Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington Reid Temple AME Church THE DANIEL FAST
BE SPECIFIC Daniel was very clear in his objection to the Babylonian diet. Daniel defined his objection immediately Daniel 1:8 The King s food was likely not kosher against Jewish dietary laws. The King s food could have been offered up to idols or demons.
YOUR COMMITMENT Write out and sign a commitment that outlines: Why you are fasting? How long are you fasting? From what or who are you fasting? Read the passages relating to fasting in the New Testament.
FASTING AS A SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT The Daniel fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. Daniel 1:8. Ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance. Ask the Holy Spirit to purify your mind. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your life.
REFLECT INNER DESIRE BY EXTERNAL DISCIPLINE Most people desire better health, but don t discipline themselves to say no to junk food, and other unhealthy foods. Our physical health is more than answered prayer. Our physical health is normally linked to many other factors. Our physical health is important to our spiritual stamina.
COMMITMENTS IN FASTING Spiritual commitment: this is reflected in constant prayer during the Daniel fast. Time commitment: if you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. If you determine to fast ten days don t stop at day nine. Testimony commitment: your fast is a statement of faith in God. You want God to heal your body
FAITH IS FOUNDATIONAL JAMES 5:13-20 Pray in faith to see the role of sin in your relative health or sickness. James 5:13-20 Our actions and attitudes are vital. The sick person must call for the elders. 5:13 The sick person must call for the elders 5:14 Sin is something related to the cause of sickness 5:15. Lack of health and healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion 5:15.
REPENTANCE IS LINKED TO HEALTH JAMES 5:16 Prayer alone may not gain healing. Faith in God is the major factor. 5:15; 5:17-20. Daniel fasted as a statement of faith when he asked to eat only vegetables, and water to drink. Daniel asked to compare the appearance of the 4 sons of Israel with other people who ate the king s food.
LEARN THE EFFECTS OF THE FOOD WE EAT What makes some food good for us? What makes other food bad for our bodies? What are the negative effects of foods do to our bodies? Daniel yielded the results to God. Dan. 1:13 We don t know if Daniel or his friends ever again ate the king s food. Fasting for an answer is similar to prayer. Sometimes you can pray once in an act of faith and God answers. Other times you must continuously ask in faith before an answer comes.
APPLICATION OF THE DANIEL FAST The Daniel fast will lead to spiritual insight. Dan. 1:17 God gave them knowledge and skill. The Daniel fast is longer than one day. The boys fasted 10 days. Dan. 1:12, 15. The Daniel fast is a partial fast. Daniel and his friends only ate vegetables and drank water. The Daniel fast requires abstinence from party and junk foods.
GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVING THE DANIEL FAST Decide ahead of time how you are going to apply the Daniel fast. Stick to your commitment. Make a permanent lifestyle change. Don t do this as some kind of fad. You can modify the guidelines as you feel led by the Lord. Fasting was a lifestyle for Daniel and we need to make it a part of our lifestyle. If you feel it is more productive for you spiritually to avoid certain foods or spices great. If you feel led by the Lord to only eat vegetables and drink water then do so.
FOODS TO EAT Daniel seemed to eat only things planted for harvest and drank only water.. Legumes: dried beans, green beans, green peas, peanuts, lentils, peas. Fruits: apples, avocados, bananas, berries, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, coconuts, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes. Vegetables: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, okra, spinach, sprouts, squashes Seeds: all nuts, sprouts, peanut butter
FOODS TO AVOID Meat, white flour and all products using it. White rice, white bread, hominy, pasta, fried foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages including diet sodas. Wine or any alcoholic drinks, foods containing preservatives or additives, refined sugar. High fructose corn syrup, chemical sugar substitutes, margarine, shortening, animal fat, high fat products
FASTING RESOURCES Prayer: pray your way through your 21 day fast. Prayer Journal: write down your thoughts and revelations that God shares with you through his word. Bible: Read the bible when you feel tempted and read the bible along with your devotional materials.