For Spiritual Insight & Wisdom

10 DAYS

No Meat

No Sweets

No Strong Drink

Victory Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Robert E. Fowler, Sr., Pastor

500 West Monroe Avenue

Las Vegas, NV 89106

Over the next 10 days, we will be corporately engaged

In

The Daniel Fast

For

Spiritual Insight and Wisdom

No meat, No sweets, No strong drink (10 days)

Fasting goes a long way in helping the believer keep his balance. Fasting should be God-ordained and God-centered. Fasting promotes spiritual strength and helps us overcome barriers that might, over time, prevent us from living the victorious Christian life.

What is the Daniel Fast?

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting." - Daniel 9:3

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based upon Daniel's own experiences as recorded in the Bible. The purpose is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God. Someone who chooses to undergo a Daniel Fast demonstrates a physical commitment that reflects a deep spiritual desire for a more intimate relationship with the Lord.

On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord's wisdom during a 3-week time of prayer and fasting. Daniel 10:2-3 says, "At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips." The meaning of "choice food" is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets. The Message translation sums up Daniel's eating habits during that time: "I ate only plain and simple food."

The intention of today's Daniel Fast is not to duplicate exactly what Daniel did but the spirit in which he did it. Daniel's passion for the Lord caused him to hunger and

thirst for spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast.

DAY 1

Prayer Focus: Today, we focus in on Personal

Repentance. God wants to show us His forgiveness. Once you receive His forgiveness, recognize that it’s our pattern for forgiving others also.

Scripture: Matthew 4:17; Isaiah 53:6

1 John 5:11-12

Prayer: Lord, I truly repent of all my sins. I repent of the sins about which I know and the sins about which I don’t know. Forgive me Lord of pride, rebellion, vanity, jealousy, judging, distrust, prejudice; all sins that I have committed that grieve your heart; greed, dishonesty and theft. Please forgive me for my refusal to forgive others. Please Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me; a spirit that will worship you, glorify you and

serve you for the rest of my life; in Jesus’ name. Amen!

“I have the assurance that I have been forgiven and accepted by God.”

DAY 2

Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Godly Wisdom.

May God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Scripture: Proverbs 2:2; James 1:5-8

Prayer: Father, You said if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of You, who giveth to all men liberally. Therefore, I ask in faith, nothing wavering, to be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all

wisdom, and spiritual understanding concerning my life and my assignment. Today, I incline my ear unto wisdom and apply my heart to understanding so that I might receive that which has been freely given unto me. I receive godly wisdom and instruction, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

DAY 3

Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Keen Discernment; that we are able to discern the evil from the good. It is so powerful and enlightening to be able to discern between what is good and what is evil.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-6; 1 John 4:1

Hebrews 4:12

Prayer: Father, I trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I acknowledge You, so

that You will make my path straight. Through Your precepts, I gain understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your Word is a lamp on my feet, and a light to my path. I thank You for a discerning heart today; and I cling to the Word of God which is alive and active in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

DAY 4

Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Divine Protection.

We accept that these are the days of the divine.

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:2-4; Psalm 91

Prayer: Father, today in Jesus’ name, I accept that I am in the days of the divine. I

confess your word over my life and all those connected to me. I know that Your Word does not go out and return to You void, but it accomplishes what You say it will do. I give You thanks for moving quickly to perform Your Word and fulfill its promises. I rejoice in the promises that Your Word holds for my protection and safety. I trust in You and if I shall face any problem today, I will run to you. You are my strong tower and shelter in a time of need. I speak peace, safety and success over all of my movements today in Jesus’ name. As a child of God, I stand confident that my planned moments will not be disrupted or confused. Thank You Father, that in every situation You are with me. Lord, I thank You for Your divine presence in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

“Today I accept that I am under divine protection and that no weapon

formed against me shall be able to prosper!”

DAY 5

Prayer Focus: Today, we focus on Increased Sensitivity and Responsiveness to the Voice of God.

There are many voices out there. Learning to distinguish God’s voice is invaluable to the believer.

Scripture: John 8:47; Matthew 7:24-29; Luke 11:28

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for giving me the opportunity to have a relationship with You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit. I understand Lord, that the closer I get to You and the better I get to know You, the easier it would be for me to hear and know Your voice. So I pray Lord for the growth and enrichment

of my personal relationship with You. I thank You for connecting me to my Pastor and Spiritual Leader who is Your corporate voice in my life. I pray that You would keep me clear of all kinds of distractions so that I can keep my mind stayed on You. I thank You for sharper discernment and for the illumination and confirmation when it comes to hearing and knowing Your voice, as this year hearing and knowing Your voice is a critical component to my opportunity to cash in on my harvest. Please Lord, open my ears and make me hear…in Jesus’ name. Amen!

