ultimate daniel fast

A Late Night Message

July 13, 2016 By Kristen Feola

It was Lisa Bevere, Sheila Walsh, and me – sitting down together, having a conversation. Only I wasn’t doing any of the talking. I was listening intently, with tears running down my cheeks.

That night, I’d gone to bed early because I wasn’t feeling well. An hour after lying down, I woke up with severe stomach pain. I took a dose of Pepto Bismol, hoping it would help.

Since I couldn’t sleep, I went into the living room. I should pray, I thought. Or read my Bible. But I didn’t. Instead, I turned on the TV and watched the 10pm news.

Once the news was finished, I turned on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” Jimmy made me laugh, which helped me to forget about my stomach pain. After the show went to commercials, I started flipping through the channels, thinking I might find a good movie or something.

And there she was – Lisa Bevere. Looking right at Sheila Walsh on “Life Today” but talking directly to me.

“He {God} really loves to make us face what we fear because he knows that it’s going to actually position us to be fearless.”

Immediately, my eyes welled up. I knew God wanted me to hear this message. My stomach pain wasn’t random.

Lisa went on to say, “I think there are people out there right now that they’ve been going through hardship….”

Yes. That’s me.

“And they’re looking at their past to figure out what’s going on and it’s not about their past, it is about their future.”

Lisa began talking about destiny and how we can’t live out God’s plans for us if we pray small, safe prayers or live small, safe lives. And then she said four words that are still emblazoned on my heart: “Struggle can be strengthening.”

For the past year, I’ve been in a spiritual wilderness. Never have I experienced such an arduous season of emptiness, dryness, and hopelessness.

Satan has successfully trampled on me. Beat me down. Fed me lie after lie that I’ve willingly believed. Filled my mind with fear.

Fear has been a problem for me since childhood. I’m not sure where it took root, but, from a young age. I thought I had to be perfect. I believed that if I lived by God’s rules, I would somehow earn His love. That by doing good I was good.

Even though I know that isn’t true, I sometimes default to that line of thinking. But God – my gracious, tender-hearted Father – wants me to accept His unfailing love. A love that isn’t conditional on how well I write, how many books I sell, how patiently I parent, or how fit (or unfit) my body is.

More than anything, I want to fulfill God’s plans for my life. I don’t my failures, insecurities, or fears to hold me back from all the Lord has for me.

Today I choose to believe God so I can move forward in His purposes.

Today I receive God’s healing from past hurts and present fears.

Today I trust God to use my struggles to make me stronger in Him.

What about you? Are you with me? Are you ready to pursue your God-given destiny?

Today let’s choose to stand on God Word and expect Him to help us. Let’s say together: “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4 NLT).

August 2016 Daniel Fast

July 7, 2016 By Kristen Feola

One decision can totally change the course of your life. The person you marry. Where you to go to college. Which career you choose.

In August 2009, I chose to participate in the Daniel Fast for the first time. I stepped out in faith, believing God would help me and sustain me. I also anticipated the Lord would work powerfully as I trusted in Him.

And He did. In more ways than I can count.

Now, seven years later, I feel like I’m experiencing déjà vu. Again, our pastor has called for a church-wide Daniel Fast in preparation for the launch of a new campus. Again, he is asking the congregation to join him and the leadership team in prayer and fasting. Again, I’m expecting the Lord to work miracles as I draw near to Him.

But this unique opportunity to draw near to the Lord isn’t just for me. It’s not just limited to the people of James River Church. It’s also for you.

Is there a situation in your life that needs God’s intervention? Are you desperate to hear from the Lord on a particular issue?

Maybe you’re struggling with your job or facing financial ruin. Perhaps your marriage is falling apart or your child has turned away from the Lord. Or, you need God’s direction regarding an important decision. Whatever your situation, you can experience the presence of the Lord and know Him in a deeper way through the Daniel Fast.

