NLTC Daniel Fast Guidelines for 2013

Here are the Daniel Fast guidelines for NLTC members. If you have any questions please feel free to ask your question in the comment section of this blog and we will do our best to answer speedily, or you can email mel_anne@msn.com.

Foods Allowed On 21 Day Fast 

Ezekiel Bread (can be found at Whole Food or Kroger’s in the health food section)

Pam Spray Olive oil

Olive Oil

Salad dressing (non–dairy)

Balsamic vinegar

Apple vinegar

Can vegetable soup (with vegetable stock)

Can vegetable 

Honey

Stevia  (sweetener)

Silk (soymilk)

Silk creamers

Coconut milk

Soy milk

Almond Milk

Rice milk

Tofu

Whole wheat/grain crackers

Wheat or soy Pasta

Nuts

Unsweetened nut/ fruit trail mixes

Caffeine Free Herbal teas (recommended: Red/Rooibos, Chamomile, Mint, Hyssop and detoxing)

Pure extract (i.e. Vanilla)

Ensure/Boost ( for those who are on medication or have low immune systems.)

Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley, whole grain cereal
Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed
Peas

Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boy-
Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger-root, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts

Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% juice, fresh smoothies

Please Drink plenty of Water (flavored water does not count)

Foods the children only may enjoy

Morningstar (soy burgers, hotdogs, corndogs and chicknuggets.)

Bocca (burgers and hotlinks)

  

Foods to Avoid (as much as possible)  
Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It

Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products 

Daniel Fast - 21 Days

 Jan 2-23, 2013

Theme of the Fast: “Building Up Your Faith”. There are three major areas that we need to fast for…

1. Ourselves: Let us examine ourselves. (I Corinthians 11:28a, 32; II Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:5). If we have any offenses or faults against each other, let us go in a humble spirit now and take care of the matter (Colossians 3:13). The fast is not complete without it. Pray and seek God. He will reveal our hearts to us.

2. Compassion for souls: The heart beat of God is souls. Romans 10:1 is Paul’s prayer. Each One Reach One is about reaching those that are in need in the house, and those that are lost without Christ (Romans12:9-13; Matthew 28:19-20).

3. Healing: For the body, our soul and mind. (Isaiah 53:5; I Peter 2:24). Jeremiah 17:14 says it so well. (Hosea 6:1; Isaiah 26:3-4). The last Sunday night of our fast there will be a healing service, (physically and spiritually). Come believing.  

Biblical model:  Fasting is still biblical for us today; with the uprising of evil even more so. Matthew 17:21. In the book of Daniel, chapters 2 and 10, Daniel describes two examples of his personal fasting and the dramatic results. Isaiah describes God’s chosen fast in Isaiah 58. Fasting is one way we respond to the admonition throughout the Scripture to die to our self-will and not to accommodate the desires of the flesh.

Overview of the Fast: The Daniel fast drastically restricts normal food intake by cutting away many of the foods you commonly eat to satisfy your appetite The start of the Daniel fast you will experience a craving of delightful foods for a few days, but keep pressing toward the mark and drink plenty of water.

Types of food included in this Daniel fast:  You will find a list of food enclosed with this letter. It is advisable to take vitamins and minerals and some protein supplements during the fast. Various nuts (natural) help serve as a protein supplement. Peanuts are not much in nutritional supplements. Proper nutrition will help to eliminate hunger and bad unhealthy cravings. (God’s grace will help us in this area if we seek Him.)

Foods not included in this Daniel fast: Sugar and sugar products (desserts, soft drinks, etc.). Drinks including caffeine (coffee, non-herbal tea, etc.). Breads, white rice, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs, heavy spices, regular salt (Kosher and sea salt is allowed). People need potassium and sodium in their bodies. If you are not able go to the health food store (Whole Food), to purchase extra supplements please use the products on the list to help increase the potassium intake.

Water: Drink 8 glasses of water daily throughout the fast. This is very important. We recommend distilled water for the first 3 to 5 days. It helps to speed up the detoxification process.  (Please drink more than one glass of water). You may a fresh lemon juice or sliced lemon to help with the taste. It also helps to detox the body.

Side Effects: You may experience moderate to severe headaches for the first day or two as your body rids itself of caffeine, salt, sugar, and various impurities. You may need to take Advil, aspirin, Tylenol.

Important Exceptions: Anyone with a medical condition related to eating or under the treatment of a physician must consult their doctor. Children, especially small children, will have special needs that must be considered. Under these conditions, find some sacrifice in the area of food that can be made without endangering health. Also, if you have extreme difficulty with the fast, such as impairment of your ability to work at your job, you will have to make adjustments. This is not a failure of will but is wisdom. Seek the Lord and if you need further assistance you may call the church office.

Please be mindful of your medical condition. Continue to take your medication.

