By Susan Gregory
DAY 1
An Invitation to New Life
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
— ROMANS 6:4
Today is the first day of your new journey. You’re probably feeling excited with anticipation, but also a little nervous about following the fasting guidelines and lasting all twenty-one days. The beginning of any excursion can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. And feeling uneasy is normal when you are about to encounter a time of stretching, challenge, and growth.
But instead of focusing on the trials of fasting, set your sight on the prize — the grand reward of drawing closer to God and experiencing more of his love, grace, and presence as you focus more attention on him and his ways. The cost? Being willing to submit to him — simply accept his invitation to a life that only he can give.
When we fast, we have the opportunity to set aside our habits, desires, and wants — and choose to live a different way. It’s part of dying to self so we can more fully experience the new life God wants to give us. That new life is better health for our body, improved clarity for our mind, and a deeper and closer walk with our Lord. To realize these blessings, we enter the journey, stay on the path, and keep our eyes on the prize.
Do you want to have a more intimate relationship with your Father? What can you do today to open your heart to him?
Loving Father, thank you for offering your generous invitation for the new life only you can give. Today I give myself to you. I accept your invitation for better health, clearer direction for my life, and a closer, more intimate walk with you. Amen.
DAY 2
Bought at a Price
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
— 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19–20
When we begin an extended period of prayer and fasting, we often find we are paying more attention to our physical needs. You may be craving a cup of hot coffee or tea. You feel a little sluggish. Or, even worse, you’re struggling with caffeine and sugar withdrawal, and your body is revolting with headaches, fatigue, and leg cramps.
When we experience a craving or hunger pang, we immediately attend to what our body wants … even when it’s not the best for our health. We crave sweets, potato chips, ice cream. And when we want it … we go get it and satisfy the desires of our body.
During the Daniel Fast, we have the opportunity to bring order to our eating habits and develop healthy disciplines. We can realize the truth that Christ paid a high price for us. We are not our own. Our bodies are the dwelling place of God’s Holy Spirit. Each one of us is the caretaker of this temple — our body.
Take a moment to consider your body. Are you willing to release it to the Lord and allow his Spirit to fill it with his grace as you continue your journey toward complete health?
Jesus, thank you for the immeasurable sacrifice you made on my behalf. Today I acknowledge that I am not my own. You bought me at a price — your life. I am thankful and I will honor you by caring for my body, the temple where the Holy Spirit takes up residence. Amen.
DAY 3
A Rewarding Experience
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
—MARK 11:15–61
Can you imagine Jesus entering the holy temple in Jerusalem? There was no place more holy for God’s people. The temple was where almighty God was with his people. It was his home, his dwelling place, his holy meeting hall.
When Jesus saw his Father’s house being defiled, his reaction was immediate and intense. The gentle and kind Rabbi quickly transformed into a determined Mr. Clean. Nothing dishonoring would remain in the temple grounds. Jesus drew a line — no junk in his Father’s house!
Daniel, who had dedicated himself to God, had the same determination when offered food considered unclean by Jewish standards. “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way” (Daniel 1:8).
As followers of Jesus, our bodies are holy, set aside for the purposes of God. When you gave your life to Christ, your body was immediately cleansed by the blood of Christ and transformed into a holy dwelling place where God’s Spirit could reside. You are his temple.
This is one of the most powerful lessons we can learn on the Daniel Fast. When we acknowledge that our bodies are the home of God, we are summoned to a higher calling.
Do you hear the Lord calling you like the commitment Daniel accepted … and that Jesus modeled? Do you truly accept that you are the temple of God? That you are holy and nothing should defile the beautiful dwelling place God created?
Father, I am humbled that you have chosen to live inside of me. In loving response to you I will guard this temple and care for it in the way it deserves. Thank you for making your home in me. Amen.
DAY 4
God’s Revelation for Your Health
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instructions.
— PROVERBS 29:18
Submitting to God’s ways is always the right thing to do. And putting our trust in the Lord is at the center of the confidence and security that will see us through every situation. As we open our hearts to God and his Word, we open our minds to his revelation — that personal exposure to truth that he wants to give each of his precious children so we can live the life he desires for us.
When we close our minds to God’s revelation, we choose to go without him and to subject ourselves to our own ways and the ways of the world. And as this verse says, we “cast off restraint.”
Sadly, this seems to be the picture of what has happened with God’s people and the frightful condition of our health. It seems we’ve pushed aside what the Creator says about our health and not received his revelation. Consequently the majority of Christians have lived lives with little restraint.
