Living As A New Person (Pt 4)

Pastor Ollie Bolden
“Living As A New Person (Pt 4)“
Ephesians 5

January 4, 2026


Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that allows us to deny the flesh, sharpen our focus, and deepen our relationship with God. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT):
"When you fast...your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Prayer and fasting are not just acts of devotion but acts of surrender, where we humble ourselves before God, seek His face, and position ourselves to receive clarity, direction, and breakthroughs.

The purpose of this fast is to:
Seek God's guidance and wisdom for 2026.
Strengthen our spiritual endurance and discipline.
Experience personal and corporate revival.
Break spiritual strongholds and barriers.
Walk in boldness, perseverance, and alignment with God's will.
Pray for our nation, families, leaders, finances, revival and other areas that the Lord leads.

The benefits of fasting and prayer are undeniable:
Deeper intimacy with God.
Spiritual breakthroughs and deliverance.
Increased clarity and direction.
Strengthened spiritual discipline.
Physical and emotional renewal.
Yieldness and surrender to God.

Details of the Daniel Fast:
The Daniel Fast is based on the biblical account of Daniel 1:12 and Daniel 10:2-3, where Daniel abstained from rich foods, meat, and wine, choosing instead to eat simple, plant-based meals.

Spiritual Practices to Prioritize:
Daily prayer and devotion time
Reading and meditating on God's Word
Worship and reflection
Journaling insights and revelation

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-Foods to Eat During the Daniel Fast:
Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned without additives)
Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats)
Nuts and seeds (unsalted, raw)
Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Plant-based oils (olive, avocado, coconut)
Water and natural juices (unsweetened)

Acceptable Alternatives for the Daniel's Fast
Sweeteners: Dates, date paste, bananas or fruit purée
Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley
Protein: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts, seeds
Beverages: Water, herbal teas, natural fruit-infused water; Unsweetened Almond or Coconut Milk
Oils: Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil (use sparingly)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-Foods to Avoid on the Daniel Fast Meat and Animal Products:
Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, turkey, fish, and seafood, Eggs
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream)

Sweeteners and Added Sugars:
White sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar
Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar
Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose, stevia)
Desserts, candies, pastries

Refined and Processed Foods:
White flour (e.g., bread, pasta, pastries made from refined flour)
White rice
Pre-packaged snacks and meals
Fast food or junk food
Chips, crackers, pretzels (unless whole grain and unsalted)
All types of bread made with yeast or baking powder

Fried Foods:
• French fries, fried chicken, fried fish, fried vegetables

Caffeinated Beverages:
Coffee (regular or decaf)
Black tea
Energy drinks
Soft drinks and soda

Alcoholic Beverages:
Wine, beer, spirits, and all alcohol

Solid Fats:
Butter, lard, margarine, shortening
Foods high in saturated and trans fats

Beverages to Avoid:
Soda and sugary drinks
Juices with added sugars
Sweetened teas

Highly Processed Condiments:
Ketchup, mustard (with additives and sugars)
Mayonnaise
Barbecue sauce
Store-bought salad dressings

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reflection Scriptures for Fasting and Consecration:
James 4:8 (ESV)
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Fasting is about humbling ourselves before God (Ezra 8:21).
Fasting helps us focus our hearts on God's will and purpose (Isaiah 58:6).
Consecration involves setting ourselves apart for God's use (Leviticus 20:7).
Fasting is often paired with seeking God's direction and clarity (Acts 13:2-3).
Fasting strengthens our spiritual discipline and reliance on God (Matthew 6:16-18).

Isaiah 58:6

Matthew 6:16-18

2 Chronicles 20:3-4

Acts 13:2-3