21 day fast--Daniel's style

Wow WE MADE IT! A sense of spiritual accomplishment? A feeling of closeness to the Lord? A greater desire for the Lord-more hunger & thirsting after the Lord? Absolutely--BUT, WANNA GO DEEPER?
No matter how deep you are now, go ahead go for it...wade in a little deeper.  Don't worry about whats gonna get wet; this fast has proven you can trust the Lord for your daily sustenance.  Don't stop at the point where you can't keep your feet underneath you.  Get swept away.  What are your hesitations living a more Spirit-led life of faith?  What illusions of control are you clinging to?  Go in all the way.  Pray today that this fast will be just the beginning of a deeper relationship with God.  Pray that He will continue to draw you to dive in and let him take complete control of your life.
This has been 21 days well spent with the Lord. It was worth every sacrifice.  Sacrifice? What's food compared to the glory of God?  Whats food compared to the new found closeness and connection to the Lord? It can continue...not necessarily Daniel Fast, but learning to live in a mode of giving ourselves to God.  Some may have decided to continue in a "clean/pure" food choice. All the healthier! Ask what He wants you to eat and when. Listen and He will give you food guidelines personalized and perfect for the body that He fearfully and wonderfully made; which confirms that He will direct you what to eat and what not to eat--if only we will pay attention to what He speaks.  Keep an eye on  your portions and don't over-eat (even healthy foods)!
It's been a blessing to me to share my devotions with you.  Feel free to leave comments. I feel sad to think this has to end cause the fast ended.  Who knows maybe I will keep this blog up in some form or another.....
Blessings, Nancy

DEVOTIONAL READING:  EZEKIEL 47: 1-12


SWEET 'N' SPICY ROASTED ALMONDS

2 1/2 cups whole almonds
1 tbsp almond or olive oil
1/1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 stp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flakes, or to taste
preheat oven to 350.

on a baking sheet, combine almonds and oil, tossing to coat almonds evenly. sprinkle
coriander, cumin, salt and red pepper flakes over almonds evenly.  Toss again.
Roast in preheated oven, 7 to 10 min. or until fragrant & golden, stirring occasionally.
Cool on baking sheet for about 1 hr. toss again before serving.

Day 20

Here I am another day behind.  Thankfully the Lord is never late!
It's day 20 (Saturday).  Are your considering continuing your fast or maybe beginning new habits or regular fasting? Maybe the Lord has "taken away"certain foods or idols in life for an indefinite period of time.  A couple of years ago he "delivered" me from caffeine. At that point I wasn't necessarily asking to be delivered but God wanted that part of my that was so "important" to me!
As you read today's (yesterday's) scripture focus you will see the people are wondering if thy should continue the fasting calendar they had kept, and the Lord answers through Zech.   Since Moses' time, God instituted a whole calendar of fasts and feasts.  Both were designed to draw His people closer to Him.  If drawing closer to God is your goal every day, both times of feasting and fasting can be holy to the Lord.  Take time to allow God to speak to you about your fasting experience.  Ask God to help you reflect on the ways your fast has softened your heart and influenced you to treat others differently.


SCRIPTURE FOCUS:  ZECHARIAH 7

Carrot, Apple, & Ginger Soup

1/2 TB extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 clove garlic, minced

1 TB minced fresh ginger root

6 cups Vegetable Broth or water

2 lbs carrots, peeled & cut into 2" pieces

2 cups chopped apples, peeled

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp thyme

1 tsp salt

Instructions

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or stockpot. Add onion, and cook until translucent. Mix in garlic and ginger, and cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add vegetable broth, carrots, apples, bay leaf, thyme, salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, or until carrots are tender.

Remove from heat, and allow soup to cool about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Purée the soup in batches in a food processor or blender. When completely smooth, return to stovetop, and cook another 10 minutes. Makes 8 cups.

Recipe Notes

• 
  
  I used Fuji apples, but you could use just about any type of apple, depending upon your personal preference. 
• 
  
  If you like this flavor combination and would like to try a new juice recipe, try the Orient Express.

YUMMY SOUP!

