Little did Daniel know that his devotion and conviction would cause to us, in the 21st century. Little did he know, the blessing and revival it would cause multiple churches and Christians worldwide. Little would he know, that a fast to the Lord would be named after him, The Daniel Fast. Daniel at this time is in captivity along with many of the children of Israel, and had a postion in the palace, along with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago. But they had a problem eating food sacrificed to the Babylonian idols. Or pretty much, to devils. So Daniel suggested to the Babylonian caretaker, if him and his friends could take ten days to eat vegetables and water. So the caretaker said yes. Now remember, that if the royal subjects were not up to par for the king, it would of been the caretakers head. So at the end of ten days, Daniel and his paisanos, looked better, healthier and more nourished than the rest. Amen! To that! Then in Dan. 10:2-3 is the where we get the 21 days. The Daniel Fast. 2 "At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips;" Now, keep in mind, the Daniel Fast, is only one option of fasting. There's also the Absolute Fast; The Supernatural Fast; And Normal Fast. In Elmer Town's book, he's written about something like 9 different fasts. But here we'll just focus on one . The Daniel Fast.
WHAT IS THE DANIEL FAST?
Well, its to be honest, just like Daniel did it. Vegetables and water. Yet, in our time, because its to the Lord, we've kinda of tailor -made our fasts. 4 options or preferences of the Daniel Fast:
- The Exactamundo Fast (I know, sounds like, What??)
In other words, this is the person that does exactly as scripture teaches. Which is good. Yet, good for that person, in their situation. Remember some people work construction jobs and or have diabetes, or are pregnant or are growing kids. So its unto the Lord. That's the key. Remember the Daniel fast is a restrictive diet fast. - The Expanded Fast
This is the fast I choose, and poretty much encourage. Its the Vegetable and fruit, nuts and grains, proteins, juices, tea fast. But it means we must avoid meats and dairy. - The Extracted Fast
This has the same spirit as the Daniel Fast. But the person has decided, they would like to cut out their sweets or coffed drinking, and the like. They extract what they want to fast on. - The Entertainment Fast
This focuses on TV, cable, DVD's, Radio. Texting, Internet (Hello somebody), etc. I think this is good. For some of you, my God!! You text like mad women, and mad men!! You text anywhere and everywhere you go. You even take that little Blackberry to bed with you. It might be even closer to you than your Bible!! Thank God I don't have one of the those phones! Man, some people text in church, meetings!! Wow? You say, "Well, how do you know?" HAH!! I read all your tweets!! That's how! HAH!
THE THREE P's OF FASTING
- What is the Purpose of the Daniel Fast?
Our purpose is to do it as unto the Lord. Biblical fasting is abstaining or staying away from something for a spiritual purpose. It's a spiritual exercise of a voluntary self-denial of food or drink. Our purpose is to get closer to God. Break bad habits. To recieve direction, for times of spiritual attack, for God to move in our cities, etc. Read Isa. 58. Its a good chapter on fasting. I like 'God's Chosen Fast", By Arthur Wallis. Jesus said, “And now about fasting. When you fast, declining your food for a spiritual purpose, don’t do it publicly, as the hypocrites do, who try to look wan and disheveled so people will feel sorry for them. Truly, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, put on festive clothing, so that no one will suspect you are hungry, except your Father who knows every secret. And he will reward you.” Matt. 6: 16-18 - What should be our Passion during our fast?
We should make a comittment and stick with it. But do it from our hearts. Let it be a joy, and a great experience in God. Don't do it just because your church is doing, or because its the "in" thing to do. Fast with a passion. God is not so much concerned about what's in our stomach as much as He's concerned about what's in our heart and spiritual character. - What role does Prayer have in the Daniel Fast?
Prayer and fasting go hand in hand. At your lunch hour. After you eat your Daniel lunch. Go off somewhere and pray. Seasons of prayer are important during our fasts. Listen, if you do the Daniel fast, and or any other fast, and don't pray. Then all you are is a hungry Christian. And pretty much on some starving experience. Fasting cannot go on without prayer. It just can't. Remember, Daniel prayed three times a day.
What? You're still not sure how to Participate in the Fast?
Remember do it as unto the Lord. Plan for it. Pray about it. Then do it if you feel God wants you to do it. Jesus didn't say, 'Oh, by the way. In case you fast.' He said, "When you fast". So Jesus expects us to fast. Someone said, "Fasting is one of the lost secrets of the Church.”
SO WHAT DO YOU EAT DURING THE DANIEL FAST?
Here is a list. You might say, "Man, I can't just eat some of this stuff. I need some real food. You know, like, fried chicken, carnitas, and tacos de carne asada." I know, I know. But here is a list for you anyways. I put down some of those that we're very familiar with. Some different categories of foods.
Whole Grains: Oats, Popcorn, Brown Rice, Wheat, Oatmeal, Barley, Granola mix, etc.
Legumes: Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Dried beans, Walnuts, or nut mixes, Peanuts, Lentils, Peas or Black Eyed Peas.
Fruits: Bananas, Apples, Peaches, Apricots, Grapefruit, Grapes, Pears, Watermelon, Lemons, Blackberries, Honeydew Melon, Blueberries, Limes, Boysenberries, Mangoes, Cantaloupe, Strawberries, Cherries, Plums, Raspberries, Oats, Figs, Pineapples, Guava, Tangerines, Papayas, Kiwi, Nectarines, Raisins, Avocados.
Vegetables: Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Garlic, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Yams, Zucchini, Potatoes.
Liquids: Water, 100% Fruit or vegetable Juices, Herbal teas. Oh, and Please don't drink Rock Stars!! Or Red Bulls!!
WHAT KIND OF FOODS TO AVOID?
Meat, Poultry, Fish; White Rice; Fried Foods; Carbonated Beverages (You know, those sodas.); Foods that have preservatives or additives; Refined sugar or sugar substitutes; White flour; Margarine, lard, shortening, high fat products; All breads; Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, yogurt,) etc.
Ok, last, here's some menus for during the fast. Just some ideas, that's all.
Brown rice dinner; Rice, Black Beans and Corn; Tasty veggie Wraps; Golden Carrot Soup; Black Bean & Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers; veggie soup; Leek and Potato soup; Stir Fry Brown Rice w/ Vegetables; Black bean soup; Herb-Roasted Idaho Potato Fries; Au Grautin’ potatoes; Vegetable soup and navy beans; Mashed pinto beans on whole grain taco shells; Popcorn; Cantaloupe Tonight Melon Smoothie; Drink tea; Salads and Salad Dressing; Bean burritos on Homemade corn tortillas. Fried Plantaines.
The main thing is for you to do what God is telling you to. But, I think I got it. May God bless you during your fast. If you have any menus that might be helpful, let us know.
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