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On November 25th, Bishop Macedo<\/a><\/span> shared during the Morning Meditation<\/em><\/a><\/span>:<\/p>\n \u201cYou know that in the Garden of Eden<\/strong>, man handed his life over to the devil on a silver platter, this world to the devil. But in the Garden of Gethsemane<\/strong>, Jesus gave His soul<\/strong> so that He could save your soul, so that you could begin a new life\u2014but an eternal life<\/strong>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He then added:<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t forget that in addition to going down to the Garden of Gethsemane<\/strong>, we will be observing the Fast of Daniel<\/strong>, from December 10th to the 31st\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n To learn more, please read \u201cGethsemane: A Place of Revelation.\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Fast of Daniel<\/strong><\/a> is a time for those who wish to draw closer to God<\/strong>. It is based on the purpose outlined by the prophet Daniel, specifically in the biblical book of Daniel, chapters 1 and 10.<\/strong><\/p>\n For three weeks<\/strong>, Daniel fasted to come closer to God<\/strong> and to gain favor, wisdom, and understanding<\/strong> from the Almighty. He refrained from consuming pleasurable foods<\/strong> or anything associated with Babylon<\/strong>, a city symbolizing the sinful spirit of this world.<\/p>\n He found himself in a place that symbolized spiritual impurity, yet he didn\u2019t belong there<\/strong> (neither in terms of mentality, diet, or behavior).<\/p>\n We live in a world that often opposes the Divine mindset. However, we are merely foreigners and exiles<\/strong> until we reach the Kingdom of Heaven<\/strong> (1 Peter 2:11). We are only passing through here.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you desire to live with God for all eternity, why not start living as a citizen of Heaven<\/strong> here on Earth? How can someone claim they wish to reside in the Divine Kingdom if, in the present moment, they live far from that ideal? This inconsistency can be seen as hypocritical.<\/p>\n Salvation in the Lord Jesus is a result of the choices we make<\/strong> during our earthly lives, which determine the fate of our eternal souls\u2014whether in Heaven or face condemnation.<\/p>\n Therefore, the Fast of Daniel<\/strong> serves as a period of self-evaluation<\/strong>, allowing us to reflect on our true spiritual condition, abandon practices and mindsets that are contrary to biblical teachings, and draw closer to God. Ultimately, it is about continuing along the path of sanctification<\/strong>.<\/p>\n To achieve this, we must silence the distractions of the world<\/strong> found in media, social networks, and other noisy environments. In the desert, we hear only the voice of God<\/strong> and our conscience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The main goal of the Fast of Daniel<\/strong> is to receive the Holy Spirit<\/a><\/strong> (or to maintain His presence in our lives, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 6:19). The Word of God reminds us: Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?<\/strong> (Amos 3:3)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Thus, the Holy Spirit resides in those who are submissive to His voice<\/strong> and prioritize Him<\/strong> in their lives above all.<\/p>\n To make room for His presence, we must “clean the house,”<\/strong> be sincere before God<\/strong>, and, if needed, build an altar within ourselves<\/strong>, stone by stone. These 21 days<\/strong><\/a> serve that purpose.<\/p>\n The Fast of Daniel<\/strong> is an opportunity for you to draw closer to God<\/strong>, start afresh<\/strong> in your relationship with Him, or strengthen the relationship<\/strong> you already have with Him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022 For 21 days<\/a>, abstain from secular entertainment, secular music, and news<\/strong> (unless it is work-related). These distractions can steer you away from your purpose, which is to heed God\u2019s voice<\/strong>. Like Daniel, who refrained from indulging in delicacies and the Babylonian mentality, you will abstain from consuming content that pleases the flesh and aligns with a worldly mindset.<\/p>\n \u2022 Replace those activities with actions that nurture your spiritual growth.<\/strong> Connect with God through prayer<\/strong>, read the Bible<\/a> more<\/strong>, and seek out Christian content that nourishes your faith<\/strong>. During December, we are meditating on the Book of Isaiah 31-66.<\/p>\n \u2022 Participate in as many days as possible of church services.<\/strong> The Universal Church is open daily with services every day. You may text 1-888-312-4141<\/strong> for more information.