DANIEL  FAST   2021

Fasting…What is it?

Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray, and fast. He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, should be a normal part of Christian life. In fact, as much attention should be given to fasting as is given to praying and giving.

 The Word of God is dotted with various references to fasting. Those references include private fasts in which an individual fasted privately, as well as “called fasts” or corporate fasts, in which unusual times and circumstances called for the supernatural hand of God; and so believers came together as one body and fasted.

 Fasting has always been a normal part of a relationship with God. The psalmist tells us in Psalm 42 that the discipline of fasting brings one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with God. When you eliminate food from your diet for a set time, it is then that your spirit becomes uncluttered by the cares of the world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. As David stated, “Deep calls unto deep” Ps 42:7. It was in that time that David became so hungry for God that he reached a place where he could call out from the depths of his spirit to the depths of God. And, although he was in the midst of a great trial, he awakened to the fact that his hope was in God. “Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.” Ps 42:11

 Fasting is a principle that God intended everyone to be able to enjoy. It’s not a punishment; it’s a privilege! When we give ourselves to fasting, we are saying, “God, this isn’t what my flesh wants to do, but I know it’s what You want me to do. I am putting you first and am expecting a breakthrough.”

 When you fast, you will raise up a foundation for many generations. In Ezra 8:21, it says, “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and for our little ones and all our possessions.” In essence when we fast we are calling on God to show us what way we should go. Secondly, we are seeking His hand for our children and future generations. Third we are petitioning God for our substance, our resources and our finances.

 You may ask, “Why should I fast?” The following is just a partial list of reasons to fast, notwithstanding the fact that fasting elevates God above us. 

1. Are you in need of healing or a miracle?

2. Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?

3. Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?

4. Are you in need of a fresh encounter?

5. Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?

6. Do you long for heightened sensitivity to the things of God?

7. Do you need to break away from bondages that are holding you hostage?

8. Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?

9. Do you desire to know God’s will for your life? 

The bible lists various fasts that range from full fasts in which only liquids are consumed for a number of days. Partial fasts in which certain foods are not consumed for a number of days. As well as, fasts in which foods are not eaten during certain time periods. As a body, the Lord has laid it on Pastor Doug and Taffy’s heart to call for a corporate 21-day Daniel Fast. 

The Daniel Fast is a 21-day fast. Dan. 10:2-3, “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” In this fast no meat, no sweets and no bread are consumed. This fast is not one of starvation, but rather a fast of “comfort foods.” It is interesting to note that at the time of this fast, Daniel was 90 years of age! 

Are you tired of business as usual? Fasting disrupts business as usual. When we fast, we are seriously seeking God’s face. Is that what you are looking for?

We ask that in the next few week as the principles of fasting are taught, that you will seek God and see if He would have you join your Pastors and the Board of Word Faith Fellowship in a corporate 21-day Daniel Fast. (excerpts from, “Fasting” by Jentezen Franklin).

Daniel Fast Foods

“In those days I, Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3.

One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel fast is limited to vegetables, fruits and water.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are in poor health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, please consult a physician before beginning your fast. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate in this Daniel fast in a way that is healthy for you.

Foods You May Eat

Whole Grains:

All whole grains, including but not limited to: whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, 100% whole wheat pasta, and air-popped popcorn.

Legumes:

These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to: dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

Fruits:

Fruits include but are not limited to: apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew, melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon.

Vegetables:

Vegetables include but are not limited to: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, gingerroot, kale , leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

Liquids:

Spring water, distilled water, 100% all-natural fruit juices, 100% all-natural vegetable juices. You may also drink unsweetened soy milk. (Some may choose to continue use of coffee and tea…if you so choose to keep these as part of your diet be sure not to add any sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, or dairy/nondairy products).

All Nuts, Seeds and Sprouts:

Including but not limited to: alfalfa sprouts, wheat grass, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also all natural, no sugar added nut butters including peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, etc.

Others:

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut and sesame. Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to Avoid:

• Meat and all animal products

• All dairy products

• Bread

• White rice

• Fried foods

• Caffeine

• Junk food and soda

• Foods containing preservatives or additives

• Refined sugar

• Sugar substitutes

• White flour and all products using it

• Margarine, shortening, high fat products

Recipes

For recipes that are “Daniel Fast friendly” you can visit www.ultimatedanielfast.com or click on the “Daniel Fast Recipes” link on this page.