The good news is that God’s mercies are new every morning. We can change. We can receive the revelation from our Creator and start practicing self-control and wisdom.
Are you ready to walk away from habits that don’t support you and walk toward those that bring health and vitality? Are you ready to choose health over death and join the growing number of people who are saying, “Enough is enough”?
Lord, help me to receive the truth of your Word. Help me to receive your revelation about my health and well-being. And help me to walk away from habits that hurt me and toward those that give me life. Amen.
DAY 5
Knowledge into Action
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
— PROVERBS 23:12
This book is packed with a lot of information and advice about fasting and health. It serves as instruction for you to experience the Daniel Fast and use it as a launch for your healthy lifestyle.
Now you have a choice. You can use what you’re learning. You can make the decision to live a lifestyle of health. And you can take the steps to reach that goal. Or you can absorb the knowledge but remain idle.
This is where the Spirit of God meets our self-will. If we believe God’s Word is true, we know we are to honor our bodies and give them the care they deserve. We know that we are called to a life of discipline and self-control. We know there are good ways to treat our bodies — and ways that lead to destruction.
So for today and tomorrow and next week and forever, we decide what we will do with the instruction we’ve received. As we commit to the challenges of change, we can know that God is with us every step of the way. Will this be easy? No. We will face temptations and cravings. But the rewards are immense — far beyond what we can imagine.
Are you ready to turn your commitment to health into actions? Are you ready to accept God’s desire for your health? What can you do today to act on your conviction?
Father, I thank you for your instruction and your guidance. Thank you for being with me, for teaching me, and for helping me to follow your ways as I submit myself to you. Amen.
DAY 6
Highly Valued and Deeply Loved
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
—MATTHEW 10:29–31
We know there is an important balance between healthy self-worth and pride. Arrogance, conceit, boastfulness, and vanity are against the ways of God. Instead, we are called to be humble yet still value ourselves in a wholesome way that honors our Creator. We are to honor our bodies and commit to good health.
What I discovered is that too often in the past, I didn’t think much about my health — well at least not until I felt an ache or a pain. I took my body for granted, expecting it to make do with whatever I fed it or however I treated or mistreated it.
After first experiencing the great health benefits of the Daniel Fast several years ago, I started paying more attention to what the Bible says about health. I gained a better understanding of how God wants us to feel good about who we are and to respect ourselves as his precious children.
God values us. He values you. Allow this truth to stir your heart. God loves you more than you can imagine. You are precious to him.
Can you accept the Lord’s immeasurable love for you? Open your heart … and receive.
Father, thank you for helping me to experience your love. You gave your one and only Son for me and for others. Thank you for loving me. Help me to receive your precious gift. Amen.
DAY 7
Made in God’s Image
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
— GENESIS 1:26
The fact that we are created in God’s image is good to think about. In some ways, the reality is almost too much to absorb. How stunning it is that we are fashioned after the Creator of the universe. How amazing it is that he entrusted us with so much power to rule over all the earth.
This brings us to consider what this truth means for each day of our lives. First, as people of faith and followers of Jesus Christ, we each have the blessing of God to empower us and help us. The Spirit of God lives inside of us to lead and direct our steps. God’s Word is packed with promises of protection, health, prosperity, goodness, and mercy. Know that all those promises are yours as you exercise your faith and walk in the Light of Christ.
Think about who you are and who God is. What do you want to do to live a life worthy of your heritage, a life that leaves a legacy to those you love? Are you so connected with your Maker that people are blessed and want to know about the One in whose image you were made? Do people you love see Christ in you?
Father, I am humbled to be made in your image. I want to live a life worthy of that high call and realize the many blessings of your care for me. Amen.
DAY 8
Be Still … Really?
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
— PSALM 46:10
North American culture presents ever-growing challenges to our spending quiet time alone with our Lord. Even after decades of devoting daily quiet time to study and prayer, I still find my mind wandering to my daily to-do list or the latest news headlines. And there are even times when my busy life is in such contrast with being still that entering into quiet time can be uncomfortable as it feels so inconsistent compared to most of my day. Perhaps you can relate.
When we fast, we make a decision to enter into a different way of operating in our daily lives. We choose to slow down so we can focus more of our time and attention on God. The benefits are many and, as the Word teaches, God “rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
We can choose to be still. In some ways, choosing to be still is like receiving treatment from your doctor, or getting your hair cut, or when you learn something from a sermon. You just sit … and receive.