Day 19

Well here it is day 19...how are you feeling? I have fallen slightly behind on posting to this blog. I'm sorry.
Are you tired & weary? Hungry? Are craving the food you left behind or are you rejoicing in this new freedom?
Is your desire to get back to business (or life) as usual? I am trusting that you have gained a closeness and more hunger & thirsting for things of God rather than focusing on what you haven't been able to have over the last 19 days.   Hasn't the "fellowship" with our Lord been up close & personal lately? It's amazing how much emphasis we place on food or things of this world, if you will. think about the marveloius joy of spending this last day in His courts.  Praise Him for the ways you are growing and seeking him more.  Read today's passage aloud as your prayer to God today. Personalize it, sing it loud or just whisper, but Praise Him today.  He inhabits our praise & worship.

Passage of focus today--PSALM 84

Fruit Pizza

Crust

1 ½ cups almond flour (meal)
½ cup roughly chopped pitted dates
½ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup unsweetened apple juice

Fruit Sauce
¼ cup Date Honey  (not really a 'honey' more like Date Butter)
½ cup sliced strawberries

Topping Ideas
Sliced apples, bananas, blueberries, grapes, kiwifruit, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pineapples, strawberries

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place almond flour, dates, pecans and apple juice in a food processor. Process until mixture forms a ball. Press dough into 10-inch circle, about ¼-inch thick, on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet or pizza pan (rub a little olive oil on your hands if dough gets too sticky). With a fork, poke holes all across crust dough. Bake 10 minutes, or until edges are browned and slightly crispy. Remove from oven and let cool completely, about 45 minutes.

Put Date Honey and strawberries in a food processor or blender. Process about 30 seconds or until smooth and creamy. Spread fruit sauce onto cooled crust. Top with your favorite assortment of sliced fruit. Refrigerate 3 hours or until chilled.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 slice)

Recipe Notes

• Substitute oat flour for the almond flour.

Day 18

The Lord WANTS us to come back to him in a fresh new way...He asks us to fast.  He looks at the intention of the heart not what's said or done on the outside. He wants us to turn to Him with a pure heart of worship  because of who He is not just for what He has done for us.  Sure He has done amazing things for us, but that's not the only reason to LOVE HIM WITH A PURE AND STEADFAST HEART.  He provides what we need and we have nothing to fear. But again, he knows the intention of our hearts. That being said, what is He seeing in your heart as a result of this fast? What will he see in your heart in 2 weeks, 2 months or even in 2 years? Love Him with a pure heart of worship and thanksgiving.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS;  JOEL 2: 12-32


Fresh Marinated Italian Tomatoes

6 fresh tomatoes diced (peeled optional)
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tbsp. fresh Italian parsley 
1/2 c olive oil
1/2 c chopped onion
1/3 c vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider)
1 pinch dried dill

Put oil, vinegar, onion & seasonings in a jar & shake.
Place tomatoes in a bowl and pour marinade over to cover.
refrigerate at least 3 hours.  Serve on lettuce leaves.

The marinade is delicious on chilled, lightly cooked green beans as well as
other vegetables.                             serves 6-8

Day 17

Have you ever considered the determination and personal standards that Shadrach, Meshach & Abednegohad to stand for their personal convictions against all odds? Can you imagine the spiritual strength it tookto not obey the new law of the king. Even when EVERYONE else around these 3 men followed the orders--these guys didn't.  They stood strong, knowing their God would be with them through the thick (heat, if you will) of the trial.
Don't we sometimes feel like we are standing against everyone one else when we stand for the gospel?
Don't we many times, when we go through a trial, feel like we are the only ones? But was Shadrach, Meshach & Abedngo standing in that hot firey furnance alone, where their clothes fire-retardant? NO WAY-- God himself was in there with them.  It was none other than Devine intervention in an impossible situation. The fact remains, these brave men had the courage to stand against the flow. They stood againstthe natural for the supernatural.  What are you facing? Have the faith to believe that God is going through this with you and will protect & guide you. He will NEVER leave you or forsake you!

