{"id":341264,"date":"2024-07-10T16:07:28","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T20:07:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/?p=341264"},"modified":"2024-07-14T13:58:26","modified_gmt":"2024-07-14T17:58:26","slug":"the-fast-of-daniel-for-the-holy-spirit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/post\/the-fast-of-daniel-for-the-holy-spirit\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fast of Daniel for the Holy Spirit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">From July 11th to the 31st, <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span> will hold the <strong>Fast of Daniel <\/strong>worldwide. The closing date coincides with the 10th\u00a0<\/span>anniversary of <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.otemplodesalomao.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Temple of Solomon<\/a><\/span> in Brazil. <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In biblical times, people came from all over to worship God in Jerusalem, in the Temple, and the same will happen during this period. People from many nations will gather at this holy house of prayer to seek and worship the Most High and pray for the nations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What Is the Fast of Daniel<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The inspiration for the <strong>Fast of Daniel<\/strong> comes from the biblical story of the prophet Daniel, who was taken captive with the people of Jerusalem to Babylon. He was a young man who had <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">a true<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> relationship with God and, therefore, decided not to get involved with the idolatry and customs of Babylon (Daniel 1:12-13).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sometime later, he fasted for 21 days, seeking a spiritual answer from God, and the Lord answered him. Nowadays, the \u201cfood\u201d of this world is information: we learn about the news that surrounds the world, the music of the moment, the trending <\/span>topics<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> on social networks, ideologies, opinions, and other subjects unrelated to God. Our minds are constantly &#8220;bombarded.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Fast of Daniel is a time to separate ourselves from <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the thoughts that are contrary to the Lord Jesus and His Word\u2014and, thus, return to the Word of God. So, during the Fast of Daniel, we will feed our souls with everything from the Holy Spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Participate in the Fast of Daniel<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For 21 days, we will abstain from secular entertainment, music, and news or information. As Daniel did not eat from the delicacies, we will avoid consuming what secular television, the internet, and social media have to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">During the 21 days, we will pray, meditate on the Bible, read books of faith, and watch Christian content that feeds our spirit. We will avoid social media.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In the case of work, we advise you to connect to the internet, news, and social networks to perform your job duties and avoid it during your free time. But have your mind always connected to the Holy Spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What Should I Do During This Time?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Empty your mind and heart from all you have used to bring you <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">some<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> temporary comfort or relaxation and fill yourself with the Word of God and His Spirit, a source of unshakeable comfort and eternal peace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Meditate in the Word of God, pray, analyze yourself, and put it into practice in your daily life. Please see below the suggested Bible reading plan for July:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-341267\" src=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/photo_2024-07-02_12-01-16-1024x791.jpg\" alt=\"July 2024 Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians, one chapter a day\" width=\"720\" height=\"556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/photo_2024-07-02_12-01-16-1024x791.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/photo_2024-07-02_12-01-16-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/photo_2024-07-02_12-01-16-768x593.jpg 768w, https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/photo_2024-07-02_12-01-16-318x246.jpg 318w, https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/07\/photo_2024-07-02_12-01-16.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Participate in as many days possible of church services. <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span> is open daily with services from Monday to Friday at 10 AM, 4 PM, and 7 PM, Saturdays at 8 AM, and Sundays at 10 AM. Time may vary for each location. You may text 1-888-312-4141 for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Share the love of God with those around you with your decisions, actions, and reactions. The Fast of Daniel is very personal, so avoid pressuring family and friends to fast along with you.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Books and Videos That Strengthen Faith<\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We recommend to read books of faith that will open your understanding. We suggest the following from our collection:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/arcacenter.com.br\/media\/digitalhub\/ebook_attachment\/In_the_footsteps_of_Jesus_-_Bishop_Edir_Macedo.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">In the Footsteps of Jesus<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em>\u2022 <a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/arcacenter.com.br\/media\/digitalhub\/ebook_attachment\/The_Holy_Spirit_-_Bishop_Edir_Macedo.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Holy Spirit<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em>\u2022 <a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/post\/the-secrets-and-mysteries-of-the-soul\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Secrets and Mysteries of the Soul<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><em>\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/post\/the-pleasure-of-revenge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Pleasure of Revenge<\/a><\/span><\/em> (now available at each location of <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span>)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Those participating in the Fast of Daniel may watch videos that strengthen their faith and help them draw near God. Select movies, documentaries, and videos that have a message of faith based on God\u2019s Word and that allow you to maintain the focus on receiving the Holy Spirit. We recommend several spiritual videos available on <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/watch.ulfn.org\/browse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ULFN<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, be careful to spend only<strong> some<\/strong> of your time watching these videos. Do not occupy all your time watching videos or listening to Christian music. The goal of this fast is for you to build a stronger relationship with God, abandon the old life and behaviors that displease Him, and be sincere in prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What Should I Eat?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Although this Fast of Daniel <strong>is not<\/strong> from food but entertainment, you may also fast from some foods that please you or decide to eat healthier foods. You may eat healthier portions and drink more water instead of sugary sodas during the fast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A Time of Sanctification<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The prevailing mentality of the world today has been to drift away from God and the principles shared in His Word. The Fast of Daniel goes against this current and helps the person return to being in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), filled with the Holy Spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Join Bishop Joshua on the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/post\/the-journey-of-faith-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Journey of Faith<\/a><\/strong> prayer on <strong>July 11th at 10:30 PM CT \/ 11:30 PM ET<\/strong> to begin the Fast of Daniel for the Holy Spirit. Connect on <\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/watch.ulfn.org\/featured-category\/videos\/24-7-stream-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ULFN<\/a>, <a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@BiraFonseca\/streams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">,<\/span> and <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BishopBiraFonseca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Facebook<\/span><\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. For a list of TV channels, please visit <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/ulfn.org\/listings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">ulfn.org\/listings<\/span><\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Call <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"tel:18883324141\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1-888-332-4141<\/a><\/span>, text 1-888-312-4141, or visit <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span> for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From July 11th to the 31st, The Universal Church will hold the Fast of Daniel worldwide. The closing date coincides with the 10th\u00a0anniversary of the Temple of Solomon in Brazil. In biblical times, people came from all over to worship God in Jerusalem, in the Temple, and the same will happen during this period. People [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":248,"featured_media":341293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[323,12],"tags":[6214,6173,6121],"site":[],"class_list":["post-341264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-school-of-faith","category-fast-of-daniel","tag-21-days","tag-fast-of-daniel","tag-the-holy-spirit"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/248"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=341264"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":341294,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341264\/revisions\/341294"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/341293"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=341264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=341264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=341264"},{"taxonomy":"site","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/site?post=341264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}