“God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach....It’s what God does with your life as He sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ” (Romans 14, The Message)

How to Enjoy the 21 days

During the time of your 21 days of fasting here are some helpful tips to enlighten, empower and strengthen you during this time.

Worship:  Play your favorite CD or tape.  Sing along unto the Lord. (Eph. 5:19)   

Word:   Read your Word daily and have your personal devotional time with the Lord. If you still have your TWB devotional book it would be nice reading material.

Warfare:  Pray the Word!  Arise in faith, and in the authority of Jesus’ name.  Claim the promises and the power of His Word which is alive and active.  Adopt an attitude of prayer as you go about each day’s duties at home, at work or at school.  Apply what you have learned from Acts or any other reading of the Word.

Scale down your normal activities. Slow down and avoid rigorous exercise (meaning excessive activities). You can take advantage during this time to obtain extra needed rest for your body and also catch up on your reading and studying. 

Besides fasting from food, fast from things that distract such as television, movies, internet, computer games, excessive talking on the telephone, or things that destroy such as careless words.  It will be difficult for you to consecrate yourself if you feed yourself on television and movies during this time. 

How To Involve Others

AS A FAMILY: It is very important to agree in your fasting and pray as a family.  Please include your children in daily devotion of God’s Word.  As a family write out some of your expectations, prayer request of loved one’s that are in need of salvation, healing, deliverance etc...

ACCOUNTABILITY: You will probably be most successful with this fast if you make yourself accountable to at least one other person during this fast. You may want to form a group of from 3 to 5 people who met occasionally or talk by phone. Encourage one another. If someone falls and eats the wrong food, do not condemn them. Help them start again. Walk in love and mercy.

GROUP:  Involve your regular prayer partners and others to stay encourage, help motivate, rejoice together and also to touch and agree for your prayer request.   

CORPORATE: This is the gathering together as a church body in a time of prayer, worship and meditation. This is also a time to give testimonies of the things that God has done or is doing during your fast.

Special time for daily prayer and bible study. You can come and pray during the normal office hours of the church if you so desire. 

Preparing for the 2013 Daniel Fast

This week is the best time to prepare ourselves for the 2013 Daniel Fast, which begins on January 2. As we prepare our hearts and minds this week, here is an article I came across that I feel is a wonderful spiritual tool to help us focus our thoughts and prayers as we allow God to set the course for our Christian walk in this new year...and this last week of 2012 is a perfect time to start.

Remember to check back here weekly as, there will be recipes and other information posted here to assist you during this time of spiritual detox and cleansing. I look forward to talking, sharing and growing with you during the 21 days of being in the God moment.

Blessings!
Pastor Mel

Here is the article link:
http://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/happy-new-year/ten-questions-to-ask-at-the-start-of-a-new-year-11643580.html

It's Already Done...It's for Keeps

Oh, taste and see...

No, I'm not talking about food...for those who have opened themselves up to God's will during the Daniel  Fast, I'm sure you have found that what God is doing is far better than any pizza, coffee, hot chocolate or tv (the former 3 are my joys). 

At our church, many people have completed their fast - 14 days. But several of us have joined our leader to continue on for another week. For me it's almost a period of saying, "God, this is my thank you moment for the work that you have done in me and the things I shall see manifested in my life in 2012. So now I'm just being prepared for the rest". 

This is the year that saying what we believe will be measured by the actions that precede our words. So people will be left happily talking to themselves, while others will proceed in obedience and faith. So if you want to see what God has already for you in 2012, you have to start moving according to the Word He has already given you. And in the meantime, less talk and more thanksgiving will help sustain you until you see the manifestation. 

Much love,

Pastor Mel

On to the Food...This One is A 

Sweet Potato Steak Taco (These will make you say, "OMG")

Ingredients

   1 large sweet potato, unpeeled

      Sea salt (Kosher will do too)

   1 half lime

      cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)

 1/4 cup olive oil

 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

       corn tortillas 

Place sweet potato in a pot of water and boil until fork-tender; let cool. Slice sweet potato into 1/4' steaks. Mix salt, cayenne, cilantro, oil and lime juice in a bowl.  Preheat a grill to medium or place a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Brush the potato steaks with the oil and season mixture. Grill until golden brown on  side and cook other side, brushing the cooked side with oil and season mixture again. Transfer to a cutting board, brushing oil mixture on top, and slice potato into strips. Briefly, grill each side of tortilla.  Line tortillas with fresh guacamole and place 2 -3 strips on tortilla. Top with favorite garnish. I made sesame ginger coleslaw and used in place of the usual lettuce and tomatoes. It was nice fusion of tex-mex and asian flavors. The Sweet Potato steak would also make for a nice toping on a mexican salad.

 

It's All Food Today...

Quick and Easy Ideas...

Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained
1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 avocados, cubed

Bring quinoa, water, and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the lime juice, olive oil, pepper, diced tomatoes, and garbanzo beans. When the quinoa is done, stir it into the tomato mixture, then cool in refrigerator until cold, about 2 hours
When the quinoa is cold, fluff with a spoon, and gently fold in the cilantro, avocados
Salad can be used as filling for a soft taco (corn tortilla)
*Recipe taken from allrecipe.com




Sweet Apple Potato 


Ingredients 
1 large sweet potato (yams will do if you prefer), washed and sliced with skin on
1 Fuji apple (or similar apple that may be in season), sliced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of smart balance spread
Pumpkin spice to taste
2 tablespoons of honey or agava

Place sweet potato slices on a sheet of aluminum. Place apples on top of sweet potato slices. Drizzle oil on top of potato and apple, then sprinkle Pumpkin Spice, followed by honey. Neatly fold aluminum to create a pocket. Place in a 400 for 40 minutes or until tender.


Tomato Sala with Cucumber Chips


Ingredients
1 1/4 pound of tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2    cup finely chopped sweet onion
1/2    cup finely chopped cilantro
1      small jalapeño, seeded and minced
2       tablespoons fresh lime juice
salt and freshly ground pepper (kosher or sea salt)
1 large seedless cucumber, sliced 1/4 thick

In a bowl, toss tomatoes with onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve the salsa with cucumber chips for dipping.

Other Quick Food Ideas
1. Baked potato toped with grilled onions and mushrooms
2. Change up that usual boring iceberg lettuce salad. Try Butter lettuce, toped with cherry tomatoes, your favorite beans (caned is fine), corn or even some grilled veggies. Use either balsamic finger/olive oil or your favorite vinaigrette.
3. Hummus and crackers make for a tasty snack
4. Use coconut milk in your oatmeal or whole grain hot cereal, and top with fruits and nuts.
5. I have to say it again...instead of boiling your veggies, try stir frying or sauté them. They will taste so much better.

What's In the Kitchen

I'm so excited to hear that many churches are now starting their year off with the Daniel Fast. For some individuals it may be a time to kick start their new year's resolution to a healthier year. But for many it's a time of spiritual soul searching, cleansing and time of receiving direction from God for the year. The secondary benefits are physical cleaning and learning how to eat more according to God's plan. Yep, God does care about what we put into our bodies...but I shall refrain from preaching and just say that our bodies appreciate when we endeavor to eat more inline with the way God instructed His people to eat. Do you know why Ezekiel bread you buy at the store is called Ezekiel bread? It's taken from Ezekiel 4:9. Go read it and compare that with the bread we buy in the store...which do you think is better for our bodies.

Shall I move on? I've been on the search to find recipes that are simple, easy to prepare and tasty. While this is the Daniel Fast, I think it's great when you can get ideas to carry with you long after the Daniel Fast. So this week I'll share with you recipes I've found from several food sites/blogs that are easy to tweak or are already Daniel Fast friendly.






Mel's (Daniel Fast) Version of Black Cabbage Soup


Ingredients 
4 tablespoon olive oil
2 red onions chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 quarts of vegetable stock
6 thyme sprigs
1 bunch of kale, washed and shopped
4 cups cooked cannellini beans
1 cup of carrots, chopped
1 tomato, chopped

Saute the onions and garlic until tender or translucent. Stir in tomato and sauté for one minuet adding in carrots and 1/4 cup of stock and let simmer for about 3 minuets. Then add the rest of the stock and the thyme and kale, cover and let simmer for about 20 minuets. Add beans and cook for another 15-20 minuets.

To add thickness, the Italian way, crumble a couple Swedish Wassa crackers (Daniel Fast approved) or a slice of Ezekiel Bread into your bowl, and pour soup over crackers and let sit for about 2 minutes or until crackers have absorbed the liquid.



Stir Fry Greens

Ingredients
1 package of Glory Mixed Greens, washed (found in the produce section)
1/2 red onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 tomato
1/8 cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 crushed red peppers
1/8 paprika
1/4 salt
1/8 pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Smart Balance spread

In a large wok, heat oil and spread over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender. Add tomato and crushed papers and sauté for a minuet. Add greens and season. Slowly stir and let fry. Stir greens periodically to make sure seasons and greens mix. Continue to cook until greens are tender, about 15 minuets.




