ultimate daniel fast

January 2019 Daniel Fast Testimonies

January 23, 2019 By Kristen Feola

For the last eight years, I’ve held an online Daniel Fast the first three weeks of January. Every year, the Lord has moved in power. This year’s fast was no exception.

Men and women from 16 different countries joined together to seek the Lord through the January 2019 Daniel Fast, which was held January 1-21, 2019. Our theme was “A New Thing,” based upon Isaiah 43:19:

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Everyone who registered for the online fast received weekly emails and daily videos of encouragement and support. Many fast participants took advantage of the resources in The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast to make their fast more effective. Others chose to use Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast to guide their Bible study time.

Throughout the fast, we experienced countless blessings and many answers to prayer. Following are just a few testimonies:

“My soul weeps with thanksgiving for this fast. It cleansed my body and my heart of so much baggage. I didn’t believe I could do it because last year I failed miserably. I was determined to do better this year. This time I prepared beforehand, seeking God’s support because I knew it would be difficult. He answered my prayer. My first test occurred a few days into the fast. While having lunch with a few close colleagues, I shared I could not have certain foods. One of them is a minister, and he said he doesn’t believe fasting is necessary. This gentleman is someone influential in my life, so I began to question my reason for fasting. For an answer, I went to God, not man. He made it clear to me that I was to continue, and I did! What an awesome God we serve!” – Gwendolyn

“I thank the Lord for strengthening me from day one of the Daniel Fast. I wanted to quit several times, but I didn’t because I wanted to honor my commitment to the Lord to complete it. I’m learning to persevere until the end even when its hard and not give up.” – Shish

“Back in October, my parents listed our house for sale. For the last couple of months, people would tour it, but wouldn’t buy. We continued to pray and seek God. As I entered the Daniel Fast, I put my parents’ house on my prayer list. On day 15, I felt like giving up. I missed eating my normal foods and didn’t see God moving. That day, my mom called me to tell me that some people had made an offer. This fueled my faith and I sought God more as I prayed for the house to sell. The next day, the house went under contract! Praise God for his faithfulness and his miracle-working power! – Jenna

“God changed my heart, my mind, and even my physical body during this fast. He changed my heart by allowing me to draw near to Him. I also gained strength and wisdom from His word. My mind became very clear about his will and his purposes for my life. During the fast, I learned I don’t need sugar, coffee, alcohol, or dairy to survive. I lost 13 pounds in three weeks, and I feel great! Also, at the beginning of the fast, the marriage of my son and his wife was in danger. They joined me for the Daniel Fast, and now they’re going to work everything out. They’re also expecting their first child! God has made his presence known to us through this Daniel Fast, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to grow in Christ as a family.”– Helena

“I knew God was calling me to this fast for the New Year but didn’t want to do it alone. Finding your website was such a blessing. You really have no idea. I went through a terrible divorce that was finalized last March. I know God is working, and I believe he is going to bless my two boys and me through this fast. Thank you so much for your commitment to the website and the annual fast.” – Amy

“Throughout the fast, I kept asking God to reveal himself and to give me peace, wisdom, and patience. I haven’t received all of them, but I’ve received FAVOR! I’ve gotten a raise, won an 18-week challenge worth $800 (free), and have spent so much more time in prayer. I’m thankful for God’s guidance and for leading me to ultimatedanielfast.com!” – Gabriela

“On day four of the fast, God showed me the word “discipline” in a dream. I kept thinking, “Is he referring to my parenting skills or myself?” I prayed for the Lord to show me the answer. After reading the email on day 21, I got it. The word was for me to discipline myself to read his word, to seek him in prayer, and make healthy meals for my family.” – Rosario

