The Complete 21 Day Daniel Fast A spiritual cleansing, prayer and fasting experience for the soul

Annette Wilson

Copyright © 2014 by Annette M. Wilson Publish Green 322 1st Avenue North, Fifth Floor Minneapolis, MN 55401 612.436.3954 www.publishgreen.com If you are under care of a physician for health issues, please consult your physician before you begin fasting and remain under his/her care and guidance for your physical health while pursuing spiritual healing that can only come from the Great Physician. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author. ISBN: 978-1-62652-899-4

Table of Contents Introduction Created in God’s Image – A Spirit Spiritual Healing The Spiritual Life with God The Daniel Fast Preparation References Holy Scripture

If you are under care of a physician for health issues, please consult your physician before you begin fasting and remain under his/her care and guidance for your physical health while pursuing spiritual healing that can only come from the Great Physician.

Thank you Minister Mark Gaines for your support and encouragement through FAST4LIFE

Introduction This book is for you if you not only want to reap the physical benefits that fasting can provide but long to draw nigh to God in sincerity and truth. The Complete 21 Day Daniel Fast is for you if you desire a deeper spiritual relationship with your heavenly Father. Maybe you see a need for a lifechanging experience. Maybe you see the need for God’s guidance in major decisions and events in your life. Maybe you desire to get a better understanding of his purpose for you in this life. After I had been walking with Christ for 31 years, having raised my children and desiring to help guide them as young adults, as I was also participating in many community outreach activities and many ministries with the church, I saw the need to draw nigh to God for guidance. I wanted everything that I did for God to be effective and meaningful. It was important for me to not just be in the habit of “doing” good things but that what I was doing was in line with God’s purpose for me. In my sincere desire to help others get to know God, help the church grow spiritually and exponentially, and for my own relationship with God, I sought to find the answers through fasting and prayer. Over the years of studying God’s word and experiencing his love and mercy, I knew that I could find the path in the scriptures. From every example presented in the scriptures, when there was prayer and fasting, there was resolution. God did answer. The first mention of the word “fasting” in the King James Version of the scriptures was in Nehemiah 9:1 where the children of Israel assembled in a fast before God. The Complete 21 Day Daniel Fast will examine the meaning behind this fast and the resolution. The main focus, however, is on Daniel’s fast, mentioned in Daniel 10:2-3 2) In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3) I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. (KJV) The greatest benefit of this book is that you will learn from God’s words how to make the spiritual connection to him and how to have a meaningful and fruitful fast that will produce the desired blessing of being closer to God as well as direction for your purpose and understanding of your way. Maybe your fast is for other people in your life of whom you want to ask God’s tender mercies and blessing for. You will learn the preparation of mind, spirit and circumstances that are acceptable to

God as Daniel understood. Daniel, during his lifetime, was highly loved and highly favored of God. Everyone who loves God desires to be this way. We should be ever so thankful for the perfect example that God has given us through His words on how to find favor in his sight. The 21 Day Daniel fast is very popular in today’s health conscious society. Fasting alone has proven to provide many physical benefits. The 21 Day Daniel fast can provide more than just the physical benefits, however, many publications about the fast miss the essential part because they fail to provide understanding on the spiritual connection with God and practitioners miss out on the true benefits. This book presents a twofold fasting experience. Each experience can be accomplished separately or you can received the greatest benefit of both. You can follow the fast for its physical benefit or you can follow The Complete 21 Day Daniel Fast for the spiritual benefit. Or you can do both. The spiritual path alone will allow you to be found in such a way that God would have all mankind to be, in a close relationship with Him. This book focuses on the true spiritual aspects of fasting as it relates to God. It provides scriptural guidance for spiritual healing, prayer and fasting. If you are using the 21 Day Daniel Fast for the physical benefits, it is a safer form of fasting and good for people that are fasting for the first time. Fasting helps to rid the body of toxins, helps with emotional balance and helps to gain mental focus. I have included a general food guideline for the Daniel Fast and references for finding out more about the fasting. This 21 Day Daniel Fast ebook provides daily scriptural meditation that provide inspirational support for your daily fast. You are encouraged to use those scriptural meditations in a personal 21 day journal. The book of Daniel in the Holy Scriptures was completed approximately 530 B.C. after Jerusalem taken over by the Babylonian Empire and the people of God were taken out of their land as captives in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B. C. Daniel and his companions were among the captives and remained in captivity for 70 years as Jeremiah the prophet foretold. Daniel found favor in God’s eyes. I encourage you to read the book of Daniel. It is a true historical narrative of that time in chapters 1-6 and apocalyptic writing from chapters 7-12. Apocalyptic writing was meant to encourage the people that love God. In this, God has encouraged us through Daniels lifestyle of devotion to God and the rewards of such a life. God rewards Daniel by revealing to Daniel the return of the Jews from captivity, the destruction of worldly empires, the destruction of Jerusalem, the coming of the messiah and the end of time. May you be blessed with knowledge, peace and understanding in your fasting and prayers. Annette Wilson

