First, we’re thrilled that you’ve decided to join with our church body to fast during these 21 days that starts on January 3rd – 24th, 2010.
Second, the list of foods we’ve provided is merely a first step to get you thinking about making better food choices. Remember, this fast is about growing your relationship with God. And He’s not as concerned about what is in your stomach as He is about what is in your heart.
Daniel’s decision not to eat the king’s food was an outward symbol of an inward commitment he had made to God. Let your choices over the next three weeks reflect the hunger your have for God’s presence in your life.
Since there is no definitive list of foods for the Daniel Diet, it is truly the spirit of Daniel’s decision that we are imitating over the next 21 days. If there is something that is not specifically listed that you think still qualifies as a ‘food of the king,’ then ask God to reveal to you whether it should be part of your diet over the next few weeks. The details of the fast are between you and God — use this time to focus on Him.
God is certain to bless your life in new and exciting ways during the fast. We encourage you to write down your prayers and the many ways God reveals Himself to you. We can’t wait to see what God is going to do in your life and in the life of our church.
Fasting Guidelines
FOCUS
The fast, as explained in our weekend service, is a spiritual discipline designed to better connect us with God. As a church, we are fasting in order to deepen our relationship with God and to walk in step with His plan and purpose. The best way to do this is to redirect our food source. This is accomplished through substituting our regular food intake with Bible reading, praying and journaling. The overall goal is to experience a genuine hunger for spending time with God.
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The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate some common things from our daily diet, but will have generous options available. We will focus on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. We have included a list of foods to eat and foods to avoid.
If you have any condition which would prohibit 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, other technology, etc.) and fast in that manner for the next 21 days. Remember, the details are not as important as the spirit in which you participate.
*If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast
| Foods to Eat |
| WHOLE GRAINS: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley |
| . |
| LEGUMES: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas |
| . |
| FRUITS: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon |
| . |
| VEGETABLES: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, 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, Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts |
| . |
| LIQUIDS: Water (as much as possible), Unsweetened Soy Milk, Herbal (caffeine free) Tea, Natural Fruit Juice (no added sugar)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (small quantities), Honey |
| Foods to Avoid |
| • Meat, Poultry, Fish • White Rice • Fried Foods • Caffeine, Coffee, Tea (including decaf) • Carbonated Beverages • Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives • Refined Sugar or Sugar Substitutes • White Flour • Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products • All Breads • Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, etc.) |
Worship is one of the core foundations of LifeWay Community Church. Our songs and music connect the local church with God in a greater way.We are a local church committed to extravagantly and passionately expressing our love to our Lord and Savior. God is worthy of our highest and our best.
We believe that God inhabits the praises of His people. We desire to clearly sense and experience God’s presence every time the church gathers. We want to connect intimately with Him and hear His voice so that more of His character and nature can be found in us!
LifeWay Worship, as a whole, is made up of an amazing team of regional worshippers who give of their time and lives to seeing God be magnified!
Life Groups are an opportunity to reach out to others while growing in your walk with the Lord. Life Groups meet once a week in homes, businesses, restaurants, or at the church. The groups change and begin again three times a year, so you have the opportunity to try out different ones. You’ll never fully experience all that LifeWay Community Church has to offer until you connect in a Life Group!
Most of these groups are designed in a 1 ½ – hour format. Connect Today - New friendships are just a Life Group away!
Monday Night Married Couples Life Group
Starts – April 19 | 7 p.m. | Pastor Eli & Kelly’s Home
Join a seven week spring Life Group! This group meets in the comfort of Pastor Eli’s home. We will use a video driven curriculum from marriage expert Mark Gungor. Mark’s candid and comedic approach uses unforgettable illustrations and the power of laughter to teach proven principles that are guaranteed to strengthen any marriage. This group will discuss sessions on: “The Tale of Two Brains”, “Why Does He/She Do That?”, “How to Stay Married and Not Kill Anyone”, must-hear information on “The Number One Key to Incredible Sex”, as well as Mark answering frequently asked questions from couples all over America. Contact: Pastor Eli Hendricks at 850.668.0108, pe@lifewaycc.com.
Thursday Night Living Life Group (Topical discussions on everyday issues)
Starts – April 22 | 7 p.m. | Pastor David & Alana Hartz Home
God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to enjoy life to the fullest. Join on Thursday evening as we discuss a wide variety of topics that will lead you to the life God intended you to have. Contact: Alana Hartz, 850.933.1026, alanar123@hotmail.com
Friday Lunch Men’s Life Group
Starts – April 23 | 12 p.m. | Seminole Winds Restaurant (on North Monroe St.)
Are you looking for a men’s life group? There are some issues and circumstances that we encounter as men that can only be shared and understood by other men. Join us on Fridays for lunch as we meet as a Band of Brothers. Contact: Keith Barousse, 850.591.1067, kbarousse@hotmail.com
Friday Night Singles Coffee Life Group
Starts – April 30 | 7 p.m. | Boarders Bookstore on 1302 Apalachee Pkwy
Join this active group of single adults pursuing God with all their heart, soul, and strength. Our goal is to build one another up in the faith and to help demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us. Join us for coffee with some great people. Contact: Mindy Miller, 850.933.5551
Saturday Morning Sewing Life Group
Starts – April 24 | 10 a.m. | Fellowship Hall at L.W.C.C.
Join this sewing group on Saturday mornings as we endeavor to teach people to sew. We eventually want to evolve into a project-based ministry of sewing to meet the needs of various ministries in our area. If you are not confident about your sewing skills, help abounds! Donations of sewing machines and fabric are accepted. Contact: Treva Denhardt, 850.926.5813
Sunday Night Parenting Life Group – (childcare provide)
Starts – April 25 | 6 p.m. | Fellowship Hall at L.W.C.C.
This group teaches principles for parents of young children. We will look at 20 families that were captured in real-life parenting moments to discuss the proper way to handle situations when they arise. Some of these are funny moments and some are just completely honest moments that every parent can relate to. Contact: Robert & Regina Nance, 850.559.4109