At first, five minutes of stillness feels long. But the more you practice stillness, the easier and more fulfilling it will be for you. Choose to be still for a few minutes by eliminating distractions. Create an environment that is conducive to tranquility. Then sit quietly and open your heart to receive the peace and calm the Lord provides. Be still and rest in the Lord.
Lord, open my heart to receive your gift of peace and calm so I truly can be still and know you and praise you. Help me to honor this quiet time with you and to hold it holy so we can meet and I can grow in you. Amen.
DAY 9
Ears to Hear
“Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
—MARK 4:8–9
What is the Lord saying to you today? Will you be still and silent long enough to hear his words? Will you hear and then heed his instructions to change your life?
I know for sure that the Lord speaks to his people. And when his Word says, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear,” he isn’t talking to us about only listening and hearing. He wants us to hear what he is saying and then to act — to change, to align our lives with his ways. I also know that he wants only what is good for us and that whatever he tells us to do will be for our benefit.
I believe God is calling his church to live healthy lives. He’s giving us a warning. He’s shedding light on the danger we are in if we don’t change and develop a lifestyle that promotes health, vitality, and longevity. But will we have ears to hear? We each are called to answer this question for ourselves.
Do you hear the Lord calling you to better health? Will you hear him and take action? As you replace unhealthy habits with those that will restore your health, are you willing to fight the temporary battle of cravings? Do you have ears to hear God calling you?
Lord, I do hear you. Help me to walk the way of health that is your desire for me and my desire for myself. Amen.
DAY 10
Walk in the Spirit
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
— GALATIANS 5:16
Walk by the Spirit … it’s a call to God’s people to know the truth of his Word and to walk in his ways. And when we do this, the promise is that we won’t fall prey to forces that are not aligned with God.
One way we can experience the fulfillment of this truth is with our emotions. Oh, how powerful menacing emotions can be, and when not reined in, emotional responses can cost us greatly. For example, while you are fasting one of your days might not match the blissful experience we all want to enjoy.
Perhaps you have a rough day at the office or a family member says an unkind comment to you. Ouch! That hurt! And then in your frustration, pain, or resentment … you go for the “comfort food.” I’ve always been stymied by the term “comfort food.” I’ve yet to have a piece of chocolate cake hug me. Nor has a plate of lasagna shared any helpful advice. But when we’re stressed or hurt or fearful … our emotions lead our actions.
God is showing us another way. He’s revealing to us that we can walk in the Spirit. We can have his truths determine our actions … and then we will be on solid ground headed in the direction we want to go. When a sweet dessert is offering to comfort us, God invites us to stay the course and seek what we truly need from him, our true Comforter.
Think of a time when you felt “out of control” because your emotions were directing your actions. Think of what you can do to put unruly emotions in their place. Make a choice. Walk according to God’s ways.
Lord, thank you for your powerful truths. You are my Rock. My Comforter. My best Friend. I accept this call to put my unhealthy emotions in their place and choose your way of the Spirit — the way that promises life, hope, and joy.
DAY 11
His Gift of Peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
—JOHN 14:27
When we fast, we focus our attention on God, his ways, and our life in him. We can examine ourselves — spirit, soul, and body — and discover areas where we can come into closer alignment with our Creator’s desires for us. And we can learn more of how he wants us to live as children of God.
Jesus placed in each of us his peace — not the world’s type of peace — but his peace. And he tells us that because he’s given his peace to us that we have no need for worry about the troubles we may encounter.
By this time in the fast, you’ve become more intimate with the Lord. You feel more comfortable and at ease with him. You’ve learned from his Word … and your trust in God for your life has grown. God is always right … his Word is reliable … his love for you never ends. You can trust him. He gives you peace.
Love for the Father is our motivator. When we live in a trusting, loving relationship with our God, the beauty and power of our faith in God is realized.
On a scale of 1–10 (with 1 being never and 10 being always), to what degree do you experience the peace of Christ in your life? What is your level of trust in your Father? What can you do today to receive the peace that Christ has for you? What can you do to increase your trust and love for your Father?
Father, thank you for your faithfulness, even when I am not faithful. Thank you for your love, even when I am not loving. Thank you for your peace … and the gift Jesus has already given to me. Help me to receive this precious gift and help me to align my life with your ways. Amen.
DAY 12
The Key to Unlock Endless Love and Joy
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
—JOHN 15:10–11
Jesus made this bold and awesome promise not long before he was crucified. He knew he would soon depart the world. And it seems like he was pouring his heart out to his disciples, hoping they would more fully embrace all he had been teaching them. These rich phrases capture the essence of what our Lord wants for us. He wants us to be secure in God’s love. And he wants us to be overflowing with joy.
