Dear Family and Friends of Live Well Church:
It is with great excitement and expectation that we announce our 21-Day corporate fast from January 4, 2018 through January 25, 2018. Our theme at Live Well Church this year is “Moving Forward in Christ” Philippians 3:13-14. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
We are entering in this fast in short to; move forward in ways we have yet to- through Christ, be obedient to the Word of God , to decrease our fleshly responses and increase God’s power operating in our lives, and to break every addiction that has hindered God’ s promises in our lives. Our power scripture is Mark 9:29, “And he said to them, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Jesus let us know that fasting and prayer can bring deliverance. This “kind” refers to all sorts of dysfunctional behavior including; addiction to food, meanness, procrastination, shame, lack of forgiveness, or insecurity to name a few. Whatever it may be, if it diminishes your quality of life and your relationship with God, prayer and fasting is needed to walk in the fullness of God’s promises for your life. The following is some additional information on fasting:
Biblical Examples of Fasting and God’s Purpose
Protection
Ezra the priest fasted for God's protection while carrying valuable things for God's temple. We too can fast for God's protection. (Ezra 8:21-23)
Daniel the prophet fasted for the fulfillment of God's promises, and received mighty revelations from God. (Daniel 10:3).
Power
Jesus fasted and spoke the Word of God to overcome Satan (See Matthew 4:1-10; Luke 4:1-13).
Jesus fasted to begin his public ministry, and have the power of God and the anointing. (Luke 4:14).
To Hear From God
Elijah needed to fast 40 days before he heard God's voice again. (1 Kings 19:8)
Moses fasted to receive the Ten Commandments and the Law of God, and to see God's glory and goodness.
The elders, prophets and teachers in Antioch fasted and ministered to God, which resulted in the launching of Paul and Barnabas' apostolic ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2,3). Likewise we should fast and pray before getting involved in full time ministry and mission work. (Christian-faith.com)
Why Should You Fast?
- Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
- Do you struggle with dysfunctional behaviors such as over eating, procrastination, constant conflict with your partner or spouse, lack of exercise and over spending?
- Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
- Are you in need of a fresh encounter? Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
- Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
- Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
- Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
- Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?
ABOUT THE FAST
Live Well Fast (Inspired by the Daniel Fast)
- Abstain from eating for the prescribed period of the day* (Also see doctor advised Fast restrictions below)
- Eat no meat, no sweets (sugar) and no bread, white rice or white flour based (wheat) products i.e.-pasta.
- You may drink water, unsweetened herbal tea, throughout the day.
- Eat fruits and vegetables, chicken and fish after conclusion of your fasting for the day.
- We will also commit to exercise at least 15 minutes 3x a week.
- Additionally I am asking that you abstain from any unnecessary television, internet/computer programming and secular music throughout the day while fasting.
- Please consecrate yourself during this time of fasting, "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 20:7).
Practical Application:
Exercise 3x a Week (Example: Word and Workout Exercise on Wednesday, and 2 more days on the treadmill or Fitness Doctor session.
Meal Planning:
Breakfast can be eaten before 6:00 AM but should follow the above guidelines of food choices-(no bread, sweets, meat etc.)
Sample Breakfast (s):
- Oatmeal, banana, green tea.
- Protein Smoothie
- Unsweetened gluten free (no wheat) cereal w/ fruit and rice milk/ rice yogurt
Sample Snack (s)
- Hummus with cucumber slices
- Fruit and nuts
Sample Dinner (s):
- Fish, vegetables, whole grain pasta
- Baked Chicken and Sweet potato
- Mixed Vegetables, and beans w/brown rice
- Salad with grilled chicken
- Butternut Squash, Vegetable or Bean Soup
Sample Dessert (s):
- Fruit Salad (grapefruit, green apples,
- Fresh Berries
Eating after the fast:
After the daily fast you should maintain the no sweets, bread, processed foods white foods, meats, requirement of the fast.
Times to fast:
Within this 21 day fast-we will fast from 6:00AM-6:00 PM. Please consult with a physician before participating especially if you have health issues.
Please commit to this time frame (6am-6pm)for the ENTIRE 21 Days of the fast.
Acceptable Modified Times of Fasting
6:00 AM- 12 NOON
6:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
*Doctor Advised Fast Restrictions:
If you are unable to participate in a non-food fast for any portion of the hours listed below, due to your doctor’s advisement, please do participate in the fast by abstaining from sweets or other sugar laden foods or drinks(soda)
Over the next couple of weeks we will share additional scriptures on fasting for your edification. We believe that the promises of God are true and look forward to the manifestation of His Word in each of your lives!