TAKE COURAGE AS YOU READ:  DANIEL 3

CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP

3/4c chopped Spanish onion 
2t. olive oil
2 1/2t curry powder
salt & pepper to taste
4 c vegetable broth
1 15oz can pumpkin
2 potatoes, peeled & 1in. cubed
1/4 c chopped cilantro

Sautee onion in olive oil, add seasoning-stir.
Add broth, pumpkin & potatoes, boil. Reduce heat to med. & partially cook
covered for 8-10 min. until potatoes are tender. Remove, stir in cilantro then
wala! Serve.
serves 4 
238 cal.  17% (good) fat, 16% protein, 6g fiber

Day 16

"A Psalm of fearless Trust in God" is the theme of today's reading in Psalm 27.
It talks about seeking one thing.  During this time of seeking, it's easy to focus on
seeking things from God instead of just seeking God--to seek His hand and not His face. 
Think of the difference between approaching a king to kiss his hand and approaching a
loving father to kiss his face. God is both king & Father.  He is capable of meeting your
needs and answering your prayers.  but He also loves you more deeply than you can ever know. 
When you seek His face, you'll find yourself in a much closer posture to Him.
Pray today that you will seek God's face and get closer to Him than you ever have before.


Trusting God--read PSALM 27


"PANCIT" a favorite of the Philippines

1 16 oz pkg. rice noddles
1 cake of  firm tofu diced
1 glove garlic
1brown onion diced
1 cup shreeded cabbage
1 cup julian cut carrots
1 cup sliced celery
olive oil or vegetable oil
2 cups water or vegetable broth

instructions:
1)rinse rice noodles with tap water. drain and set aside
2)saute garlic & onion in olive oil or vegie oil
3)add diced tofu, carrots, celery and cabbage
4)add water or broth
5)season to taste with garlic salt or liquid amino (seasoning/soy sauce substitute)  
6)heat until boiling and add athe drained rice noddles.
7)simmer 2 min., reverse noodles and simmer for another two min. and stir to loosen the rice noodles.
8)turn off the heat, sprinkle with olive oil, stir and serve
yummy! A great alternative to Italian pasta!

Day 15

 We are beginning the last final week--week 3 of the fast.  Take time to reflect & celebrate what God has begun.  Write or verbally share your experiences.  Event though you may feel like you're a in a groove now, for many this final week will be harder than others.  Ask God to search you and begin to shine a light on all the dark corners of your heart.  Ask Him to use this last week to refine you and cleanse you.

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT:  PSALM 51

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

1 LG. (4LB) BUTTERNUT SQUASH PEELED, SEEDED & 1in DICED

2TBSP OLIVE OIL

1 TBSP CHOPPED THYME

2 TSP KOSHER SALT

1 TSP GROUND BLACK PEPPER

HEAT OVEN TO 400.  PLACE THE SQUASH ON THE A RIMMED BAKING SHEET, ADD O.O., THYME, SALT AND PEPPER AND TOSS WITH YOUR HANDS.  ROAST UNTIL TENDER, TOSSING ONCE DURING COOKING WITH METAL SPATULA SO THE CUBES BROWN EVENLY, 30-40 MIN. SEASON TO TASTE  AND SERVE HOT.

SERVES 4-6

Day 14

Blessed are those who hunger...can you relate to that during the last 12 days? Your eating, but to many, venture I say, to the greater majority very different than you are used to.  When you get that craving for something to eat that is on your "comfort food" list...turn your devotion away from food and towards the Lord instead. Allow him to "feed" you.  Mediate on this passage of Matthew 5, commonly known as the Beatitudes or Blessings.  Make a point today to count your blessings.   Keep a journal with you all day to write down the blessings that God brings to your mind.  Pray to thank Him for the blessings, even the ones that come as a result of enduring hardships or trials.

READ MATTHEW 5: 1-14 (THE BEATITUDES)

Recipe by BettyCrocker

Print Save

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

• 10  oz. (3 1/2 cups) uncooked whole wheat, rice or corn pasta                                                   (linguine preferred) 
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  bunch broccoli, chopped (about 8 cups)
• 3/4  cup water
• 1  cup vegetable-broth
• 1  (4 1/4-oz.) can chopped ripe olives, drained
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
• 1/4  teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Cook gemelli to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain; cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in nonstick Dutch oven or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Add broccoli; cook and stir 3 minutes.
3. Stir in water, vegetable broth and olives; cover and simmer an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
4. Add cooked pasta to broccoli mixture. Add salt and pepper; toss to combine

Day 13

You are special, chosen, holy, set apart, a royal priest--YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD!  Do you need an anchor right now? Set Christ as your cornerstone/anchor today.  Write down the ways He has brought you from darkness into light. Make time today to thank God for beginning a work in you with His Son set as the foundation for Him to build on.

