
View on Path

View on Path
STRESS – LESS
Part 1
How to live with LESS– STRESS
Pastor Steve
How To Be At Peace Under Pressure
1. KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
John 8:12. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, `I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness for they have the light of life.'”
2. KNOW WHO YOU’RE TRYING TO PLEASE.
John 5:30 “By Myself I can do nothing. I judge only as I hear and My judgment is just for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me.”
When you don’t know who you’re trying to please, you cave in to three things.
Criticism, because you’re wondering what everybody else is going to think about you.
Competition, because you’re worried whether somebody else is getting ahead of you.
Conflict, because somebody disagrees with you and you don’t know who you’re trying to please so you give into them.
3. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH.
John 8:14. “Jesus answered, `Even if I testify on My own behalf, My testimony is valid. I know where I came from and I know where I’m going.'”
4. FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME.
Luke 4:42 “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for Him and when they came to Him where He was, they tried to keep Him from leaving.” He was going to leave, but they tried to keep Him from leaving. “But He said, `I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also because that’s why I was sent.'” v. 44 “And He kept right on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.”
5. YOU DON’T TRY TO DO IT ALL YOURSELF.
Mark 3:14. “Jesus went up into the hills, and called to Him those He wanted and they came to Him. He appointed twelve, designating them apostles that they might be with Him and that He might send them to preach.”
6. MAKE A HABIT OF PERSONAL PRAYER.
Mark 1:35. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went out to a solitary place where He prayed.”
7. TAKE TIME OFF TO ENJOY LIFE.
Mark 6:30 “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then because so many people were coming and going and they didn’t even have a chance to eat, [you know you’re busy when you don’t have a chance to eat! Jesus said to them [the twelve disciples] Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
8. GIVE YOUR STRESS AND GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST. He is the Prince of Peace. You will never have ultimate inner peace or peace of mind until you have a relationship with the Prince of Peace. He says, “Come to Me and I will give you …”
The greatest single source of stress in your life and my life is we try to live our lives apart from the one who made us.
Peace
Pastor Steve Lummer
Hey, Are you among the restless many?
Each tic of the old clock is a reminder that stillness is what actually kills us.
When the walls close in, Do you clime out?

Restlessness starts with an itch…and ends in progress.
It is your ambition refusing to be bottled up.
Begging for a little blue sky time.
DNA can only be denied so long. IT screams GO, RUN, RIDE, CLIMB, FIND, DARE…..

Where you go when you have the itch is called free will….How you get there is up to you.
We can show you the path , but you get to walk it.
That is why Discovery Church Preskitt exist.
Steve Lummer
Here you go 21 day fasters….Hope all is going well so far.
Remember to pray for Discovery’s gatherings as well as healing of bodies as well as restoration in relationships.
Kudos to Vicki Twiford for the beta as well as the Daniel Fast Cook book.
This list includes menus for breakfast, snakes and main meals.
Enjoy the difference.
Breakfast
Oatmeal
¾ C Oatmeal
1 ½ C Unsweetened Natural Apple Juice
½ Apple chopped
Raisins
Make oatmeal according to directions replacing water or mile with apple juice. Add apples and raisins.
Easy Breakfast Fruit Smoothie
Breakfast smoothies are perfect for the Daniel Diet because of the protein in the soy milk. If you are not accustomed to soy milk, fruit smoothies are great for your introduction. Although, the soy milk of today is so near cow’s milk that it’s hard to tell the difference. I am a big fan of Pacific Natural Soy Milk. The difference in the flavor is so minimal that I find it very useable, and this is coming from a gal who used to milk her how cow!
½ cup soy milk or all natural unsweetened juice (we use Simply Juice, Apple)
1 banana
½ cup frozen berries, usweetened
Optional – vegetable based protein powder
Preparation:
1. Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Yield: 1 serving
Tip: You can also add silken tofu to boost the protein. You may also want to add a vegetable based protein powder.
Rice Cakes with Nut Butter (Peanut or Almond)
Sliced Fruit
Nuts or Trail Mix
Fruit Kabobs
Whole Grain Granola with Soy Milk
MAIN DISHES AND VEGETABLE RECIPES
(THE FIRST 11 RECIPES ARE MINE. I COMBINE THEM WITH A SALAD OR FRUIT, OR EAT ALL ALONE. THE RECIPES AFER THAT ARE FROM THEDANIEL FAST COOKBOOK)
Broccoli with Carrots
1 small head of broccoli
2 carrots sliced into bite sized pieces
Steam until just tender (do not overcook)
(For ease, buy a frozen carrot and broccoli mix and steam them)
Bundle of Veggies
1 T olive oil or coconut oil
1 T butter
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
Italian Seasoning
8 oz. shitake mushrooms, sliced
1 tomato, chopped (large chunks)
1 C sliced zucchini
1/2 t salt
Place ingredients on parchment paper (in the aisle with waxed paper). Season. Fold paper over beginning at one end and keep folding until you come to the other side. Seal with a paper clip. Bake about 20 – 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Green Beans with Red Peppers
1 LB fresh green beans
1 red pepper, sliced
1 clove of garlic, chopped
Sliced almonds or sesame seeds
1 T olive oil (may need additional)
Salt and pepper
Blanch green beans (boil in water about 5 minutes). Drain. Sauté red peppers and garlic in olive oil. Add green beans. Season. Top with almonds and/or sesame seeds.