DAY 6

Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for the Willingness to be Open to the Instructions and the Directions that will come from God During the Year. If we want to get to the place of provision, we must pay attention to the instructions and

directions. We’ve got to know His voice.

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23; Psalm 32:8

1 Kings 17:1-4, 8-9

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for who You are in my life. In You I live, move and have my being. You and You alone are my source. Thank you Lord! Now Lord, I accept the man of God that You have connected me to as my corporate voice from You. I’m standing in agreement with him that all year long, You will be sending me instructions and giving me directions designed to bring me into a new level of faith and usher me into a new level of victorious living and You will do it both through the written and spoken Word. Because You are a faithful and Loving God, I thank You in advance for every instruction and every bit of direction that will come my way this year and commit myself to hearing and obeying Your voice, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

DAY 7

Prayer Focus: Today, we focus in on the Removal of Hindrances that are blocking the full revelation of our true value. This will lead into God bringing us in touch with people who really matter.

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-3; Judges 7:2-7

Prayer: O God, Creator and Ruler of all mankind, I come to You today thanking you for loving me enough to remove things and people that are not good for me, out of my life. I submit to your Lordship. I want to thank You for making me in your likeness and creating me in Your image and putting inside of me everything that pertains to life and godliness. I receive Your word through the

man of God that I am now in a season of my life when You will “glorify” me by removing all the hindrances that have been blocking up the full revelation of my true value and You have begun the process of bringing me in touch with people who really matter. Thank You Lord that our paths will cross and we will not miss one another this time. I give You praise, honour and glory for all that you are and all that You do for and in the lives of Your people; in Jesus’ name. Amen!

DAY 8

Prayer Focus: Today, we give thanks for a Fresh Anointing (Fresh Oil) that has been released to the body.

“It’s on my Bishop…it’s about to fall on me!”

Scripture: Luke 4:17-19, Psalm 92:10

Prayer: O, Lord God I thank You for Your precious anointing that empowers us to accomplish whatever it is that You have assigned to our hands to do. I thank You Lord that this anointing also gives us the power to hurdle over all detractors and haters when it comes to the assignment You have given to us. I thank You Lord that Your anointing removes burdens and destroys yokes and yet Lord You have released a fresh anointing over the people in our ministry and elsewhere. I accept Lord that this fresh anointing is on my life so that I can have Power – Influence and Timelessness for the carrying out of my assignment. You have given me PIT for the pitfalls on the journey. I accept Lord that I have also been anointed with fresh oil for the survival of any and every crisis that will come my way. Thank You Lord for this fresh outpouring of Your anointing upon my life. I face my future with confidence and I will walk in victory, in Jesus Mighty name and for the glory of God. Amen!

DAY 9

Prayer Focus: Today, we focus in on God’s People Being in Position for all that’s Coming. “I can feel something coming; I can’t afford to miss it this time!”

Scripture: Joshua 1:9-11; Revelation 3:7-8

Galatians 6:7-9

Prayer: Now Lord, I stand on the authority of Your Word and I am totally aware and convinced that before one of Your words shall fail, heaven and earth shall pass away first. I thank You Lord, for being a faithful God to Your people. All that we are, we owe to You. All that we have, we got from You. All that we ever hope to be, will be

because of You. Now Eternal God, the Giver and Sustainer of life, I thank You with all my heart, for planning our future and making the necessary provisions for the same, long before we got here. Today I pray Lord that You would cause Your people to position themselves so that they will not miss what’s coming to them. I thank You Lord for the spiritual sincerity that is hanging over people even now. I thank You Lord that the wounded, the faint-hearted and the wondering would be arrested in the Holy Ghost and come back into position. I pray Lord that You would do whatever You need to do with and to me to get me in position so I do not miss what’s coming. I bind the forces of evil assigned to my life to cause me to miss this and I will be positioned to get what’s coming. O Lord God, empower me, toughen me and grant me the know how to find my brother and my sister and help them get back into position so that they won’t miss what’s coming. I thank You in advance for this season where Your people are coming into

position for instructions and directions for their harvest..in Jesus’ name. Amen!

DAY 10

Prayer Focus: Today, we pray for Spiritual Stability.

“This is not the time for me to faint or grow weary; it’s too close to due season.”

