THIS YEAR I M BELIEVING GOD FOR...

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1 THIS YEAR I M BELIEVING GOD FOR... MYSELF Spiritual Revival Physical Healing Prosperity and Abundance Rich Generosity MY FAMILY Restoration of Relationships Household Salvation MY CAREER/SCHOOL Excellence Promotion MY MINISTRY Victory Group Growth Salvation of Colleagues, Classmates, Bosses, Employees Select a Prayer and Accountability partner who will join you in this journey to help encourage you and pray with you. x Prayer Partner Again, I tell you that if two of you on Earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18: Triumph Church P.O. Box 2280, Detroit, MI telephone

2 God is in the moving business. He is always in the process of moving His people. Although we are often happy with our current address, God loves us enough not to leave us there. Sometimes we can get a little stubborn either because of comfort or fear about changes that He has in mind for us. For example, when the children of Israel were moving from Egypt to the Promised Land, God sent miracle after miracle to get them out. But, they did not want to go in and possess what He intended for them. In fact, in Numbers 14:3, they said,... Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt? It seems God could physically take His people out of Egypt, but His people could not mentally leave Egypt behind. The old song says, I have decided to follow Jesus No turning back, no turning back. Paul says in Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. God has begun a spiritual project for His people everywhere and you can see the makings of it at Triumph Church. There were many who never wanted us to create additional locations beyond our Liddesdale Street address. Had we not heeded that call, tens of thousands of souls would not have walked down our aisles. Now we stand more than 25,000 souls saved, the largest ministry in the State of Michigan and one of America s fastest growing churches. That is not by accident or by our own efforts. It is His design, through us being obedient to what He called us to do. During this period of 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting, I'm praying that Triumph Church continues to take heed of the lesson we learned from the children of Israel going to the Promised Land. Our earthly Promised Land is not more church buildings, it is the small groups to help build relationships. It is enhanced programs for our young people to experience Christ as early as possible. It is community partnerships so we can continue to make a difference in metropolitan Detroit. It is helping to direct another 25,000 down the aisles, and into a closer relationship with God. Pray that God will continue to move you in the right direction over the next 40 days. Pray that our faith will remain strong as we continue with this vision He has given our church. Thank the Lord for loving you enough not to leave you where you are. Also, thank Him for what He will do in our lives during this 40 day journey! In His service, CORPORATE WORSHIP Please remember to use any weekend worship service as an opportunity for further spiritual renewal during the fast. Additionally, each One Hour with God Bible Study will allow for prayer, beginning 30 minutes prior to service. Tuesdays 11:30am Triumph Church East Campus 2760 E. Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI COMMON FAQs Tuesdays 6:00pm Triumph Church North Campus Millennium Centre J.L. Hudson Dr. Southfield, MI Wednesdays 6:00pm Triumph Church West Campus Worship Center Beck Rd. Northville, MI Thursdays 6:00pm Triumph Church Flint Campus 1657 Broadway Blvd. Flint, MI What about prepared foods? Read the labels of all prepared foods. Remember, the Daniel Fast is sugar-free and chemicalfree. If you use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, or prepared sauces, you must read the label to be aware of all ingredients. What about pasta? Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives. (Watch for sugar.) Whole grain pasta offers 7 grams of protein per serving (3/4 cup of dried pasta). What about salad dressing? Olive oil and lemon or lime are an option. You may also try looking for organic options at your local grocer. What about nuts? I know it says raw, unsalted nuts, but what about roasted nuts? The goal would be to stick to raw, unsalted nuts, but these are harder to find. In a pinch, just make sure you get plain roasted, unsalted nuts with no preservatives. How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast? The following protein-rich foods are allowed on the Daniel Fast: almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains, and tofu. What kind of peanut butter is allowed? A natural peanut butter with no additives. Watch for sugars including molasses. Smucker's creamy natural peanut butter has nothing but peanuts in it. How can I identify whole grain foods? Typically, if the ingredient lists whole wheat, rolled oats, or whole corn as the first ingredient, the product is a whole grain food item. Another way to identify whole grains in the foods you eat is to look at the nutritional facts information and check to see if the food item contains dietary fiber. If it contains a significant amount, it most likely contains whole grains. Wheat flour is not a whole grain and therefore does not indicate a whole grain product. Do I need to eat organic foods while on the fast? No, but it is suggested because organic foods are produced without the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin and without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides. Where can I go out to eat? You can go anywhere. Order cautiously and ask questions of the wait staff. You may have to order a salad with olive oil and a baked potato with no extras. What about bread? We recommend the Ezekiel bread found in the freezer section of your grocery / health food store. You may also eat Whole Wheat Bread. How much can I eat? We recommend eating until satisfied with no limits as long as you eat the appropriate foods. Rev. Solomon W. Kinloch, Jr. pastor@triumphch.org 2 51

