Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Daniel Fast Recipes

DANIEL FAST FRIENDLY RECIPES

For those of you who will be doing the "Daniel Fast" during our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, here are a few "Daniel Fast Friendly" recipes I ran across a few years ago when Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas did this corporate fast.

I thought you may find them helpful. Feel free to add your own recipes in the comments section below.

Thick and Creamy Corn-Potato Soup
6 ears corn (cut off the cob)
6 medium-large red potatoes (chopped in 1/2 inch pieces)
6 carrots (finely chopped)
1 medium-large onion (finely chopped)
2 green peppers (finely chopped)
2 bay leaves
3 teaspoons thyme
2 teaspoons marjoram
3 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons pepper
3 32oz. boxes of vegetable broth
Water, as necessary

Put vegetables and spices in a large soup pot. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Add broth and maintain a light boil. Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from heat. Blend 3/4 of the soup mixture in a blender in batches. Put blended soup in a large bowl or container until the blending process is complete. Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add water to thin and obtain the desired consistency. Heat through and serve. Serves 8-10 generously.


Tomato Basil Soup
12 Vine Ripe Tomatoes
1 Package Cherry Tomatoes
2 1/2 Cups Fresh Carrot Juice (or Odwalla available in juice section)
1 Large Ripe Avocado
2 Yellow Onions (chopped)
4 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
5 Stems Fresh Basil
2 Tablespoons Pure Honey
1 Bay Leave
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Cut tomatoes and avocado in quarters and place all ingredients in blender and blend on low speed for one minute. Continue to blend on high for an additional minute until creamy. Pour into large soup bowl or crock pot and cook on medium low for 2 to 3 hours.


Portabello Steaks
6 portabello mushroom caps
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Pure Maple syrup
2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon marjoram

Wash mushrooms and place in a gallon size plastic sealable bag. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Add to the mushrooms and marinate for a few hours. Grill indoors or out until cooked through.

Serve with baked sweet potatoes and grilled squash and asparagus.


Grilled VegetablesToss yellow squash, zucchini, and asparagus with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Salt and Pepper to taste. Grill indoors or out until tender.


Baked Sweet Potatoes
Wash sweet potatoes, prick with a fork several times and place in a 400 degree oven for an hour and a half. Less time may be needed if potatoes are small.


Vegetable Barley Soup
Choose your vegetables. Really, anything can work depending upon your taste.

Some possibilities:
3 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped white onion
3 cups chopped carrots
3 cups chopped green/yellow/red pepper
3 cups thin sliced mushrooms
2 cups chopped roma tomatoes (peeled and seeded)
2 32oz. boxes vegetable broth

Use your favorite spices. Some possibilities: 2 cloves garlic, sea salt to taste, 2 teaspoons marjoram flakes, 2 teaspoons oregano flakes, 1 bay leaf and 1 teaspoon parsley. Pour ¼ cup vegetable broth in a soup pot. Add all of the vegetables and saute them until tender. Add the spices and stir to mix. Add the remaining vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and add 1 cup Natural Whole Grain Barley. Boil for 15-20 minutes until the barley is tender.

Serves 6

For thicker soup, just blend 1/2 of the vegetable mixture (prior to putting in the barley) in a blender. Add it back to the soup pot and then add the barley.


Guacamole
Blend ripe avocados in a food processor with juice from 1 large lime, 2 cloves garlic, 1 roma tomato and a dash of salt. If you like spice, you can add 1/4 of a jalapeno pepper seeded.

Serve on black beans, portobello mushrooms or use as a dip with vegetables.


Baked Apples or Pears
Slice a pear or apple in half. Use a grapefruit spoon to scoop out the seeds and the tough, center portion. Place halves, skin side down, in a glass baking dish. Brush with ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Microwave for 10 minutes or until tender. Serve warm.


The Breaker's Granola
5 cups raw oatmeal
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup slivered raw almonds
1 cup finely chopped cashews
1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup flax seed
1 cup finely chopped dry figs
1 cup finely chopped apricots (unsweetened if possible)
1/4 cup chopped coconut
2 cups unsweetened raisins
2 Tablespoons cinnamon

Mix together in a large bowl. Keep in tightly sealed container such as tupperware in the pantry. To serve cold, soak 1/2 cup granola in unsweetened plain soy milk for a few minutes. To serve warm, you can prepare with water or unsweetened soy milk in the microwave. Use 1 cup liquid to 1/2 cup granola. Warm for a minute on high or more if desired.

Note: Chop the nuts and fruits in a food processor individually and then add them to the oats.


Gazpacho
6 med. tomatoes, quartered
2 large cucumbers
1 small red onion
1 med. zucchini, chopped
3 med. garlic cloves, smashed
1 med. green bell pepper
Chopped fresh herbs: parsley, basil, chives
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin seed
2 cups vegetable stock or tomato juice

1. In food processor, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, zucchini, garlic, and green pepper and process on high until coarsely chopped.

