What is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is a biblically based partial fast. There are two anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:

1. Only fruits and vegetables
2. Only water for a beverage

In Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:

3. No sweeteners and no breads

How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast

Quiet Time: If you don’t already have an established daily quiet time with the Lord, then this is an excellent opportunity to do so. Starting your day with God is a habit that will support your faith and growing intimacy with the Lord. During your Daniel Fast, be sure to set a daily time to come before the Lord, to study His Word and His ways.

How to Begin Spiritually:

Start with a clear personal goal in addition to our corporate goals. 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.

Prepare spiritually by confessing 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).

Scripture References for Fasting:

Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30,

Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3,

Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing. May God greatly bless you as you fast!

What to Expect during the Fast:

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.

When you fast:

• Expect to get to know God better
  • Fasting is
    • Lamentations 3:25-27
  • Fasting is drawing
    • Jeremiah 29:11-13
  • As you demonstrate sincerity to God, you can expect:
    • Expect strength in your inner
    • Find power to leave sinful
      • 2 Corinthians 7:1
    • Find power to stay focused in
    • Find yourself desiring God’s
    • Expect the hand of God to move to answer unselfish
  • Expect resistance from the
  • Expect your prayers to go to a higher

How to succeed in fasting:

• Fast with
  • Matthew 18:19
• Fast with a purpose (not casually).
  • Set a start date and end
  • Determine you will follow through on the
• Fast
  • Isaiah 58:1-11
• Spend time with
  • Fasting does not work if you do notTypes of Fasts:

• Full Fast
  • Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

· 3-Day Fast

• This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of

· The Daniel Fast

• Eat no meat, no sweets and no Drink water. Eat fruits and vegetables.

· Partial Fast

• A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to

You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Common FAQ’s

What about prepared foods?

Read the labels of all prepared foods. Remember the Daniel Fast is sugar-free and chemical-free. So, if you use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, or prepared sauces you must read the label to be aware about just what is in there.

What about pasta?

Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives (watch for sugar). Whole grain pasta offers 7 grams of protein per serving (3/4 cup of dried pasta).

I know it says raw, unsalted nuts, but what about roasted nuts?

The goal would be to stick to raw, unsalted nuts. But these are harder to find so in a pinch just make sure you get plain roasted, unsalted nuts with no preservatives.

How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast?

The following are protein-rich foods that are allowed on the Daniel Fast… almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains, and tofu.

What kind of peanut butter is allowed?

A natural peanut butter with no additives…watch for sugars including molasses. Smucker’s creamy natural peanut butter has nothing but peanuts in it.

How can I identify whole grain foods?

Typically if the ingredient lists “whole wheat”, “rolled oats”, or “whole corn” as the first ingredient, the product is a whole grain food item. Another way to identify whole grains in the foods you eat is to look in the nutritional facts information and check if the food item contains dietary fiber. If it contains a significant amount, it most likely contains whole grains. “Wheat flour” is not a whole grain and therefore does not indicate a whole grain product.

What about salad dressing?

Olive oil and lemon or lime are an option.

Do I need to eat organic foods while on the fast?

No, but it is suggested because organic foods are produced without the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin and without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides.

What about bread?

The bread should be prepared without yeast.

How much can I eat?

As long as they are the appropriate foods, we are recommending eating until satisfied with no limits.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast…

All fruits:

These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch for added sugar).

Apples                                       Guava

Apricots                                     Honeydew melons

Avocados                                    Kiwi

Bananas                                     Lemons

Berries                                       Limes

Blackberries                                Mangoes

Blueberries                                 Melons

Boysenberries                              Mulberry

Breadfruit                                   Nectarines

Cantaloupe                                 Oats

Cherries                                     Olives

Coconuts                                    Oranges

Cranberries                                 Papayas

Dates                                         Peaches

Figs                                           Pears

Grapefruit                                   Pineapples

Grapes                                       Plums

Grenadine                                  Prunes

Raspberries                                Raisins

Strawberries                               Tangelos

Tangerines                                 Watermelon

Vegetables:

These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch salt content).

Artichokes                                  Onions

Asparagus                                  Parsley

Beets                                         Peppers

Broccoli                                      Potatoes

Brussels sprouts                           Radishes

Cabbage                                    Rutabagas

Carrots                                      Scallions

Cauliflower                                 Spinach

Celery                                        Sprouts

Chili peppers                               Squashes

Collard greens                             Sweet potatoes

Corn                                          Tomatoes

Cucumbers                                 Turnips

Eggplant                                    Watercress

Garlic                                        Yams

Ginger root                                 Zucchini

Kale                                          Mushrooms

Leeks                                         Mustard greens

Lettuce                                      Okra

Legumes:

Dried beans                                            Green beans

Black beans                                            Green peas

Cannellini                                               Kidney beans

Pinto beans                                             Peanuts

Split peas                                               Beans

Lentils                                                    Lentils

Black eyed peas                                       Lupines

White                                                    Peas

Seeds:

 All nuts (raw, unsalted)                             Sunflower

Sprouts                                                  Sesame

Ground flax                                             Almonds

Cashews                                                Natural Almond Butter

Walnuts

Whole Grains:

Whole wheat                                           Barley

Brown rice                                              Grits (no butter)

Millet                                                     Whole wheat pasta

Quinoa                                                   Whole wheat tortillas

Oats                                                      Plain Rice cakes

Rolled Oats                                             Popcorn (homemade)

Plain Oatmeal- not instant

Liquids:

Water (spring, distilled, filtered) Unsweetened Soy Milk

Herbal (caffeine free) Tea

100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice (no added sugar)

Other:

 Tofu

Soy products Herbs

Small amounts of Honey Small amounts of Sea Salt

Small amounts of Ezekiel Bread Small amounts of Olive Oil

Spices (read the label to be sure there are no preservatives)

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast…

All animal products including all meat, poultry, fish… White rice

White bread

All deep fried foods Caffeine

Coffee (including decaf b/c contains small amount of caffeine) Carbonated beverages

Energy drinks

Foods containing preservatives, additives Refined foods

Processed foods Food additives Refined sugar Sugar substitutes Raw sugar Syrups

Molasses Cane juice White flour Margarine Shortening

High fat products Butter

All leavened breads Baked goods

All dairy Milk Cheese Yogurt Cream Eggs Alcohol Mayonnaise

Breakfast Recipes

Easy High-protein Breakfast Stir-fry for the Daniel Fast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, sliced

1/2 green pepper, chopped

1 cup firm tofu, diced in bite-sized pieces Fresh Italian herbs to taste

eat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and heat for a couple minutes. Add the onions and green peppers

and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Add tofu, garlic salt and Italian herbs. Continue to cook until vegetables are soft.

Makes two servings.

Muesli

1/2 cup muesli (Bob’s Red Mill Old Country Style) 1/2 cup water

Bring water to a boil and add the muesli. Simmer for 2-5 minutes.

Granola

4 cups rolled oats 1cup crushed almonds

½ cup whole grain flour 1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ cup shredded coconut 1 cup sunflower seeds

½ cup wheat germ or other whole grain bran 1 cup honey

1 cup pumpkin seeds

Mix all together and spread out on a non-stick cookie sheet. Bake 20 min. in a 250 degree preheated oven.

Stir and continue to bake another 20 min., stirring periodically to prevent burning. The granola should be

lightly browned. Remove from oven and serve warm or cool thoroughly and store in tightly sealed container

or plastic bags. Option: After the granola is cooled, add raisins or other organic, unsulphured dehydrated

fruit.

Apple Blueberry Oatmeal Cereal

2 sweet apples

¾ cup rolled oats 1 cup blueberries

½ cup almonds 1 cup apple juice

Cook the oats as directed on box. Chop or grind the almonds, chop the apples and combine. Add the

blueberries. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon and apple juice. Meals and Sides

Quick Tomato Sauce

This is an easy recipe for homemade tomato sauce that you can use as a base for vegetable casseroles, over 100% whole wheat pasta, or over brown rice.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion (chopped)

2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) (or fresh) Salt to taste

1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Saute onions in heated oil over medium heat, cooking until soft. Add tomatoes (including juice) and salt.

Simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Add cilantro and simmer for 5 or 10 more minutes. Serve

over pasta, rice or cooked vegetables.

Spicy Green Beans

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound green beans, trimmed 1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Heat oil in frying pan or wok over medium high heat. Add trimmed green beans and salt. Cook, stirring

frequently for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 more minute.

Herb-Roasted Idaho Potato Fries

Makes 4 servings

1 pound small baking potatoes

2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried rosemary 1/4 tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat a heavy baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut each potato in half crosswise. Place the halves cut side down on the cutting board and cut each into 4 wedges. Place the potatoes in a mound on the prepared baking sheet. In a cup, mix the oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour over the potato wedges and toss to mix well. Spread the potatoes out on the sheet.

Bake, stirring 2 or 3 times, until tender and lightly browned, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.

Minestrone Soup

8 cups vegetable stock

1 ½ cups of garbanzo beans

2 cups red kidney beans

½ cups carrots

3 medium tomatoes (or 1-14 oz can of unsweetened, unsalted Italian tomatoes)

½ cup fresh parsley Sea salt

1 cup cabbage

¼ tsp. oregano

¾ tsp. basil

¼ tsp. thyme

½ cup celery 1/2 cup onion 1 clove garlic

1 pkg. spinach noodles cooked

Soak garbanzo and kidney beans overnight, drain and rinse. Peel and dice tomatoes. Cook and drain kidney and garbanzo beans as per directions on pkg. Mince garlic and parsley. Chop carrots, onion, celery, cabbage and garlic and saute in water or soup stock over medium heat 5-7 min. Stir in cooked and drained kidney beans, garbanzo beans, diced tomatoes, and minced herbs. Bring to a simmer, then turn heat down and simmer 10 min. Stir in cabbage and parsley with lid partially on for about 15 min. or until cabbage is tender. Add more soup stock or tomatoes as needed. Serve over noodles.