Will you join me? Remember, your decision to commit three weeks to focused prayer can change everything. Everyone who joins the fast will receive encouragement and support from me. After all, we’re in this together!

May the Lord go before us and be glorified as we fast and pray in His name!

If you decide to join the August 2016 fast, be sure to get your copy of The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast (if you don’t already have it). My book will help you prepare physically and spiritually.

When You’re in a Hard Season

March 22, 2016 By Kristen Feola

Spring is finally here! Where I live, the weather is getting warmer, and flowers are starting to bloom. Spring is one of my favorite seasons because it means new beginnings and new life.

But not all seasons are so pleasant. Sometimes we find ourselves in an extended time of sadness or pain, somewhat like a spiritual winter.

I know because it has happened to me. Recently.

Last year was tough. January 2015 started out great with the annual online Daniel Fast and the release of my second book, Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul. But then I encountered scary health issues in February. At the same time, family problems arose. By March, I was spent. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And I got stuck.

Fear set in. I felt anxious throughout the day. At night, my body was exhausted, but I couldn’t sleep. My mind kept going a hundred miles an hour, thinking about all the what ifs. I was scared because I stopped trusting God.

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Are you there now? If so, let God pull you out of that pit of despair and unbelief. Don’t even try to climb out yourself. You’ll never make it. Oh, you might gain some ground, but you’ll slowly slip back down into the mud and mire. Instead, reach out for the Lord, and let Him grab your hand. Let His strength replace your weakness. Let His power remove your pain.

Yes, the past year has been challenging for me. But the Lord has used (and is using) the experiences to strengthen my spiritual muscles. I believe that the past winter season is about to usher in a glorious spring in my life. As my wise mentor, Ginni, told me, “This is not a bad season. This is a season of becoming fit for God’s power.”

I encourage you to adopt the same perspective.

If you’re experiencing a difficult time right now, put your trust in the Lord no matter what your circumstances. Stand on the truth of His Word despite your feelings. Remember, this promise:

“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans” (Rom. 8:28 TLB).

A hard season is actually a good season. The Lord is with you, and He will bring you to a greater, deeper, stronger place because of it.

Your winter is coming to an end. Spring is just around the corner.

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2016

February 8, 2016 By Kristen Feola

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

January 29, 2016 By Kristen Feola

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.

Why Christians are Slow to Fast

December 14, 2015 By Kristen Feola

The Bible doesn’t come right out and say, “Thou shalt fast.” But there are several examples of fasting in both the Old and New Testaments. When Jesus taught his disciples basic principles of godly living in the Sermon on the Mount, He spoke directly on the topic of fasting. He said, “When you fast,” not “If you fast.” Jesus’ words in Matt. 6:16 imply that fasting should be a regular practice in the lives of His followers.

Should be. But often isn’t.

And why is that?

I believe it’s because of three main reasons. But before we take a look at those reasons, we need to define the the term fast.

What is fasting?

When you fast, you deny yourself food, or certain foods, for a specified period of time as an act of surrender and worship. Someone who commits to a fast is saying, “Lord, nothing is more important than You. I’m ready to sacrifice my time, my physical comfort and my desires so I can hear from You.”

There are basically three different types of fasts*:

• Absolute — no food or water

• Liquid — water, fruit and vegetable juices, and/or broth

• Partial — eating certain groups of foods and restricting others (i.e., a Daniel Fast)

Why we don’t fast

Anyone who has done a fast — whether absolute, liquid or partial (such as the Daniel Fast)—would agree that fasting is difficult. Physically, you may suffer from unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, fatigue and intestinal discomfort, as your body attempts to adjust to the reduced caloric intake. Spiritually, attacks from the enemy increase in frequency and intensity, resulting in a barrage of frustrations and setbacks that can seem overwhelming.

But, the same people who would be honest about the challenges of fasting would also concur that the sacrifices are well worth the rewards. As you draw near to God, you experience a whole new level of relationship with Him. You become more sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit and can hear His voice more clearly.