DEVOTION FOR TODAY:    I PETER 2

Golden Carrot Soup Daniel Fast Recipe

Used with permission from The Daniel's Fast Cookbook

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped fine, about 2 cups

3 stalks celery chopped fine insert, about 1 cup

1 package 16 oz. bag of fresh sliced carrots, about 4 cups

1 quart vegetable broth, 32 oz carton

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 teaspoons chopped garlic, jar ok

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large pot put olive oil and sauté onion, celery, carrots, garlic and all the seasonings for about 10 minutes. Then add the vegetable broth. Cover and simmer for about 25 min or until carrots are tender. With a hand held blender, cream the soup. If you do not have an hand held blender, spoon into a regular blender. Blend half at a time. Be careful this is hot stuff. Serves 6.

Day 12

Comfort food...are you beginning to see how much comfort food gives? How much have your thoughts been overtaken with craving certain foods, missing the things you're fasting from, or even how much weight you could lose.  Is it often?  If it were alcohol or a harmful drug, would you consider yourself addicted if you were this consumed with your desire for them?  For many, this fast can begin an awareness of a harmful place food may have in your life.  It can reveal an addiction.  Pray that the God of compassion and all comfort will become your primary source of comfort.  Ask Him to use this experience with suffering to remove anything in your life that has taken the Holy spirit's place as your Comforter.

FOCUS ON THIS PASSAGE--2 CORINTHIANS 1

POLENTA (CORN MEAL)
Italian version:
ingredients: Corn Meal (Polenta) & Water
1 cup Polenta
enough water to cover & let it "rest" in a bowl for 10-15 min (or longer if needed...all day- while you go to work!)
Bring 3 cups water to boil, reduce to simmer ADD polenta/water mixture SLOWLY, stirring constantly. continue to stir until polenta thickens-about 20 min. (good job for someone else to do while you prepare the salad & set the table!)
When thickened to the point of "supporting" the spoon- it's done!
My family Italian tradition is to add (pasta) sauce & kidney beans (protein)
& serve!
Bon Apitete!

another find for corn meal instead of oatmeal....
I tried it and really liked it:
I used 1/2 cup corn meal (you can use more if you want) & enough water to cover PLUS alittle more! Microwave for 2 min.
Stir if too dry add more water & microwave for 30sec. - 1 min.
add fresh berries! (you may want to add SOY milk or apple juice)
Wham! a great breakfast alternative

Day 11

The passage of James 1 has many convicting challenges--one being for you to match your faith with action.
Don't just contemplate God's Word--do what it says.
Don't be a hearer only but start putting God's word into action.
You are now beginning the second half of this fast. Reflect on whether your fast would be characterized more by listening or doing.  Ask God for wisdom about where He wants to lead you during this second half of your fast.  What has God spoken to heart about through the first 10 days?


READ JAMES 1


VEGGIE BURGER RICE & BEANS

Cook 1 veggie burger according to package directions: cut into bite-size pieces and set aside.  Add 1 Tbsp minced onion, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp salt to veggie stock  and use it in place of water to cook 1/4 cup brown rice according to pakg directions.  Mix cooked rice with 1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained, and 1/4 cup thawed frozen corn.  top with chopped veggie burger, 1 tbsp diced avacado and 3 tbsp salsa.
serves 1.  Can be made to feed more by adjusting ingredients accordingly.

Day 10

 40 days--Jesus fasted for 40 days! We are fasting for "only" 21!
Nothing-was what Jesus had for 40 days.
Nothing-not even water was all that Moses had for 2-- 40 day fasts back to back.
So in light of those...21 days of fruits & vegies is a "cake walk" (oops, maybe a poor choice of words)!
Jesus & Daniel both, clearly came out stronger than ever after their fasts. 
How is your fast strengthening you? Do you feel as though you're floundering?  Maybe you're not experiencing the outcomes you expected.  Ask God to lead you into the same kind of preparation, power, and purpose that Jesus gained from His time of fasting.




TODAY'S READING: LUKE 4





Pineapple Citrus Muffin are breakfast or a quick snack...guilt-free! 

