- It's amazing how hungry I am not.
- I feel great right now.
- My body is trying to figure out what all this healthy food is.
- I better get more creative in my food fixing. Peas and carrots are not dinner.
- I feel like I can think more clearly and more focussed.
- Going to God is more frequent since you learn the idea of depending on him for all things.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Daniel Fast Day Three
As we begin day three of the fast, I have a few thoughts.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Fast Day One
I thought that periodically during the 21 Day Daniel Fast I would give my thoughts about how I feel or how to pray.
Let me state that I actually do not feel that hungry at 12PM today. I finished my last meal yesterday, a Grilled Chicken Salad and a loaded baked potato around 2:15 yesterday. Usually during Fasts I'm dying right now. I think I have had a lot of time to prepare myself. What I cannot prepare for is the splitting headache I have this morning. Thanks goodness for the church's water. It tastes much better than the water at home or even bottled water. Must be the nitrates:)
I have come to find these verses of great strength:
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Indeed we will lack no good thing.
Let me state that I actually do not feel that hungry at 12PM today. I finished my last meal yesterday, a Grilled Chicken Salad and a loaded baked potato around 2:15 yesterday. Usually during Fasts I'm dying right now. I think I have had a lot of time to prepare myself. What I cannot prepare for is the splitting headache I have this morning. Thanks goodness for the church's water. It tastes much better than the water at home or even bottled water. Must be the nitrates:)
I have come to find these verses of great strength:
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Indeed we will lack no good thing.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Daniel Fast Requirements
A Note from Ken
Important reminder: Be sure to drink as much water as possible throughout the fast. In fact, a good goal is to drink a gallon of water a day! If you would rather fast one day a week for the next 3 weeks, that would be fine. What I am encouraging is a 3 week focus on total dependance upon God. Maybe your focus will be no sweets, coffee, soft drinks, etc during the 21 days. If you feel led to do the whole Daniel fast, then you need to stick to it, and not give up on it.
What about children?
They are under no obligation to join you in the fast.
Do you have questions about specific foods?
First, we're thrilled that you've decided to join with Prairie Springs to fast during the next 21 days!
Second, the list of foods 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 20 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 the Sunday 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. What a great focus during the Easter season to focus on the work of the cross and how that message can be communicated to our communities. 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.
TIMELINE
Sunday, February 24: 24-hour Liquid Fast
We will drink water, natural fruit juice and herbal caffeine-free tea (lunch will be our last meal and we will resume meals at dinner on Monday).
Monday, February 25: Begin the “Daniel Fast”
At dinner, we will begin to introduce meals with pure foods of fruits and vegetables. This plan will continue for the next 20 days.
The Weekend of March 16: Break the Fast
We will come together as a church and end the fast with communion at Prairie Springs Church. After church is the beginning of the Holy Week Experience by going to the downtown with Jesus riding a donkey then praying over the city. Go out to lunch afterwards.
MENU
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.)
Important reminder: Be sure to drink as much water as possible throughout the fast. In fact, a good goal is to drink a gallon of water a day! If you would rather fast one day a week for the next 3 weeks, that would be fine. What I am encouraging is a 3 week focus on total dependance upon God. Maybe your focus will be no sweets, coffee, soft drinks, etc during the 21 days. If you feel led to do the whole Daniel fast, then you need to stick to it, and not give up on it.
What about children?
They are under no obligation to join you in the fast.
Do you have questions about specific foods?
First, we're thrilled that you've decided to join with Prairie Springs to fast during the next 21 days!
Second, the list of foods 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 20 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 the Sunday 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. What a great focus during the Easter season to focus on the work of the cross and how that message can be communicated to our communities. 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.
TIMELINE
Sunday, February 24: 24-hour Liquid Fast
We will drink water, natural fruit juice and herbal caffeine-free tea (lunch will be our last meal and we will resume meals at dinner on Monday).
Monday, February 25: Begin the “Daniel Fast”
At dinner, we will begin to introduce meals with pure foods of fruits and vegetables. This plan will continue for the next 20 days.
The Weekend of March 16: Break the Fast
We will come together as a church and end the fast with communion at Prairie Springs Church. After church is the beginning of the Holy Week Experience by going to the downtown with Jesus riding a donkey then praying over the city. Go out to lunch afterwards.