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Connect with God by reading and meditating on the Bible<\/strong> more often. In addition, consider reading a blog or a book that nurtures your faith while reflecting on the Bible references mentioned there.<\/p>\n Some Suggestions:<\/p>\n \u2022 Bishop Macedo\u2019s Blog<\/a><\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n \u2022 You may join Bishop Bira Joshua\u2019s Official Telegram Channel<\/strong> <\/a><\/span>for daily video messages and prayers of faith.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Univer Video<\/strong><\/a><\/span> platform offers a variety of media content of faith, which aligns with your purpose during the Fast of Daniel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u2022 On ULFN<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, we recommend viewing any of the following:<\/p>\n \u2022 Showdown of Faith<\/a> During this fast, you may watch films, series, and documentaries that promote a closer relationship with God. However, be careful to spend only some of your time watching videos.<\/p>\n Do not occupy all your time watching videos <\/strong>or listening to Christian music. The goal of this fast is for you to build a stronger relationship with God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While the prophet Daniel observed dietary restrictions, we must not forget the primary goal of his actions: seeking communion with God<\/strong> and detaching from worldly distractions<\/strong>. More than a physical fast, it was a spiritual fast<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Do not get caught up in mere “rituals.”<\/strong> It is essential to grasp the true meaning of this purpose.<\/p>\n In today\u2019s world, where “information” is so valuable that we spend money and time to acquire it, can we not consider it a form of “food” for our souls? Thus, an “information fast” can be seen as a legitimate type of fasting.<\/p>\n The goal is to nourish your soul with God’s Word and Spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Fast of Daniel<\/strong><\/a> will begin on Wednesday<\/a><\/span>, December 10th<\/strong>, and will be completed on the New Year\u2019s Eve Night Vigil, December 31st<\/strong>.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The Universal Church is open every day. In addition to the Sunday<\/a><\/span> service at 10 AM<\/strong>, there are special meetings every Wednesday at 10 AM, 4 PM, and 7 PM<\/strong>. These meetings are designed to strengthen our spiritual lives and seek the Holy Spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone is welcome<\/strong>, regardless of religious beliefs or background. <\/span>Come as you are. <\/span><\/strong>For more information, please call\u00a01-888-332-4141<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>or text\u00a01-888-312-4141<\/strong>.<\/p>\n What Is the Fast of Daniel?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Why Participate in the Fast of Daniel?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What Is the Objective?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nHow can the Holy Spirit dwell within us if we do not align ourselves with Him?<\/p>\nStep-by-Step Guide for the Fast of Daniel<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Suggested Readings<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Bishop Bira Joshua\u2019s Blog<\/a><\/span><\/strong>
\n\u2022 Book: In the Footsteps of Jesus<\/em><\/a><\/span>
\n\u2022 Book: The Holy Spirit<\/em><\/a><\/span>
\n\u2022 Book: Here I Am, Lord!<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/em>\u2022 Book: George M\u00fcller: An Example of Faith and Trust<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/em>\u2022 Book: The Secrets and Mysteries of the Soul<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/em>\u2022 Book: The World Will Burn<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/em><\/p>\nSuggested Viewing<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n<\/span><\/em>\u2022 Psalms in Concert<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/em>\u2022 The Unseen Enemy<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/em>\u2022 The Spiritual Journey<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/em>\u2022 Ask the Pastor<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\nIs the Fast of Daniel a Food Fast?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Fast of Daniel\u201421 Days of Sanctification<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nIf you live in a city without one of our locations<\/strong> or cannot commute due to health reasons<\/strong>, we invite you to join our\u00a0<\/span>Virtual Church<\/strong><\/a><\/span> via Zoom and phone conference<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n