Day 18: Daniel Fast Journal

God’s got a blessing

that’s all yours.

Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)

³⁴Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

Romans 2:11 (NIV)

¹¹For God does not show favoritism.

Ever get picked last for a team sport?  Ever feel like you were being stereo-typed or discriminated against simply because of who you are or your background?  Ever felt intimidated by someone else and made to feel as if you weren’t important?  We’ve all been there at some point in our lives.  Even Jesus was placed into a stereo-typical category by Nathanael in John 1 when he remarked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

People are picked on, ostracized, left out, ridiculed and intimidated by others all the time. Unfortunately it’s simply part of being alive.  As long as we live in a world of sin there will seemingly always be a ‘bully’ or an unappreciative co-worker forcing us to remember that patience and long-suffering are part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Overcoming these obstacles is something we’ll save for another devotion.  Today, let’s focus of something amazing.

We serve a God who is the Creator of the Universe.  Everything has been made by Him and for His good pleasure.  If anyone has the ability to look down on us and judge, it’s Him.  However, the Bible says that God is, “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry.”  (James 1:19)  His thoughts toward you are good, to give you hope and a future. (Jer.29:11)

He knows you completely and yet still loves you anyway.  He loves us despite our quirks and oddities. He knows the deepest desires of our hearts.  During this fast, have you found your desires changing any from the time you began to now?

He knows what you need most even if we sometimes get it all mixed up ourselves.  He to wants to pick you first for His team and He never wants you to feel intimidated by Him or anyone else.  There’s a special blessing He has picked out just for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask God for His fullness today.  Also, if you are feeling intimidated or left-out by others, don’t be afraid to talk with Him about that too.  Allow God to minister to you today.

Day 17: Daniel Fast Journal

A Blessed Child

Luke 11:13
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

How many parent have made this statement, “I don’t care what it is.  If my baby wants it and I have the means, their getting it.”

Is it spoiling the child? Probably.

Is that always a wise course of action.

Probably not.

However, we all like a little something extra from time to time.  The Bible says if we being evil know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will God give to His kids. (Luke 11:13)

Whether we want to admit it or not, we as children of God are so spoiled.  Our heavenly Daddy loves to give us gifts and things we want but sometimes don’t deserve.  He gives us health, financial blessings, a good family…. the list could go on for days.

Who are we? …we’re blessed children of God.

Isn’t it amazing to realize how much God loves us.

Today, take a moment to look around and see all of the blessings you’ve received from Him.  He doesn’t bless us because we deserve it.  He blesses us because we’re His and He loves us.  It’s as simple as that.

Day 15: Daniel Fast Journal

A Living Mirror

Genesis 1:26 (27)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

A well known conference speaker, Geron Davis once said, “Children seldom ever listen to theirparents but never fail to imtate them.”

People say all the time, “I’ll never act like my parents.” Then, as we get a little older, when begin to realize maybe they weren’t as ‘crazy’ as we thought.
In our lives, we are a living mirror. What does that mean? Simply we are a product of our environment.  Children from the wealthiest families can still end up in prison if they keep bad company.
We are children of God and spiritual royalty, however the company we keep can cause us to slowly slide down the wrong path. Yes we are suppose to be witnesses to the world but ask yourself this question, “Do I spend more time with ‘the world’ than I do with God and God’s people?”
The quote at the beginning of this devotion says it best. We imitate our parents. Are you imitating your Heavenly Father? Can others see it?

Think about this question today, “How do others see God’s image in my life?”

Day 14: Daniel Fast Journal (Sunday)

Hello to all.

Hope you enjoying this devotional as much I am.

No matter where you’re from I hope you have a great time at church today.

Depending on where you live this time of the year, you may have to settle for church on TV today due to the weather.

Either way, make sure you get the Word of God in you from the preaching of a Man or Woman of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21 (New Living Translation)

21 ”Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.”