Black Bean Soup

8 cups vegetable stock 1 ½ cup onion

1 cup celery

1 potato

2 garlic cloves

1 tsp. honey

2 bay leaves Sea salt

1 pd. black beans, soaked overnight, rinsed & drained 1 yellow or red pepper

1 cup carrots

2 Tbsp. cilantro

1 Tbsp. parsley

2 Tbsp. marjoram

1 whole onion

Place beans in pot with veg. stock, whole onion and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and cook 2-1/2 hrs. or until beans are tender. Remove onion and bay leaves. Chop onion, pepper, and celery. Grate carrots and potato on cheese grater.

Mince garlic and sauté in Tbsp. olive oil until tender.

During last hour of cooking, combine vegetables and seasonings with beans. Bring to a boil, lower heat to simmer and cook until veggies and beans are tender.

White Beans and Sauteed Vegetables

2 cans white beans, drained 2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup celery, finely diced

½ cup carrot, finely diced

¼ cup virgin olive oil (to drizzle after beans are dished up)

Salt and pepper to taste

Drain the white beans and set aside

Heat olive oil and then add all the prepared vegetables to the pan and saute until just done.

Add beans and heat thoroughly.

Dish up on serving plates, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Salt to taste. Yield: 4 servings

Tip: It is best to cook with regular old pure olive oil – save the more costly extra virgin oil for salads, drizzling, and dipping. When cooked, extra virgin oil actually turns bitter and the great flavors are cooked away. So use the less expensive pure olive oil for sautéing and frying.

Stir Fry Vegetables

1 red onion, sliced

3 stalks celery, thinly sliced

½ cup broccoli, chopped 1 bell pepper, sliced

1 tsp. sea salt

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

½ cup cauliflower, chopped 1 cup zucchini, thinly sliced

1 cup yellow squash, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. Oriental seasoning

Stir-fry all vegetables in 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil until tender. Add salt and seasoning. Serve alone or over brown rice.

Spanish Rice

1 cup brown rice 1 cup tomato juice

1/3 cup green pepper 1/3 cup celery

1 med. Tomato

2 tsp. chives

1 tsp. basil

1 cup vegetable stock 1 tsp. oregano

1/3 cup carrot 1/3 cup onion

2 small garlic cloves 1 tsp. sea salt

Combine tomato juice and soup stock in large pot and bring to a boil. Add rice and reduce to simmer.

Cover and cook for 25 min. Remove from heat and add the following: diced tomato, celery, and onion; minced garlic, chopped chives, grated carrots, seasoning and sea salt. Replace cover and simmer for 15-20 min.

Rice-stuffed tomatoes

6 large tomatoes

½ cup raisins

2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper 2 Tbsp. green onions

2 cups cooked brown rice 2 Tbsp. parsley

Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

1 Tbsp. ketchup (with no added sugar)

1 tsp. chili powder (optional)

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

½ tsp. dry mustard, optional 1 tsp. curry powder

Remove the stem and cut a thin slice from the top of each tomato. Chop the edible portion of the tomato

top and set aside. Scoop the pulp and seeds from the tomato and invert the tomatoes to drain. In a bowl combine chopped tomato, rice, raisins, green pepper, onion, and parsley. Prepare dressing and stir into

rice. Season to taste. Fill tomato shells with rice mixture. Then you can either eat them like this or cook them in the oven at 350 for about 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

Stuffed Peppers

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 stalks celery, minced (1/2 cup) 1 medium onion, minced

1 tsp. salt

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

2 cups cooked brown rice 1/2 cup yellow raisins 1/2 cup vegetable broth 5 oz tofu, mashed

3 red bell peppers, laved lengthwise 2 Tbs. fresh flat leaf parsley

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add celery, onion, ½ tsp. salt, and garlic. Saute until soft (about 7 minutes). Add rice, raisins and broth; cook for about 5 minutes. This should be the consistency of stuffing.

Meanwhile, mash tofu, ½ tsp. salt, and the parsley. Divide the tofu among the pepper halves then top with

rice mixture. Place peppers in 9″ x 12″ casserole dish. Add water until it comes 1/2″ up sides of peppers.

Bake for 30 minutes or until peppers are soft and the stuffing is hot.

Lentil Soup 

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped Salt

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 pound lentils (approximately 1 1/4 cups) 2/3 cup pearl barley

11 cups vegetable broth (can substitute water) 4 to 6 fresh thyme sprigs

Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the garlic and

salt and saute until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices.

Simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the lentils and pearl barley, mix to coat. Add the broth and stir. Add the thyme sprigs. Bring to

a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils and barley are tender, about 40 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil and serve.

Vegetarian Chili 

2 medium-sized green peppers, chopped 1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped 1 zucchini, sliced

1 yellow squash, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons chili powder

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground red peppers

2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) 2 16 oz. cans tomatoes (juice and all)

2 16 oz. cans pinto beans (juice and all) 2 16 oz. cans black beans (juice and all) 1 4 oz. can mild green chilies

1 4 oz. can of tomato paste

Chop and saute in oil the peppers and onions. Add the sliced squashes, chili powder, salt, ground red peppers, and corn. When all the vegetables are soft but still firm, add the tomatoes, all the beans, the green chilies, and the tomato paste. Stir until just blended. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Barley and Black Bean Salad 

This is a very easy and quick recipe. Beans and barley make a complete protein, so this is an excellent meal when eating a meatless diet. Each serving has 12 grams of protein.

1 cup barley, cooked according to package directions 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed

1/2 cup corn (thawed if frozen) 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Salt to taste

Combine cooked barley, beans, corn, cilantro, lime juice, oil, and salt in a medium bowl. Serve on bed of chopped or torn lettuce.

Yield: 4 servings

Whole Wheat Tortillas 

You can buy 100% whole wheat tortillas, but these are easy to make. Use these tortillas for a veggie wrap or for chips with salsa.

2 cups whole wheat flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup warm water

Mix flour and salt in bowl. Add olive oil and stir until well combined. Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Knead dough on floured board for about 3 minutes (20 folds). Allow dough to rest for 15 minutes. Roll dough into sausage-shape and then cut into 12 equal parts (cut in half, then in half again, then each part into thirds) and shape into little ball

With a rolling pin, roll each little ball into a tortilla (for best results, roll out from the center and outward).

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortillas in a dry stick-free pan for about 30 seconds on each side

for soft tortillas or longer for crisp tortillas. Yield: Makes 12 tortillas

Polenta “Biscuits” 

This recipe for polenta “biscuits” is a nice addition to soups, stews or casseroles. Plus the tofu is rich in protein.

1/2 cup dry polenta

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt

2 – 12 ounce packages extra-firm tofu, drained 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine polenta, Italian seasoning, & salt on a plate. Slice the tofu into 2″ x 2″ squares (approximate). Brush tofu pieces with olive oil and dredge in polenta mixture. Transfer to baking pan lined with

parchment paper or sprayed with 100 percent olive oil spray. Bake 30 minutes or until browned. Serve by laying polenta biscuits on top of stew or with soup or casserole.

Celery and Peanut Butter Snacks 

Stuff celery with peanut butter and add nuts or raisins.

Fast Food

Okay, there are going to be times on the Daniel Fast when you need a quick meal. In fact, when you prepare for the Daniel Fast, you’ll want to stock up on a few of these items so you have the on hand.

1 can organic tomato soup (check the label for ingredients) 1 can white beans

1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen)

Season to taste (thyme, mixed Italian, cilantro, parsley, whatever you like)

Add everything to the pan at the same time. Heat until the vegetables are the consistency you like them (usually between 5 and 10 minutes). Serve!

Serves 2-4 depending on size of serving!

Harira

Harira is a great recipe for the Daniel Fast as it has nearly 15 grams of protein per serving.

2 Tbs oil

1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped celery 2 cups warm water Pinch of saffron threads 1/2 tsp salt, divided

1/4 tsp peeled fresh ginger, minced 1/4 tsp ground red pepper

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 2 garlic clove, minced

2 cups organic mushroom broth

1 1/2 cups chopped and seeded plum tomatoes 1/2 cup dried small red lentils

2 15 oz. cans no-salt-added chickpeas, drained

3 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro 3 Tbs chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add onion and celery and saute 4 minutes or until tender.

Combine 2 cups warm water and saffron, let stand 2 minutes. Add 1/4 tsp salt, ginger, red pepper, cinnamon, and garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add saffron water mixture, broth, tomato, lentils, and chickpeas. Bring to boil then reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Yield: 4 servings

Vegetable Stock 

A good vegetable stock is useful in the Daniel Fast. Vegetable stock is an excellent substitute for chicken or beef stock. Makes 4 cups of vegetable stock

2 large onions, cut into large chunks

2 medium carrots, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into large chunks

3 stalks of celery, remove and discard all leaves, cut into large chunks 1 whole bulb of garlic, peel each clove, but do not chop

1 bay leaf

Cut all the vegetables into large pieces. Place all ingredients into a large pot. Cover with cold water.

Turn the stove to a high temperature, and bring the stock to a quick simmer. Once the water comes to a boil, turn heat to low. Allow the vegetables to simmer for an hour. Any longer than an hour and the vegetables will begin to turn mushy and begin to lose all their flavorful vibrancy, leaving a wilted taste to the stock.