MENU
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.)
Calling on PSC to Fast
I'm sorry we didn't get to have church yesterday because of the weather. About 7 AM yesterday I went outside just to see how bad it was. I thought I would walk down the driveway to see how slippery it was. After a few steps I knew we would have to cancel. I hate canceling church. Stephanie and I have no idea what to do on a Sunday if there is no church. Many of those that were called were a little upset because we had to cancel. Some of the leaders and the worship team were excited about how great of a service we were going to have.
I hate not preaching too. I'm going to preach the same message I was going to do yesterday, but that is harder than you think for me. I memorize the message (I have no manuscripts)and it will be hard to hang on to it for another week.
So here is a preview. I am preaching on Jesus' section about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. Fasting is an outside the box idea. Many people fast today to get something in return. I have heard preachers talk about fasting so that God might bless you with something like finances or health. A Scriptural concept of fasting is the notion that it is a Spiritual Discipline. It is supposed to be a part of our faith and Jesus spoke as though we actually do it.
I must confess, I don't fast very often. It is an act of sacrifice to God. When you fast, you become dependent upon God to sustain you. It will enhance your spiritual walk with God as you depend upon Him for strength and focus.
So here is the deal church. I am asking Prairie Springs to join me in a 21 Day Fast starting Sunday, Feb 24 until March 16. It will start after lunch on Sunday, where you will do a liquid only fast until Monday evening for dinner. This a partial fast called a Daniel Fast. What this means is over the next 20 days you will eat only fruits and vegetables. The guidelines will be in another post. No meat, dairy, sweets, or any caffeine. This will be a real challenge for me as well as for other caffeine addicts. If you cannot do this type of fast then do a liquid fast one day a week for the next 3 weeks. Maybe your fast will be giving up sweets and caffeine/coffee or soft drinks.
Why are we doing it? What better way to focus upon God and the work of the cross than to do this for the next 3 weeks. We are doing this as an act of worship to God as well as going before Him on behalf of our community and friends that so desperately need Jesus. The last day of the fast is Palm Sunday where the fast will be broken with a celebration of the Lord's Supper. Then we begin "The Holy Week Experience" with the riding of a donkey into Sun Prairie and praying over the city. After that we can all go to lunch.
I pray that you can join myself and many others in this Fast to honor God.
I hate not preaching too. I'm going to preach the same message I was going to do yesterday, but that is harder than you think for me. I memorize the message (I have no manuscripts)and it will be hard to hang on to it for another week.
So here is a preview. I am preaching on Jesus' section about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. Fasting is an outside the box idea. Many people fast today to get something in return. I have heard preachers talk about fasting so that God might bless you with something like finances or health. A Scriptural concept of fasting is the notion that it is a Spiritual Discipline. It is supposed to be a part of our faith and Jesus spoke as though we actually do it.
I must confess, I don't fast very often. It is an act of sacrifice to God. When you fast, you become dependent upon God to sustain you. It will enhance your spiritual walk with God as you depend upon Him for strength and focus.
So here is the deal church. I am asking Prairie Springs to join me in a 21 Day Fast starting Sunday, Feb 24 until March 16. It will start after lunch on Sunday, where you will do a liquid only fast until Monday evening for dinner. This a partial fast called a Daniel Fast. What this means is over the next 20 days you will eat only fruits and vegetables. The guidelines will be in another post. No meat, dairy, sweets, or any caffeine. This will be a real challenge for me as well as for other caffeine addicts. If you cannot do this type of fast then do a liquid fast one day a week for the next 3 weeks. Maybe your fast will be giving up sweets and caffeine/coffee or soft drinks.
Why are we doing it? What better way to focus upon God and the work of the cross than to do this for the next 3 weeks. We are doing this as an act of worship to God as well as going before Him on behalf of our community and friends that so desperately need Jesus. The last day of the fast is Palm Sunday where the fast will be broken with a celebration of the Lord's Supper. Then we begin "The Holy Week Experience" with the riding of a donkey into Sun Prairie and praying over the city. After that we can all go to lunch.