Warm Mushroom, Roasted Asparagus and Wild Rice Salad 


Ingredients

1/2 cup brown rice
1 1/4 cups broth vegetable
1 tablespoon oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 handful dill, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
4 cups salad greens

Bring the rice and broth to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer covered, until the rice is tender, about 50 minutes.
About 30 minutes in, heat the oil in a pan.
Add the onion and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
Add the mushrooms and saute until just caramelized, about 10-15 minutes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, toss the asparagus in the oil along with some salt and pepper.
Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on a baking dish and roast in a preheated 400F oven until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Mix the wild rice, mushrooms, dill and balsamic vinaigrette.
Serve with the mushrooms and wild rice on a bed of salad greens, topped with roasted asparagus
*recipe taken from Closet Cooking blog Warm Mushroom, Roasted Asparagus and Wild Rice Salad with Feta




Tofu Taco


Ingredients
12 ounces firm tofu, drained and cut into 8 slices
4 cups shredded coleslaw mix
1 small bunch radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 bunch scallions, sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 limes (1 zested and juiced, 1 cut into wedges)
1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
8 large corn tortillas
1/4 cup jarred low sodium salsa verde

Lay the tofu slices flat on a stack of paper towels; top with more paper towels, then put a heavy skillet on top to press out the excess water, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the coleslaw, radishes, cilantro, scallions, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the lime zest and half of the lime juice in a large bowl. Mix in the remaining lime juice in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Brush the tofu on all sides with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with the taco seasoning. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the tofu and cook until it begins to crisp, about 5 minutes; flip and cook 2 more minutes. Cut into strips.

Toast the tortillas in a dry skillet, 1 minute per side, or wrap in a damp towel and microwave 1 minute. Fill with the tofu and slaw, then drizzle with the lime juice sauce and salsa. Serve with the lime wedges.
*recipe taken from Foodnetwork.com 


If you have a recipe or an idea that you would like to share with us please email global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com or leave a comment here on our blog. 

The Power of Being In One Accord - Oneness

I pray that you are experiencing a wonderful time of refreshing, renewal, restorations and reformation during this first week of the Daniel Fast. One of the best things about our beginning of the year spiritual cleansing is the prayer time that takes place here at the church. For some reason it always brings my mind back to the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the early church (Acts).

Jesus gave a command to His disciples "go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father". Acts said that Jesus' followers continued with one accord...they had to continually pray in one accord in order for the Holy Ghost to come upon them and to receive the power. The Father was not going to send His Spirit or give them power to do the greater to those who decided that they would wait at their homes. The individual reception would come through corporate gathering.

While most of us understand that personal devotional time is vital during this time of consecration, it will take unity or hearts being in one accord for us to witness the power of God's move in 2012 - Divine Order. The manifestation of God's power - the greater than that we shall do-  demands personal and united fellowship. Throughout days of the early church we see that God's manifestation was seen as the Christ followers continued in oneness.  


I would like to encourage each member of NLTC to press to be in the prayer times/services during the fast. Due to demanding lifestyles you may not be able to make every evening, but when you can please come and join us as each individual steps into the place of being in one accord. Just think what would have happened if Jesus followers had gone each to their home to wait for the promise...let's make 2012 the year that we move in singleness of heart. This is our year...!

Pastor Mel


ON TO THE FOOD

Here is one of my favorite anytime dishes...quick and easy


Oven Cooked Asparagus

Ingredients 
8-10 large Asparagus spears washed
1/3 of a sliced onion (your desired thickness)
6 large baby bells or white bottom mushrooms washed and sliced(you can mix them)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (pepper or garlic infused is even better)
Tabe Blend Ms. Dash
Red Crushed Peppers (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Low Sodium Sea Salt (Kosher salt or Natures Season will work)

After snapping or cutting the ends of the asparagus, cut them in half or in smaller pieces. Place veggies on a long sheet of aluminum spread out. Then drizzle olive oil liberally over veggie mixture. Sprinkle with Ms. Dash, peppers, and salt. Mix veggies so that oil and seasoning is mixed in well. Then fold the aluminum and place in a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minuets. When un wrapping be careful of steam. Enjoy.


Grilled Mexican Portobello Salad


Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder (regular chili powder is fine)
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 low sodium salt/natures season
1/4 teaspoon  ground black pepper
2 large portobello washed
1 tomato, halved
1 onion, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rings
1 small head of roman lettuce, shredded
1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced
3/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup canned corn, drained
Your favorite lime dressing or Cilantro Dressing (recipe follows)

Preheat grill or skillet to medium heat (300 to 350). Spray grill rack with Pam.
In a shallow dish, combine chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Coat portobello evenly with chili powder misture. Grill portobello, covered with grill lid for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Cut into slices.
Place tomato, cut side down, on grill. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes pert side, or until softened. Coarsely chop tomato.
Place onion rings in a single layer on grill. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and softened.
Arrange  lettuce, portobello, tomato, onion, avocado, black beans and corn on two plates. Also, home made salsa makes for a great dressing.

Cilantro Dressing


1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 lime, squeezed
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon honey

In a small bowl combine ingredients

Daniel Fast 2012- Welcome

ON TO THE FOOD:

Black Bean & Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ingredients:

1 qt 100%  low sodium 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. Enjoy!