Strain the stock. It should be light in color, sweet in flavor and translucent. Now you can use the stock in place of chicken or beef stock. You may need to increase seasoning when replacing one of these more flavorful stocks.

** Season the stock with other herbs such as parsley, thyme or rosemary. You can also use ginger if you plan to use the stock for an Asian recipe. You an also caramelize the onions and carrots before adding them to the stock for a richer and more flavorful stock. Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the stock also makes for a different flavor in the stock.

Greek Vegetable Stew

2 tablespoons oil

2 onions, chopped

1 pound green string beans, broken in half 1 package frozen or fresh spinach

4 cups water

6 zucchini, chunked

4 yellow squash, chunked 2 cups celery leaves

4 tomatoes, quartered

1 teaspoon salt

8 slices lemon

1 tablespoon dried oregano 3 tablespoons fresh basil

2 cloves chopped garlic

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Lightly brown onions in a hot skillet in 2 tablespoons oil. Add oregano & garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add 4 cups water and tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Cook covered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with a lemon slice in each bowl.

Rice, Black beans and corn

1 can Organic Black beans drained 1 can of Organic corn drained organic long grain rice

organic corn tortilla homemade salsa (see below) avocado

Combine 1 can Organic Black beans drained and 1 can of Organic corn drained. Heat and place on top of organic long grain rice (cooked). Top with homemade salsa (which is 2 tomatoes diced, 1 onions diced, cilantro, squirt of lime, clove of garlic minced, tad bit of salt, 1 Jalapeno minced, 1/2 of an avocado diced.) Serve with organic corn tortilla (you can heat them and make them crunchy. I just cut them into triangles and make them like chips. (Organic ones are made with just corn and lime) Serve with sliced avocados.

Tabouleh 

1 bunch parsley

1 small onion

1 small tomato

3 tbs Bulgur (cracked wheat) juice of 1 lemon

olive oil

Soak bulgur for 1 hour in warm water. Chop parsley very fine. Chop onion and tomato combine all ingredients. Drizzle olive oil and squeeze lemon into mixture. Salt to taste.

Black Bean & Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers 

1 qt 100% Vegetable or Tomato Juice

2 cups cooked black beans

1 cup cooked brown rice

2 med green onions (chopped)

¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped) 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp lime juice

1 clove garlic (finely chopped)

2-3 large bell peppers (cut in half lengthwise and deseeded)

Combine all ingredients except juice and bell peppers in bowl and mix well. Place peppers in glass dish and stuff with mixture. Pour juice over peppers and plenty of excess in the dish. Cover and bake in oven on 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Curry brown rice 

Cooked brown rice

1-2 tspn curry powder 1/2 c frozen sweet peas 1/2 c corn

1/4 c onions 1/4 c tomato

1/2 tspn dried thyme leaves 1 tbsp virgin olive oil

1. Make the desired amount of brown
2. Dice the onion and
3. Heat pan with olive Mix in tomato, onions, thyme, corn, sweet peas and curry.
4. Stir until onion and tomato is Add water sparingly to keep it from sticking to the pan.
5. Add already cooked brown
6. If desirable, add hot peppers such as jalapenos or scotch bonnet or leave the flammable spices out.

Veggie soup

1 28oz. can diced or crushed tomatoes 1 6oz. can tomato paste

1 can of tomato sauce

1 can (drained ) each of corn, green beans, potatoes, english peas, carrots. Salt to taste

2 medium onions diced 1 tsp garlic

4-5 bay leaves

Add water to cover items cook in slow cooker for 3-4 hrs or on stove top. Could also add mushrooms or other veggies you enjoy.

Leek and Potato soup 

1 tsp crushed fennel seeds

2 cloves garlic 2 tbsp olive oil

4 pints vegetable stock

2 lbs leeks (trimmed, cleaned, sliced)

2 lbs potatoes (cleaned, cut into cubes)

Heat olive oil on a medium heat in a large pan. Add garlic – heat for a few mins until golden. Add fennel seeds and stir in with garlic. Add leeks and potatoes and mix well with other ingredients. Cover and cook for 5 mins. Stir quickly. Cover and cook for further 5 mins. Add stock. Bring to boil, and then cover, turn heat down and simmer for 40 mins.

Black bean soup

Make this with canned black beans. Basically just black beans, vegetable broth, crushed garlic, large chopped onion, 1 jar of all natural salsa, chopped jalapeno, chopped Cilantro. Combine all ingredients and enjoy. Amount of broth depends on how chunky you like your soup.

Hot water cornbread

White or yellow corn meal Hot water

Stir it up very well. Pat out individually like hamburger patties. Brown both sides in skillet with olive oil.

Rice, Green Beans and Lentils

1 cup rice

1/2 cup lentils rinsed 1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1 TBSP tomato paste

1 can green beans not drained 1 cup of water

Rice cooked in rice cooker. The rest of the ingredients go in crock pot for five hours on medium to high.