I pray that you can join myself and many others in this Fast to honor God.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Enough already
It is official, we have had enough snow. I hereby declare an end to winter. Sixty inches of snow and counting. If God wants to give me the desires of my heart, I desire that Winter end and Spring begin.
OK so it doesn't work like that. As I prepare to get ready for the annual Pastors and Wives retreat in Green Lake, I realize that every year we go, it snows during the retreat. Quite amazing actually. Maybe it is because it falls around my wife's birthday. She of course is 29 this year, and more beautiful than the day we met in 1986. Wow, we will have been together for 22 years. I'm surprised she hasn't said "enough already." Days like today remind us that this is a far cry from Phoenix, which is where we really wanted to plant a church. Ah, but to be where God wants you is a much better place to be.
But enough snow already.
OK so it doesn't work like that. As I prepare to get ready for the annual Pastors and Wives retreat in Green Lake, I realize that every year we go, it snows during the retreat. Quite amazing actually. Maybe it is because it falls around my wife's birthday. She of course is 29 this year, and more beautiful than the day we met in 1986. Wow, we will have been together for 22 years. I'm surprised she hasn't said "enough already." Days like today remind us that this is a far cry from Phoenix, which is where we really wanted to plant a church. Ah, but to be where God wants you is a much better place to be.
But enough snow already.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Super Bowl Ads
Now that the game is over and the evil empire has been defeated, I was thinking about one of the ads I saw. Many people watch the game just for the ads these days. This Super Bowl was seen by more people in the US than any other show except the finale of MASH. A few ads were simply stupid and some were just the basic formula that beer companies have used for years (the Cavemen is no different than the talking frogs, and variations of this dumbed down mentality).
The talking stain caught my attention. See more here www.talkingstain.com
At first it is like what is going on here? Then I had the idea of Evan Baxter in Bruce Almighty where Bruce is controlling him while Evan is doing the news. This is one of my favorite clips of all time. Makes me laugh every time I see it. Anyway, in the ad, the guy is in for an interview and you keep hearing jibberish while the guy is talking. You then realize that the interviewer is focusing on the stain and not paying any attention to the guy. I think it is very clever.
The funny thing is there are spiritual principles found in the ad. How many times do we know how people behave or see them doing things that are opposed to God, and then later talk about giving God glory for what he has done. Sports figures or musicians do this all the time. They are talking, yet all people are hearing is the stain.
It is easy to blame big name people, but we all do it. We say or do things at work that do not honor God, then we turn around and invite our coworkers to church and wonder why they don't come. They hear the stain. The tagline of the commercial is "silence the stain!" The stain of sin affects all of us. The problem is, some believers still let it talk.
I'm reminded of the hymn "Jesus Paid it All."
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Indeed the stain has been cleansed, but let's live so that others don't see our sin and focus on it instead of the transformed life. In the commercial the kid is clueless to his stain, we shouldn't be clueless to our sin. What we want others to see though is victory over sin.
SILENCE THE STAIN, LET THEM SEE JESUS!
The talking stain caught my attention. See more here www.talkingstain.com
At first it is like what is going on here? Then I had the idea of Evan Baxter in Bruce Almighty where Bruce is controlling him while Evan is doing the news. This is one of my favorite clips of all time. Makes me laugh every time I see it. Anyway, in the ad, the guy is in for an interview and you keep hearing jibberish while the guy is talking. You then realize that the interviewer is focusing on the stain and not paying any attention to the guy. I think it is very clever.
The funny thing is there are spiritual principles found in the ad. How many times do we know how people behave or see them doing things that are opposed to God, and then later talk about giving God glory for what he has done. Sports figures or musicians do this all the time. They are talking, yet all people are hearing is the stain.
It is easy to blame big name people, but we all do it. We say or do things at work that do not honor God, then we turn around and invite our coworkers to church and wonder why they don't come. They hear the stain. The tagline of the commercial is "silence the stain!" The stain of sin affects all of us. The problem is, some believers still let it talk.
I'm reminded of the hymn "Jesus Paid it All."
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Indeed the stain has been cleansed, but let's live so that others don't see our sin and focus on it instead of the transformed life. In the commercial the kid is clueless to his stain, we shouldn't be clueless to our sin. What we want others to see though is victory over sin.
SILENCE THE STAIN, LET THEM SEE JESUS!
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