Why, then, would believers refuse such an opportunity to enjoy sweet communion with the Lord? In most cases, it’s not due to a lack of desire. Instead, we hold back because of fear, ignorance or rebellion. And, trust me, I’ve experienced all three.

Fear

We’re afraid. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of feeling hunger pangs. Afraid of starting and not finishing. Afraid of fasting alone. The enemy gets us all bound up in fearful thoughts, and we convince ourselves we could never do it. Instead of looking to the Lord for strength and help, we become consumed with our weaknesses and paralyzed by fear.

Ignorance

Many Christians simply have not been taught about the importance of seeking God in this way. Churches often do not encourage fasting and, in many cases, never even mention it from the pulpit. For example, I grew up in a Bible-believing church, but I don’t remember hearing a single message on fasting until I was an adult. I wish I would have learned at a much younger age about the benefits and blessings of fasting.

Rebellion

A large segment of the Christian population is aware of the benefits of fasting, yet they’re unwilling to submit to the Lord in this area of their lives. Their hearts are hardened when it comes to the idea of fasting. When God invites them to draw near to Him through a time of focused prayer, they dig their heels into the ground and stubbornly reply, “No!”

Why we should fast

When accompanied by fervent prayer, fasting will help you develop intimacy with the Savior in a powerful way. God promises that when we seek Him wholeheartedly, we will be richly rewarded.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matt. 5:6 NIV).

Following are a few reasons why you should make periodic fasts part of your relationship with the Lord.

Fasting is the example set by Jesus.

First and foremost, we should fast because Jesus did. Our Savior spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness fasting and praying before He began His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). During that time, the Lord was able to defeat Satan’s attacks because He was prayed up and armed with the Word of God. Jesus’ example shows us how fasting equips and empowers us for victory over sin. If Jesus, the Son of God, recognized the importance of fasting in His life, shouldn’t we as well?

Fasting helps you grow in faith.

Self-denial does not come naturally to us because the flesh is wired for indulgence. Therefore, when you commit to a fast, you understand and acknowledge that you can’t do it on your own. You realize how completely dependent you are upon the Lord’s strength and learn to lean on Him for the perseverance you need to finish strong.

Fasting changes you.

When you spend time in the Lord’s presence, you’re changed. You’ll be transformed as you meditate on the truth of God’s Word and apply His promises to your life.

Fasting is for anyone who is hungry for the Lord. As you empty yourself — physically and spiritually — you open the door for God to step in and do the miraculous in your life.

Don’t let fear, ignorance or a rebellious spirit keep you from seeking God through prayer and fasting. Accept the Lord’s invitation to draw near to Him today.

Read testimonies from people who have participated in the January 2015 Online Daniel Fast.

(This post is an adaptation from my original article, “Why Christians Are Slow to Fast,” that appeared in Pentecostal Evangel on April 8, 2012.

*Note: A popular Christian practice in our culture is to declare a media fast (abstaining from Facebook, computer games, television, etc.). Although these forms of self-denial certainly have benefits, they’re not fasts according to the examples found in Scripture. With every instance of fasting in the Bible, people either went without food or a combination of water and food. Therefore, to fast means to reduce food intake as you spend time seeking the Lord in prayer.

January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast – FIGHT!

December 3, 2015 By Kristen Feola

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.}

God is Proud of You

September 10, 2015 By Kristen Feola

I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

I was having lunch with my friends who are missionaries in El Salvador. For about an hour, we shared what the Lord is doing in our lives. Mostly, I just sat and listened, gleaning from their godly wisdom. I soaked in their passion for ministering to hurting people, secretly hoping it would rub off on me. Then, as we said good-bye, my eyebrows raised when I heard, “We’re proud of you.”

What?! I thought. They’re proud of ME? No, no! It’s the other way around!