Pineapple Citrus Muffins

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup oat flour (see Recipe Notes)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup diced pineapples
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
¼ cup Date Honey
¼ cup flaxseed meal
2 teaspoons unsweetened coconut flakes
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
½ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly rub 8 cups of a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil, and set aside.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and stir well to combine. Scoop out mixture into muffin tin cups, allowing about 1/3 cup for each muffin. Bake 20 minutes, or until muffin tops are lightly browned. Serve warm.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 muffin)

Recipe Notes

• Make your own oat flour by placing old-fashioned rolled oats in a food processor or blender and process until fine (½ cup old-fashioned oats will yield about ½ cup ground oats).
• Spread almond butter or Date Honey on top.
• Flaxseed meal is a powder made from ground flaxseeds. It can be found in health food stores and some grocery stores. Instead of buying flaxseed meal, you can also grind whole flaxseeds at home by using a coffee or seed grinder. 
• The zest is the outermost, colorful skin of citrus fruits. Zest is often used to enhance flavor in recipes. The pith, or white membrane underneath the outside peel, has a bitter, unpleasant taste and should be avoided while zesting.
• Date Honey

Date Honey

1 cup pitted dates (about 6-8 Medjool or 18-20 Deglet Noor)

1 cup water

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Pour dates and water into a small saucepan, making sure dates are completely covered (add additional water if necessary). Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 45-60 minutes or until dates are very soft and broken down. Remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly for about 15 minutes. Pour mixture into a blender or food processor and puree until completely smooth. Sprinkle in cinnamon and stir well. Store in a sealed container in refrigerator.

Yield: 12 servings (serving size: about 1 tablespoon)

 A Few Date Varieties...

1. Medjool - largest, sweetest date that is soft and tender.
2. Deglet Noor - semi-dry chewy "bread" date with a nutty flavor; not as sweet as other dates; smaller than the Medjool and good for use in Trail Mix.
3. Pakistani - semi-dry date that is very similar to the Deglet Noor, but is slightly smaller.

Apples with Date Honey

Apples, sliced

Date Honey (recipe above)

Toppings: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts and unsweetened shredded coconut.

Instructions
Spread Date Honey on one side of each apple slice. Serve as is, or press into chopped pecans or shredded coconut or both.

Recipe Notes

• You may also use sliced bananas or pears.

Day 9

Oh man, just when you think you've sacrificed enough...your choice food...today's devo is asking us to explore how we can present our body as a living sacrifice to God. Today's passage-Romans 12, starts with that challenge and offers many ways to express it.  In what ways has your fast been helping you experience true worship in new ways?  Pray today and ask God to continue to reveal His will for you during this time of sacrifice and worship. Are you noticing the extremes in your usual way of eating compared to how you've eating now?  I hope that you are reaping blessings and answers to your fast as we have completed the first week. I would really like some blogging happening here....(hint, hint) :-) thanks for comments! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE READING: ROMANS 12 ITALIAN STEAMED ARTICHOKES These interesting vegetables are easy to prepare but take a long time to eat and it's a hard job "getting" to the food portion! But have fun with this...

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1850,153173-233207,00.html Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved. 4 artichokes 1 1/2 inches water in bottom of Dutch oven 1/2 tsp. garlic & onion powder 2 tbsp. lemon juice 2 tbsp. Balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp. salt  3 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. Italian herb seasoning Trim off top of artichokes and cut off stem and clean. Place artichokes in pan. Add water to 1 1/2 inches from bottom of large Dutch oven. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over artichokes. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and cover. Steam for 45 minutes to one hour or until leaves pull out easily. Be sure to baste the artichokes every 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Day 8

As we enter week two Psalm 100 talks to us about entering God's presence with thankfulness, gladness, joy & praise in your heart.  If you've become focused on the physical hardships you're faced with or the burdens you're bringing to God in prayer, then spend today just being joyful in the Lord.  Write down some things that bring you joy today.  sing a song of praise to Him.  Pray that god will stir an urgency to press in and see what God has for you beyond His gates.


SCRIPTURE FOCUS: PSALM 100


 WHITE BEANS & SAUTEED VEGETABLES

This is a very fast and flavorful dish. Add a salad and some sliced fruit and you have a very nice Daniel Fast meal!
2 cans white beans, drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup celery, finely diced
½ cup carrot, finely diced
¼ cup virgin olive oil (to drizzle after beans are dished up)
  Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:

1. Drain the white beans and set aside
2. Heat olive oil and then add all the prepared vegetables to the pan and sauté for until just done.
3. Add beans and heat thoroughly
4. Dish up on serving plates, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.