“Once again God showed his mighty power during this fast.” – Deborah

“Thank you for the online fast. God definitely put it in my path at the right time. The fast was a blessing to me. I was able to get my mind off of sugar, diet sodas, and overeating. I feel as though God was recalibrating my eating through this fast. The devastation from Hurricane Michael has taken a toll on me, my husband, and our whole community, but we’re thankful just to be alive. Prayers are appreciated as we rebuild our home and business and as I rebuild my body, God’s temple.” – Debbie

“God has gone before me and prepared the way even before I had to ask. I travel a lot, so my husband and I had our devotional time together over the phone. Also, my son’s heart is changing towards God. My prayer is he will continue walking in the Lord’s way and allow God to direct his paths. The Lord is faithful, and he will do it in his time.” – Louise

“One of my specific prayers on the fast was to have discernment for God’s will in my marriage. I was recently led by the Lord to transition from full to part-time. This change required a leap of faith financially for us. During the fast, my husband and I had a meeting with our pastor to discuss the upcoming quarter (we serve as leaders in the youth department at church). Our pastor offered us full-time youth positions. Not only did God provide insight and direction for our marriage, he has also rewarded us for following his plans for our family.” – Trisha

“I had a rough start at the beginning of my Daniel Fast. I struggled with financial problems, home repairs, and job issues. It was one thing after another, but I continued to fast and praise God. Through it all, I’ve become more patient and have learned how to listen more to God’s Word when he’s speaking to me. During the fast, I also had a death in my family. But God gave me self-control. I didn’t eat the food people brought to show their support. I’m a better person by studying his Word and by fasting and praying. I know trials, tribulation, sickness, illness, death, heartache, and disappointment will still come, but I have a God that will see me through these things.” – Brenda

“I had such a great time in the first two weeks of the fast and saw God miraculously answer prayers, especially in relation to my friend and my church. Then, I got ill with a flu and felt beaten. I also came under attack at work, which made me feel sorry for myself that the last week didn’t go as well. But I’m rejoicing! I’m giving thanks to God for his love for me that remains strong. I’m still receiving the word that he is doing a new thing. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” – Paulette

Even though the January 2019 Daniel Fast has officially come to an end, our prayers will continue to make an impact. God is still at work. We give him all the glory and eagerly anticipate all the new things he’ll do in and through us this year!

January 2019 Daniel Fast

December 9, 2018 By Kristen Feola

When I was in third grade, I began having headaches. Even when I sat close to the chalkboard at school, I still couldn’t see the words. Everything looked fuzzy. After several weeks of hearing my complaints, my mom took me to an optometrist. Sure enough, I needed corrective lenses. Once I got glasses, my eyesight became crisp and clear. My headaches also disappeared.

As we think about the next 12 months, our vision is limited. We can’t possibly know what’s ahead because we can’t predict the future. But we can receive supernatural wisdom and guidance from the Lord if we draw near to Him through prayer.

Prayer is like putting on spiritual glasses. Time in God’s presence brings clarity and helps us focus on truth instead of on our circumstances. Then when we combine prayer with fasting, we position ourselves to hear from God and see Him work in miraculous ways. That’s why every January for the past seven years I’ve held an online Daniel Fast. I believe prayer and fasting is the best way to begin the New Year so we can fulfill the plans God has for us.

You’re invited to participate in the January 2019 Daniel Fast, which is January 1-21. The theme for this year’s fast is, “A New Thing,” which is based upon Isaiah 43:19:

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Is. 43:19 ESV).

God is doing a new thing in you and through you. But the question is, can you see it?

The Lord doesn’t want you to remain stuck in disappointments and failures from the previous year (or years). He’s bringing about something different in your life – something beautiful and exciting and NEW! Like Isaiah 43:19 says, He will make a way where there doesn’t seem to be a way. If you’re struggling, the Lord will refresh you. If you’re lonely and hurting, He will fill you with joy. If you’re feeling defeated, He will give you victory.

When you sign up for the January 2019 Daniel Fast, you’ll receive:
– Emails before the fast to help you prepare.
– Daily emails during the fast that include a video, focus verse, prayer point, featured recipe, and other helpful information.

