Congrats New Birth Family & Friends, First, we want to start out by extending a warm welcome! Bishop Tyrone and Lady Larnique are excited that you have decided to join usin our 10-Day Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast can be a life-changing experience to you. Why? Not because the fast is powerful, but because God is! As we enter this spiritual discipline of extended prayer and fasting, please open your hearts to receive from our loving Father. He wants you to draw near to Him, so that He can bless you beyond measures! This 10-day fast will begin on February 16th, 2023, at 6 AM and will end on February 25th, 2023, at 6 PM. Corporate prayer will be held at 6 PM each night at New Birth and will be streamed on Facebook Live and Zoom. The Daniel fast is a great model to follow and is one of the most common types of fasts. It proves to be extremely effective for spiritual focus, discipline, and purification for the body and soul. In the book of Daniel, we find that Daniel fasted twice (Daniel chapters: 1 and 10). Daniel chapter 1, states that he ate vegetables, and drank water, and in Daniel chapter 10, he ate no rich or choice foods, which includes no meat or wine. The menu for the Daniel Fast includes fruits and vegetables. If you are on prescribed medicine, please seek your doctor’s approval and advise. Some starchy foods and dairy can be substituted (this depends on the individual and his or her convictions). We encourage you to seek the Lord’s guidance and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Please visit: www.daniel-fast.com, for additional Daniel Fast resources. In the scriptures there are several references to fasting being a personal exercise of commitment, conviction, and love. Jesus didn’t say if you fast, but when you fast (Matthew 6:16-18 & 9:14-15)! The scriptures record many instances where people fasted, which was always followed by a season of growth and spiritual blessings. As you participate in this fast, you will begin to discover and experience God in a new way. Expect your relationship with God to grow, and your vision, clarity and focus to sharpen. We cannot wait to see what God will do in you and through you, as well as, with and to our corporate body. During the 10-day fast, we will come together as a church family to seek God and prepare ourselves for what He has in store for us in 2022! Please note, if you happen to fall, don’t be discouraged or feel condemned. Get back on up – remember, a righteous man may fall seven times, and riseth up again (Proverbs 24:16 ASV) Please take the time to read this packet for additional Daniel Fast information. Love you, Bishop Tyrone & Lady Larnique Prayer and Fasting Fasting without prayer is a diet and does not manifest any supernatural benefits. We must fast and pray! It is mentioned twice in the Bible that these things only come out by prayer and fasting Matthew 17:21 and Mark 9:29 Why Pray? Prayer is a two-way communicating with God. Prayer is not just talking to God but should also include listening to hear what He has to say. Our primary goal in prayer should be to know Jesus and to experience Him. When you pray, surrender totally to Him, and tell Him about your desire to glorify Him. Focus on who He is, His character, love, goodness, and greatness. Then Make a definite commitment to communicate with God DAILY by scheduling time to spend with Him. Just as you may appointments with a doctor, lawyer or dentist. He is far more important than they are and worthy to have a scheduled appointed meeting time. One thing you can count on for sure, if you don’t plan to pray, you won’t. So, if God is to be the head of your life then make time for Him. Select the worship music you would like to listen to – this will help set the atmosphere for entering into the presence of the Lord. Jeremiah 33:3 NIV, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Why Fast? The purpose and goal of fasting is to strengthen you spiritually, mentally, and physically. By incorporating fasting and prayer as a part of your Christian walk, you will grow closer to the Lord as you mature in your faith. Fasting will help you increase your ability to deny the flesh. Over the next 10-Days, you MUST be diligent in your study and mediation of God’s Word. Remember our objective is to focus our attention on seeking God’s direction for our lives. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life! (Romans 12: 1-2) The Flesh vs. the Spirit Paul, as he tutored the believers in Galatia gave this instruction, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16. And then he goes on and teaches, “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 6:24-25 Clearly, when we invite Jesus to be the Lord of our lives, we are called to a different way of living. We become citizens of God’s kingdom and we live by different standards. To have Christ living in us . . . we are called to crucify the flesh. We subjugate that ego/flesh part of us to God. A Priceless Lesson One of the most valuable experiences you can have while on the Daniel Fast is crucifying the flesh. You can learn and practice putting your spirit, which is linked to the Spirit of God, in control. You can choose to walk in the Spirit! You can choose to live in the Spirit. You can choose to turn away from the easy-to-consume milk and instead fill your spiritual plate with the deep truths the Lord wants to serve you. On the Daniel Fast, you are invited to experience rich spiritual lessons and blessings from the Lord. But there are some requirements. You need to have a level of maturity (or a desire for growth, which is a sign of maturity) before you can enter the banquet room. So that you can say, “Flesh, sit down. I have a meeting with my Father.” Preparing to Fast Isaiah 58:3-6 NIV, “Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Before you begin a fast, it is important that you prepare yourself. Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You should not attempt to fast without (specific) physical preparation. If you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition, please consult your physician first. Before the fast begins, prepare your body by eating smaller meals. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods. Eat raw fruits and vegetables two days prior to starting the fast. Depending upon the type of fast you choose; you may even need to gather a few recipes for meal preparation. Remember when Jesus went on His 40-day fast? He went by Himself out into the wilderness. Consequently, you too may need to modify your daily habits or routines. Many people can fast and function fine without much fatigue; bless God if this is you. However, if not, exercise wisdom during this 10-day period and adjust as necessary. Throughout your fast, you may feel somewhat weaker than normal; especially during the first few days. In fact, you may feel very tired, irritable, or fatigued. To maintain your health and morale, it would be a good idea to lighten your workload and cut down on strenuous exercise. Here are some steps you should take to ensure your fast is effective. Step 1: Why Are You Fasting? What is the purpose of your fast? What are expecting God to do during this fast? Is it for spiritual direction? Healing? Discipline? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as you determine your personal reason for fasting. We are all at different places in our walk with God, so start where you are! We should not fast to impress others or to prove our spirituality. We fast to draw nearer to God. “Moreover, when we fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: For they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:16). Step 2: Make Your Commitment Make your commitment to the Lord after giving consideration and thought to a few key areas such as: Corporately, we are encouraging our members to do the Daniel Fast together; however, if you have any condition that prohibits you from being a part of the Daniel Fast, there are other options. Choose something from your daily routine (i.e., specific foods or beverages, television, technology, etc.) and fast in that manner for the next 10-days. Parents consider this option for your children. Remember, the details are not as important as the attitude from which you participate. What changes will you need to make to your daily schedule? I.E., a modification to your exercise routines, sporting events, etc. When fasting, your energy levels will be different, so, you may need to adjust your schedule during the fast. How much time do I need to devote to prayer and study of God’s Word? Set a start and end time for prayer, reading, meditating and studying the Word. Step 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually Spiritual preparation is essential for a successful fast. The very foundation of fasting and Prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers. Begin to prepare yourself spiritually by meditating on the following in your heart: ~ Remember that God is your Father. He loves you and is for you. ~ Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit brings to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). ~ Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 1:25, Luke 11:4, Luke 17: 3-4). ~ Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His Word in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in John 5:14-15. ~ Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to blend in with the world (Romans 12:1-2). ~ Mediate on the Word of God particularly concerning the character of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace and compassion (Psalm 48:9-10, Psalm 103:1-8, Psalm 103:11-13). ~ Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6). ~ Be prepared for spiritual opposition, the enemy will come to attack and test your commitment (Galatians 5:16-17). The Daniel Fast for the Body, Soul and Spirit The Bible teaches us that we are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body. The Daniel Fast affects all three parts of us as we enter into a period of time for focused prayer and fasting. The Body - Certainly our bodies are affected as our diet is changed, for some in very dramatic ways, during the Daniel Fast. Many men and women experience detoxing from caffeine, chemicals, and sugar. The symptoms are most often headaches, leg cramps, fatigue, and malaise. Most people lose weight during the Daniel Fast. And many report healings from diabetes, allergies, arthritis, and cancer. The Soul - Frequently referred to as "the flesh" in the Bible, the soul is also greatly impacted during the Daniel Fast. The soul is the seat of our emotions, intellect, personality and will. It is in the "soulish realm" where we experience cravings, frustration, anger . . . and even happiness. During the Daniel Fast, your soul may very well rebel against the dramatic change in your diet. Experiencing and winning this battle over the flesh is often one of the most powerful lessons of the Daniel Fast. The Spirit - Our spirit is that born-again part of us that surrenders to God and then abides with the Father and the Son. Our spirit is filled with the Holy Spirit when we yield to Him. During the Daniel Fast, we want to put our spirit in charge of the other two parts of us. When our flesh is acting out with a craving, we take control of it with our spirit (just as a parent takes control of a rebellious child). Fasting is always coupled with a spiritual goal. So, during this time of fasting, you will want to focus on prayer, study and meditation. What to eat on the Daniel Fast? One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, only the kind of foods you can eat. *Water in the excess of 10 or more cups per day will help reduce fatigue and withdrawals and help you maintain hydration. 