Yield: 4 servings
Tip: It is best to cook with regular old pure olive oil – save the more costly extra virgin oil for salads, drizzling, and dipping. When cooked, extra virgin oil actually turns bitter and the great flavors are cooked away! So use the less expensive pure olive oil for sautéing and frying.

Day 7

 Broken & poured out...you see these words in the story of the woman & the last supper.  Since bread & juice (communion) are not options while on the fast for you to remember Jesus during these 21 days, do what the woman did.  Do what Jesus did.  Live your life broken and poured out in remembrance of what He has done for you.  How can your life be a living memorial to Christ? Talk to God about things in your life that need to be broken and poured out like the vase of perfume.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS:  MARK 14: 1-26


EASY HI-PROTEIN BREAKFAST STIR-FRY

Sometimes it can be hard coming up with good breakfasts on the Daniel Fast, especially if you are used to eggs. I made what I thought was a delicious breakfast and it was quick.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 cup firm tofu, diced in bite-sized pieces
  garlic salt to taste
  Italian herbs to taste
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and heat for a couple minutes. Add the onions and green peppers and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Add tofu, garlic salt and Italian herbs. Continue to cook until vegetables are soft.
Makes two servings.
This was so tasty. The tofu is about the same consistency as egg whites and it soaks up the flavors of whatever it’s being cooked with. Very easy, tastes great, and lot of protein.

Good variation: omit tofu. Serve stir-fry peppers in corn tortillas.









    * Daniel Fast Snacks
To have a successful Daniel Fast, it’s a good idea to have several snack foods available for those times when you “need a little something.” I suggest you still take snacks in “servings,” so you don’t over eat on these sometimes high-calorie foods.

Rice cakes, just plain old crunchy patties
Rice cakes with peanut butter and raisins
Almonds
Dried fruit including apricots
Apples dipped in nut butter
Sliced fruit
Veggies
Popped popcorn
Trail mix with nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, coconut pieces and dried fruit
Fruit kabobs
Frozen fruit including grapes, blueberries, strawberries and bananas
Whole wheat crackers with nut butter
Hummus with flat bread
Tortilla chips that have no added preservatives only ingredients are
      corn, salt and canola or vegetable oil

READ LABELS not nutritional info as much as ingredient list.  The
only items listed should be WHOLE WHEAT OR WHOLE GRAIN
and with as little as possible...i.e.: the list should be pure/whole foods
with no sugar(s)/sweetners, additives or preservatives and the oil
needs to be olive, or a vegetable not an animal (by)product.
If you cant pronounce a listed ingredient; likely not a natural substance.

Day 6

This fast is about growing your relationship with god.  And He's not as concerned about what is in your stomach as He is is about what is in your heart. God doesn't need us to fast; we need to fast for Him.
Daniel's decision not to eat the king's food was an outward symbol of an inward commitment he had made to God.  Let your choices over the remaining 15 days reflect the hunger you have for God's presence in your life.
Like when we are hungry for food -- we want to eat, eat now and eat until full.  Fasting is the time in which, like physical hunger, we grow hungry for God, we need God, now and can't get enough of His spirit in us! Oh, that we would hunger and thirst after God in that way always...
Since there is no definitive list of foods for the Daniel Fast, it is truly the spirit of Daniel's decision that we are imitating over the next 21 days.  If there is something that is not specifically listed that you think still qualifies, then feel free to adjust accordingly.  There are links available on the church website with food lists available. The details of the fast are between you and God.  Use this time to focus on Him.
This is a "partial fast" if you have eaten something by accident, do not feel condemned, or you will not benefit from this fast. This is intended to be a time of free


Scripture focus for today:  ISAIAH 58


Recipe for today:

Stir Fry Brown Rice w/Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 box of instant brown rice (or bag brown rice) or regular brown rice
• Vegetables to stir fry (either fresh or frozen)
• Canola Oil
• Olive Oil
• *Soy Sauce (Many avoid soy sauce because it is fermented and may contain MSG. Substitute salt to taste.  A natural soy sauce alternative  to use is "Bragg Liquid Aminos" a all purpose seasoning from soy protein.
• Peanuts