2. Add herbs, lemon juice, oil, salt, cayenne, and cumin. Process a few more burst. Blend in stock or tomato juice.

3. Transfer to large bowl. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Serves 4. Preparation Time:10 minutes.


Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash
Slice squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon as you would a pumpkin. Then completely submerge both halves in boiling water and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the inside is tender to a fork and pulls apart in strands. (It is better to undercook if you are not sure). Remove, drain, and cool with cold water or an ice bath to stop the cooking. Then use a fork to scrape the cooked squash out of its skin, and at the same time, fluff and separate the squash into spaghetti-like strands. Discard the skin. Reheat the squash strands by dipping with a strainer in boiling water just before serving.

You can also bake the spaghetti squash in the oven. Just scoop seeds out as described above and prick outside skin with a fork. Place skin side up in a baking pan with 1 inch water. Bake 45 minutes or until tender in a 400 degree oven. Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes until they can be handled. Scrape with a fork as mentioned above and serve with stir fried sauce.


Stir Fried Sauce
10 Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped coarsely
2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic
2 cups chopped broccoli florets or 1 package baby spinach
2 teaspoons oregano (powdered or flakes)
Sea salt to taste

Saute mushrooms and onion with garlic and oregano. Add tomatoes and other vegetables. Cook until tender and heated through. Toss in a large bowl with spaghetti squash strands.

Serve hot. 6 servings


Brown Rice with Edamame and Vegetables
2 cups brown rice
4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 package frozen, shelled edamame
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced white mushrooms
½ teaspoon cumin
1 clove garlic minced
½ cup chopped green onion

Combine orange juice and water/broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add brown rice and bring back to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove lid to let steam escape and set aside.

While rice is cooking, prepare edamame according to package directions but without salt. Drain in a sieve. Saute garlic, cumin, mushroom and carrot just until tender (do not overcook). Put rice in a large bowl and add the edamame and other vegetables. Top with chopped green onion.

Servings:4-6 entrée size

Serve with orange slices and celery sticks.


Cuban Black Beans & Rice with Tomato Salsa
1 package dried black beans
Vegetable broth (1- 32oz. box)
Chili powder
Chipotle powder
2 cloves garlic

Soak beans overnight in water (cover w/2 inches above beans). Drain and rinse beans. Place beans in sauce pan and add vegetable broth. Add water to cover if needed. Add spices and boil for 1 hour and then simmer until tender (follow package direction if available). Prepare brown rice according to package directions.


SalsaRoma Tomatoes quartered
Lime
Cilantro
Green onion (1 bunch)
Chili powder
Cumin
Garlic

In a food processor, chop tomato, cilantro, green onion with chili powder, garlic, cumin and lime juice by pulsing the blade several times to desired texture. We prefer chunky.

Place rice on individual dishes and top with beans and salsa.

Serves: 6 entrée size

Serve with sliced mango and papaya and lime juice.


Toasted Nut Snack
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Place raw walnuts, almonds, cashews or other desired nuts on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly browned. Cool completely and mix in a bowl with unsweetened raisins.

Keep this on the counter for a quick snack.


Honey and Oat Cereal
Prepare Oatmeal with Soy Milk or Water. Sweeten with Honey and a dash of cinnamon.

CrossFit: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

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CROSSFIT 2013
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
January 6 – January 27

Why 21 DAYS of fasting?

There is life…and then there is living! Are you ready to start living God’s plan for your life?
 

Genesis 1:1 begins, “In the beginning, God…”  

God first is the priority that should rule our lives! In fact, Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”

Fasting is one of the classical spiritual practices that can help us shift our priorities. It helps us put God first in our lives, to hear His voice, receive His guidance and direction, pursue His plans and receive His blessings. Fasting can also serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and breakthrough.  

a2 Church will begin 2013 with 21 days of prayer and fasting. Fasting in January is similar to praying in the morning in order receive God’s direction for the entire day.

We will begin 2013 by giving God the first and “best part” of the New Year, believing that He will respond by blessing our entire year.

Start the New Year off right and discover the rewards of putting God first.  

WHY SHOULD I FAST? 

·  Do you desire a deeper, more intimate relationship with God?
·  Do you want to increase your spiritual sensitivity in regards to the heart of God?
·  Do you need to break free from bondages that are holding you hostage?
·  Do you have a friend or family member that needs to know Christ personally?
·  Do you want to know God’s will for your life?
·  Is there a dream inside you that only God can make possible?
·  Are you in need of a healing or a miracle?
·  Do you want to jumpstart your spiritual momentum for the New Year?
·  Do you desire a great awareness of God’s presence in our church and in your life?
·  Are you passionate about seeing a2 Church become more active and effective in the completion of the Great Commission?