3 SAMPLE RECIPES WHY FAST? Nutty Fruit Cereal 1 banana, peeled and sliced (about 1 cup) ⅓ cup fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon chopped almonds 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon unsweetened coconut flakes ½ cup unsweetened almond or rice milk 1. Place banana slices in a bowl and top with blueberries, almonds, walnuts, and coconut flakes. Pour in almond milk. Ethiopian Cabbage Dish ½ cup olive oil 4 carrots, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric ½ head cabbage, shredded 5 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 2. Cook the carrots and onion in the hot oil about 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric, and cabbage and cook another 15 to 20 minutes. 4. Add the potatoes; cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until potatoes are soft, 20 to 30 minutes. Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups canned kidney beans, drained 2 cups water 3 tablespoons chili powder 4 teaspoons prepared mustard 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste 3 tablespoons soy sauce 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes 12 (10 inch) flour 100% whole wheat tortillas, warmed 8 ounces shredded Vegan cheese 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Heat oil in a medium skillet and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Mash beans into the onion mixture. 3. Gradually stir in water; heat until warm, 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Remove from heat and stir in the soy sauce, chili powder, mustard, cumin, and cayenne pepper. 5. Divide bean mixture and mashed sweet potatoes evenly between the tortillas; top with cheese. 6. Fold tortillas burrito-style around the fillings and place on a baking sheet. 7. Bake in the preheated oven until warmed through, about 12 minutes. Hearty Vegan Slow-Cooker Chili 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 green bell pepper, chopped ½ teaspoon salt 1 red bell pepper, chopped ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice 2 onions, chopped 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed 1 zucchini, chopped 1 yellow squash, chopped 6 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon dried oregano Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. ~Joel 1:14 1. Jesus fasted. Before He began His ministry, Jesus fasted forty days. He knew He was going to need spiritual strength to fulfill His purpose. Fasting makes us physically weak but spiritually strong and prepares us to do God's work. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. ~Matthew 4:1-2 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through the whole countryside. ~Luke 4:14 2. Fasting is an act of humility and consecration.... I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.... ~Psalm 35:13 Humility results in the grace of God. When we humble ourselves in prayer, we have instant access to the heart of God. As we deny ourselves as an act of consecration, we are able to exercise self-control. We can keep our emotions and desires under control. 3. Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. ~Acts 13:2 When we deny ourselves of our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become sharper. We become more sensitive to His voice as we divest ourselves of worldly distractions. We are better able to focus on God and submit to His will. This opens the door for the Holy Spirit into our lives. 4. Fasting brings revival.... in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. ~Daniel 9:2-3 Fasting helps us prevail in prayer and intercession. Daniel understood that Israel was headed for destruction. He also knew that in times like these, there is only one recourse intercession through praying and fasting. Throughout human history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting. 5. Fasting is healthy. Fasting cleanses your digestive system from toxins. Doctors consider fasting a cure for certain allergies and diseases. By learning to deny ourselves and exercising discipline, fasting breaks unhealthy addictions in our lives. When a man is willing to set aside the legitimate appetites of the body to concentrate on the work of praying, he is demonstrating that he means business, that he is seeking with all his heart, and will not let God go unless He answers. Arthur Wallis 50 3

4 HOW TO FAST SAFELY As you begin your fast, you may hear from concerned loved ones and friends who urge you to protect your health. And they are right. You should protect your health. But I assure you, if done properly, fasting will prove to be a spiritual and physical blessing. By all means, consult your doctor before you begin your fast. But, be aware that many doctors have not been trained in this area, so their understanding is limited. Even so, it would be wise to ask your doctor for a physical exam to make sure you are in good health. You may have a physical problem that would make fasting unwise or dangerous. Also, if you are on any type of medication, make sure you talk to your doctor before changing your regimen. Prudence and caution are in order. When you are assured that you are in good health, you are ready to begin your fast. Despite the absolute safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should NEVER fast without professional supervision. For example: Persons who are physically too thin or emaciated Persons who are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other behavioral disorders Those who suffer weakness or anemia Persons who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, or who have heart disease Those who suffer chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other important organs Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or suffer any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia Women who are pregnant or nursing PREPARING TO FAST Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. ~ Esther 4:16 Spiritual and physical preparation is vital in sustaining a fast, no matter how long it may be. 1. Be in faith! Prayerfully and thoughtfully, fill out the daily reflections of this guide. Choose a prayer partner to stand in agreement with you; this person will be your accountability friend helping you stay on target from dietary and spiritual standpoints. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Be clear and specific about your faith goals in your personal life, family, finances, and church as seen on the back cover. These are what you will believe God for during the fast and the entire year. Expect God to answer. Maintain a thankful heart throughout and after the fast. 2. Plan your calendar. Limit your physical and social activities during this period. You need to conserve physical energy and devote more time to prayer and reading the Bible. 3. Prepare spiritually. In preparation for this special time with God, examine your heart and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. In your prayers, confess not only obvious sins, but less obvious ones as well. These may include worldly-mindedness, self-centeredness, spiritual indifference, unwillingness to share your faith in Christ with others, not spending sufficient time in God s Word and in prayer, or a poor relationship with your family members, your pastor, or other members of your church. 4. Prepare physically. Be smart as you enter into this fast. Do not go to a buffet restaurant on the eve of the fast, hoping to stock up on food in your body. The key is to gradually prepare your body. Start eating smaller portions and meals seven days before you begin your fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you begin the fast will signal your mind, stomach, and appetite that less food is acceptable. Avoid food that is high in sugar and fat. Two days prior to the fast, eat raw fruit and vegetables only. Consult a physician if you need to. SAMPLE RECIPES Caribbean Wild Rice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup chopped onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1 (8-ounce) can unsweetened pineapple tidbits, juice reserved 2 tablespoons Bragg s Liquid Aminos or soy sauce 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 cup sliced carrots 1 cup chopped snow peas 1 cup chopped zucchini ½ cup chopped jarred roasted red bell peppers, drained ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained 2 cups cooked wild rice Avocado slices Chopped macadamia nuts 1. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly so garlic doesn t burn. 2. Add ½ cup pineapple juice, Bragg s Liquid Aminos, and lime juice. Stir in carrots, snow peas, zucchini, red peppers, black beans, and chickpeas. 3. Increase heat to medium high, stirring often. Cook 5 minutes, or until ¾ of the liquid is absorbed and vegetables are slightly softened. 4. Add wild rice and pineapple. Increase heat, and stir-fry until heated through. Serve immediately. 5. Garnish with avocado slices and chopped macadamia nuts. Spicy Pinto Bean Bake 1 recipe Refried Beans 3 cups cooked brown or wild rice 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles ½ cup chopped green pepper ¼ cup chopped green onions (green parts only) ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon salt ⅓ teaspoon black pepper Toppings: Avocado slices, black olives, shredded lettuce 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly rub bottom and sides of an 9 x 13-inch baking dish with olive oil. 2. Pour Refried Beans into dish, and spread evenly across bottom. 3. Add rice, distributing evenly across beans. 4. Mix tomatoes, green chiles, green pepper, green onions, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. 5. Stir well, and pour over rice and beans. 6. Bake 20 minutes. Banana Milk 2 very ripe bananas, peeled ½ cup water ½ cup ice ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1. Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Use immediately. Yield: 2 servings (serving size: about 8 ounces or 1 cup) Recipe Notes Substitute water with unsweetened almond or rice milk. Serve with Nutty Fruit Cereal for breakfast. Pour over Granola for a snack. Dip Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in it! 4 49

5 SAMPLE RECIPES Two-Bean Burger 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped onion 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup canned great northern beans, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal 1 teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon salt 1. Mash beans in a large bowl, leaving about ¼ of the beans whole and set aside. 2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Place in a bowl with beans, and add flaxseed meal, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. 3. Return skillet to medium heat, and add a teaspoon of olive oil, if needed, to prevent burgers from sticking. Scoop about cup of bean mixture for each burger. Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop bean mixture, and add to skillet. Flatten with a spatula. 4. Cook 5 minutes, or until bottoms are browned and slightly crispy. Flip, and cook another 5minutes. Recipe Notes For more texture, stir in ¼ cup brown rice. Spread burger with Guacamole with a Little Kick or Super Easy Guacamole. Top with tomato slices, lettuce, and/or onions. Try with Taco Seasoning instead of using cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Vegan Bean Taco Filling 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 bell pepper, chopped 2 (14.