Created in God’s Image – A Spirit The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Proverbs 20:27 (KJV) Where do you spend your quiet times? What do you observe? I enjoy quiet moments. My friends can’t seem to understand how I can not have background noise throughout the day, like the television or stereo. In my quiet moments at home, I study the bible and listen to what God has to say to me at that time. Many of my quiet moments are spent in the mountains. I like to hike alone and after a rigorous ascension to my destination, I enjoy the reward of sitting in the cool of the forest where streams are flowing out of the mountain. This is where I say many prayers and take the time to reflect on events, my actions, my desires, my behavior…etc. In the forest, I observe the splendor of God’s creation and notice how everything blends together so perfectly. In the forest, there are more shades of green than you can count. Every creature is doing exactly as expected so flawlessly that mankind is able to predict a creatures’s behavior and habits. The most marvelous of God’s creation are you and me because God did not create us to automatically follow specific rules or laws. He has given us the ability to choose and to create within the boundaries that he set in our minds. He created us for a purpose but each individual must search out his purpose according to the ability that God has given him/her, align our abilities and aspirations with God by putting Him first and glorify God even as Daniel did. The scriptures give us an excellent glimpse of Daniel’s spiritual life. Let’s look at some of his spiritual characteristics. Daniel did not have the many distractions that are common to man but was able to live his life in total devotion to God and his people. Daniel was a eunuch (Daniel 1:3). A eunuch is a man who is celibate, impotent, or not inclined to marry or procreate. Some eunuchs’ genitals were dysfunctional or castrated from youth. Daniel’s case was such as fulfilled by the word of the Lord spoken by Isaiah the prophet to the King Hezekiah. 2 Kings 20:18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

Daniel suffered the consequences of the disobedience of the people of the people of God. The people of God broke their precious relationship with Him and served other things instead of him. They continued their disobedience to God for many years so God allowed them to be carried away as captives by a cruel people. During those times, Kings would have young intelligent men who were captives, castrated and in service to his specified duties within his kingdom. Daniel was captured with other Jews and taken as servant to the King of Babylon. You don’t find in Daniel, however, an attitude of scorn or disdain for God. You don’t find Daniel turning to other physical ways to cope with his sexuality. Daniel lived a life so closely devoted to God that we continue to marvel his example today. Daniels Spiritual Gifts Knowledge Daniel was well educated and skilled and understood science (Daniel 1:4). Understanding of Visions and Dreams Daniel followed the laws that were given by God to Moses faithfully which forbade God’s people from eating certain meats and especially things that were offered to idols and false gods. So as Daniel and his companions, Hananiah(Shadrach), Mishael(Meshach), and Azariah(Abednego), captives of the King, found themselves in a special appointment by the king, they purposed that they would not defile themselves by eating the King’s food that was offered to them(Daniel 1:8). Because of Daniel and his companions’ devotion to God, God blessed them and gave them favor and more spiritual gifts. Daniel received even more. Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. All spiritual gifts come from God and it does not matter who you are, what your occupation is, what your gender is, it is your heart toward God that matters. If your heart is in the right place, your actions will follow. This is what God favors. Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy… Daniel’s Characteristics Obedient As noted in the paragraphs above, we see that Daniel was obedient to God. He was not concerned with what others around him thought. He wasn’t influenced by his surroundings as he was driven from the holy city, Jerusalem as captive in the rich and flourishing land of Babylon. Many times we allow our surroundings to influence our behaviors but Daniel did not.