Our Lord also tells us how we can attain this brilliant and magnificent kind of life: we need only to do what he says. It’s that direct and that simple. Merely embrace him and his Word, follow his instructions, and then experience more love and more joy than you can ever imagine! And not only do we receive love and joy, but so does our Lord.
You and I have this opportunity right now to get to know Jesus and then to align our thoughts, attitudes, words, actions, desires, and values with him and his Word. That is when the abundant life he promises takes root. That’s when our life is secure in God’s love and our joy is complete, nothing missing and nothing broken — total joy.
As you take this time to examine your heart and plan your course, what do you want to do so you can keep his commandments and remain in his love?
Lord, I know your love is immeasurable, more than I can ever fathom. And you so love me that you want me to live in your love with you. Help me to more fully embrace this truth and receive the love and joy you have for me as I follow your ways.
DAY 13
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
—PSALM 139:14
Men want six-pack abs and muscular arms. Women want a tiny waist and thinner thighs. I’ve been there … using my hula hoop to trim the middle and fast walking to expend the calories. And the sweet reward is a pound lost or an inch trimmed.
However, as I increase in years and gain more knowledge about health and my body, I realize being concerned only for my appearance is shallow thinking. Granted, weight and even a waist measurement are key indicators of health, so it’s good to pay attention to both. But learning more about how our body works and how to provide the best care for this amazing instrument is central to our well-being.
Cells, organs, vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones are just some of the components that give us life. They were all designed to work in harmony with one another to enable us to function at the highest level of all living things. Not only are we fearfully and wonderfully made, but our life — our body — is a gift to us from our Creator. And for this marvelous gift we can give honor, praise, and thanksgiving.
My friend is a gifted artist. Her paintings are breathtaking, masterful, and very valuable. If I owned one I would be sure to give it the best of care. Never would I want any kind of dirt or contamination to come near the work. And if I ever abused it, I would be ashamed for her to ever find out. We have been given a work of art by our Creator. He has given us our bodies, which are fearfully and wonderfully made. And we honor him by taking the best care of his work.
Do you see yourself as God’s masterpiece? Take a couple minutes and focus on the Artist. Think of the joy and excitement he had when he created you. As you continue through this day, care for his masterpiece. Give it what it needs to function and shine as he planned.
Father, thank you for the artful way you fashioned me. I am amazed by your workmanship, and I will care for this body that you have entrusted to me. Amen.
DAY 14
The Value of Understanding
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
— PROVERBS 4:7 NKJV
I am regularly taken aback by God’s wisdom! Pondering his Word and his precepts opens up powerful truths that we can use in our daily lives to be successful and at peace.
Wisdom is defined as having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. God’s wisdom is infinite wisdom. He is always right. This verse calls us to get wisdom, to go after the truth of God and let his wisdom become firmly entrenched in us so that we “get it.”
Then the proverb goes on to say, “and in all your getting, get understanding.” Get wisdom and then understand it. Let it roll around in your thoughts and try it out on circumstances and imagine it working out … so that you understand why the wisdom of God is so worthy of our trust.
Understanding is like fuel to our thinking, the driving force for our actions. When you understand the importance of something, you are more likely to put that truth, or that wisdom, into action.
God created your body using his incalculable wisdom. He made all the organs, the systems, and the life forces so your body can operate in perfect health. Do you see his wisdom in the creation of your body? Are you willing to get more understanding so you can give your body the care it needs? Think about the amazing creation that you are. And then determine today to do whatever is best to give your body what it needs for good health.
Father, I value your wisdom. Thank you for sharing your truths with me in your Word. And thank you for equipping me so I can gain understanding and put your truths into action in my life. Amen.
DAY 15
Grow in Knowledge and Strength
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.
—COLOSSIANS 1:9–11
“What is the Lord’s will for my life?” Do you ever ask that question? You’re not alone if you don’t know God’s purpose for your life. It’s the most common question asked of pastors and certainly is why Pastor Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life remains the best-selling book of all time except for the Bible.
It’s reasonable that we want to know God’s will and purpose for our life. But let me share a surprising truth with you. Most of what you will ever need to know about God’s will for your life has already been written down in his Word. As our focus verse says, “fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” The Spirit of God used people to write down the will of God, and you have ready access to it whenever you need it. And if there are specifics, such as if you should marry a certain person or if you should accept a job offer, he promises to tell you if you ask.