Grilled Zucchini
2 zucchini, sliced 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick lengthwise
Olive oil
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 onion, chopped
2 slices green pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove
Italian Seasoning
Salt and pepper
Slice zucchini and vegetables. Chop garlic. Brush zucchini with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Sauté in a pan or grill. Remove zucchini. Sauté remaining vegetables with garlic. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Serve sautéed vegetables over zucchini.
Ratatouille
1 Red Pepper
1 Orange Pepper
1 Yellow Squash
Eggplant
Purple Onion (2 slices)
Mushrooms
Olive Oil
Garlic
Cherry Tomatoes
Bay Leaves
Cut peppers, squash and eggplant into long strips. Thinly slice onion. Saute vegetables and onion in olive oil and garlic until tender. Add tomatoes. Saute about 2 minutes. Add bay leaves and sauté about 2 more minutes. Add crushed red pepper for a kick if you want it.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Yellow Squash
Zucchini
Mushrooms
Red Pepper
Orange Pepper
Purple Onion
Cherry Tomatoes\
Potato
Olive Oil
Minced Garlic
Cut vegetables into bite size pieces. Toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic. Roast at 450 for about 15-20 minutes or until tender.
Skewered Vegetables with Herbs
Cherry Tomatoes
Zucchini
Red onion
Red and green bell peppers
Olive oil
Garlic salt
All purpose herb blend
Kosher salt
Cut vegetable in one inch chunks or slices. Alternate veggies on skewers. Brush with olive oil. Season and grill.
Snap Peas with Carrots
Snap pea and carrot mix from frozen food section
Steam or sauté in olive oil and garlic.
Vegetable Medley
1 yellow zucchini cut to bite size
1 sweet red pepper chopped
1 C sugar snap peas
2 T olive oil
1 medium garlic clove
Italian seasoning or lemon pepper
Cut vegetables any way you like. Sauté in olive oil. Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Portabella Mushroom Caps
Brush with olive oil and garlic. Saute in a pan. Top with Ratatouille or roasted vegetable medley. You can also include brown rice for more substance.
Garlic Potatoes with Red Pepper
2 potatoes
1 red pepper
2 – 3 slices onion
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Cube Potatoes into bite size pieces. Saute in olive oil and garlic until almost tender. Add red pepper and onion. Continue cooking until onions are caramelized and red pepper is tender.
Flat Bread – Top with any vegetable recipe. Dip in avocado dip, hummus, or corn salsa dip.
Red Rice: (stuffed in Green Peppers)
1 small onion chopped
2 – 3 cloves garlic chopped
1 tsp olive oil
1 C uncooked rice
2 C vegetable stock
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 4.5 oz green chilies
3 TB tomato paste
¼ C chopped parsley (optional)
Saute onion and garlic in olive oil. Stir in rice and next 3 ingredients. Boil about 20 minutes. Stir in green chilies and tomato paste.
This also makes a good dish if you boil green peppers and stuff them with this mixture.
Rice and Beans / Rice and Veggies
Cook brown rice according to directions using vegetable stock. Add black beans or red beans (or both). You can also add some frozen mixed vegetables and some onion for more flavor.
Chive Mashed Potatoes Prepare mashed potatoes using vegetable stock. Add fresh chives.
FOLLOWING ARE FROM DANIEL FAST COOKBOOK there are a lot more in the book
Bean and Rice Casserole
Beans and rice combine to make a complete protein. So this casserole serves as an excellent source of protein during the Daniel Fast.
Preheat oven to 375
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cup uncooked brown rice
1 can red kidney beans (15 1/4 – 19 oz), drained and rinsed
1 can black beans (15 1/4 – 19 oz), drained and rinsed
1 can garbanzo beans (15 1/4 – 19 oz), drained and rinsed
1 can stewed tomatoes (14 1/2 – 16 oz), drained
1 can chopped mild chilies (4 oz), drained
10 ounces frozen green peas, thawed by placing under running water
1 cup frozen corn, thawed by placing under running water
Preparation:
1. In a 5-qt Dutch oven over medium high heat, sauté onion in liquid of your choice (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, water) until tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Add rice; cook while stirring until parched and slightly opaque.