**Registration for the January 2019 Daniel Fast has ended.**

Daniel Fast Resources

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast

This extremely helpful resource provides everything you need for a successful fast, including tips on how to prepare, 100+ recipes, 21 daily devotions, meal plans, and information on fasting. If you’d like a signed copy of the book mailed to your home, you can select that option on this page.

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

Daily devotions follow the story of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah (2 Chron. 20) as they face a national crisis. Available on Kindle, NOOK, or as a PDF.

Decide now to devote the first three weeks of the year to the Lord so you can experience the wonderful things He has in store for you in 2019!

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

Celebrate National Taco Day

October 4, 2018 By Kristen Feola

Tacos have been extremely popular in the US for years, but lately they’ve risen to an even greater status. Tacos are trendy. You can find taco paraphernalia just about anywhere – T-shirts, funny memes, and even taco-related blog posts (like this one).

Since October 4 is National Taco Day, let’s celebrate this fantastic food!

But you may be wondering, Are tacos allowed on the Daniel Fast? Of course, they are! Even though you’ll need to make a few adjustments according the Daniel Fast Food List, you can most definitely enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes.

Following are some of the food you CAN use to build your taco:

Brown rice
Black beans
Pinto beans
Avocado or guacamole
Chopped cilantro
Lettuce
Mango
Olives
Onions
Peppers
Roasted corn kernels
Salsa (check ingredients for non-Daniel Fast friendly ingredients, such as sugar or vinegar)

And here are foods that are restricted on the Daniel Fast (which means they’re off limits):

Meat
Cheese
Sour cream

What about taco shells, tortillas, or tortilla chips, you ask?

You should avoid all fried foods on the Daniel Fast. However, you can use baked items, such as baked tortilla chips. Also, you are free to use corn tortillas or whole-grain tortillas.

Make October 4^th all about the taco. Observe the holiday by trying one, two, or more of these Daniel Fast recipes. Happy National Taco Day!

Back to School, Back to Prayer

August 28, 2018 By Kristen Feola

Summer vacation 2018 in Miramar Beach, FL

School is back in session for my kids, which means our three-month break is over. Gone are the lazy days of summer, when life is all about sleeping in late and vacationing long. Now, it’s time to resume my work schedule.

For the past week or so, I’ve been thinking about where God wants me to devote my time. Of course, there are the obvious responsibilities – cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and keeping our house somewhat organized. I also volunteer each week with a ministry at my church called Sisterhood Cares, lead a prayer group at our school, and write blog posts occasionally. But I’ve been wondering, Where does my focus need to be?

Just last night I shared these thoughts with my husband, Justin. He’s always a good sounding board when I need to process my emotions. Justin said, “Maybe you need to focus on the girls right now.” He was referring to our daughters, Isabelle who is in ninth grade, and Jocelyn, who’s in seventh. “Yes,” I replied, “but they’re gone most of the day.” Even as the words came out of my mouth, I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart, “You can pray.”

Ah, yes. Prayer. How easy it is to forget the importance of this much-needed spiritual discipline and let other things get in the way!

The Lord commands us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17), which is a tall order. Frankly, the verse can be intimidating and make us feel like we’re immediately set up for failure. You may be wondering as I have in the past, How can I possibly obey that commandment? Well, rest assured, God doesn’t expect us to be on our knees 24/7. He understands that we’re all pulled in 20 different directions on most days. But, the Lord does want us to make prayer a priority in our lives.

The Greek definition for without ceasing is “adiáleipta” which means “with continuous action.” That means we keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in God even when life gets hard. We continue to pursue God through prayer, knowing that He hears us and is responding to our cries.

One of my goals this fall is to intercede for my two teenage daughters by praying God’s Word over their lives. Specifically, I plan to use a helpful tool called, “Promises to Claim for Your Children” to guide my prayer time. If you have children, I encourage you to use these verses as you pray for them.