Trust Daniel understood what was acceptable to God and because he walked in God’s ways he was able to trust in God. Even when his life was on the line. In Daniel chapter 2, the king dreamed a dream and wanted to know the interpretation of the dream. When the king’s astrologers and soothsayers could not interpret the dream, the king was going to kill all of his wise men including Daniel and his friends. In Daniel 2:14-16, Daniel ask the king for a little time. In Daniel 2:17-18 Daniel and his companions went to God in prayer asking that God would have mercy and that they would not die. Daniel 2:19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Faithful Daniel lived a life that was blameless. Even when others were trying to find fault in him they were unsuccessful. Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Prayerful Daniel was a man of prayer on a regular basis. Not just sometimes. This is how he was able to be faithful, have trust and be obedient. He sought God’s guidance all of the time. Not just seasonally. Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Believing Daniel believed the word of God and all the things that the prophets wrote before his time without wavering. Many people have a hard time today believing that the word of God is true but Daniel did not. Daniel, while he was in captivity, was counting the years according to what was foretold by a prophet. Jeremiah foretold that the people of God would be in captivity for 70 years(Jeremiah 25:39). Daniel knew that the time had come and fervently prayed to God because of this. Daniel 9:2-3 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: Care for others One of the most profound characteristics of Daniel is that he cared and prayed for others. In Daniel 9:4-27 he is praying earnestly to God and confessing sins of an entire nation of people that have turned their backs on God. For this, God sent the angel Gabriel to him who revealed events that are still unfolding to this day and will until Jesus Christ returns. Because of Daniels good characteristics, love for God, his fasting and prayers; he was not only given spiritual gifts but he was allowed to live to experience the return from captivity. He returned along with Ezra, (Ezra 8:2). He and many other people of God were able to return from captivity, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, rebuild the temple, and to have the day like the day recorded in Nehemiah chapter 9. Nehemiah 9:1-2 1 Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. 2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

Spiritual Healing Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 In the previous chapter we saw that there was much more about Daniel that allowed him to tap into the supernatural power of God. I hope that you learned also that all good spiritual gifts are designed to work according to God’s purpose. In this chapter, we will see from God’s words how this applies to us today. We will see how to prepare our hearts to fulfill God's divine purpose in us today. Daniel and the people of God returned from captivity as it was so perfectly foretold and recorded in history. If you read the book of Nehemiah you will see that God did not answer his people again as they assembled in fasting and prayer. God had already spoken of the things which were to come through Daniel. He foretold that they would return from captivity, he told them that they would rebuild the temple and Jerusalem, he told them that the Messiah was coming and he told them that the temple and Jerusalem would be destroyed after the Messiah came. They were fasting and praying to make reconciliation with God. While Jesus walked the earth, he repeated what was told to Daniel as he walks among the temple and buildings that the people of God rebuilt in Matthew 24. He states the phrase “abomination of desolation”. This is the Roman army which destroyed the temple and from that time forward, there was to be no more daily sacrifice. Until Jesus Christ died on the cross, the people of God were required under the old law to make animal sacrifices. You can read a very vivid account of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in the Writings of Josephus, a historian (see reference). Jesus was warning his people and actually telling them to flee the city of Jerusalem. Matthew 24:15-20 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: A Clean Heart a right Spirit Hear and Believe the Scriptures If we believe the scriptures, as Daniel did, we can take the Old Testament examples for our learning. Since Jesus came, died on the cross and ascended into heaven, we have been given a way to reconcile our hearts to God and begin a spiritual walk that even Daniel could not have. Jesus said the same. Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Yes, all the prophets foretold of this day and time. The time the Messiah, Jesus Christ would come. The scriptures spoke so vividly about his life and how he would be treated, and more importantly, his purpose. Jesus came so that we could have a way to be reconciled to God. The prophet Isaiah gave the following prophecy about Jesus and we see it so clearly fulfilled with every detail in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Isaiah 53:3-10 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for he transgressions of my people was he stricken. There is a path of reconciliation for all; For those that have already known the way that God has