HOW TO BEGIN
Set your objective.  Start with a clear goal.  Be specific.  Why are you fasting?

 Do you need spiritual renewal, guidance, physical healing, the restoration of a marriage or your family, grace to handle a difficult situation, a financial breakthrough?  Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Determine a clear object or set of objectives. This will enable you to pray specifically and strategically.

Always include prayer and Bible reading. Check out the Bible Reading Plans available at YouVersion.com and establish daily time in God’s Word throughout this focused period of prayer and fasting.   


PREPARING SPIRITUALLY 

The foundation of prayer and fasting is repentance.  Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart: 

·  Confess every sin the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.  Accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
·  Ask forgiveness from everyone you have hurt or offended. Forgive all of those who have hurt or offended you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). 
·  Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). 
·  Surrender your life fully to the purpose and plan of God (Romans 12:1-2). 
·  Believe that God “rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). 
·  Do not underestimate spiritual opposition.  Satan will usually intensify his efforts when you devote yourself to prayer and fasting (Luke 4). 
·  Develop an accountability partner who will encourage you in your fast. 
·  Keep a journal during your fast.  Write down specific insights God gives you from His Word, promises that you have claimed and answers to prayer that you receive.  


DECIDING WHAT KIND 
The type of fast you go on is between you and God.  Jesus implied that all believers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15).  For Him it was a matter of when believers should fast, not if they should fast.  

Here are some options: 

·       A Normal (Full) Fast – Abstain from food, drink only liquids (water and / or specific juices).

(The best juices are from fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid any liquids containing caffeine, as they will stimulate your appetite and make fasting more difficult.) 

·       The Daniel Fast – Abstain from meats and sweets, drink only water.  (Vegetables and most natural fruits are acceptable.) 

·       Combination Fast – Begin the first three days with a full or normal fast.  Continue by observing the Daniel Fast for the remaining 18 days. 

·       Media Fast – A decision to limit or completely abstain from media – television, gaming, social media, etc. for a specific period of time

 Note:  If you are on medication or have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before beginning a fast. Also, anyone engaging in a prolonged full fast should consult with his or her doctor.  

Deciding on what kind of fast you will observe ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon your fast.  

For “Daniel Fast”
Food Recommendations and Recipes visit the a2 Church Website 
www.a2church.org

IMPORTANT 
For maximum spiritual benefit, it is important that the time normally devoted to eating be given to prayer, Bible study and being alone with God.

Pray often throughout the day. Spend time in Bible Study. Make personal praise and worship a priority.  Spend time in solitude and get away from every distraction possible (television, radio, cell phones, computers, etc.) Keep a journal. The more time you spend alone with God, the more effective and meaningful your fast will be.

CORPORATE PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES
Wednesday Evening Prayer – 6:00 PM
January 9, 16 and 23

Evening of Worship and Healing Prayer   Sunday, January 27, 6 pm 

ADDITIONAL INFO 
Additional information and Daniel Fast friendly recipes available on the a2 Church website @ a2church.org.    

MAKING THE COMMITMENT
1.     My purpose or reason for fasting is: __________ 
2.     I will observe the following kind of fast: __________
3.     I will observe this fast for this period of time: __________
4.     My accountability partner during this fast will be: __________
5.     Why is this the right time for me to fast: __________ 

I believe that God is the only answer to my request and that prayer without fasting is not enough to get an answer to my need.  Therefore, by faith I am fasting because I desperately need God to work in this matter. God being my strength and His grace being my basis, I commit myself to the above fast. 

_____________________________________ Signed / Date

AN IMPORTANT DECISION FOR 2013: READ YOUR BIBLE!

Since it's January 2 and we're on the verge of 21 life-changing days of prayer and fasting beginning this Sunday, January 6, I thought I would challenge you to get off to a better start in 2013. Why not make a decision to read the Bible through in the coming year?

There are several options.

1.) Pick up a copy of the One Year Bible. You'll find several options / translations available in your local bookstore. You can also find a copy of the One Year Bible available on-line by clicking here.

2.) In 2008 I used the One Year plan developed by Christianity.com. I really enjoyed this plan because of the way it's divided up.

The plan is free. Several translations are available. I really enjoy the New Living Translation. Also, after you sign up, they'll keep track of your progress. It's a great way to walk through the Bible during the course of the year. Check it out by clicking here.

3.) You can also check out the on-line one year reading plan provided by YouVersion.com.

What's cool about this plan is that you can download the plan directly to your iPhone, iPod, smart phone or any computer. Once again, after you sign up, they'll track your progress.

You can check out the YouVersion plan by clicking here.

It's only January 2. Prayerfully consider the options. Choose a plan. Get started tonight on a systematic reading plans when it comes to the Word of God. You'll be amazed at how God speaks to you when you take the time to open His Word.