Here’s an example of how that might work:

Verse: “You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Ps. 45:7).
Prayer: “Lord God, I thank you that (child’s name) loves righteousness. Give him/her an increasing desire to know you and Your Word. May he/she hate wickedness and avoid any evil path. Show favor to (child’s name) and fill his/her heart with joy.”

As you pray God’s Word over your children, your faith will be strengthened, and their lives will be impacted in a powerful way. You can also use the verses to pray over a spouse, family member, friend, or even yourself. God’s promises are for everyone! Tell God your desire to grow in prayer, ask Him to help, and watch the Lord do what He does best – astound you with His love, faithfulness, and power!

Don’t Quit the Daniel Fast

August 8, 2018 By Kristen Feola

More than once, I’ve received an email from someone who has “messed up” on the Daniel Fast. The question usually posed to me is, “Should I quit?”

When you participate in the 21-day fast, you determine to seek the Lord through increased time in His Word and in prayer. You also deny yourself the food you desire and decide to adhere to a fairly stringent – although healthy – way of eating for three weeks.

Messing up on the Daniel Fast could mean a variety of things. Maybe you caved and had a cup of coffee, stole a few French fries from your son’s plate, or gave in to the temptation to eat ice cream. However way you prematurely broke the fast, you may wonder if you should even continue at all.

My advice to you is, “No, don’t quit. Keep going!” Just because you fell off the wagon, so to speak, that doesn’t mean you should lie on the ground and stay there. You get up, dust yourself off, and get back on that wagon right away.

The Daniel Fast is difficult because fasting in any form is difficult. Just because you’re allowed to eat (as compared to a water fast when you’re not) doesn’t mean that your fast will be a breeze. Expect to be tempted. Expect to face challenging situations. And don’t be surprised if your fast doesn’t go as you planned.

I’ve done the Daniel Fast more times than I can count since 2009. Have I always completed the fast perfectly? Of course not! On my very first fast I used a salad dressing mix throughout the 21 days that contained sugar. I didn’t know it at the time because I never checked the ingredients on the label. Months after the fast, though, I saw “sugar” listed there as plain as day!

During another fast, I was a guest speaker at ladies’ luncheon. The woman who invited me had pre-paid for my meal. I remember feeling very torn inside, not knowing what to do. I wrestled for several minutes, trying to decide if I should show my gratitude to my friend and eat the non-Daniel Fast friendly food, or if I should polite refuse. I came off the fast for that one lunch because I didn’t want to be rude to my friend who had been so kind to me.

Just this past Monday I experienced another misstep on day 9 of the 21-day fast I’m doing with my church. Since day 1, I’d fasted one meal each day, usually breakfast. On Monday morning, my teenage daughter and I got into an argument, which made me feel frustrated and angry. I didn’t want to fast breakfast, so I planned on fasting lunch instead. Well, I ended up not only eating lunch but also dinner. I went the whole day without fasting one meal.

Did I feel like a loser? Yes. I even entertained thoughts of giving up. But my pastor had called our church to this fast, and I wasn’t about to let him or our church family down. More importantly, I wasn’t going to dishonor my God. On July 29^th, 2018, I made a commitment to the Lord that I would devote the next 21 days to fasting and prayer, so I wasn’t about to drop out. I got back on track the next day.

If you have a bad day and blow it while on the Daniel Fast, don’t quit. Keep praying! Keep believing! Keep going! Refuse to let shame rest on your shoulders because God certainly doesn’t condemn you. “For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” (Ps. 103:14 NLT). When you make a mistake, you can be sure God is there, not to punish you but to show you His unfailing mercy and love.

Has something similar happened to you? How have you seen God give you strength to continue the Daniel Fast when you were tempted to quit?

