The Daniel Fast for the body, soul and spirit

More Bible Study systems

Ask, Answer and Discuss:
It takes more than reading the Bible to activate its power in your life. So we need to read, but then we need to ponder the Word, and ASK ourselves what God is saying to us. Then we must ANSWER. This can take place using a journal or with another person. And finally, the next step is to DISCUSS the truth that you are learning. Try this system and you will be amazed at the difference the Word can make in your life.

Study Helps: I always have at least one book that I am studying. I have some favorite authors who teach "straight-up Bible," and they impart the truth of God's Word to me. I also listen to teaching CDs and watch Christian television. I have a notebook that I use to take notes, and then I review the notes on my own to help the "information" become "understanding."

One of the most powerful lessons I ever learned . . .
took place when I was trying to gain greater understanding about our make up: we are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body. I wanted to know more of how that relates to my Christian life. It was a simple little exercise, but the revelation was amazing and has given me so much understanding!

The understanding I gained has also helped me so much during the Daniel Fast and when dealing with emotions and circumstances. I encourage you to take a few minutes to draw a little picture. Hopefully you too will gain much insight about yourself and our relation to the Spirit.

Step One: Get a sheet of paper and on the top half, draw three side-by-side stick figures. Under each of stick figures, name them as Spirit, Soul and Body. Now on the top of the paper, write your name. Take a couple minutes and think about this being a "portrait of YOU!" As simple as this is, this little drawing shows you as a spirit, a soul and a body.

Step Two: It is your spirit that is born-again when you accept Christ as your Savior. It's often referred to as the "inner man" or "the new creation." Under the "spirit" figure, write the character qualities of the spirit. You can look up Galatians 5:16-22 and see the nine fruits of the spirit. List them under your "spirit figure."

Step Three: The "soul" is also referred to as "the flesh." It is where our will, emotions and intellect reside. This is the part of us that we surrender to God to be transformed into the ways of Christ. Under the "soul" label, make a list of what comes out of the soul (i.e. anger, pride, jealousy, etc.).

Step Four: The "body" is like a puppet and subject to what the "spirit" or the "soul" cause it to do. The Word says that our body is the "temple of the Holy Spirit." Yet, too often we don't treat our bodies in this esteemed state. Our soul-man feeds it foods that are not good for it or we bring destruction to it.

During the Daniel Fast, we are putting our spirit in charge over our soul and our body. When our soul cries out, "I want that cup of coffee!" or, "I want that hamburger!" out spirit tells our soul to, "Sit down and behave. I am in charge. You can't have everything you want." This authority from our spirit can also take place when resentment, fear or jealousy try to take command in us. Again, we say choose the way of faith. We walk in the spirit as He is in the Spirit. Instead of resentment, we choose forgiveness. Instead of fear, we choose trust in God. Instead of jealousy, we choose thanksgiving. Instead of darkness, we choose His marvelous Light. Instead of death, we choose life.

Study this simple "portrait." Let it minister to you and bring truth to your spirit. And allow it to give you understanding as you continue through this period of prayer and fasting.

How to study the Bible . . .

During your Daniel Fast you will spend time drawing closer to God and studying His Word. You may already be experienced in studying the Bible and have adopted methods that will work for you. But if you are like many who feel a bit lost then it's just them and a Bible, let me offer these tips.

Study Faith: A very powerful study is to get a concordance and look up the Scriptures about "faith." Read and meditate each one and then ask yourself how it applies to you. Consider memorizing at least one of these verses each week.

Enter His Secret Place:
During the Daniel Fast, study and meditate on Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34 and Psalm 91. Don't hurry through the Scriptures. But instead read the verses slowly and ponder them. Write down insights you gain during this time.

Study the Book of John: Use your Daniel Fast time to acquaint yourself with Jesus by getting to know Him from the Book of John. Read it over and over again paying attention to Christ's nature, His love for the Father and His love for you. Keep notes and choose a verse each week to memorize.