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal 1 ½ tablespoons cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup salsa 1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender. Stir in mashed beans. 2. Add the cornmeal. Mix in cumin, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, and salsa. 3. Cover, and cook 5 minutes. Mexican Rice & Beans 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup diced red onions 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 ½ cups water 1 ½ cups brown rice, uncooked 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-tel) 1 teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1. Rinse rice in a strainer under cold running water for 30 seconds, swirling the rice around with your hand. Drain, and set aside. 2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic, and cook one minute, stirring frequently so garlic doesn t burn. 3. Pour in water, rice, tomatoes and chilies, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer minutes or until rice is tender and nearly all of the liquid is absorbed. 4. Add beans, and stir well. Cook another 8-10 minutes. Add parsley, and serve. DURING THE FAST When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ~Matthew 6: Seek the Lord. Commit to prayer and Bible reading during the times you usually allocate for meals. Be ready to respond when you hear from God. This guide also has a devotional that we encourage you to go through daily during the fast. 2. Commit to change. Whatever God tells you or puts His finger upon, apply it immediately. If you need to make restitution, immediately contact people you have broken relationships with. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately. Ask a trusted friend from your church to hold you accountable. (Have that person sign the back of this book.) 3. Practical tips a. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs. However, if you are under medication, these should only be withdrawn upon the advice of your doctor. b. Limit your physical activity and exercise. If you have a workout routine, adjust it accordingly. A daily one to three mile walk should be your maximum amount of exercise during an extended fast. c. Rest as much as you can. d. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Intercede for your family, pastors, church, nation, our missionaries, world missions, etc. e. Drink plenty of clean water. f. As your body adjusts, be prepared for temporary bouts of physical weakness as well as mental annoyances like impatience, irritability, and anxiety. MY THREE FRIENDS Resources: Check out We will load the site with information like: Recipes Prayer Requests and Testimonies Frequently Asked Questions Daily Devotionals Much More Pray for people specifically. Pray for their personal needs. Try to look at life from their standpoint. What are the worries and joys, pressures and decisions, dreams and fears that they face? Pray for those things. Pray about their spiritual life. What are the things that are keeping them away from God? Pray that God would soften their hearts and bring them to faith in Christ. If you are doing this as a group or with a friend, pray for their three friends also. Pray that the Lord would give opportunities to share something of His love with them. Believe that these three people will change during the 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting. 48 5

6 FOODS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET DURING THE DANIEL FAST... All fruits:these can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch for added sugar). Apples Apricots Avocados Bananas Berries Blackberries Blueberries Boysenberries Breadfruit Cantaloupe Cherries Coconuts Cranberries Dates Figs Grapefruit Grapes Grenadine Guava Honeydew melons Kiwi Lemons Limes Mangoes Melons Mulberry Nectarines Oats Olives Oranges Papayas Peaches Pears Pineapples Plums Prunes Raisins Raspberries Strawberries Tangelos Tangerines Watermelon Legumes: Dried beans Kidney beans Black beans Peanuts Cannellini (includes natural peanut butter) Pinto beans Beans Split peas Lentils Lentils Lupines Black eyed peas White Green beans Peas Green peas FOODS TO AVOID DURING THE DANIEL FAST... All animal products including all meat, poultry & fish White bread All deep fried foods Caffeine Coffee (including decaf b/c it contains small amount of caffeine) Carbonated beverages All vegetables:these can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch for added sugar). Artichokes Asparagus Beets Broccoli Brussel sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chili peppers Collard greens Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Ginger root Kale Leeks Lettuce Green beans Mushrooms Mustard greens Okra Onions Parsley Peppers Potatoes Radishes Rutabagas Scallions Spinach Sprouts Squashes Sweet potatoes Tomatoes Turnips Watercress Yams Zucchini Liquids: Water (spring, distilled, filtered) Soy milk (naturally sweetened) Herbal tea (caffeine free) 100% Fruit juice 100% Vegetable juice Energy drinks Foods containing preservatives Refined foods Processed foods Food additives Refined sugar Sugar substitutes Whole Grains: Whole wheat flour Rice (preferably brown) Millet Quinoa Oats Rolled oats Plain 0atmeal (not instant barley) Grits (no butter) Whole wheat pasta Whole wheat tortillas Plain rice cakes Popcorn 100% Whole wheat bread Seeds: All nuts Sprouts Ground flax Cashews Walnuts Sunflower Sesame Almonds Other: Tofu Soy products Herbs Honey (small amounts) Sea salt (small amounts) Olive oil (small amounts) Spices (read the label to be sure there are no preservatives) Natural sweeteners White flour Margarine Shortening High fat products Butter All leavened breads Alcohol All dairy incl. Milk Cheese Yogurt Cream Eggs Mayonnaise BREAKING THE FAST Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ~ Acts 14:23 Breaking the Fast One of the most important aspects of fasting is breaking it properly