The Daniel Fast

Today's Blog will act more as an instructional writing for those of us who are setting aside January 8-28, 2012 for a time of fasting and prayer.  Today, I will deal more specifically, with the aspects of a "Daniel fast" as promised in previous posts.

 The Daniel fast is a partial fast based of the biblical principle of the prophet Daniel's fast found in Daniel 1.

Daniel 1 says that King Nebuchadnezzar instructed the palace officials to seek out some of the strong, healthy and good looking men who were well learned, who were to be poised to serve in the palace. They were to be taught the language and culture of Babylon, and they would be assigned a daily course of the Kings "best food" to include meat and wine.  But Scripture tells that Daniel  "made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king."(v.8)  Though the official had great respect for Daniel for taking such a stand, he was concerned, since the King's word was clear and his goal was to "grow" the strongest and healthiest men possible.

 Daniel pressed on telling the palace official to "...test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said.  "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet."  So the attendant agreed...” (vv. 12-14)  Miraculously, at the end of the time allotted, Daniel and his three friends actually looked healthier and better nourished than the men who had eaten the best food from the King's kitchen!

The end result of Daniel's stand was "God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for learning the literature and science of the time. And God gave Daniel special ability in understanding the meanings of visions and dreams.  When the three-year training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief official brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar.  The king talked with each of them, and none of them impressed him as much as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego...and in all matters requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, the king found the advice of these young men to be ten times better than that of all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom." (vv. 17-20).

Unlike a total food fast, the" Daniel Fast" is a biblically based partial fast.  As we read in Daniel 1, the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:

1. Only fruits and vegetables

2. Only water for a beverage

Then in Daniel 10, we read that the Prophet ate no meat, precious breads or foods and he drank no wine (more specifically, juice). So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:

3. No sweeteners and no breads

Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast.  So that's why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast.  So, we conclude that neither artificial or processed foods, nor any chemicals are allowed on the Daniel Fast (most grocery stores now have "organic food" sections).

The key with this fast as, with any other, is to not simply "fast" as a means of "showing God how committed you are". But rather to set aside special time for prayer and reading God's Word.  In fact, in my time of fasting, I also commit to non-food items during this fast, to ensure a more concentrated time alone with God.  For example, you may speak with your family about fasting television (before you click "exit" on this page and turn your T.V. up louder...hear me out!)

The average family watches a collective 5-8 hrs. of T.V daily. That is in excess of 50 hrs. per week in some cases!  Imagine what your spiritual connection would be to the Lord, if you spent that time in prayer and studying HIS Word! 

Here's my challenge (and let me warn you, this is not for the faint at heart!)  Try the 21-day Daniel fast with your family, with the added T.V. fast, and be amazed at how your life is transformed!  In fact, some of you who have fasted before may want to consider a total food fast, with only liquids for 21 days.  It is my opinion, however, that anyone wishing to consider such a fast, should speak to a Physician to ensure that he/she has no unseen medical issues, before doing so. (By the way...being "addicted" to Coca-Cola and chocolate does NOT constitute a "medical issue", lol!)

This 21-day fast is your opportunity to alter (or might I say "altar") your marriage, your children, your home, and yourself!  Remember, the palace official was facing a sure beheading for going against the orders of King Nebuchadnezzar.  In much the same way, this fast goes against the grain of your mortal flesh.  But, it is worth the effort to see Jesus high and lifted up...to see HIM, to hear from HIM, to sense HIM like never before!

In Passionate Pursuit,

Marc

Do it anyway!

This blog includes some excerpts from my nearly completed book:

“’Do it anyway…Sounds like the title to a great country song, Huh?  Well, that’s because it is an excerpt from a Martina McBride song, entitled, “Anyway”.  The premise of the song is much like that of The Paradoxical Commandments, written by Dr. Kent Keith ( http://www.paradoxicalcommandments.com/)

The true, yet harsh reality is that the “religious” crowd can be the most condescending and critical of all people groups.  It’s a little too ironic that the very people who should be encouraging you to become passionate, to fast, to serve, and reach the unchurched community, are the very ones who say “you can’t do this or that…”, or “You are just doing that to get a name for yourself”. 