What I wanted to say was, “It’s your commitment to the poor that touches my heart deeply! It’s your tenacity to share the gospel in one of the most dangerous countries in the world that challenges me! It’s your faithfulness to share the love of Christ that reminds me to reach out to others! I’m so proud of YOU!”

But I didn’t. I was too shocked to speak. As I drove home, I wondered, Were they praising my achievement of being a bestselling author of two books? Patting me on the back for having a successful online Daniel Fast ministry? Applauding my abilities as a speaker?

No, I don’t think so. I doubt that their affirmation was prompted by any accomplishment or accolade. Instead, they wanted to communicate, “We’re proud of who you are. We see the Lord at work in your life, and we thank Him for what He’s doing.”

I thought about those four words several times throughout the day. Such an unexpected gift from my dear friends. Such a priceless treasure I will hold in my heart always. Then I realized that their declaration was God’s message to me as well.

The Lord is proud of me simply because I’m His child. I belong to Him, and He thinks I’m pretty special. My heavenly Father loves me when I’m generous and kind. He loves me when I’m selfish and mean. God doesn’t focus on all the bad stuff when He looks at my life. That sin has been covered by the cross! What He does see is His beloved Son, Jesus, and He is well pleased.

If you’ve been born again – if you’ve accepted God’s gift of salvation – the Lord sees you the same way! Your Father wants you to know that He’s proud of who you are! You’re precious and valuable, not because of anything you’ve done, but because you’re His.

The message the Lord spoke to my heart is also meant for you:

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and…I love you” (Is. 43:4).

Receive those words as God’s gift to you today!

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Pray for Our Babies

August 24, 2015 By Kristen Feola

She was only 16. Pretty, outgoing, and full of hope for the future. Her plan was to attend college after graduation. Then she got pregnant. But despite the shame and fear she felt, a scared, young girl chose to let her baby live. And, I’m so thankful she did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

Since the Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion in 1973, more than 57 million babies have been murdered. 57 million. That’s the equivalent of annihilating a whole country the size of Italy or France, all in the name of a woman’s “right to choose.” And Planned Parenthood is the primary organization that’s providing this barbaric procedure.

Currently, there are 820 Planned Parenthood clinics in the United States. One of them is less than a mile from my house. Ironically, it’s positioned between a Goodwill Store, where people drop off unwanted items, and Other Mothers, which carries second-hand maternity and children’s clothes.

Even though I drive past the clinic several times each week, I don’t like to think about what happens there. It sickens me to consider the atrocities occurring within those brick walls. But, I need to think about it. For far too long I haven’t.

But recent reports on Planned Parenthood’s activities have jolted me to action. I’m horrified by how they’re harvesting babies’ organs for financial gain! And I’m angry. Angry at Planned Parenthood for committing such evil. Angry at our country for letting it happen. Angry at myself for being apathetic and uninvolved.

America, it’s time to wake up! Our babies are being murdered. Living, breathing human beings are being destroyed because of pure selfishness and greed.

What Planned Parenthood is doing is wrong. They must be held accountable and punished for their crimes. If we allow them to continue their practices, we share in their guilt. By doing nothing, we condone their actions.

If you’re like me, you feel helpless. You want to change the situation but feel powerless. Let me remind you this is a spiritual battle. And, we must fight with spiritual weapons. We must pray.

Every time you see an article about Planned Parenthood online or when you drive past a clinic, take a few minutes to intercede. Pray for:

Women who seek the services of Planned Parenthood – That they will understand the full impact of abortion – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pray they won’t be deceived and will choose life.
Employees who work at Planned Parenthood – That they will be convinced that what they’re doing is evil and unethical. Pray they will quit their jobs.
Our government – That they will see the truth of what is happening and withdraw all financial support from the organization.
Believers – To take a stand for the unborn and to be faithful to pray regularly.
Our nation – That that we will repent of this wickedness and turn to God.

I’m passionate about this issue because I could have been a statistic. After all, my life was unplanned. My conception wasn’t convenient. But, thankfully, I had two parents who wanted me. I had a mother who valued the growing baby inside her body.