and safely. Your body needs time to adjust as you re-introduce foods you had abstained from. Start with small portions, eating every few hours and gradually increasing the amount every day. Your digestive system has gone without some food and you may experience adverse reactions like nausea or a stomachache if you immediately eat a full meal after breaking your fast. Foods to Eat After the Fast We highly recommend that you continue the healthy eating lifestyle you started with the Daniel Fast. Have more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while cutting back on sugary and processed foods. Many people choose to never return to certain foods that were restricted on the Daniel Fast, because the changes in their bodies were noticeable as a result of the fast. Here are some other suggestions: When breaking a fast of ten days or more, the break-in period should be extended one day for every four days of fasting. (Essentially a week and a half for a 40 day fast). A fast of three days or more should never be broken by eating a normal meal (including animal proteins, bread, sugar, dairy, and processed foods) because these heavy foods put a severe strain and shock on the digestive organs which have been resting throughout the fast. Eating too heavily after a fast can produce serious discomfort (stomach cramps, nausea, and weakness) and can nullify the physical benefits of fasting After breaking an extended fast, continue drinking fruit or vegetable juices because the stomach is continuing to detoxify. During any fast exceeding two days, your stomach will shrink. Do not over-expand it again by overeating. If you have been prone to eating too heavily, guard against going back to this habit. If you train yourself to eat more lightly, your stomach will adjust itself accordingly. While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices, add the following: o For at least 7-10 days after the fast: Eat fruit and raw/steamed vegetables. Example meals for the first few days are a pound of fruit, a baked or boiled potato without butter, steamed vegetables, or a vegetable-only salad without oil-based dressing. Avoid bananas for the first few days; they have no juice in them and can easily cause constipation. o Thereafter, you may return to heavier foods such as animal proteins, but maintaining a healthy diet after the fast will promote lifelong health and allow you to fast correctly in the future. For caffeine beverages, drink one small cup or glass and then see how your body reacts. Don t be surprised if you get the jitters. Consider starting with decaffeinated coffee/tea or caffeine-free pop. Continue to drink lots of filtered water, at least ½ gallon a day. Considerations Consult your primary care doctor before and after a fast especially if you are pregnant, have health problems, or need medications. Break the Daniel Fast carefully to avoid any health complications. Also, ask your doctor about foods you should or should not eat immediately after a Daniel Fast. 6 47

7 40 Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Love and Serve God And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought ~ 1 Chronicles 28:9 Psalm 23 Matthew 22:35-40 Palm Sunday, March 20 One of the highlights of comedian David Letterman's late night show was his Top 10 Reasons count down. Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Love and Serve God. 10. Supplies all of your needs (Deuteronomy 2:7); 9. Guidance (Psalms 25:9); 8. Restoration (Psalms 51:12); 7. Divine Leadership (Deuteronomy 21:11-12); 6. Divine Presence (Genesis 28:15); 5. Divine Protection (Psalms 34:7); 4. Divine Preparation (Matthew 25:34); 3. Spiritual Feasts (Isaiah 25:6); 2. Spiritual Fullness (Matthew 5:6); 1. And the number one reason you should love and serve God: Eternal Life (Matthew 25:46). Monica Starks What are your reasons for loving and serving God? How do your reasons compare with those listed here? 1 Leaving the Leftovers Psalm 51:10; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 147:3 Ash Wednesday, February 10 This is what the LORD says he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters 'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19) ~ Isaiah 43:16, Fasting is a time when you let go of familiar foods, habits, and patterns. The challenge of those physical constraints could easily command all of your attention during your period of fasting; however, fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that you can also use to let go of the leftover emotional pains and disappointments of your past. Just as you must turn to God to overcome the physical temptations of the flesh, you can turn to God to overcome your negative emotional challenges, too. If your negative past plays over and over in your head like a broken record, fasting and prayer may be just what you need to get your breakthrough. God can breakthrough the lonely deserts of loss, grief, shame, sadness, and heartbreak. He can bring fresh streams to wash away former wastelands of unforgiveness, guilt, self-condemnation, rejection, and despair. If you ask Him, God will enable you to leave the painful leftovers behind and embrace a new and better future. Gwen Hill Are you ready to let go and let God cleanse away the old deserts and wastelands from your past? By allowing God to do a new thing in your life, you can emerge physically, emotionally, and spiritually renewed. I will serve God with a glad heart knowing all that He has done for me! Leaving the past behind, I ask for and accept the new, brighter future God has for me. Lord, help me to have a heart to serve You in all that I say and do in my life. Help me to show all those I encounter the love You have shown me so that they may know that God is love. Amen. Father, I ask to break free from the painful deserts and wastelands of my past. I surrender it all to You. Help me to see, feel, and live the new life You have for me. In Jesus' name, Amen. 46 7