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 seed: 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. If you have young children or students, you may want to consider adding turkey, chicken or fish to the approved list of foods. Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. 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. Remember, READ THE LABELS! Here is a sample meal plan: First day: fruit and oatmeal; salad olive and lemon pepper dressing; vegetarian chili Second day: fruit and grits, baked or broiled potato olive oil & pepper and a fruit smoothy; spaghetti pasta and sweet potatoes Fasting While Nursing or Pregnant If you are pregnant or nursing but would like to participate in the 10-day fast, here are some options you may want to consider. First, obtain the approval of your physician. Then consider the following: ~ A modified Daniel Fast including whole grain, legumes, whey protein, calcium and other iron supplements ~ Fasting sweets and desserts ~ Fasting red meat ~Fasting certain pleasurable activities (television shows, movies, social media, video games, etc.) You can still participate in the fast without causing harm or injury to yourself or your baby; as your first priority is the health and development of your baby. Ending your Fast The way you end your fast is extremely important to your physical and spiritual well-being. When the fast is over, gradually resume your previous diet. Greasy cheeseburger for example would not be the best food selection. Your digestive track has slowed down tremendously and heavy, fatty, sugary foods will cause nausea, pain and overall discomfort. Here are some tips to help end the fast properly: * Break an extended water fast with fruit such as watermelon. * While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices slowly reintroduce solid foods into your diet. You might choose to continue to keep most of the natural foods that you have added into your diet, but whatever you do please do not take away the most important ingredients. An important ingredient – Studying God’s Word! It is important that we spend time studying God’s Word. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is important to mediate, memorize and apply the Word on an everyday basis. Why study God’s Word? ~ Because the Word when spoken has the power to run the enemy away (Matthew 4:1-11). ~ Because the Word when applied will keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11). ~ Because the Word when practiced will guide and instruct us in the ways of God (Psalm 119:105). ~ Because the Word when received in our hearts will help us develop knowledge and understanding of God’s character (Timothy 2:15). ~ Because the Word when obeyed will disciple us in the Lord’s principles, so we begin to look more and more like Jesus (2 Timothy 3:16-17). ~Because the Word when meditated upon will cause us to prosper and have good success (Joshua 1:18) Daniel Fast Prayer Points and Meditation Scripture (s): Each day you should wake up, pray, ask God for understanding of the scripture (s). Then dedicate your thoughts, speech, and actions to receiving each of the daily prayer point. Remember, as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). To be effective you should journal the scriptures you read each day and include any revelations you receive during your study and meditation time. Here are the daily prayer points along with their meditation scripture (s). Day 1: Ask God's mercy upon our nation - Deuteronomy 9:1-3 Day 2: Pray for All Leaders…President, Government, & Spiritual - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV Day 3: Pray to commit to God's Plan For our life – Matthew 6:10 KJV Day 4: Ask God for open doors of favor on our life - Luke 2:52 KJV Day 5: Prayer for God to healing the land - II Chronicles 7:14 KJV Day 6: Ask God for Protection - Psalm 91 KJV Day 7: Declare all things work together for the good – Romans 8:28 KJV Day 8: Ask God for divine connections in 2022: Philippians 2:13 KJV Day 9: Declare that No weapon formed against us shall prosper - Isaiah 54:17 KJV Day10: Declare 2023 Blessed - Deuteronomy 28:6 KJV 10-DAY FASTING COMMITMENT This year, I commit to participate in the New Birth Daniel Fast. My purpose for fasting is: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Specific things I am praying and believing God for during this fast: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Remember to journal the scriptures you read each day and include any revelations you receive during your study and meditation time. MY NEW BIRTH DANIEL FAST 2022 SUCCESS PLAN: I will connect with an accountability partner. Someone who will encourage me when the temptation to quit arises. (Note: This person should be in agreement with your desire to complete the fast and be a spiritually mature enough to encourage you with the word. Ecclesiastes 4:12, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”) My accountability partner for this fast is: ________________________________________________________. I will set aside time every morning from __________am to __________am to praise God, read my Word and spend time in prayer. I will set aside time every evening from ___________pm to ___________pm to praise God, read my Word and spend time in prayer. I will NOT allow the enemy to accuse or shame me should I fall short. I am determined to use this time to draw closer to the Lord. “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayers.” (Ezra 8:23). I believe God is the only one who can answer my prayer, and that fasting will draw me closer to Him. Therefore, everyday God will freely give me the strength and grace I need to commit myself to the above fast. Signed: _______________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________