To some, preaching may seem foolish.  However, according to the scripture above, God has decided to use “our foolish preaching to save those who believe”.

There’s something powerful about hearing the Word of God spoken over you and expounded through faith and understanding.

Don’t miss a source of strength in your life.  Find somewhere today (if the weather permits) to agree with others of like faith with worshiping, the Word and prayer.

Be blessed.

If you’re not able to get to church today for any various reason watch some great preaching below.

Day 13: Daniel Fast Journal

Focus. Focus. Focus.

Habakkuk 2:2
[ The Just Live by Faith ] Then the LORD answered me and said: “ Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.

We’ve talked about this a lot but it’s worth saying again.  Don’t lose your focus.  Life is full of challenges, adventures, mishaps and everything in between.  It’s so easy to become discouraged during our time of fasting and forget what it’s all about.

Don’t forget why your motivated to do this.

Today, we’re going to hear from a very motivating man of God concerning fasting.  Pastor Jentzen Franklin and his church, Free Chapel, take part in a 21 day Daniel Fast every year in January.  The video below was made for their fast in  2009 but the principles and excitement is still relevant for us today.

Listen and be encouraged.

Day 8: Daniel Fast Journal

Spicy.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Revelation 21:5
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Spicy.  I can almost see the Italian chef on the cartoon ‘Lady and the Tramp’ saying, “That’s a spicy meatball.”

Someone once said that variety is the spice of life. That is no more true than your spiritual walk with the Lord.  For a moment, don’t think of  God as the Ruler of the Universe or the Savior of the World. (which, of course He is) Instead, think of Him as the ‘lover of your soul’ and the ‘friend who sticks closer than a brother.  God wants a love relationship with you not something that would seem more like a contractual agreement.

Let’s think of it this way.  If you are married, how much life would your relationship with your spouse have if you never spent time with one another?  Or, what if you did talk to each other but it was for about 5 minutes just before falling asleep or between commercials?  Doesn’t sound like much fun.

Does your relationship with God sound something like that?  Do you give Him a couple of minutes in the car before work and that’s all? Do you read your devotion at night just before nodding off to sleep?  We live in busy times and for all of us time is precious.  However, if you’re not happy with your relationship with God look at it from His point of view.

Are giving God good quality time or the left overs?  You know, wherever you can squeeze Him in.

If you’re reading this devotion then you’re already on the right road.  You’re doing something extra to enhance your relationship with God and nothing we do for Him will ever go without bearing fruit.

Think today about what you can do to ‘spice up’ your relationship with God.  He’s waiting.

Day 5: Daniel Fast Journal

Foundations: Not just for yourself

John 1:47-49 (New International Version)
47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.”
48“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. 
 Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
49Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

Matthew 5:15-17 (New International Version)
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven

Ever get the feeling you’re being watched?

There’s an old Ray Stevens song that says, “Santa Claus is watching you. He’s everywhere. He’s everywhere.”  Well, Santa may not have his eye on you but you definitely are being watched.  The problem is those who are really putting your life under a microscope will probably never make you aware of it.  That’s right.  They may weigh and measure every word, every action, and every reaction without you ever even having a clue.  Who is this mystery guest?  You might be surprised.  It’s your co-workers, your business partners, your family and even the lady who takes your order at the local restaurant.

What are they looking for?  They’re looking for someone who is a REAL Christian.  They want to see someone who sincerely seeks after God and seeks His presence in his or her life.

Someone who will say with Paul, “ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death“ (Philippians 3:10)

That sounds like a lot of pressure.  So many people with their eyes on you waiting for you to either prove to them it’s possible to serve God or  it isn’t.  The thing is they’ve been doing it ever since they found out you go to church.

The secret is people are searching desperately for someone who is real.  They may tell you they don’t go to church because all Christians are hypocrites but the truth is they are longing for someone to be real.  They want you to succeed whether they ever tell you or not.  They want you to make because they want to have hope for themselves.