8 2 Timeout Romans 8:38-39; John 16:13 Thursday, February 11 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God s will is His good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:2 There are times in our lives where we must quiet ourselves, or to be still and know that He is God. Many may see this as an offensive withdrawal; however, we need this isolation to fully meditate on the word of God. Such commitment and concentration ensures He has our full attention. We are unable to survive in this life without establishing intimacy that surpasses any human experience with God, our creator. This should be our most valued relationship. He knew us before we were placed in the womb, and he is the author of our fate. Alone time makes way for God to grant the provision of revelation and an end to the means of the world that seeks to destroy us. Good relationships take time and effort. Make time to develop a close, personal relationship with God. Jeannine Washington God is intentional. How can you be intentional in establishing a good relationship with Him? What will you do to improve your communication with and commitment to Him? 39 Deuteronomy 31:8; Matthew 17:20 Matthew 21:21; Romans 5:1-5 Saturday, March 19 My brothers and sisters, what good does it do if someone claims to have faith but doesn't do any good things? Can this kind of faith save him? Suppose a believer, whether a man or a woman, needs clothes or food and one of you tells that person, God be with you! Stay warm, and make sure you eat enough. If you don't provide for that person's physical needs, what good does it do? In the same way, faith by itself is dead if it doesn't cause you to do any good things. ~ James 2:14-17 What Are You Waiting On? The movie Rudy tells the story of Daniel Rudy Ruettiger, who grew up in a working class family in a steel mill town. He and his family loved Notre Dame football, and Rudy dreamed of playing football there even though others constantly told him he was too small to play and would never be accepted by the the prestigious university. Despite the discouragement, Rudy had the determination, heart, and faith to keep pushing towards his dream, and he gave it his all every single day. Eventually, he was accepted to Notre Dame and even made the football team. Even though he was the player who ran tackling drills with the game players during practice for two years, he believed he would play in at least one game before graduating. He believed it so much so that everyone around him believed it and wanted to do whatever they could to help him achieve his dream. With everyone's support, Rudy did get his chance, and he was triumphant. Are you stuck? Are you praying to the Lord to change your circumstance? Are you waiting on God? Or is God waiting on you? Many times, God is simply waiting for us to move so that He can do mighty works on our behalf. Everything does not have to be perfect before God moves in our lives, but we do need to do our part in order for us to see God working it out for us. If Rudy had never left his job at the steel mill and never attended junior college to improve his grades so he could transfer to Notre Dame, he would never have realized his dream of playing for his favorite team. Kim Johnson Just because you or others cannot see God's plan for you does not mean it will not come to fruition. A new business degree. What dream do you have that you have never started towards? I am a child of God. I am committed to building a stronger relationship with my Father, whose love endures forever more. Lord, I come to you in humbleness, thanking You for your love that you give so abundantly. I ask Your forgiveness for turning my back to You time and again. I ask that you remove all distractions that threaten the quality time together that You so desire. Help me build a better, stronger relationship with You. Amen. I refuse to allow the negative thoughts of others to infiltrate what God has for me. I speak life into my situation so that my circumstances will be taken to a place in which only God can work them in my favor. I have faith in Him and will move when He says, Move! Father, I thank You for your constant presence in my life. I know that what You start in me, You will finish in me with my obedience to you. My strength and courage comes from You. Because of You, I know I am a conqueror. In Your name I pray, amen. 8 45

9 38 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 Do You REALLY Trust God? Really? Genesis 15:6-10 Galatians 3:6-9 Jeremiah 11:1-5 Friday, March 18 To be perfectly honest, there are really only two ways people live their lives as they pass through this world either remembering God or forgetting Him. They either acknowledge His presence, living their lives in dependence on Him. Conversely, the others pay little attention to His claims on them and live a life on the basis of their own understanding and abilities. This includes the lip service, one may give. Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Jr. has reminded us that you can tell a man s heart (and priorities) by simply looking at his checkbook. I ll add to that list a search of a man s calendar. If your time and your treasure cannot be found being in support of His kingdom, you are not much different from non-believers. The question we must ask ourselves is, Do we trust God? The very nature of this question produces two possible meanings: First Can you Trust God? That is, is He trustworthy? Can He handle the decisions and the problems in your life? Secondly can you trust God? That is, do you have the ability to trust Him? The scripture is very telling about trusting God: The matter of trust is an all or nothing thing. Notice how many times the word all is used in Proverbs 3. The command to trust precedes the promise. Blessing comes after trust is expressed. The promise is conditional. Unlike many of the unconditional promises in the Bible, this promise of direction is given only to those who exercise trust in God. Cedric Scott Is your trust in God conditional? Is your faith in God followed by continual worry about the problem? What areas in your life are places where you need to yield to Him and look for His direction? 