In His Service,
Pastor Kahlil Carmichael
WHAT YOUR PLATE SHOULD LOOK LIKE
The Daniel Plan focuses on the core food groups of healthy carbs, healthy fats, healthy protein, healing spices, drinks, and super foods. And The Daniel Plan gives an easy guideline to use for any meal:
- 50 percent non-starchy veggies
- 25 percent healthy animal or vegetable proteins
- 25 percent healthy starch or whole grains
- Side of low-glycemic (low sugar) fruit
- Drink—water or herbal ice teas with
*Taken from The Daniel Plan
THE DANIEL PLAN GOOD FOODS LIST
Food glorious food. Eating is simply one of life’s greatest pleasures. Stocking your pantry and refrigerator with healthy choices is a practical first step in your journey to better health. Understanding what portions and servings are is important to developing healthy eating habits for a lifetime. Use The Daniel Plan Plate as a guideline for every meal:
50 Percent Non-Starchy Vegetables
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers (yellow, green, red, orange)
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard greens
- Cucumbers
- Fennel
- Green beans
- Jicama
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lemons
- Lettuce
- Limes
- Mesclun
- Kale
- Mushrooms
- Mustard greens
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Snap peas
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Tomatoes
- Watercress
- Zucchini
- Onions
- Dandelion Greens
- Okra
- Radish
- Sea Vegetables
- Egg Plant
- Spinach
25 Percent Lean Proteins: Healthy Animal Protein OR Vegetarian Protein
Meats & Seafood options (Wild or Grass-Fed, Hormone and Antibiotic-Free if possible)
- Cheese (hard cheese: Parmesan or extra-sharp) (1-2 tablespoons)
- Nut butters
- Quinoa
- Whole Eggs, preferably omega-3
- Tofu(organic)
25 Percent Whole Grains or Starchy Vegetables
(Vegetables with an “*” is to be eaten in moderation when reducing carbohydrates, which are the starchier and sweeter vegetables. If possible, soak seeds, legumes and grains overnight to improve digestion, absorption and assimilation)
Whole & Sprouted Grains:
- Brown rice
- Bulgur (cracked wheat)
- Oats (old fashion or steel cut)
- Organic cornmeal
- Organic corn tortillas
- Millet
- Polenta
- Quinoa
- Sprouted grain bread
- Sprouted grain tortillas
Pastas: (eat sparingly - except shiritaki noodles which can be eaten freely)
- Brown rice
- Black rice
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Shirataki (Look for konjac flour, not yam flour)
Starchy Vegetables:
- Acorn squash*
- Beets*
- Butternut squash*
- Carrots
- Corn*
- Parsnips*
- Pumpkin*
- Spaghetti squash*
- Turnips*
- Winter Squash*
- Yams/sweet potatoes*
Beans/Peas/Lentils:
- Adzuki Beans
- Black beans
- Black-eyed peas
- Fava beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Lentils
- Lima beans
- Navy beans
- Split peas
- White beans
Low Glycemic Fruit
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Berries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Coconut
- Grapes
- Grapefruit
- Green apples
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Prunes
- Tangerines
- Watermelon
Beverages (Avoid beverages with artificial sweeteners or flavorings, food dyes or added sugars. 6-8 ounces)
- Almond milk, unsweetened
- Coconut milk, unsweetened
- Coffee
- Hemp or Chia milk, unsweetened
- Rice milk, unsweetened
- Tea, black
- Tea, green
- Tea, herbal
- Water (64 or more ounces per day)
Healthy Oils (eat sparingly-raw and organic if possible)
- Avocado oil
- Butter (do not buy butter’s that come in a tub)
- Coconut oil (raw, unrefined)
- Coconut butter
- Flaxseed oil
- Extra Virgin Olive oil (not to cook with)
- Walnut oil
Healthy Snacks
- Applesauce, unsweetened (1/2 cup)
- Dark chocolate (70% cacao) (10 – 20 grams, equivalent to 1 -2 squares)
- Dried Fruits: currants, dates, figs, prunes, raisins (sulfite-free, 1 - 2 small pieces)
- Greek yogurt (unsweetened) (8 ounces)
- Guacamole (1/4 cup)
- Hummus (ideally homemade, but if store-bought look for a hummus made with extra virgin olive oil and no preservatives. Lemon should be the only preservative) (1/4 cup)
- Salsa (1/4 cup)
- Tzatziki (1/4 cup)
- Sauerkraut
Natural Sweeteners
- Pure Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon)
- Raw honey (1 teaspoon)
- Whole leaf stevia extract (use sparingly)
- Agave sweetener
Nuts & Seeds (Nuts & seeds make great snacks, but eat in moderation. If possible, soak seeds and nuts overnight to improve digestion, absorption and assimilation)
- Almond butter
- Almonds, raw
- Amaranth
- Brazil Nuts
- Buckwheat
- Cashews
- Chia
- Flax
- Pistachios
- Pumpkin
- Sunflower
- Sesame
- Teff
- Walnuts
Spices, Seasonings & Dressings (eat freely and rotate new spices into your diet often)
- Balsamic vinegar
- Balsamic vinaigrette
- Basil
- Chilies
- Cinnamon
- Cilantro
- Clove
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Curry
- Dill
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Kimchi
- Marinara sauce (organic, low-sugar)
- Marjoram
- Miso
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Raw Cacao
- Rosemary
- Saffron
- Sage
- Thyme
- Turmeric
- Vegan or organic mayonnaise (1-2 tablespoons)
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