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***************************************** A Note from Pastor Nathan… Congratulations on your commitment to enter into the time of prayer and fasting. I am truly excited about what will occur over these 21 days as we look forward to seeing God move in our lives, our families, and the life of this church. We know that He will work in ways we could never have imagined. Together, we will take this journey. Together, we will go the distance to discover God’s plan. I wasreading about a missionary that God mightily used whosecatch phrase was: ― “We can do this if we will.” I have no doubt that there will be times during these 21 days that will be difficult and challenging – but church - “We can do this if we will!” Why 21 Days? There are many optionson the lengths and kinds of fasts. It takes 21 days to develop a habit, 40 days to solidify new behavior,and 90 days to change your life. This 21-day period will hopefully result in needed changes in ourlives. I’ve put some resources together to help you truly thriveduring the fast,including some guidelines, recipes and a few websites. Important reminder: Be sure to drink as much water as possible throughout the fast! What about children? One person who did the 21 Day Fast said this concerning how theyaccommodated theirchildren.“We have eliminated sugar, bread and most dairy from our children's diet. They arehavingwhole wheat pasta and soy milk.Mostly, they eat whatwe eat, but we have included chicken for them in some meals. We have foundthat they have been more open to new foods. It has beenexciting to see them help plan meals and enjoy more fruits and vegetables, some of which they have never tried before. We remind them that when theyare hungry, theywill try something new. Remember, all of us can change our palates in 10 days!” Parentslikely will want to make special provisions for theirchildren, especially those whoareyounger. Do you havequestionsabout specificfoods? The list of foods we've provided is merely a first step to get you thinking about making better foodchoices. Remember, this fast is about growing your relationship with God. And He's not as concerned about what is in your stomach as He is about what is in yourheart. Daniel's decision not toeattheking's food was an outward symbol ofan inward commitment he had made to God. Let your choices over the nextthree weeks reflect the hunger your have for God's presence in your life. Since there is no definitive list of foods for the Daniel Diet, 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 as a 'food ofthe king,' then ask God to reveal to you whether it should be part of your diet over the next fewweeks. The details of the fast are between you and God— use this time to focus on Him. God is certain to bless your life in newand exciting ways during the fast. We encourage you to write down your prayersand the many ways God reveals Himself to you.Wecan't wait to seewhat God is going to do in your life and in the life of ourchurch!
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There are an unlimited number of sites which offer helpful suggestions and recipes; these can be accessed by searching: “Daniel Fast.” Recipes can be found by searching the “Vegan” or “Vegetarian.” |
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