Rice and Lentils

1 cup rice

1/2 cup of lentils

1 tsp salt

2 cups water

Rice cooked in rice cooker. The rest of the ingredients go in crock pot for five hours on high.

Vegetable soup and navy beans

1 cup puree spinach

1 cup puree green beans

1 can navy beans rinsed and drained 1 tsp salt

1 cup water

Put all ingredients in crock pot for four hours on medium.

Mashed pinto beans on whole grain taco shells 

1 can pinto beans rinsed and drained 1 TBSP of raisins

1 tsp salt

Cook pinto beans and raisins in crock pot for four hours blend in blender serve with whole grain soft taco shells.

Rice and Chick Peas 

1 cup rice

1 can chick peas drained and rinsed 1 cup water

1 tsp salt

1 TBSP raisins

Cook rice in a rice cooker. Put rest of ingredients in crock pot and cook four hours at medium

Brown Rice Dinner 

1 cup of Brown Rice

2.5 cups water

Bring to rolling boil, reduce heat and simmer/steam for 45 minutes. Half way through the cooking time, add:

1/2 cup of fresh salsa

1 cup of frozen corn

1/2 of a chopped red bell pepper 3/4 cup of cooked black beans

Stir and replace cover for remainder of cooking time. Serve with fresh sliced avocado.

Snacks

Popcorn 

1/4 cup unpopped popping corn 1 brown lunch bag

Place corn kernels in lunch bag. Fold at end 2-3 times. Place in microwave on High for 2-3 minutes, until kernels stop popping. More of the kernels will pop with repeated refills as the bag gets hotter. Just leave the unpopped kernels in the bag for the next serving.

Cantaloupe Tonight Melon Smoothie 

1/2 medium-size cantaloupe, seeded and cut from the rind. 1/2 cup orange juice (juiced from fresh oranges)

Juice of 2 limes (taste before you add all the juice at once) 1 medium-size, banana, peeled and cut into chunks

Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

2 cups of ice cubes – makes it like a frozen ice drink (optional) Mix all in a blender, and serve. Serves 2

You can use this same general recipe to make all kinds of different smoothies. Just make sure you use some kind of juice and the bananas. Add water or more juice if it gets too thick. Frozen fruit works well for this.

Salads/Dressings

Salad

3 cups bite-size pieces fresh spinach 1/2 cup sliced strawberries

1/2 cup cubed cantaloupe Optional 1/2 cup sliced oranges 2 medium green onions, sliced

In a tightly covered container, shake all dressing ingredients. In large bowl, toss all salad ingredients with dressing.

Strawberry-Melon Spinach Salad Dressing: 

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 tablespoon honey (if you are allowing honey) 1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Avocado Tomato Dressing

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1 med. ripe tomato

1 tsp. herb seasoning

¼ cup fresh lemon juice Sea salt to taste

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Creamy Green Dressing

½ med. ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

¾ cup distilled water

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

¼ cup almonds, soaked overnight and drained

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1 ¼ tsp. onion powder or flakes Sea salt

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Pesto Dressing

4 small garlic cloves, peeled

2 2/3 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves 1/3 cup pine nuts

1/3 cup cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil Sea salt

Place all ingredients in food processor except oil and process until chopped fine. With the machine running, slowly add oil through the feed tube. Continue to process until smooth.

Herb Vinaigrette 

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. dried basil (if using fresh, use twice as much) 1 tsp. dried oregano

¼ tsp sea salt

½ tsp dry mustard (optional)

½ cup fresh Italian parsley, minced 1 cup olive oil

1 garlic clove, peeled and minced Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake.

Italian Dressing

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled

1 tsp. whole grain mustard seed (optional)

½ cup distilled water

1 green onion, chopped 1 tsp. honey

Dash Cayenne

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Remove from blender and add 2 tsp. Italian seasoning or 1 tsp. oregano and . tsp. basil. Mix well.

French Dressing 

1 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon paprika

¾ cup salt free tomato puree 1 tablespoon onion powder

½ tsp. garlic powder Sea salt

Blend on high for 30 seconds.

Diced Fruit Salad

1 kiwi

1 pint strawberries

1 mango

2 bananas

½ pint blueberries Slice and mix.

Southwestern Corn and Black Bean Salad 

The beans, corn and nuts in this salad combine to create 19 grams of protein per serving

1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) 1/3 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 (14.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed 2 cups shredded red cabbage

1 large tomato, diced

1/2 cup minced red onion

Salt to taste just before serving.

Place pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat and cook, stirring, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Whisk lime juice, oil, cilantro, and salt in a large bowl. Add the corn, pine nuts, beans, cabbage, tomato and onion; toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Yield: 4 serving

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 At the end of my first semester, something emotionally devastating happened to me, and I didn’t know how to deal with it.  When I returned to school in January 1990, I was still struggling to cope, and one day at my worst, I wrote a letter to God and told Him that I couldn’t live this life on my own anymore and that He could have my life if He would help me live it.  That next Sunday, I began attending church on campus and continued every week after that.

