Hmm, I would never think to try that

Most of us can testify to the spiritual benefits to taking part in the Daniel Fast. We have seen and heard how God's glory and might is revealed during these days of fasting, praying and reading God's Word. Each year it is time of a refreshing in our spirit and body as we begin the new year.

Another benefit, though we may not want to openly admit it, is that we learn healthier ways to consume the produce of God's great big garden. Since we first started the Daniel Fast I've learned so much about food that I didn't know I didn't know, hahaha! I've been introduced to knew foods and new ways to cook foods I knew about. There were foods that I refused to eat before the Daniel Fast, but have sense come to enjoy and find that my body enjoys as well. So today I want to share with you some recipes that you may find a bid different, until you try them.

The first two dishes are taken from www.bonapetit.com




Barley Stew with Leeks, Mushrooms, and Greens

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups chopped leeks (about 2 small stalks; white and pale green parts only)
• 1 8-ounce container sliced crimini (baby bella) mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 1/4 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups (or more) vegetable broth
• 1 bunch kale (about 8 ounces), trimmed, center stalks removed, leaves coarsely chopped (about 8 cups packedPREPARATION

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add leeks; sprinkle with salt and pepper and sauté until leeks begin to soften, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, garlic, and rosemary; increase heat to medium-high and sauté until mushrooms soften and begin to brown, stirring often, about 7 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice; stir 1 minute. Add barley and 4 cups broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until barley is almost tender, about 20 minutes. Add kale; stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Cover and simmer until kale and barley are tender, adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls as needed for desired stew consistency, about 10 minutes.
  
  
  Baked Parsnip Fries with Rosemary

  INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2 pounds parsnips or carrots, peeled, cut into about 3x1/2-inch strips
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus 5 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (or more) ground cumin

  PREPARATION

  • Preheat oven to 450°. Mix parsnips, chopped rosemary, garlic, and oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out in a single layer. Scatter rosemary sprigs over.
  • Roast for 10 minutes; turn parsnips and roast until parsnips are tender and browned in spots, 10–15 minutes longer. Crumble leaves from rosemary sprigs over; discard stems and toss to coat. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp. cumin over. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more cumin, if desired. 
    
    

    Quinoa and Black Beans

    INGREDIENTS

    1 teaspoon vegetable oil

    1 onion, chopped

    3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

    3/4 cup uncooked quinoa

    1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

    1 teaspoon ground cumin

    1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    salt and pepper to taste

    1 cup frozen corn kernels

    2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

    1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

    
    

    
    

    Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.

    Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro.

    
    

    If you have any recipes that you have discovered or come up with during this, don't be stingy...share (big BB smily face). We would love to share your recipe with the others who are fasting. Also, if you have a praise report of what God has done for you, please share it. Feel free to write or submit a video of your testimony to us. Want to rejoice with you.

    
    

    God bless you as you continue to submit to His will for your life in this new year. 

    Pastor Mel

Grocery Shopping for the Daniel Fast

Daniel Fast Scripture Reading fro 2013

Daniel Fast Scripture Reading 

January 2-22

Jan 3. Psalm 1                                                             Revelation chapters 1-3
Jan 4. Zechariah 8:1-23                                             Revelation chapters 4-6
Jan 5. Jeremiah 29: 1-14                                           Jude 1
Jan 6. Isaiah 61                                                           Luke 4
Jan 7. Isaiah 58                                                           Matthew 5
Jan 8. Isaiah 53                                                           Mark 4
Jan 9. Isaiah 9                                                             Gospel of John 1
Jan10. Psalm 73                                                         Romans 8
Jan11. Psalm 117                                                       Acts chapters 1-3
Jan12. Psalm 5                                                           Acts chapters 4-6
Jan13. Psalm 17                                                         Acts chapters 9-10
Jan14. Psalm 23                                                         Romans chapters 1-3
Jan15. Psalm 24                                                         Romans chapters 4-6
Jan16. Isaiah 26                                                          Philippians chapters 1-4
Jan17. Psalm 27                                                         Colossians chapters 1-4
Jan18. Psalm 34                                                         1Thessalonians chapters 1-5
Jan19. Psalm 138                                                       2Thessalonians chapters 1-3
Jan20. Psalm 139                                                       1Peter 1-5
Jan21. Psalm 145                                                       2 Peter 13
Jan22. Proverb 3                                                         1John chapters 1-5 

 

Today is the First Day of the BEST DAYS AHEAD

Here we are! The first day of the Daniel's Fast 2013!!! Wow! And there is a sound of GREAT EXPECTATION and ANTICIPATION in the air! The fast will be as great as our commitment, faithfulness, and expectation. So let's give ourselves completely- emptying of ourselves- and surrender fully to the will and work of God in our lives during these days of fasting and prayer.

I would like to invite you to be a part of these blog postings. I mean personally become involved. If you have a comment, testimony, recipe or questions you would like to share/ask please feel free to do so. This is an open forum with the intent to help and encourage those who are taking part in the Daniel's Fast, no matter how many days. Using the "Daniel's Fast" topic tab, you can find recipes from previous years. All recipes can be modified based on your ministry's guidelines.


With the weather being a bit chilly for some of-a lot colder for some- I thought I would start this years recipe list with a nice and easy soup dish. Not only are soups nice on a cold evening, but they can be very filling and full of nutrition.


Roasted Carrot Soup with Dukkah Spice 

• INGREDIENTS 

• 1/2 cup unsalted, shelled raw natural pistachios
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
• 2 pounds carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 quart vegetable broth

PREPARATION

• Toast pistachios in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a small plate and let cool. Add sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and peppercorns to same skillet. Toast, stirring often, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Transfer spices to plate with nuts and let cool. Transfer nut and spice mixture and 1 teaspoon salt to a food processor or a mortar and pestle and coarsely grind. DO AHEAD Dukkah spice blend can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 425°. Place the carrots on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season to taste with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast until the carrots are tender and just beginning to brown, about 25 minutes. Let the carrots cool slightly.
• Transfer the carrot mixture to a blender. Add the vegetable broth. Blend mixture until soup is very smooth, 1-2 minutes. Pour the soup into a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add water by 1/4-cupfuls to soup for a thinner consistency, if desired. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
• Divide hot soup among bowls. Sprinkle with dukkah. 
  Makes 4-6 servings 
  Recipe was taken from Bon Appetite, but modified for the Daniel's Fast 

The non-French Onion Soup

INGREDIENTS
3 large sweet onions sliced
2 cloves of garlic sliced
1 package of sliced baby bella mushrooms (optional)
1 carton of Vegetable broth
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 rosemary sprigs (optional)
1 Thyme chopped
salt and pepper (Kosher or Sea Salt)

DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan heat olive oil. Add garlic and 1 rosemary sprig and sauté on medium heat until soften. Add sliced onions to pan, stir and cover. Let sauté for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep covered. Then add mushroom, thyme and 1/3 cup of broth, stir and cover for 10minuets on medium low. Stir often. Then add remaining broth, rosemary sprigs, and salt and pepper to taste, return to medium heat and let simmer for about 20 minuets.

Makes 4 servings

Serve with a nice small green salad

While cheese is not allowed on the fast, once the fast is over you can use this recipe to enjoy simple onion soup and add crusted bread and your favorite cheese.

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.