A few days ago I made the five-minute walk to the Planned Parenthood clinic in my neighborhood. I sat down on the sidewalk in front of the building and bowed my head. At first, no words came. Only tears. I wept for the babies. For the hurting girls. For the deceived workers. For our nation’s sin. For my sin. “God, forgive us!” I cried.

Our country is making a grave mistake by not protecting our babies. God’s judgment is coming if we don’t repent. But the good news is, there’s hope. God promises to show mercy if we turn to Him.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).

Will you cry out to God for our little ones and the women who carry them? We can’t continue to be silent. Unborn babies are relying on our prayers!

Please share this blog post on social media so others will join us in prayer.

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

Say “Yes” to the Daniel Fast!

August 4, 2015 By Kristen Feola

This past Sunday morning was like déjà vu. You know, when you feel as if you’ve been in the same situation before. The thing is, I have. Nearly six years ago.

In August 2009, I sat in the same church under the same pastor, hearing the same challenge to seek the Lord through the Daniel Fast. I eagerly accepted. Even though I’d never done a three-week partial fast, I was excited to see what God would do as I submitted to Him. But I had no idea how that one decision – that one “yes” – would change the course of my life.

I couldn’t have dreamed I would write a bestselling book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

That my website would become a worldwide resource and ministry tool.

That God would open many doors for writing and speaking.

That I’d publish a second book, Spiritually Strong.

And, that’s just the beginning.

Two days ago, as my pastor shared his reasons for calling our church to a time of praying and fasting, I heard a familiar voice: Will you trust me? Will you commit to three weeks of fervent prayer? Will you set aside your agenda and seek my will?

Again, I answered, “Yes.”

Less than two weeks from today, our church will begin a corporate Daniel Fast. Already, I’m beginning to pray. Already, I’m asking God to prepare my heart and to move powerfully among our church and community. Already, I’m believing this Daniel Fast will be miraculous in ways I can’t even imagine.

God is also calling you. Can you hear His voice? Listen closely because He is speaking.

Will you accept His invitation? Will you step out into the unknown and pursue a deeper relationship with God? Will you commit to a three-week Daniel Fast?

The Lord wants to show His love to you and demonstrate His power in your life. Don’t let fear or disobedience rob you of the blessings God wants to give you.

Just trust Him. Just say, “Yes.”

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

Roasted Red Cabbage

June 15, 2015 By Kristen Feola

Roasted Red Cabbage

If you're not already a fan of cabbage, this dish will turn you into one! Roasting cabbage in coconut oil gives it a wonderfully sweet flavor. Enjoy!

3 from 2 votes

Print Recipe

Course Side Dish

Servings

Calories 37 kcal

Ingredients

1-1 1/2 pounds red cabbage, cored and roughly cut into wedges/pieces
1 tablespoon coconut oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Place cabbage in a large bowl. Add coconut oil, and stir well. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir again.
Arrange cabbage pieces in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes. Flip cabbage, and roast until tender and the edges are browned, about 10-15 minutes more. Serve.
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: ½ cup)

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

June 4, 2015 By Kristen Feola

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

This Daniel Fast vegetable dish was created when I was on day 11 of a fast. I wanted something new and different. So I bought a pound of asparagus, grabbed a bunch of fresh kale from my garden, and came up with this tasty recipe. If you like asparagus, you'll love this simple sauté.

4 from 2 votes

Print Recipe

Course Side Dish

Servings

Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients

¼ cup pine nuts
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 pound asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon water
2 cups torn kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces, and lightly packed
2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned or 1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts. Cook 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally. Transfer pine nuts to a bowl or plate.
Add sesame oil, asparagus, and onions to skillet. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, water, kale, basil, and salt. Stir well.
Cook another 2-3 minutes or until asparagus is crisp tender (if skillet starts to get too dry, add another tablespoon of water). Sprinkle with pine nuts, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

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Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

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