God’s will for you is to be in “good health,” even as your soul prospers (see 3 John 1:2). To “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). To love others as yourself (see Matthew 22:39). To not gossip (see Romans 1:29). To have patience and self-control (see Galatians 5:22–23 NLT). God’s will for you is in his Word. And along with his will is his promise when you follow his way of living. God told Joshua, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).
God’s will is not a mystery. He isn’t hiding it from us. We need only to open the pages of his Word along with the eyes of our heart and he will teach us all we need to know to have the great life he designed us to have.
Can you name one or two biblical principles that you know are the will of God for your life? Think about them and let the truth of God’s Word sink into your heart and then act throughout the day to be in his will.
Father, thank you for your Word and for sharing so openly your desire and will for your children. I want to follow your will and be all you created me to be. Bring to my mind what you want for me … and let your will be done in my life. Amen.
DAY 16
Let Jesus Transform You
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
— 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18
Even now, as you experience the last week of your fast, a deep hunger remains for more of Jesus in your life. And you likely sense a barrier keeping you from deep intimacy with him. You are not alone. Most people, if they would take the time to look, can find barriers of shame, feelings of unworthiness, lack of approval, and maybe even guilt. These all create a wall that blocks Jesus from entering the deepest places in our lives.
The walls are made of unkind words from parents, teachers, an ex-spouse, or even colleagues. And then there is our own contribution when we compare ourselves to others or fill our minds with words of self-doubt and the “I’m just not good enough” kind of statements.
But let’s look at Jesus and his life. He never established or recognized the hierarchy of better and worse … pretty or ugly … smarter or unintelligent. Jesus came as your equal — your brother — and he taught you how to fall in love with your Creator and know him so intimately that you call him Abba — Daddy.
As you continue your final days of the fast, try to replace doubts and fears with faith and trust. Meet with Jesus just as you are … sweetly, humble like a child … and open your heart for him to enter. You cannot change yourself, but Jesus can. He came to give you a new life, a new spirit, a new mind, a new body. Let him transform you with his love and wisdom.
Jesus, I do have doubts and fears, and I open them all to you. I ask that you remove whatever is in my heart that keeps me from being in your presence. Transform me. I open my heart to our loving Father. Amen.
DAY 17
Get to Know the Real You!
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.
— GALATIANS 3:26
“Who are you?” Imagine that question being asked of you … and your most natural response. For most of us, we would claim our identity as what we do for a job or where we fit in a family structure, or maybe by a skill we practice. “I’m an author.” “I’m Katy’s husband.” “I’m the owner of this company.”
But how many of us think first that we are children of God? Not many, even though it’s the truth. We may believe it in concept, but have we found our true identity — our primary identity — as a beloved child of the Most High?
The Bible teaches that “those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14). That means that when we submit our lives and our will to the ways and will of God, then we qualify as his children. That place in God’s genealogical chart becomes our identity.
Why is this so important? When you accept and embrace yourself as a child of almighty God, you can live in security and peace. And as you incorporate this identity into how you lead your life, you gain clear direction for what to do.
You are a child of God. So now that you accept this identity, how do you act? What do you do? How do you relate to your Father? To others? To yourself?
Take a few minutes to think about the truth of who you are. Then think of ways you can live out your true identity today to live the life you are destined to have.
Father, I bow in humility to you and your greatness. But I also crawl up on your lap and nestle in your strong and comforting arms. I am your child … I am precious in your sight … and because of who I am as your child, I have opportunities, responsibilities, and rights. Thank you for being my Father. Help me to more fully embrace and live out my true identity as your child. Amen.
DAY 18
Go and Bear Fruit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
— GALATIANS 5:22–23
When we fast we are transformed. When we spend time with God and his Word, we learn more about his ways. We allow him to work in us and to mold and shape us. Along the way our worldly nature fades and a godly nature becomes who we are in Christ.
In this transformation, those around us experience the change by consuming the fruit we bear — the fruit of the spirit-led life we now have. Bit by bit, our fruit becomes sweeter and more nutritious to those who eat from what we offer.
Our transformation doesn’t happen all at once. If you’re like me and most other folks, there is a lot of transforming that needs to happen. But this is all part of our Christian journey and our life in Christ. We can be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Through this experience we can be an example of Christ and his wonder for those who don’t yet know his love. It’s not our fruit, it’s his fruit being created through us. He is the vine and we are the branches. Oh, what a joy!
As you focus your attention this week on your life in Christ and the transformation he is doing in you, what changes do you see? What fruit of the Spirit can you serve freely to people you meet today?