3 Delight In The Lord Luke 18:12 1 Corinthians 7:5 Friday, February 12 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ~ Matthew 6:16-18 Christians love to eat. That's why so many chickens have given their lives in service to God! A lot of people can't imagine giving up their favorite foods in order to fast, but we must deny ourselves for God. People give all kinds of excuses for not being able to fast. We already know that an excuse is nothing but a guarded lie, so we must stop lying to ourselves. We can fast. All we need is the desire. God has promised that if we delight in Him, He will give you the desires of your heart according to His will. To fast is to delight yourself in God. Fasting opens the door for God to move on our behalves. Spiritual fasting will bring you closer to God s will for your life. It s Day 3 of the fast. Am I making more time for God? Are all my thoughts of what I cannot eat? Am I praying more? I am called to fast. I will delight myself in the LORD. Rachel Araya Trust in God is an all or nothing endeavor. I will trust Him with everything. Lord, I pray that my faith and trust in You will grow. I ask You to help me lean on You and allow You to have total control so that Your will be done. I pray that the fruits of my deepened trustresult in deeper guidance. Amen. Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly come before in thanksgiving for all of my blessings. I ask for Your will to be done before, during, after fasting. I ask for Your strength in my weakness in the name of Jesus. Amen. 44 9

10 4 Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58 Saturday, February 13 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ~ 2 Samuel 22:29 Don't Give Up Trials are difficult for many of us. We tend to dread our season of storms. We sometimes become discouraged and broken when we are faced with trials, and we wonder why we must endure such difficulties. However, we must not forget that God had to allow the storm to come our way. Surely He would not permit us to enter a storm that we are not prepared for. He has provided us with the tools and resources necessary to persevere. Therefore, we must use the strength He has given us to push our way through our storms. We must hold fast to our faith that He will fulfill every promise He has made. Dig inside yourself and locate the seeds that were planted and are ready to bear fruit. Push through until you see the sunshine. God will surely reward your faith and perseverance because His word says so. Crystal Cooley 37To Forgive is To Forget Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32 Mark 11:25 Luke 17:3-4 Colossians 3:13 Thursday, March 17 We've all heard the phrase; I ll forgive them, but I will never forget. In fact, many of us have used this phrase quite frequently. However, our use of this phrase during our interactions with others means that we carry burdens and weights on our shoulders every day. Forgetting is a huge part of forgiveness. We can't truly move on if we hold on to the hurt by remembering and replaying what happened. We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. When God forgives us, the act is erased as though it never occurred. Could you imagine what would happen to us if God held on to every sin we committed? We don't want to remember every sin we have committed, so why remember every sin others have committed against us? Forgive, forget and release. Crystal Cooley With each storm, we should grow and mature spiritually as we gain more insight, more faith and more knowledge. Consider your last storm. Can you see your growth in how you approached this storm in comparison to your last storm? People don t do things against you; they do things for themselves. Why hold on to a bad memory that can keep you from what God has for you? Whatever happened, it s over. Leave it in the past so that your future does not consist of a rearview mirror. Who is one person I can forgive today? I will conquer this storm because God has prepared me to do so. I will forgive, forget and move forward. Lord, thank You for showing me that I can conquer my storms because You have prepared me for them. Help me to use the tools You have given me to persevere, thereby acknowledging Your presence and remembering that with You all things are possible. Amen. Lord, thank You for forgiving me time and time again and erasing my sins, including those times when I failed to forgive others. Help me to forgive in accordance with Your word and not based on my feelings. In Jesus name, Amen

11 36Stay Focused Colossians 3:2 Philippians 4:8 James 1:2-4 Wednesday, March 16 O my God, I trust in thee! Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me ~ Philippians 2:5 Do you believe in God? Do you have faith in who He really is? If your answer is yes, do you live this faith you say you have, or do you stress and worry when storms rise? When we worry, we illustrate a lack of faith in God's promises and open the door of our minds and emotions to the devil's plan. Satan has a plan to get us focused on the one thing that's wrong instead of praising God for all that is right. When we lose focus, we miss the blessing in the storm and often become bitter. With a bitter heart, we miss the blessing of knowing that things seem to be falling apart because God is bending, stretching, and growing us for what is to come. Do not miss the blessing of peace during the storm because you're focused on the storm. Demonstrate your faith in God by remaining focused on the right things. Crystal Cooley 5 Not Just Another Day Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of life. ~ Psalm 23:6 Psalm100; Psalm 117 Sunday, February 14 Each day brings another opportunity to praise and receive the blessings that God has in store for you. Departing from your routine and being deprived of a few of your favorite indulges set the stage for clear and focused attention on the Father. It is not just another day where you go about your usual routine. You have been granted, by grace, another day to concentrate, listen to, and meditate on Him. Everyday is not easy because you hit low, stormy periods. However, bear in mind that you have undertaken this fast to gain strength, direction, and a closer relationship with God. It is not just another day. It is a day to give thanks and to seek deliberate connection to the Holy Spirit. When it is difficult to stay on course, ask for help. Each set-back or let-down is a chance to cling to, restore, and deepen your resolve about His presence in your life. What ever challenges the day might bring, know that God is steady; He is the anchor that keeps us upright, and He is waiting for your closer, focused relationship with Him. Cynthia Redwine When things go wrong, think about everything that is right in that moment. Think of the many situations God has worked out for you in the past. How can you stay focused on your blessings? Have you stopped to consider the wondrous works of God, the grace you have experienced, the blessings you are experiencing, and where He wants to lead you now? God has done great things for me. I am blessed. I increase my joy by embracing the day with gratitude. Father, thank you for every blessing you've bestowed upon me. Help me to focus on Your goodness and grace that provides peace in the storm. I know that You are in control and I thank You for blessing me in the midst of it all. Through Your Son Jesus Christ s name, Amen. Precious Lord, help me to seek an everlasting spirit of praise. Help me to continue to grow in faith and have Your will take charge of my battles. Amen 42 11

12 6 Suit Up Ephesians 6:11, Monday, February 15 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ~ Ephesians 6:12 Have you ever thought about the space suits that astronauts wear? They are designed to protect them from lack of oxygen and extreme temperatures, which, in space, can range from minus 250º to 250º Fahrenheit in the sunlight. The suits have different parts; one part covers the chest, another part covers the arms and connects to gloves, the helmet protects the head, and the last part covers the legs and feet. As Christians, we need to suit up, too! We war against spiritual forces and need protection. Fortunately, God has provided us with a spiritual suit: Putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Weapons are also included: The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). As you get dressed today and everyday, do not forget to put on your spiritual suit! Monica Starks Are you ready for spiritual battle? What are some things you can do to strengthen your spiritual armor? 35 The Agony of Defeat Psalm 27:6, Psalm 44:7 Deuteronomy 20:4, Joshua 1 John 16:33 Tuesday, March 15 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. ~ Joshua 1:3 Abraham Lincoln is widely recognized as one of the greatest presidents in history. As a leader, he stood tall and strong in a very critical and decisive time in our history. We certainly would regard him as a successful man, but he experienced many failures throughout his life. When Abraham Lincoln went off to the Black Hawk War he was a captain. Through no fault of his own, he returned a private, bringing an end to his military career. His little country village shop winked out as he used to say. So he failed as a businessman. As a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, he was too impractical, too unpolished, and too temperamental to be successful. Turning to politics, he was defeated in his campaign for the legislature. He was defeated in his first attempt to be nominated for Congress and in his application to be Commissioner of the General Land Office. He was defeated in the Senatorial election of 1854 and in his aspirations for the Vice Presidency in Finally, he was elected President of the United States and fulfilled his destiny and the destiny of a nation. Although maybe not as dramatic, Lincoln's experience is the experience of many of God's people. The enemy of our soul comes to us after repeated defeats and whispers in our ears. You're a failure! He tells us we will never win, are trapped forever where we are, and will never fulfill our God-given destiny. The first chapter of Joshua tells the story of God's people who escaped the cycle of defeat and moved into the new day of victory. Anonymous God is greater than whatever hardships, trials or difficulties that we may experience. He uses these things to make us more dependent upon Him. When we feel defeated we can get back on track by living victoriously in Jesus believing that he will comfort and help us. Everyday, I will put on the whole armor of God so that when evil comes, I will be able to stand firm. I will not allow setbacks and disappointment keep me from doing the right thing. Lord, help me to pray in the Spirit on all occasions, praying for all of the Lord's people. Amen. Lord I pray that you bind the spirit of fatigue and discouragement, so that I will not throw in the towel or lose heart when I come up against the same problems over and over again. Help me to remember that reaping a harvest almost never happens on the same day as sowing the seed. I may not even see a harvest in this life from what I have sown. Nevertheless, help me to stay the course and never give up, because I know thatat the proper time You will return and reward those who have been faithful servants. Amen