DANIEL’S

FAST

AR E YOU B

R AV E ENO UGH T

O BE L

I KE

DAN I EL ?

Lets Talk Health with Nella Charles

A Biblical Point of

Viewon

YOUTH

BY DEFINITION The Daniel Fast is a Biblically

based partial fast* based on two instances of Daniel's fasting experiences. “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.” ( Daniel 1:12) “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.

AND SO DANIEL’S FAST INCLUDED LOTS OF: RumPorkCheeseEggIce CreamHam BurgersPizza

FRUITS, VEGGIES & WATERFres

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THE IMPORTANCE OF FASTINGIs fasting just about denying oneself food or some other type of pleasure? No. It’s much more!

A fast, without being combined with extra time in the Word and seeking God in prayer is not a true fast.It is a means of cleansing the

heart of distractions and helping us have a more receptive frame of mind to what God wants to do in our life and through our prayers.

OUR YOUTH MUST KNOW THE WORD OF GOD

A clear conception of what God is, and what he requires us to be, will give us humble views of self. He who studies aright the sacred word, will learn that human intellect is not omnipotent; that, without the help which none but God can give, human strength and wisdom are but weakness and ignorance. This is the education so much needed at the present time. In an age like ours, in which iniquity abounds, and God's character and his law are alike regarded with contempt, special care must be taken to teach the youth to study, and to reverence and obey, the divine will as revealed to man. The fear of the Lord is fading from the minds of our youth because of their neglect of Bible study.

CAN THE YOUTH TODAY STAND BRAVE LIKE DANIEL AND THE 3 HEBREW BOYS ? ANSWER= YES! But Daniel purposed in his heart that he

would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

DANIEL’S FAST VS. PORTION OF THE KING’S MEAT

Daniel and the 3 Hebrew Boys All the Children that eat the

portion of the king’s meat

THE MODERN DAY DANIEL FAST (FOOD LIST )

All fruit – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. All vegetables – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. All whole grains – barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa,

millet, and whole wheat. All nuts & seeds – almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts,

peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; unsweetened almond milk. Nut butters are also included.

All legumes – canned or dried; black beans, black eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas.

All quality oils – coconut, grape seed, olive, peanut, sesame, & walnut.

Beverages - distilled water, filtered water, and spring water.

Other – unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk; herbs, spices, salt, unsweetened coconut flakes, seasonings, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, soy products, and tofu.

FOODS TO AVOID ON THE DANIEL FAST

All meat & animal products All dairy products – butter, cheese, eggs, and

milk. All sweeteners – agave nectar, artificial

sweeteners, cane juice, honey, molasses, raw sugar, syrups, stevia, and sugar.

All leavened bread & yeast – baked goods All refined & processed food products –

artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, preservatives, white flour, and white rice.

All deep-fried foods – corn chips, French fries, All solid fats – margarine, shortening, etc. Beverages – carbonated drinks, coffee, energy drinks,

herbal tea, and tea

THESE YOUTH HONORED GOD WITH ALL THEIR HEARTS With Daniel, the fear of the Lord was the

beginning of wisdom. He was placed in a position where temptation was strong. Selfish indulgence, intemperance, and gluttony were the order of each day. Daniel could join in the these corrupting practices ( Like Everyone else ) or he could resist the influences that tended downward. He chose the latter course. He would not even defile himself with the king's meat, or with the wine that he drank. The Lord was pleased with the course that Daniel pursued. He was greatly beloved and honored of Heaven; to him the God of wisdom gave skill in the learning of the Chaldeans, and understanding in all visions and dreams.

WE CAN HAVE THE SAME BLESSING TODAY

If the youth who attend our various educational institutions (Church ) would discard unprofitable amusements and indulgence of appetite, their minds would be clear for the pursuit of knowledge. If they would be firm for the right, and would not associate with those who walk in the paths of sin, like Daniel they would enjoy the favor of God. They would thus gain a moral power that would enable them to remain unmoved when assailed by temptation. It requires a continual struggle to be constantly on the alert to resist evil; but it pays to obtain one victory after another over self and the powers of darkness.

WHY AND WHEN SHOULD WE FAST ?

We should fast when searching out essential truths so our understanding is clear!

We should fast when seeking heavenly wisdom that God has promised! We should fast when seeking God’s direction in making important plans. We should fast when dedicating our talents to God’s service. We should fast when requesting God’s help in crisis. We should fast with contending with demonic oppression. We should fast when seeking God for more laborers for the harvest. We should fast for unity among church members. We should fast when seeking heart cleansing and spiritual renewal. We should fast when seeking to overcome spiritual temptation. We should fast when seeking to develop an appetite for plain food. We should fast when seeking to conquer disease (for a meal or two).

REFERENCES

Daniel Chap 1 {ST, September 18, 1884 par. 10} {ST , September 18, 1884 par. 12} Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 187. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 188. 3 Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 364. 4 Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 134. 5 Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 517,518. Guidelines from: http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com