To which I say…”Dare to dream, build, think big, do it anyway!’”

The truth is, people will generally doubt authenticity. They say "After all, no one would be so passionate about just reaching people!?"  Well, I must admit, I am that person!  I find more joy in seeing a person, otherwise on his/her way to a Devil’ hell, as God’s pursuit reaches them unaware!  That pumps me up just thinking about it!!!!!

But even still, people tend to think you have some hidden agenda if you have a passion for serving the Lord with your whole heart.  Much like fasting, many find it to be unnecessary (like it used to) since we live in the dispensation of grace (God’s unmerited favor).  Not so, in fact any “work” we do under grace is not to get God or man’s attention on us, but rather to turn our attention to HIM.  You see, serving God is my desired response to HIS grace! 

A corporate fast, though the challenge is made in the open, still should be entered into with much prayer and done in private. Why?  Because "what you fast" is between you and God.  You may want to "agree" with a spouse or accountability partner to fast a certain thing and pray with you about a certain issue. But, the fact that you are fasting is not something you tell everyone you come in contact with, that goes against God's plan.  Though this may seem like an oxymoron for a pastor to say, I am going to say it ‘anyway’,  “flee religiosity”! The truth is, if you serve the Lord, the religious crowd will shoot you down!  But, as Jesus told His disciples, “just shake the dust off your feet”, which is to say, don’t take it personal, and drive on!

Matthew 6:5 says, 

"And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward."

 The reality, is if your passion, your fast, your serving is to have men look at you...that's all you get! But in the contrary, if you want to hear from God, verse 6 states, 

"But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly."

I don't know about you, but I want the "...reward you openly" deal!

Like with Jesus, personal attack may come your way too. To sit across the table and listen to someone attack your character, integrity, and motives, simply breaks your heart! Not for you though…for them!  They represent the same crowd that Jesus often wrestled with in the Pharisaical community.  How did Jesus react to them? By calling them “hypocrites”!  In fact, Jesus said that they were like “whitewashed tombs, on the outside clean, but on the inside full of dead man’s bones”. Harsh words from a loving Savior!  But, even Jesus had very little patience for such absurdity!

You see, when you fast, when you become passionate or serve, know that you will be placing yourself under scrutiny. I was fortunate to have been mentored by some incredible men of God, to include my present pastor, Dr. Rex King.  But to simply assume that all pastors, church members, etc. will embrace your new-found passion, is setting you up for real defeat!  People will like passions will understand. We should pray for the rest to gain or regain that passion.  A fast, is a good start!

Do it anyway!  In light of all the scrutiny, the personal attacks, the murmuring, and even the in-your-face bashing, Be passionate anyway!  Fast anyway!  Pray fervently anyway! Serve anyway!  Reach out anyway!  Love your enemies anyway!  Get involved anyway!  I promise you, it is worth it!

 Regardless of the venue in which I have spoken; whether a funeral, a wedding, a youth meeting, a conference, or in a third-world country, I try to decrease in me and increase in HIM. Fasting is the vehicle to do just that.  I have been privileged to see thousands of people come to Christ…why?  Because I have given them the opportunity to know the greatest hope, the greatest love, the only answer to all the world’s problems, the person of Jesus Christ!  It is never me…only HIM!

But it is however, my choice to choose to “do it anyway”!  Will you?

In Christ, I’m doing it anyway!

Marc

Are You a Passionless Christian?

Do you ever wander what happened to your passion?  Do you wish you could reclaim that passion you had the day Jesus reached down from heaven’s throne and deposited life into your bankrupt soul?  Are you that Christian that has simply become cynical over years of hurt, letdowns, and loss?

It may be time to fast! Though I will not elaborate on the principles involved in a fast in this blog(whether alone or corporately), let me first admit that I have not always “believed” in fasting.  When I went to Bible college and then to Seminary, I was instructed by some great Theological minds.  But one man in particular stands out (he will remain nameless).  This gentleman was actually a student of the great Theologian, Dr. Charles Ryrie!  So, needless to say, this professor “had me a good morning class”!  The issue of fasting came up and he proceeded to explain that “God was not impressed by one’s fasting” and that “fasting was something of old, done in accordance with the sacrificial system” where one would “show” his/her obedience to the Lord.  But today, fasting was simply unnecessary. 