Cook your rice according to package (I season my rice as well when I cook).
Heat Wok or fry pan on Med. High heat add 1/4 cup of Canola Oil (more or less) Give a minute for oil to get hot.
Place raw onions in now, if you are adding to recipe, also garlic for taste. Pour the cooked rice into Wok and stir for 4 min. add Soy Sauce* or salt to taste.
Pour rice back into container it was cooked in and set aside.
Now add 1/4 cup Olive Oil to hot Wok again. Then add the vegetables and lots of whatever seasonings you like. Stir until done add peanuts right before serving.
This recipe is very good reheated for lunch the next day.
ENJOY but more importantly: BLESSINGS!

Day 5

Fasting is know as a "secret act of devotion" to God.  How do we deal with that as a declared "church fast"?
Well, obviously we know the entire congregation has been "invited" into this (annual) fast.  We will gain support as as community of believers are venturing into this together.  Use this opportunity to encourage others you know who are fasting also.   Many fasts in the Bible were corporate fasts called by authority figures for a whole group to participate in together.  Reflect on the heart of what Jesus is saying in this passage.  What has been the motive behind any conversations you've had about fasting?  Is it to encourage others or receive support?  Is there some secret wish to be seen as holy or spiritual? Only two know the answer to these questions--you & God!  Pray today asking God to uncover your motives for fasting and ask for ways you can seek the encouragement you need without clouding your heart with pride.


SCRIPTURE FOCUS:  Matthew 6: 5-18


Tortillas as "Daniel Approved" if you READ THE LABEL.  Look for whole wheat and as little as possible of "extra" ingredients; i.e.: no lard.  If you are considering purchasing spinach or tomatoe tortilla READ THE PACKAGE LABEL making sure that white flour or wheat flour is listed as an ingredient.  THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN WHEAT FLOUR (which simply put is white (processed/refined) flour made from wheat rather than corn, rice...etc. and WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR is exactly that-flour made from the whole wheat.  Corn Tortillas are made with corn and are perfectly acceptable. 
When in doubt--make your own using the recipe below!

Whole Grain Tortillas

2 1/2 cups whole grain flour (brown rice, spelt, whole wheat, etc.)
2 TB flaxseed meal, optional
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water

Instructions
Mix flour, flaxseed meal, salt, and water in a food processor until dough forms a ball. Turn dough onto a floured work surface, and knead for 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 30 minutes.

Divide dough into 8 equal pieces, and roll each piece into an 8-inch circle to ¼” thickness. Place in a skillet over low heat. Cook tortilla for 1 minute. Flip, and cook 2-3 minutes on second side or until flatbread bubbles up. Repeat for remaining tortillas. Makes 8 tortillas.

Recipe Notes

• When using spelt, add another ½ cup flour.
• Spread tortilla with Hummus or organic salsa, and stuff with beans, rice, and/or vegetables.

Day 4

The scripture reading for today is from Psalm 119 which is the longest psalm in the Bible.  This passage is mostly about a passion for God's Word.  These 21 days you have devoted to the Lord will be rich and memorable by combining your Bible reading with  fasting and prayer.  Maybe you have never read the Bible on a consistent daily basis, or possibly you have never read the Bible all the way through from cover to cover what better time to start than now, while your fasting and spending quality time with the Lord!

How do you describe your passion for God's Word at this moment? Pray today that God will increase the fire and desire in your heart/spirit for Him during this intense devoted time. 

Fasting is about "giving up" and giving in more.  We give up food but be sure to focus on spending MORE TIME WITH THE LORD by reading your Bible more and spending time in prayer--and time to just listen to what the Lord is speaking into your spirit. If you only give up (certain) foods and don't spend more time in

direct devotion with the Lord you are no more than "dieting." Be sure to focus "hungry" times in prayer/reading/listening to the Lord.  He desires us to have a deeper passion  for His word. He speaks to us through HIS ANOINTED WORD!

 

Scripture reading for today: PSALM 119

Your comments welcome!