Shortly after I graduated from college in 1993, I began to pursue my goal of being an economics professor.  One day when I returned from class, I turned on my t.v. and heard Charles Stanley for the first time.  He was talking about “Giving Thanks in All Things,” and I was captivated by his message.  Around the same time, I felt a desire to buy a Bible, and as I began reading it, I heard God speaking to me personally through it.

I had the opportunity to be a Teaching Assistant in graduate school and discovered I hated teaching, so when I graduated, I had to find a new career.  For some reason, I was drawn to apply for only one job in the “Lehigh Listings”, a Management Consultant position (which was a computer programmer).  Years earlier, I had said I would take any job, but I would NEVER work in the computer field.  But that was the job I felt strongly to apply for.

Somehow, my resume was submitted to the New York City office instead of the Philadelphia office.  I used to visit my friend from kindergarten, Shelly, who worked as a nanny in NYC, and every time I left, I felt grimy and said, “I could NEVER live in NYC.”  so I tried everything to get my position switched to the Philadelphia office but by February 1998 I was moving to NYC to be a computer programmer.

My first project was at the United Nations.  Two coworkers of mine used to talk about their churches in the office.  Melissa was zany and fun.  Alice was impatient with us new people and a little mean.  One day when they were talking, I approached them and asked about their churches.  I had been feeling that I should find a church in NY and was hoping Melissa would invite me, but instead, Alice did.  That Sunday, I dreaded seeing Alice but went anyway.  She had invited me to Redeemer Presbyterian church, and for the next six weeks, I cried hearing the Bible unpacked and explained by Pastor Tim Keller.  That was Spring of 1998.  I continued attending and was richly blessed by Tim Keller’s Bible exposition and teaching. I wanted everyone to hear him!  

In December 1998, at the end of one of Pastor Tim’s messages, I began to realize that I wasn’t actually a good person.  I began to see the sinfulness in my heart.  Moments later, I heard and understood who Jesus was – the perfect Son of God who was slain to pay for sin – and then received Jesus as my Savior and Lord.  I could physically feel my mind opening and expanding at that moment, what is described as a “veil lifting” (2 Corinthians 3:16) in my mind.  From that point, I began to notice myself changed in one way after another, through no effort at all.  I was just different.  And that was the start of my new life in Christ!  Later I learned that Melissa’s church was not a Biblically sound church.  So, God had used the two “Nevers” in my life, and a least-likely person, to bring me to the point of my salvation.

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“Dear Mr. Davis, from Henry Frasca, a nine-year-old kid and diehard Red Sox fan. There are two things I want you to know. First, the way you play baseball has nothing to do with how good a person you are. Also, you are incredible. You’ve played in the MLB. You’ve done it for a long time and everyone goes through a slump. Don’t give up. We’re rooting for you.”

Davis read the letter, folded it up, and placed it in his hip pocket. That evening, he went 3-5 with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs! The hitless streak was over due to the encouragement of a 9-year-old kid. (By the way, Davis still carries the letter with him folded up in his bible) What a simple thing to do, encourage people, and yet it is so incredibly powerful. The author of Hebrews is writing to some weary Christians ready to give up. Knowing the power of an encouraging word he challenges us to encourage others DAILY:

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness”

-Hebrews 3:13

Who can you encourage today?

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“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Matthew 7:3-5

Jesus’s command to first deal with our own issues before pointing out others, today, more than ever we need to take heed. In a world where the problems always seem to be “out there” with other people, God’s people need to begin dealing with their own 4-inch nails. As we do, it will create a humility that will bring clarity to then help others with their “speck”. A painful process, but it will bring out the very best in you and the world around you. Ouch!!

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by Pastor Brett Fuller

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By Pastor Jojo Henson of Every Nation: Victory Makati

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1 Samuel 6:12

Then the cows went straight up toward Beth Shemesh, keeping on the road and LOWING ALL THE WAY; they did not turn to the right or to the left.

The book of 1 Samuel tells a fascinating story.

Israel had fallen into apostasy and had become superstitious as opposed to genuinely spiritual. They were at war with the Philistines and had lost the first battle. They decided that if they brought the Ark of the Covenant – which represented the Presence of God – to the battle they would win. But God refuses to be used as some sort of mascot or charm, and He allowed Israel not only to lose the battle, but for the Ark to be captured by the Philistines.

But once the Philistines had “captured God” they realised that actually He had captured them! They put the Ark in the temple of Dagon as a trophy only to come back the next day to see the idol of Dagon bowing down before the Ark. They propped him up again but the next day they found him prostrated before the Ark – but this time with his head and hands broken off! Then a plague of tumours broke out and death ravaged the city. In terror the city of Ashdod sent the Ark to Gath. But the same thing happened and in desperation they sent the Ark further to Ekron. But in panic the people of Ekron refused to receive it and the Philistines decided they needed to send it back to Israel before the whole nation was destroyed.