paved for us to live as well as those that are new to searching out God's ways. What separates us from God? God wants us to have an everlasting spiritual relationship with him but what separates us from God is sin. Sin is destructive to our spirit and can progressively evolve like an infectious disease. It breeds more sin and it affects pure and sound thinking. Sin feeds on our feelings and emotions and moves us to seek things that only help temporarily, if at all. It’s easy to get into the habit of performing temporary religious acts that make one feel good or to feel as if one has corrected his/her spirit but then it wears off and our God given conscience is aware that something just isn’t right. People today are tapped into their emotions and feelings and choose to have God their way. It’s a popular saying today that “One is free to believe what he/she wants to believe”. When we give a listening ear to God, we allow our spirit to be open to searching out the truth and to seek to be free from whatever creates the distance from God. Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. What is sin? The scriptures give a perfect definition of sin: 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. The prophet Habakkuk understood God and understood that God is pure and cannot look upon iniquity which is sin. Habakkuk 1:13 Thou are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: It is sin that will keep us out of heaven: 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, No thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Repentance God gives every person on this earth an opportunity to turn to him. He has blessings that are beyond the physical things on this earth. Joel 2:12-13 12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. We must be ready to change and be willing to change. Seek Truth Jesus said the following when he was speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well before he revealed to her that he was the Christ, the son of the Living God. John 4:23-24 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Jesus states a fact that God is a Spirit and the only way to worship God is in spirit and truth. We must be willing to hear and receive truth. This is really difficult for many people because they have been following family tradition and other things that have been passed down to them. Be cleansed Nicodemus sought the truth by night in John 3 and Jesus told him the only way to enter into the everlasting Kingdom that Daniel spoke about. John 3: 3-7 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Being born again is not a sudden overcoming feeling of emotion. Jesus spoke of two things that are present, water and Spirit. This is baptism. It washes away sins and gives us a spiritual beginning with God. God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit in the waters of baptism. You cannot live a new spiritual life with God without it. That is why Jesus sent his apostles out saying the following: Mark 16:15-16 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Matthew 28:19-20 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Paul was even told the appropriate way to call on the Lord. Acts 22;16 And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. The most compelling scriptures for me 31 years ago were Acts 8:26-38. In this passage, Philip, was told by God to meet and teach a man who was a eunuch in the desert who was wanting to understand God’s Word. After the eunuch heard about Jesus and in his desire to do right and be close to God, the eunuch got baptized by Philip. Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both ino the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Jesus established a place where all those that love God could worship God in Spirit. Daniel talked about his kingdom that would never end. He told Peter that he would build his church and give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 16:18-19 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. This is the beginning of having a right spirit with God and receiving his precious gift of the Holy Spirit. When Peter preached the first sermon on the day of Pentecost, he told the people of God what they had done in crucifying the Son of God. They wanted to have a clean heart and a right spirit. So they responded: Acts 2:36-38 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God had made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:47 Praising God,and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. To begin a spiritual walk with God, everyone must be baptized and they are added by the Lord to Christ’s church not a man made religion. The Church of Christ was established by Christ and he will return for all those that are in his body which is the church (Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18). God never gave man the authority to create his own religion with their own doctrines. Jesus Christ is the head of his church which is the body of believers that have obeyed God by repenting of their sins and being baptized. In Acts Chapter 19 we see an example of those who were baptized under John’s baptism had to be baptized again to receive the Holy Spirit and be in Jesus Christ’s church. The same is true today. If we are baptized under a man-made doctrine, we must be properly baptized in Jesus Christ’s church to receive the Holy Spirit and have a spiritual life with God. In the following scripture, Paul, the apostle was speaking in a letter to the church of Christ in Ephesus. Ephesians 4:4-6 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

God intended for us to have a united relationship with him as one body of believers in Christ’s pure doctrine. We are told, as the children of Israel were told in Daniel’s time to repent of their sins, leave the idols and miscellaneous beliefs and turn to him. The people of God were able to return to Him acknowledging that they sinned and stood together to worship God. Nehemiah 9.

The Spiritual Life with God Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house,an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 Communicating with God In this life of prayer and fasting, we gain a better understanding of God’s purpose for us as a church and gain an individual understanding of Gods purpose for us. Fasting and prayer separates us from our earthly house and causes us to focus on our spiritual connection to God, the creator of all things. It is the ultimate supernatural experience. Since Jesus died and rose again, we have the privilege of communicating directly with God through him. We don’t have to go to a priest or another religious figure. We don’t have to pray to a statute or you earthly devices. God has given us the ability to communicate directly with him. So we end our prayers and requests to God in Jesus name. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Through fasting and prayer, we begin to understand the experiences of Jesus when he spent time alone with God fasting and praying. It is an experience of communing with God on his terms and a deep connection with God while living here on this earth because we are denying the fleshly house and concentrating on God. The Experience Many religious and charismatic people say and demonstrate an exclusive experience of losing control and falling out or crying uncontrollably. However, we will learn from this fast that it is a true connection and that the experience is focus, enlightening, awakening, spiritually listening and receiving.