 

 

Taco Soup

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
4 cups Vegetable Broth or water
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, rinsed, drained, & mashed
1 (15-oz) can corn, drained
½ cup dry polenta
1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onions until soft and translucent. Add broth, tomatoes, black beans, mashed pinto beans, corn, polenta, Taco Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat, and cook 30 minutes. Makes 8 cups.


Recipe Notes

• Substitute 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice for polenta.
• Place corn in a food processor and pulse a few times for a cream-style texture.
• Use kidney beans instead of black or pinto beans.

Day 3

We are doing this "vegan" thing for 3 weeks-21 days but the young men in DANIEL 1 did nothing but vegetables & water for the duration of their training in Babylon! They choose to do this not from fear of getting caught, but from their devotion to God's commands already formed in them before being taken from their homeland.  During this fast, you will have many opportunities to deviate (cheat) from your commitment--especially if you're fasting alone or if no one will find out.  Pray that God will give you the RESOLVE & COURAGE to stick to the standards you've set and honor Him no matter what.


Today's reading: DANIEL 1

Fruit & Nut Salad

4 cups torn romaine lettuce, packed
3 kiwifruit, peeled and cut into half moons
1 cup blackberries
1 cup raspberries
½ cup roughly chopped pecan halves
1 recipe Orange-Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Instructions
Place lettuce in a large bowl, and top with kiwifruit, blackberries, raspberries, and pecans. Toss lightly, and serve with Orange-Poppy Seed Salad Dressing.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 ½ cups)

Recipe Notes

• This salad is extremely versatile. Experiment with a variety of fruit and nut combination.
• Use almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
• Substitute blackberries and raspberries with blueberries and strawberries.

Orange-Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (fresh)
1 tablespoon diced red onion
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon orange zest (from squeezed orange)
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a covered glass jar, and shake well. Refrigerate until ready to use.

DAY 2 of 21 day fast

Day 2
Fasting is all about sacrifice.  It's "easy" to give up or sacrifice coffee for the fast if you only
drink it occasionally! A real sacrifice is giving up coffee if you are totally addicted to your coffee or
getting your daily Starbucks! Fasting/sacrificing is as in the Bible building an altar and laying your sacrifice on it that honors God.  It will cost your convenience, your comfort, and it will also take some serious willpower & commitment.  What will your sacrifice be during this fast? Make sure it's a sacrifice that will cost you something.  Make yourcommitment in writing and share it with a friend who willhold you accountable to your comitment.  Pray for God toshow you what He wants you tosacrifice.  The  word "fast" according to biblical
terms refers to food.  The Daniel's fast is to fast food. A sacrifice of another significant thing in our live is what the Lord is wanting us to give up for him.



Today's Scripture reading: I Chronicles 21: 18-27

Brown Rice Stir-fry with Orange Sauce

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups chopped broccoli (stems and florets) or ½ 16-ounce bag cut broccoli, cooked

1 cup chopped carrots

½ cup chopped onion

¼ cup Bragg's Liquid Aminos or soy sauce

¼ cup unsweetened orange juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

3 cups cooked brown rice

¼ cup toasted chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and add broccoli, carrots, and onions. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase heat to medium high. Add Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, orange juice, garlic, ginger root, brown rice, walnuts, and green onions. Cook another 5 minutes or until heated through, and serve. 

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 ¼ cups

21 day fast--Daniel's style

 day 1-

Today, this passage is a source for the idea of the 21-day fast.  As you set these tree weeks aside to seek God, know that God has already heard your prayer.  He is already at work for you. What specific vision are you seeking from God during this time?  Write down your prayers so you can reflect back on it at the end of the 21 days.  Spend time praying for God to speak to you and give you strength and answers.

Daniel 10

Daniel's Vision of a Man

1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war.t The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.
2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks.3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.6 His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.
7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves.8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.
10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.11 He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you." And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."
15 While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless.16 Then one who looked like a mant touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, "I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak.17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe."
18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.
19 "Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong."
When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."
20 So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come;21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

A recipe to try:

Baked Oatmeal

1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup chopped dried apricots

¼ cup chopped dates or raisins

¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put all ingredients in a large bowl and stir well. Transfer to an 8 by 8-inch baking dish that has been lightly rubbed with olive oil. Pour oatmeal mixture into dish and bake 45-50 minutes or until slightly browned and crispy on top.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 2 squares) recipe can be doubled & baked in a 
9x13 pan.