For me, it was a breath of fresh air, since the thought of depriving myself of food or other “essentials” did not excite me.  But there was a problem.  While finishing my graduate work in Seminary,  and quickly approaching finals, while simultaneously preparing for RUSH Weekend, the biggest weekend in my ministry,  I lost my passion.  Here I was physically worn out, mentally overwhelmed, and spiritually drained to a point of becoming passionless…what was I to do?  After all, I would be leading the RUSH Weekend conference and speaking in the final session…literally hundreds of souls hung in the balance.  So I cried out to God…

In the short of it, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to fast.  Surely this can’t be!  Does HE not know what I’m up against?  I will need rest, plenty of nutrition, etc., to be on my “A-Game”!   I pressed on in prayer…maybe HE was speaking to someone else, and I (being so sensitive to HIS voice) overheard his or her conversation!?  HE said it again…”I want you to fast, get in my word, and pray!” No more guidance, just fast!  I must admit, I was still reluctant, but despite my doubt, I committed to a fast!

Without going line-by-line of the intricacies of the actual fast, I must say I heard God; I saw God; I felt God; And I became hypersensitive to HIS direction.  In fact, God spoke to me in prayer one night and cleared up what the professor had spoken into my life.  God told me that the professor was right…my fasting did not impress HIM one iota!  BUT… by fasting, depriving myself of day-to-day essentials like food, a part of me decreased, so that HE could increase in me.  The result of which was a sweeter anointing, a more sensitive spirit, a clearer vision, a more focused mind, and perhaps most of all, more of HIM in me!  The fast was not to impress God, but rather to sharpen my passion!  Needless to say, I passed my finals with all “A’s” and had an amazing RUSH Weekend!  To God be the glory!

You see, God took a passionless pastor and rekindle a lively hope with me. And the funny thing is, if I never fasted since (which I have and do as often as God leads), I would still retain the passion and the life lesson from that day nearly four years ago! 

As a child of God, your passion is incredibly important!  Your passion or lack of it, is what others see in you.  I you lack passion, non-Christians will wonder why they should desire God in their life…after all, you are no different that they.  BUT, if you have passion, it becomes a beacon of hope; a magnet of sorts, drawing people to the cross; a catalyst by which others come to know the person behind your passion,  Jesus Christ!

Will you join me and others around the world on January 8-28, 2012 for a corporate fast, as we pray for passion back in our churches, our government, our pastors, our marriages, and specifically in our lives!  Stay tuned for more details...

Passionately Yours!

Marc

Time to get serious?

The reason for the "question mark" at the end of the title, verses a period or exclamation mark, is to force me the writer and you  the reader to answer this poignant question.  When do we settle in with absolute certainty, that "it is in fact, time to get down to business!"?  The short answer for me is "right now!"

As I take a survey of my life, I realize that I have had some incredibly BIG dreams.  I have pondered over some amazing ideas, without ever embarking on them.  How many unclaimed blessings will we see in heaven that could have been ours, yet we did not dare to believe?  My challenge to anyone listening (or reading) is, dare to dream, but furthermore, dare to believe!

Belief in something constitutes a change of direction in one's action.  For example, if I dream of a great ministry endeavor, but do not believe God can and will perform it, I will simply remain in a place of idle fantasy. BUT, in contrast, if I believe God for such a manifestation of ministry greatness, I will begin to take steps toward such a dream!  Will you dare to get serious with your way of thinking...I will!

God has taken me to a specific passage in Philippians time and again.  In chapter 1, verse 6, the Apostle Paul writes, "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".  In short, anything "in me" that is good has been placed there by God (Phil. 2:13) and if He placed it there, and He will "perform it", what's the hold up?

 It is time to get serious!  Serious with expecting God to do what He has said He will do; Serious to believe God for greater things; And serious to cease the fantasizing about ministry and personal breakthrough!  After all "a plan without a plan of action is a fantasy", let's put action to our plan...let's get serious!

"To know him is to trust him, to trust him is to obey him, to obey him is to be blessed by him, and to be blessed by him, is to be like him." (excerpt by Adrian Rogers)

Get Serious-

marc