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8; Luke 21:36; 1 Corinthians

15:58; Galatians 6:9

Prayer: Eternal God our heavenly Father, I thank You for wisdom and spiritual insight. I thank You for a fresh anointing that has come to empower me for my assignment and all that You have placed into my hands. I thank You Lord for instruction and direction that will be coming to me all year long. What a wonder You are Lord.

Now heavenly Father, as I pray for spiritual stability, I pray that Your people, like never before, will be careful, prayerful, watchful and immovable because in 2013, the adversary is coming like a roaring lion seeking to destroy and devour. I pray Lord that our people will not grow weary in this season as due season is upon us.

You have promised us Lord, through Your man servant, that this is the time You will make us do well. Keep us Lord committed to serving You and to being obedient to your voice. O lord, we stand on Your Word and I pray that in this season, we shall not be moved! I asked these things in Jesus name. Amen!

My NOW Confessions

I choose to see myself as God sees me according to His Word. My life is hid with Christ in God. In Him I can do all things. I choose to trust God. His word is the final authority in my life. I base my entire life and future upon God and His Word. For a bright and progressive future, I will meditate on the Word of God day and night.

I recognize that I am not just an ordinary person. I’m a child of the Living God. I’m an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus. I’m part of a chosen generation – a royal priesthood – a holy nation.

I am accepted by God. If God is for me – who can be against me? Greater is He that is within me than He that is within the world. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ, nothing!

I will submit to God; and when I resist the devil, he has to flee. No temptation will overcome me which is not common to man. God is faithful. He will not allow me to be tempted beyond my ability to overcome. Jesus always causes me to triumph. The word of God lives in me. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. I am an overcomer. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I will not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. I am progressing daily. I am a success to the glory

of God. As I adhere to the Word of God and be obedient to the commands of God, the blessings of God will come upon me and overtake

me. The supernatural power of God flows through my life as the Holy Spirit teaches me all things I need to know and reminds me of everything that Jesus has ever said – Today I walk by faith and not by sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't yeast allowed on the Daniel Fast?

In the Bible, yeast is often a symbol for sin, and God often required the Israelites to give up leavened bread (contains yeast) during certain times as a way of setting them apart from neighboring peoples. Therefore, by not having yeast, we are making a statement against sin and keeping with Jewish tradition by refusing to eat leavened bread as we seek the Lord.

What about nutritional yeast since it's deactivated and not a leavening agent?

Whether or not to use nutritional yeast, which is an inactive form of yeast, is really matter of personal conviction. Some people may choose to have it, while others do not. Personally, I don't use any type of yeast in my recipes.

Can I have whole wheat bread?

Whole wheat products are allowed, including bread. HOWEVER, the bread must be made without yeast or sugar (these are restricted on the fast). In other words, it needs to be unleavened bread, otherwise known as flatbread.

Why isn't vinegar allowed?

The process of creating vinegar involves fermentation, and the oxidation of ethanol produces an alcohol-containing liquid. However, one particular vinegar, apple cider vinegar, has many nutritional benefits, so some people may choose to include it on their fast. The idea of the fast is to deny yourself as an act of worship to the Lord. We don't want to be so legalistic about every single thing that we put into our mouths that we miss the whole point of the Daniel Fast, so I would encourage you to seek the Lord for direction.

Note: Fresh lemon juice is a good substitute for vinegar!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seafood allowed?

Fish is not allowed on the Daniel Fast However, some people may choose to modify the guidelines slightly for medical reasons and include it. Again, this is a matter between you and the Lord. He will show you what your fast should look like.

I know tea is restricted because it contains caffeine, but what about herbal tea?

The main reason teas (even herbal) are restricted is based upon Daniel's example in the Bible and the fact that he drank only water during his fasts (Daniel 1:12 and 10:3). For some people, having tea is a daily treat, so they may choose to give it up for a period of fasting as a sacrifice to the Lord. Perhaps this is not the case for you and maybe you might choose to include herbal tea on your fast.

The Daniel Fast guidelines are meant to help provide boundaries. However, they are not meant to cause legalism so that you are overly focused on what to eat and what not to eat. That would negate the whole point of drawing near to God. The goal is to eliminate foods that will give you a sense of self-denial and sacrifice. I would encourage you to pray about what sacrifices God is asking you to make on your fast and if herbal tea is one of them.

Can I have honey or agave nectar?

No added sugars are allowed on the Daniel Fast, including honey, agave nectar, molasses, maple syrup, and artificial sweeteners.

Is coffee allowed?

Sorry, but no.

Food Guidelines

Foods to Eat on the Daniel Fast

• All fruit - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.• All vegetables - fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.• All whole grains - amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa,

millet, and whole wheat.• All nuts & seeds - almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts,

peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; unsweetened almond milk. Nut butters are also included.