We Need Each Other

July 31, 2018 By Kristen Feola

When I was in my late 20s, I asked the Lord for godly friends. I wanted to be surrounded by women of faith – women who are consistently pursuing Christ and striving to live according to God’s Word. My prayer was fueled by the desire to grow in wisdom – to walk with the wise so I might also be wise (Prov. 13:20a). Since I uttered that request years ago, I’ve seen the Lord answer in abundance.

Yesterday, I went to lunch with three of those godly friends – Debbie, Sheila, and Liz. We co-lead Sisterhood Cares, a prayer ministry at our church which reaches out to ladies who are going through a difficult time. The trial could be a family crisis, health issue, or loss of a loved one.

Though we share the same passion for the Lord and for helping hurting women, we’re different. Debbie is an aerobics instructor, cancer overcomer, and prayer warrior. Sheila is a writer, counselor, and grandmother. Liz, also a grandmother, is a business owner, pastor, and CrossFit competitor. The four of us met together to plan for an upcoming Sisterhood Cares meeting. But, once we’d covered the ministry details, we took turns sharing how we could pray for each other during our church’s 21-day fast.

When it was my turn, I was able to be honest, raw, and real about my current struggles. There wasn’t any judgment at that table. Only acceptance and love. That’s the power of Christ-centered community.

One of the most precious gifts God gives is other people. We’re not meant to go through this life alone. Friends give us God’s comfort. Friends love us despite our flaws and failures. Friends speak truth when we need to hear it. Friends lift us up when we’re down in the pit.

If you’re thinking about doing a Daniel Fast (or any type of fast), ask a friend to join you. Then, you can be accountable to one another and pray for one another. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (Ecc. 4:9-10 NLT).

Maybe you’re in the same position I was when I was younger, and you’re lacking in solid friendships. Pray for them! You can be confident God will provide because He wants you to have godly influences in your life. And He wants you to be one as well.

Finally, if you’re feeling prompted by the Lord to enter into a time of prayer and fasting, you can join me and our church in our 21-day fast. It’s not too late!

May the Lord bless you with wonderful, God-fearing friends, who spur you on to be more like Jesus!

21 Days of Fasting and Prayer

July 29, 2018 By Kristen Feola

Today, I’m beginning 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer with my church. Our pastor has called us to this fast, and I’m thankful he has. First, because fasting is powerful and has supernatural results. Second, the timing is perfect as we prepare for the fall. Third, and most importantly, because I need it.

Just a few days ago, I wrote a blog post, “When You’re Desperate to Hear from God.” It was a rather general article about how desperation can drive us to our knees and to the Daniel Fast. But the subject idea came because I’m the one who is desperate. I’m the one who feels broken. I’m the one who needs a fresh touch from the Lord.

The past few months have been challenging, to say the least. The battle has been on every front. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Hurting people hurt people.” Well, that pretty much sums it up! Physically, I’m still recovering from a back injury that happened in December. Emotionally, I’ve been impatient, unkind, grumpy, and angry because I’m in physical pain. As a result, my relationships have suffered. I’ve become withdrawn and critical of others, often taking my frustrations out on those closest to me. And, spiritually, well, I’ve fallen into a pit – a dark, stinky, nasty pit. Thankfully, though, the Lord has been in it with me. He has stayed close while I’ve wrestled with negative emotions. My loving Father has continued to pursue me. Continued His unfailing love. Continued to speak words of life to my aching heart.

That’s why I’m ready for this this 21-day fast. I believe it’s a gift from the Lord and part of His loving-kindness toward me. God is giving me an invitation to be renewed in His presence.

So, for the next three weeks, July 29 to August 18, I’ll be fasting and praying. I’d love for you to join me.

What do you need from the Lord right now? Wisdom? Direction? Strength? Hope? Whatever it is, you can be sure that God is faithful. He’s faithful to hear your prayer and faithful to answer. He’s also able to do more than you could ever ask or even imagine (Eph. 3:20).

Do you believe it? Do you believe God can work a miracle in your situation? I do!

So, what do you say? Will you commit the next three weeks to focused prayer? If so, comment below. Also, let me know how I can pray for you.