Fasting can help us with this.  Fasting allows us to draw closer to God so we can be a better witness with our lives in front of all those around us.  Just by being around God, you’ll begin to take on His character.  Then as those around you begin to see this change as well it sparks a hunger within their souls as well.

Shine as a light today and allow God to use you to light up the darkness around you.

Sir. Francis Assisi once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”

Matthew 5:15-17 (New International Version)

15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven

Day 4: Daniel Fast Journal

Foundations: Imagine

Proverbs 23:7 (King James Version)
7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Genesis 6:5-6 (New King James Version)
5 Then the LORD^[a^] saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

Psalm 13:2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Psalm 94:11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man

Jeremiah 29:11 (King James Version)
11“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”

Psalm 144:3 O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

2 Peter 3:1 (New International Version)
1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

Imagine.

Most of us are familiar with John Lennon’s song, “Imagine”.

It speaks of imagining now war, no poverty as well as other themes that were common among the hippie movement.

The imagination is a powerful force both for your good and for your detriment.

With it, mankind has given birth to amazing things.

Everything you see around you started out in someone’s mind.

The design of the chair your sitting in, the computer in front of you, the clothes your wearing, the car you drove today all started in someone’s imagination as they thought of what could be.

The Bible says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  Proverbs 23:7

Imagine yourself being all that God has for you.

Imagine what we discussed in day one (your motivation)…. Can you see yourself successful?

Greatness is in the eye of the beholder.  For some your greatest ambition would be for you to travel the world as a jet setting businessperson sharing your faith with everyone you meet.  Someone else may want to be a successful preacher or teaching.  Still someone else may seem his or her life complete in being a good mother or father.  Which one of these ambitions is the most successful?

Well that entirely depends on you and the condition of your heart.  Which is your purpose of wanting to be a successful businessperson or a successful parent.  What are your motives?  They are all important and worthy goals.  Which one fits you?  Can you ‘think it’ in your heart?

Your imagination can also be used for evil.  The atom bomb, the holocaust, and terrorist attacks of 9/11 were also once only within the recesses of someone’s mind.  Are you careful where you let your mind wander to?

Daydreaming can be a distraction when it causes you to think on unholy  things or bring you into captivity to depression or unfruitful thinking.

Paul tells us that it’s important to keep our powerful minds only on the right things. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

As much as you want to be successful as a mature Christian and operate in the Power of God, all the more God wants you to be successful too.  You may be saying to yourself, “Well of course He does.  Everybody knows that.”  Do we?  Why do we so many times act as if we have to convince God to give us another chance to serve Him or to operate in His Kingdom?  He wants us to be healthy and active in His Kingdom even more than we do.  According to the Word of God, He’s thinking about you.  He has plans for you.  His plans for you are amazing. They’re even greater than what you have planned for yourself.

How can I see my imaginations stop being just thoughts and make them a reality?

Fall in love with God all over again.

The Word of God says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalms 37:4)

As you begin to fall in love with God again, He will give you the desires of your heart.

I will warn you though, the more you fall in love with God the more you will begin to find certain things you use to think you ‘had’ to have no longer mean as much to you.

This time fasting will begin to illustrate that.  There are things you may watch on TV or songs you currently listen to that will begin to grieve your spirit as you draw closer to Him.  There will also begin to be a longing to do things you aren’t use to as well.  Such as spending more time in His presence or sharing your faith when before you were too intimidated.  Your desires will begin to reflect His. That’s a good thing because the Bible also says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

So, let me encourage you to dream big.

Let your mind soar and dream big on the things of God and the promises contained in His Word.  They are ALL for you if you will only reach out and claim them.

story of girl imagining herself winning.