Our meditation and concentration on the word of God during our time of fasting and prayer helps us to draw closer to God. This word of God will also help us grow spiritually if we study it daily during the fast and after fasting. 1Peter 2:1-3 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Obedience to God is key in purifying our souls. We began this purification by being baptized, now we must continue to live a spiritual life with God. 1Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: The benefits of the spiritual life We should be living a life of joy and peace even through some of the hardest times. But in order to do so, we must continually pray and study God’s words. When he reveals things to us, we must be willing to change. Growing spiritually is a continuous process. Fasting and prayer help us along the way. We should be able to separate the fleshly behaviors and beliefs from the spiritual. The scriptures give us clear distinction between the two and as we grow in Christ, we should see more of the spiritual fruits in us than the fleshy works: Galatians 5:19-26 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. We should not be fighting the same battles with our flesh as we have been from the beginning. We should see changes. We should be able to see in ourselves, the spiritual characteristics that Daniel and many other righteous people of God possessed as we grow in this spiritual life with God. If we are fighting battles that should have been won, then, today is a good day to begin a close spiritual relationship with God and The Complete 21 Day Daniel Fast will benefit you. You will gain a confidence in God’s promises and will obtain many other spiritual blessings because of your personal connection with God. Forgiveness, Repentance and Confession In many cases, God will reveal things to you that you must also repent of and confess. This is also part of spiritual cleansing. Confess to others and ask forgiveness if you have offended others. We must also be forgiving. If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us. Matthew 5:23-24 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may for give you your trespasses. Praying and Fasting Together It is a beautiful thing before God also when his people join together in unity and in prayer and fasting together. There are many examples in the scriptures of when God hear the prayers of his people who prayed and fasted together. He answered the helped them. The book of Esther is an excellent example of this.

The Daniel Fast Daniel 10:2-3 2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. (KJV) We see three descriptions of Daniel’s fast from the scriptures: 1. He ate no pleasant bread 2. He ate no meat 3. He drank no wine(As Christians under the New Testament, we abstain from drinking wine anyway) The length of time was 3 weeks (21 Days) Food So, Daniel’s Fast consisted of fruits and vegetables. The Beverage was Water. Please see the general and food groups that are both included and excluded below: Fruits and Vegetables not limited to the following list:

Whole Grains

Nuts and Seeds

All Legumes

Oils – not limited to the following quality oils Canola Olive Coconut Palm Avocado Sesame Seed Peanut Grape Seed Salt, Spices, Herbs, Tofu and soybean products are included in the Daniel Fast. Foods not included in the Daniel Fast: Beverages: Coffee, carbonated beverages, teas, energy drinks, all alcohol. Meats: All meats – chicken, beef, pork, fish Dairy: All dairy – eggs, milk, cheese, butter, cream Sweeteners: All sweeteners – sugar, honey, syrup, molasses…etc. Breads: All breads with yeast and baking powder – Ezekiel loaf bread has yeast but there are Ezekiel tortillas that have no yeast. Deep Fried Foods and Snacks: Avoid. Also avoid Lard and Margarine and other condensed fats. All processed foods: 1. No refined grains such as white flour or white rice (items containing wheat must say WHOLE wheat…not just “wheat”) 2. No refined sweeteners such as sugar, any form of corn syrup, cane juice, or the artificial stuff like Splenda 3. No Fast Food 4. No Additives and preservatives – please read the labels.