Let’s not miss an opportunity to see God’s power displayed in our churches, our communities, and our families!

{If you’d like a prayer guide for your 21-day fast, check out my newest release, Lift Up Your Voice. Also, if you’re new to the Daniel Fast, be sure to get my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.}

When You’re Desperate to Hear From God

July 26, 2018 By Kristen Feola

People choose to participate in the Daniel Fast for various reasons. Sometimes they need direction, such as when facing a major life decision. They cry out to God for emotional or physical healing. They seek the Lord’s favor in a particular situation.

But many times, it’s desperation that drives people to do the Daniel Fast. A wife fasts for her husband’s salvation. Parents fast for their wayward child. A newly saved meth addict fasts for freedom from dependence upon drugs.

Someone who is desperate has an urgent need and often has little or no hope. Does that sound like you? Do you feel like you’re drowning in despair? If so, take heart. God cares for you. He does see your pain, and He isn’t distant or disengaged.

The Daniel Fast helps you to focus on the Lord and His truth instead of on your circumstances. As you commit yourself to prayer, you take your eyes off yourself and put them onto your God. As you anchor yourself in the Word, you become faith-filled instead of fearful. Joyful instead of tearful. Encouraged rather than discouraged.

How do I know? Because I’ve experienced these transformations myself various times. I’ve seen God take my poor, pitiful self and breathe life into me when I felt hopeless, useless, powerless, and empty. I know He can and will do the same for you.

The Bible is clear that fasting is powerful and supernatural. In Mark 9, a father brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, but they were unable to drive out the evil spirit. When Jesus came upon the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit, and the boy was set free. Later, in private, the disciples asked Jesus why they weren’t able to heal the boy. Jesus responded, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

If you’re facing what seems like an impossible situation, fast and pray.

If your marriage is in turmoil, fast and pray.

If you’re stuck in a spiritual rut and need a fresh touch from the Lord, fast and pray.

If you’re desperate to hear from the Lord, then the Daniel Fast may be just what you need right now.

[For more information on the Daniel Fast, get my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.]

One Month of Psalms

June 18, 2018 By Kristen Feola

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Alone With God

May 31, 2018 By Kristen Feola

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

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

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

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

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

Has something similar ever happened to you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Time to Get Spiritually Strong!

February 28, 2018 By Kristen Feola

What kind of shape are you in? Are you an active person – someone who exercises several times a week? Or are you more of a coach potato whose idea of a “workout” is walking to the mailbox? What about your spiritual fitness? Do you set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray? Or do you find it difficult to be consistent in spending time with the Lord?

No matter where you are on the spectrum in these areas of your life, you can improve. You can get in better physical and spiritual condition.

Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul will help you grow stronger in the Lord. The book includes a six-week Bible study and workout program that will challenge you in the following six disciplines – Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others.

You’ll learn to:

Study the Bible and understand what God is saying to you.
Pray with power.
Incorporate periodic fasting into your life.
Honor God with your body through nutritious eating and exercise.
Practice good stewardship of the resources God has given you.
Serve others in humility as an outward demonstration of God’s love.

Whether you’ve been a Christ follower for years or are fairly new to the faith, you’ll benefit from the practical principles in Spiritually Strong.

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The Daniel Fast and Lent 2018

February 12, 2018 By Kristen Feola

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.

The purpose of Lent is prepare the way for Easter Sunday, a day that’s all about rejoicing in the 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?

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.

Lent is 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, February 14, to Thursday, March 29?

Following are a few ways you can participate:

Do a Daniel Fast (my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, provides all you need to complete the fast successfully).
Use Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast to guide your Bible study and prayer time.
Fast one day a week during Lent.
Do a combination of fasts (water, juice, Daniel).

The most important thing you can do during Lent is to 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!

As we humble ourselves and seek the Lord during Lent, we will see God pour out His favor in miraculous ways!