There was a young lady once who desperately wanted to win the coveted first place prize at a state beauty pageant.  She prepared for years and when she finally reached the right age, she was the first that year to sign up.  She worked, prepared, prayed, and imagined herself winning the competition for almost a year before pageant ever took place.  At long last the night came and all her hard worked paid off.  She won first place.  As was the custom, the winner always walked the length of the runway while everyone took her picture and applauded her accomplishment.  As she walked, the flashes from the cameras were so bright she couldn’t see anything.  There was only one thing to do.  She closed her eyes and walked the length of the runway and back again without looking once.  She didn’t make one misstep.  Afterwards, when asked how she was able to walk, knowing exactly where to stop and where to go without looking she simply said, “Oh, it was easy.  I had imagined myself wining and walking across that runway so many times, actually doing it wasn’t difficult at all.  I must have done that in my mind a hundred times.”

She believed she could do it.

You can too.  You can become all that God has for you.  Only believe in God and believe in yourself through His strength.

Think on this statement today once spoken by D.L. Moody: “If God be your partner, make your plans large.”

Day 2: Daniel Fast Journal

Foundation: Plan of Action

Luke 14:28-33 (New International Version)
28“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’
31“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Yesterday we talked about why you want to commit to a time of fasting.  The thought for the day was simply, “What is my motivation?”  Like we discussed, for everyone this is different.  We all have different issues and desires in our life.  That doesn’t make one person better or another worse, simply different.

Did you take time to write down what your motivation is going to be over the next few days?

Now, today’s question is a more practical one.  How?  How do you plan to be successful?  An old proverb says, “Anything worth having is worth working for.”  It would be great to live in a world where nothing was difficult and everything was freely given to us but regrettably this is simply not the way of things.  You’re going to have to put some effort into becoming all God has for you to be.

God will always do the impossible, but He also asks us to do the possible.

The ‘possible’ is where the work comes in.  You have to euip yourself each day with God’s Word, with prayer and with your motivation.  It’s important at this stage of our journey together that we have a firm resolve.  No turning back.  No giving up.  Remember, the rewards far exceed the temporary discomfort.

Our plan of action is to stay committed to our time of fasting (for whatever length) by staying focused on our motivation and on God’s Word.  Each day we’re going to wake up and decide afresh to be firm and resolved putting God before all other things.  Also, don’t under estimate the power of God’s Word during this time.  Allow His presence to pour over you and speak directly to you through His Word.  We’ll talk more in the common days about the awesome power of God’s Word and what it can do in you and through you.

Read these great scriptures about fasting and some if its spiritual benefits..

BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

It’s important to pray for those over us in leadership.  This includes pastors, teachers, and lay leaders.  Also, don’t forget about government officials. (Whether you voted for them or not.  They still need your prayer.)  How about your boss at work?  When was the last time you prayed for God’s blessings and guidance in their life?

ROMANS 12:1
“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.”

“…a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable…” – sound like fasting to you?

MATTHEW 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Putting God before everything in our lives; even food.  The great thing about God is when you lay it all at His feet, He gives you in return more than you can ever imagine.

ISAIAH 58:6
“[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

Do any of the things above sound familiar in your life?  God wants to loose you from these bonds, burdens and oppressions….through fasting.

(Here are some tips from the guy who brought fasting back to the forefront of Christian thought in our generation, Jentzen Franklin.)

WHETHER YOU ARE BEGINNING A PRIVATE FAST, OR FASTING CORPORATELY AS WE DO EACH YEAR AT FREE CHAPEL, I BELIEVE YOU WILL FIND THESE TIPS HELPFUL.
- JENTEZEN FRANKLIN

How to Begin

Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

Preparing Spiritually

Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast

The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long

You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

What to Expect

When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

How to End

Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

Physical:

Feeling good?  If so, great!  Enjoy this wonderful time of renewed interest in the “green” things of life.  If not, don’t worry. It’s temporary.  It will get better.

Make sure you’re drinking lots of water.  Water will help rid your body of all those nasty toxins your body has been bogged down with.  Ridding yourself of those is one major to feeling a lot better.

Below is a playlist for a quiet time/worship time.