A Fasting We Shall Go!

First of, allow me to apologize to all readers of this blog who are not members of HFC Gretna. It is my intent to make the majority of my posts relevant to all people regardless of church affiliation. However, this posting is designed to provide some specific information for the members of HFC Gretna as we approach our 21 Day Daniel Fast.

We will be fasting from May 2-23, 2010. For your convenience, a specific prayer guide is being posted to the online calendar @ www.hfcgretna.org. We will also be distributing that calendar in hard copy at each service between now and May 2, 2010.

Please adhere to the following guidelines as best as possible:

Preparing For Your Fast
During the Daniel Fast you will not consume any sugar or sweeteners of any kind, nor will you have any caffeine or artificial chemicals. Many people experience a physical detoxification during the first few days of the fast including headaches, fatigue, leg cramps and other symptoms.

You can reduce these effects by weaning yourself from these foods before the fast begins and also by drinking at least 1/2 gallon of filtered water each day before, during and after the fasting period.

Anytime you have concern about symptoms you may experience, be sure to contact your health professional.

Fasting should never be harmful to the body!

Prayer
I have created a specific prayer guide to be used throughout this fast. Please adhere to it as best as possible so that our entire church body can be on one accord. In addition to the prayer guide, each Sunday throughout the fast (May 2, 9, 16, 23, 2010) we will gather for a special time of prayer at 6:30 a.m. All servant leaders are asked to make every effort possible to be in attendance.

God is preparing HFC Gretna for some special things. This time of fasting and prayer will only push us closer to His promises!

Daniel Fast Food List

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2-3

One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.

Special Note: If you have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast including the Daniel Fast. If you would like a list of the foods included and excluded in the Daniel Fast to show your doctor, just copy the contents of this page.

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All Fruits:
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All Vegetables:
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, 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, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All Whole Grains:
Including, but not limited to, whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds:
Including, but not limited to, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes:
These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannelloni beans, white beans.

All quality oils:
Including, but not limited to, olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages:
Spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other:
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products:
Including, but not limited to, beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products:
Including, but not limited to, milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners:
Including, but not limited to, sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread:
Including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products:
Including, but not limited to, artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods:
Including, but not limited to, potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats:
Including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages:
Including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Please remember to READ THE LABELS!

Peace & Blessings...Pastor B.

Adapted from Susan Gregory’s Blog: http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/

For your convenience, this information will be distributed in hard copy at the church as well.

Victorious Because of Christ,
Pastor B.