renewed delight in listening to him!

Pray for Your Leaders

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American flag
I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t pray regularly for the leaders of my country. I know I should, but I forget to do so, that is, unless some kind of tragedy occurs or our nation is facing a presidential election. 

When the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he encouraged him to intercede specifically for “kings and those in authority” (1 Tim. 1:1-2a). In fact, the Bible says he urged young Timothy to pray in this way. If it was important for them, it’s important for us as well.

Notice Paul didn’t say, “Pray for your leaders if you like them and agree with their policies.” Sometimes we find ourselves failing to intercede because of this reason. We don’t approve of the leader’s lifestyle, past, decisions, and/or political agenda. Instead of interceding, we grumble and complain.

God is calling us to a higher standard. He wants us to focus on advancing his kingdom by fighting on our knees.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1-2 NLT).

The next two verses explain why this intercession is crucial:

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4 NLT).

When we pray faithfully for our leaders, we do a good, God-honoring thing. It pleases the Lord because His desire is for all people to experience his salvation and to understand his Word.

If you want revival in your land, pray for your leaders. Thank the Lord for the men and women he has placed in authority over you. Ask God to give them wisdom, strength, and a heart to know him. The Lord will certainly hear your prayer and bless your obedience.

 

Obedience Leads to Peace

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Open Bible with Mug
The simplest instructions can sometimes be the most difficult to follow. Let me give you an example (hypothetical, of course). When a parent tells her teenage daughter, “Clean your room,” you’d think the teen would know to pick up her various piles of clothes on the floor, not bunch them up in one gigantic, overflowing heap! But somehow what’s obvious to the parent seems to befuddle the child.

Fortunately, when it comes to obeying the Lord, we don’t have to guess how we’re supposed to live. The Bible gives us simple, clear-cut instructions, such as, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Sounds easy enough, right? I wish it was. Let’s take a closer look at the truths in these two verses:

  • “Don’t worry about anything.” You may be wondering, Is that even possible? It must be, or God wouldn’t have included this command in the Bible.
  • “Pray about everything.” Talk to God about the details of your life. No matter how big or small, He cares about it all!
  • “Tell God what you need.” If you haven’t already, make a list of prayer requests for yourself and others in a journal. Then continue to bring those requests before the Lord on a regular basis.
  • “Thank him for all he has done.” Tell the Lord how thankful you are for specific blessings in your life. Make it a goal to write down five or 10 things every day.

When we develop the habit of trusting God with every situation, we’ll have tranquility instead of tension. Also, as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, our hearts will be full of joy. But wait. There’s more! Check out Phil. 4:7:

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Did you catch that? The peace of God will act as a garrison around us so the enemy can’t break though!

In your prayer time today, thank the Lord for the gift of his perfect peace that protects you, strengthens you, and leads you to victory.