Preparation Eating Habits It’s important to begin preparation in advance if possible. The time it takes to prepare may vary according to your individual eating habits and the overall experience of fasting. For a more manageable experience, if this is your first time fasting, you want to avoid the “going cold turkey” affect. If you have developed a strong habit of consuming any food or beverage not included in the Daniel fast, your experience will be more successful if you gradually limit consumption as opposed to waiting until the day of the fast to stop. For my first fast, since I was used to drinking coffee I began reducing the amount of coffee I drank gradually over a two week period before I began the fast. Vegetarians may find that the 21 Day Daniel fast is close to their normal diet so for this particular fast, maybe you can eliminate certain foods within the group to accommodate a fasting experience. Groceries If you are not in the habit of purchasing the foods that are included in the Daniel fast, you will have a better experience if you start looking at different recipes like ‘vegan’ recipes that don’t have sugar. Look for grocery stores that offer the best produce. Start to buy those items. Since I was living alone during my first 21 Day Daniel Fast, I completely got rid of anything not included in the Daniel Fast before the day I started fasting. Quiet Time The essential part of the spiritual fast is to find quiet time every day. It would be good to have at least an hour every day that you spend praying, reading and meditating on God’s words. Prayer is essential since we are purposefully and personally connecting to God. He will guide you to a greater overall understanding. The daily journal includes scriptures that will help facilitate the meditation. Aside from your dedicated time of prayer, it is important during fasting to pray throughout the day and to end each day in prayer. It’s good to think about this needed time while preparing for your fast. God’s Acknowledgement of Your Preparation When we make an effort to draw closer to God, he sees and acknowledges it. He will answer you as the scriptures promise. We see the following example in Daniel:

Daniel 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou dist set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer: and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Fasting with a purpose What is it that prompted you to fast? Your reason should be the first thing you write down. Besides the desire to be closer to God, there should be other requests, or reasons for approaching God in a fast. It’s good to write this down before you begin your fast and to focus on these things in your prayers and study of God’s words. You will get your answers to these things during the fast or in the very near future. It’s really good to think and pray for others during your fast. We find that most fasts in the scriptures were for others, or the entire congregation, or for the entire church among the many churches of Christ. What to Expect Fasting detoxifies your body and eliminates toxins from your body. You may feel slightly uncomfortable. You will naturally feel hunger pains. You may become easily irritated or suffer headaches as a result of eliminating caffeine and sugar from your daily diet. Take time to rest and remember to spend time alone in prayer and meditation on God’s words and spiritual songs. If you are exercising regularly, you may need to lessen them or moderate them slightly.

References Holy Bible, Authorized King James Version, 1611 The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus; Translated by William Whiston, 1737http://www.ultimatebiblereferencelibrary.com/Complete_Works_of_Josephus.pdf Other recommended resources: All About Fasting - http://www.allaboutfasting.com/index.html Happy Healthy Life - http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2000/02/recipes-list.html The Daniel Fast Recipes - http://www.daniel-fast.com/myrecipes/

FAST4LIFE VISION STATEMENT: Empowering the Whole Person through the Jesus Model. MISSION STATEMENT: Seeking God’s Empowerment to foster positive change in both religious and secular communities, through Spiritual Formation, with emphasis on Fasting for Mental, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Growth. “Our Goal is to educate and inspire 10,000 Christians globally to dedicate themselves to a Lifestyle of fasting and prayer” SPECIAL INVITATION: Please JoinFAST4LIFE “Breaking Free from Strongholds through Christ” Weekly Conference CALL LINE!!! When: Every Monday night, 9pm CST. Where: Dial-in Number (805) 399-1000 24 hour Playback Number (805) 399-1099 Participant Code: 538843#

HOLY SCRIPTURE If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; If iniquity be in thin hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee. Job 11:13-19

Journal In your personal journal be sure the record the start date and end date of your fast. Record the purpose of your fast.

Day 1 Matthew 11:27-30 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Day 2 Proverbs 2:1-7 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

If thou sleekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Day 3 Philippians 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the piece of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Day 4 John 17:17-23 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou has loved me.

Day 5

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Day 6 Eccl. 3:1-8 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to morn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war; and a time of peace.

Day 7 Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Day 8 John 11:21-25 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth In me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Day 9 Matthew 5:7-10 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteouness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Day 10 Hebrews 11:2-6 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and

that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Day 11 Psalm 121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Day 12 Habakkuk 3:17-19 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed insruments.

Day 13 Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Day 14 Hebrews 12:1-4

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right had of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Day 15 Psalm 119:10-16 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Day 16 Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Day 17 Ephesians 4:1-7 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worth of the vocation wherewith ye are

called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Day 18 Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Day 19 Job 23:8-12 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him; he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Day 20

1 Timothy 6:11-14 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Day 21 Psalm 34:1-6 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.