God or chance?

They came up with a simple but clever plan to test if the Lord was really in it or not. This is what they said:

1 Samuel 6:7-9

“Now then, get a new cart ready, with two cows that have calved and have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up. ⁸ Take the ark of the Lord and put it on the cart, and in a chest beside it put the gold objects you are sending back to him as a guilt offering. Send it on its way, ⁹ but keep watching it. If it goes up to its own territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then the Lord has brought this great disaster on us. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not his hand that struck us and that it happened to us by chance.” 

The Philistines – like non-Christians today – may not have know much about God but they did know about the strength of a “mother’s instinct”. If you take a cow who has just had calves and pen them up, the mother cow will never leave them and go in the opposite direction, especially into foreign territory. If you make it two cows the chances are even stronger that it won’t happen. Now if you yoke the mother cows to an oxcart and they have never been yoked before the chances are now virtually impossible. So the proof to the pagans that God was really in it, was that against all odds, the cows would go against their natural instincts.  

As we read at the start this is exactly what happened. “Then the cows went straight up toward Beth Shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing all the way; they did not turn to the right or to the left” (1 Sam 6:12). And the Philistines were convinced that indeed, God had done this.

Carrying the Presence – but still lowing all the way

But I want to concentrate on how the cows went up. Some would say that if God was really in it, and His Presence was really upon you, then there would be no pain in it. That His glory would be so strong that the cows would in fact laugh merrily as they abandoned their calves and fulfilled the leading of the Lord. But this is a fallacy. Although the cows “went straight up” and “did not turn to the right or to the left” it was a heart-rending journey. It says that they were, “lowing all the way”.  These are poignant words, full of pathos, and often describe the glorious-yet-painful journey we are on.

Just because we are carrying the Presence of God and doing the will of God, doesn’t mean that all our natural instincts are obliterated. We still have natural desires that long for fulfilment.

• If we are single, we may long to get married and have children.
• We long for a beautiful home with wide open spaces, sunshine, blue skies, and green grass.
• We deeply desire to be close to our natural family and old friends.
• We wish for financial security and stability.
• We want a place of comfort and safety, not risks and danger.
• We yearn for peace where we are not constantly harassed by spiritual warfare.
• We desire time to pursue leisure and pleasure.

The reality of the Calvary Road

The apostle Paul, who was certainly as spiritual as they come, felt the same way:

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

A Day will come when all sorrow and crying is washed away but that is not this day. Today we walk the Calvary Road in the footsteps of our Master. It is a road filled with victories and joy but also of sacrifice and pain. And there is no shame in that. In fact these very sacrifices will be the point at which our non-Christian friends will be convinced that God is indeed with us, and will be the very things Jesus rewards on that Great Day

We may have unfulfilled longings as we carry the Ark home, and we may be lowing all the way, but let us not be discouraged. There are days when it may not feel worth it to follow the Lamb wherever He goes – but be encouraged – in the end it will all be worth it and we’ll be so glad we kept going straight up, not turning to the right or to the left.

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Most of us do not spend a lot of time thinking about our purpose, at least on a cosmic scale. But the times we do can be pretty troubling, especially if we suspect that there is no purpose. On the other hand, even for those who believe that our lives are heading somewhere—who believe there is an ultimate meaning—finding answers to life’s simple, everyday questions can be difficult.

Who should I spend time with? Where should I work? How should I spend my money?

“Then what is life for? To die? To kill myself at once? No, I am afraid. To wait for death till it comes? I fear that even more. Then I must live. But what for? In order to die?”

– Leo Tolstoy

Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Life is just a dirty trick, a short journey from nothingness to nothingness.”

“They give birth astride of a grave, the light gleams an instant, then it’s night once more.” – Samuel Beckett

Henry David Thoreau said, “The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation.”

The first person to write, in detail, about this search for meaning was king over the ancient nation of Israel. King Solomon was more rich, powerful, and wise than any living person. He had it all, tried it all, and discovered some profound things as a result.

Ecclesiastes 1:2
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18
I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 2:4-6
I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees.

Ecclesiastes 2:8-11
I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 3:10-14
I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:1,7,13,14
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;

and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Conclusion: Life is meaningless without God. But God gives everything meaning.

One of the fastest growing religions in America is “practical atheism,” which is populated by those who claim to believe in God but live as if he doesn’t exist.

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.”

– Brennan Manning

When you are taking your last breaths, will you be longing to have earned more money, achieved more status, or networked with the right people?

Matthew 6:25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

You are invited to embrace Jesus’s challenge to seek God’s kingdom and discover your purpose in light of God’s plan.

Bottom Line:
Every person on Earth was created to know and love God personally. Life is meaningless without God, but God gives everything meaning.

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