As we approached this day there has been much discussion as to how we should pronounce the year, Twenty-Ten or Two Thousand Ten. However you chose to do so, the reality is…we have just completed the first decade of the 21st Century. Today is January 1, 2010.
As we enter this New Year, let’s purpose to fellowship Jesus Christ in a more intimate way. We must resolve to remain true to the principles of Christian true that has sustained us this far, while continuing to reach forth and grow in the areas of Christian development that will ensure the words of the Apostle Paul which he spoke in his letter to the Church at Ephesus.
"that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him." Ephesians 1:10 (NKJV)
THE 2010 PRAYER AND FAST FEST!
JANUARY 11-31, 2010
The Regional Overseer and First Lady and Regional Staff will be participating in the Daniel Fast during this time.Please be in prayer about the fast you will choose as we seek God’s will for the Region in 2010.
Types of Fasts
Fasting has a number of purposes. While the main aim of Christian fasting is to bring an individual closer to God through the power of prayer and fasting.
Some of the most common fasts are described briefly as follows:
The Absolute Fast: An absolute fast is when one abstains from both eating and drinking. Even water is not allowed on absolute fasts. This fast is not advised for more than three days.
The Normal Fast: In a normal fast, you abstain from both eating and drinking, but drinking water is allowed.
The Daniel Fast: The Daniel fast, as the name suggests, is a religious fast, where the person who is fasting can eat fruits, vegetables and water. Choice foods like meat and dairy are not allowed.
The Partial Fast: The partial fast is a kind of fast where you abstain from eating or drinking certain food items. You can chose to skip a meal, or you may chose to eat just certain foods throughout your fast.
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, cannellini 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 sweetenersincluding 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.