Father, I am blessed to be growing in you. Thank you for transforming me into a strong and deeply rooted branch that bears your fruit. I am eager to share you and your fruit with those who are still so very hungry. Amen.
DAY 19
Teach Us to Pray
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
— LUKE 11:1
Your life — your spirit, soul, and body — needs adequate nourishment to stay healthy and to be ready for any call the Lord puts on your life. We nourish our body by eating a balanced diet of nutritious foods, staying adequately hydrated, exercising, and staying well rested. We feed our soul by engaging in positive activities, studying good materials that bring growth, and by living a life consistent with God’s ways. Our spirit is nourished by God, and we obtain this nourishment primarily through prayer and meditation.
Prayer not only feeds our spirit but also opens us up to God’s power. Answers to our prayers happen. The Bible teaches us that “[we] do not have because [we] do not ask God” (James 4:2). Our God wants us to trust him, engage with him, and communicate with him.
As you think about your life, your whole life, think about nourishing every part of who you are. Understand that you were created to work in perfect harmony with every part of your being. Stay physically healthy so you can be sharp and able. Stay emotionally and intellectually healthy and sound so you can make good decisions, do good work, and have good relationships. And be spiritually nourished so you can be strong in spirit, receive God’s guidance, and walk in the light as he is in the light. Do that with prayer. Take the time to be with your Lord and in his presence.
Father, I thank you that because of Christ I can come boldly to your throne and communicate directly with you. Help me to break down any barriers that keep me from being in your presence. Help me to nourish my spirit with your amazing grace, love, and wisdom. Amen.
DAY 20
Falling Out of Love
Do not love the world or the things in the world.
— 1 JOHN 2:15 NKJV
In today’s world, where so much is offered for us to experience, I find myself having to be more selective and more intentional about my choices. There are a lot of entertaining and informative programs to watch on television. The internet offers countless articles, videos, and other material about every imaginable topic. And in the grocery stores … the types and varieties of food continue to grow.
I expect that you’re a lot like me. There is so much junk out there that never crosses our path. We don’t worry about those matters. What does cause us difficulty is the multitude of good options. As a lifetime learner, I like the information I can access in books, on the internet, or on my television. And as someone who enjoys preparing and eating good food, I like making gourmet meals, baking scrumptious desserts, and making sweet and delectable candy. None of what I read or watch or eat is bad in itself. But too much of a good thing does become bad, and that’s where we need to be watchful about our choices.
As we move toward completion of the Daniel Fast and then look toward the Daniel Cure way of living, we need to be diligent about making choices that are consistent with the life we want. I tease about potato chips, but they don’t taste nearly as good as my good health feels. So I forgo the immediate and very short-term gratification of the fatty, salty snacks, and I choose a healthy option. Will chips ever cross my lips again? Probably. But I’ll plan to have them only on occasion.
As you think about the healthy life you want to live, what choices will you make that are in line with your goals? Write them down and create a plan now so you will be ready.
Lord, help me to discern what is good for me … and what is too much. Help me to be conscientious about how I use my time, my resources, and the foods that fuel my body. And fill me with your joy as I stay strong and on course. Amen.
DAY 21
Separate and Whole
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
— 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NKJV
Today is the final day of your twenty-one-day Daniel Fast … and the first day of the rest of your healthy life. My sincere hope is that your heart is filled with joy and thanksgiving as you look back on your experience and look forward to the great life that awaits you.
In our Scripture for this very special day, the prayer for you is that you will be sanctified — set apart for holy worship — and not just a little bit of you, but all of you, completely. When we live in this special place — this sanctuary created by God — we are privileged — not in a haughty way, but in a blessed state that is complete and yet apart from anything that can pull us down.
As we keep our faith alive and our trust in God strong, we can be separate. We can live in an altered reality made possible by Jesus. And every day the choice is ours as to whether our spirit, soul, and body remain in God’s presence … or we choose to leave.
Today you have reached a wonderful milestone. You have completed a twenty-one-day spiritual experience that engaged all of who you are. May you carry into your future all you have learned. My hope is that you will see the Daniel Fast as your launch for the great life that awaits you. And that you will continue to grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus as you move forward. Be blessed!
God, through your Word, you call my whole being to agree with you and your ways. Not just part of me, but all of me … spirit, soul, and body. You want all of me to be holy as you are holy. Father, help me to embrace the sanctified life you want for me as you continue to lead me into greater understanding. I choose you today and seek your holiness for my whole being. And I thank you for the great life that awaits me as I continue to walk in your ways. Amen.