• All legumes - canned or dried; black beans, black eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas.

• All quality oils - canola, coconut, grapeseed, olive, peanut, and sesame.

• Beverages - distilled water, filtered water, and spring water.• Other - unsweetened almond milk, rice milk, or soy milk; herbs,

spices, salt, pepper, seasonings, soy products, and tofu.

Foods to Avoid on the Daniel Fast

• All meat & animal products - beef, buffalo, fish, lamb, poultry, and pork.

• All sweeteners - agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, cane juice, honey, molasses, raw sugar, syrups, stevia, and sugar.

• All leavened bread & yeast - baked goods and Ezekiel bread (if it contains yeast and honey).

• All refined & processed food products - artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, preservatives, white flour, and white rice.

• All deep-fried foods - corn chips, French fries, and potato chips.• All solid fats - lard, margarine, and shortening.• Beverages - alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, energy drinks,

herbal tea, and tea.

Recipe Ideas

Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal

1 (14.5-ounce) can coconut milk2 cups cooked brown rice1 apple, chopped, unpeeled (about 1 1/2 cups)1 banana, mashed (about 1 cup) 1 cup roughly chopped dates1½ teaspoons cinnamonPinch nutmeg½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Add coconut milk, brown rice, apple, banana, dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat about 10 minutes or until heated through. Stir frequently to prevent burning on bottom of pan. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon pecans or walnuts over each serving.

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil½ cup chopped green pepper½ cup chopped red onion½ cup sliced celery¼ cup water2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning (see recipe below)1 (15.5-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained2 cups cooked brown rice

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add green peppers, onions, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add water and Creole Seasoning. Stir well. Mix in kidney beans and rice. Lower heat and cook another 5 minutes or until heated through.

Creole Seasoning

2 tablespoons paprika1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepper½ teaspoon thyme½ teaspoon dried basil½ teaspoon dried oregano½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients in a small glass jar. Cover, and store until ready to use.

Recipe Ideas

Rice & Cabbage Casserole

1/2 TB extra-virgin olive oil1/2 cup chopped onions2 cloves garlic, minced1 cup chopped mushrooms2 (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes1/4 cup water2 TB chopped fresh parsley1 tsp dried oregano1 tsp salt1/8 tsp pepper4 cups chopped green cabbage2 cups cooked brown rice1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained

Put diced tomatoes in a food processor or blender, and process until smooth. Set aside. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, water, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Steam cabbage 8-10 minutes or until tender crisp (or add cabbage to boiling water, and cook 5-7 minutes). Lightly spray or rub a 9”x13” baking dish with olive oil, and cover bottom of dish with cooked cabbage. Place rice and beans on top of cabbage. Pour tomato sauce over all. Bake 20 minutes.

Almond Cookies

1 cup almond meal or flour1/3 cup almond butter1/4 cup unsweetened orange juice2 tablespoons flaxseed meal1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons Date Honey2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix almond meal, almond butter, orange juice, and flaxseed meal. Lightly rub an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Place dough on baking sheet and flatten with your hands to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a circle cookie cutter about the size of a 1/3 cup measuring scoop to cut out cookies (or use the measuring cup itself). Spread about 1/2 tablespoon Date Honey on each cookie, and top with 3-4 sliced almonds. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Recipe Note

• Use unsweetened applesauce as a topping instead of Date Honey.

Recipe Ideas

Frozen Banana Bars

2 medium bananas, peeled, sliced (about 2 cups)1 cup roughly chopped dates1 cup roughly chopped raw cashews

Place bananas, dates, and cashews in a food processor or blender. Process about 30 seconds or until smooth.

Transfer to an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Place in freezer 3-4 hours or until firm. To serve, cut into 2 x 2 1/2 –inch bars and serve. Store in freezer.

Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 bar)

Spinach Artichoke Dip

8 ounces firm tofu, drained1 cup chopped canned artichokes, drained, reserve 2 tablespoons canned juices ½ (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry 1 teaspoon dried basil1 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon pepper2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil¼ cup diced onion2 cloves garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place tofu, artichokes, artichoke juice, and spinach in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium-sized bowl. Stir in basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Heat oil in a small skillet, and cook onions and garlic until onions are translucent. Remove from heat, and stir into spinach artichoke mixture. Place in a 3-cup glass or ceramic baking dish that has been rubbed with olive oil. Bake 20 minutes, or until edges start to brown. Serve warm.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about ¼ cup)

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