3. Add beans, tomatoes, chilies and 3 1/2 cups of water to rice and onion in Dutch oven and bring mixture to boil.
4. Cover tightly place in oven, baking until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (around 1 hour for brown rice).
5. Add peas and corn, adjust seasonings, and return to oven until heated through.
Confetti Spaghetti
This is an adaptation from a recipe I have from one of my favorite cookbooks, The Enchanted Broccoli Forest by Mollie Katzen. She used to have a television cooking show and I watched her while I was making quilt blocks in my quiltmaking studio. That was many years ago, but even now I have sweet memories about those mornings.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups yellow onions, sliced
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups broccoli, chopped
2 cups cauliflower, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup snap peas or sugar peas, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, diced into ½” pieces
6 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound 100% whole wheat spaghetti or linguini
4 green onions, white and green portion, minced
½ cup Italian parsley, minced
½ cup fresh basil, minced
Preparation
1. Start cooking pasta so that it is ready by the time the vegetables are finished cooking.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and salt and sauté for about 5 minutes until onion is soft.
3. Add broccoli and cauliflower. Stir and cook until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add green beans, peas, bell pepper and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes
5. Adjust seasoning and set aside.
6. Place cooked pasta in large serving bowl. Add vegetables, parsley and basil. Toss until well blended and serve! Yumm!
Stir Fry Vegetables with Brown Rice
You will end up having a couple meals that you really enjoy and you will make over and over again during your fast. This recipe will likely be one of them! Not only is it very appetizing in its colorful presentation, but it is filling and tasty. Change the recipe to your own liking and with what you have available, but don’t skimp on the vegetables as that’s what makes this recipe unique and satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 green onions, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
½ pound fresh green beans, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced on diagonal
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups greens, chopped (kale, bok choy, spinach, collards, etc)
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
3 cups cooked brown rice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 ½ cups peas (if frozen run under water to thaw)
½ cup toasted sliced almonds
Preparation:
1. Heat a deep skillet or wok over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add oil and heat for 1 minute.
2. Add green onions and ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add broccoli, green beans, carrots, and garlic. Stir fry for 8-10 minutes.
4. Add greens and toss for about 2 minutes or until greens are wilted.
5. Stir in water chestnuts, brown rice, soy sauce, peas and almonds.
6. Serve as complete meal.
Lentil Rice Casserole
Wonderful flavors in this easy dish. It’s also packed with protein. Serve with a green salad and sliced fruit.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Ingredients:
3 cups vegetable broth
3/4 cup lentils, uncooked
1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked
2/3 cup chopped onion
2-3 medium carrots, chopped
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1-2 clove garlic (optional)
salt (optional)
Preparations:
1. Mix ingredients in a casserole dish.
2. Bake covered for 90 minutes.
Red Potato Casserole
Easy, easy, easy! Mix everything in the same dish as you bake it! Great flavors, lots of protein, and nice textures.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Ingredients:
4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
4 cups peeled, cubed red potatoes
1 cup diced red onions
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
4 teaspoons dried oregano
½ cup water
1 teaspoon paprika
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups diced baked or firm tofu
Preparation:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a casserole dish and mix well.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Mushroom Gravy
A Daniel Fast appropriate gravy made with soy milk is a nice addition to your menus. Use the gravy mix as your base. Add fresh vegetables to is and then serve it over rice or some other whole grain.
Ingredients:
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoon whole-wheat pastry flour
1 cup water or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon savory
1/4 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
2. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes over low heat.
3. Stir in flour; cook over medium heat for 2 minutes.
4. Add water or stock, and soy sauce. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Season with herbs; salt and pepper to taste.
Salads and Snacks
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Serve this Black Bean and Corn Salsa with crisp 100% whole wheat tortilla chips. You can also use this recipe as a salad or serve it in lettuce leaves as wraps! The flavors are great! The thing I love about this recipe is that it’s soooo easy!
Ingredients:
2 cans black beans, rinsed
1 bag frozen white corn, thawed and rinsed
1 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 small bunch cilantro, finely chopped
1 ½ limes, juiced
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in large bowl.
2. Store in airtight container and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Serve with 100% whole wheat tortilla chips, as a salad, or in lettuce leaves as a wrap presentation.
Yield: four
Cooler Salad
This is a really easy salad recipe. One of those toss and mix kinds!
Ingredients:
fresh cilantro or Italian parsley, roughly chopped
1/3 cup green or red onion
1 cup cucumber, seeds removed and cut into chunks
1 cup tomato, seeds removed and diced
1 cup avocado, cut into chunks
1 cup celery, cut into ¼ inch slices
1/4 cup flavored vinegar or Italian salad dressing.
1/2 lemon or lime
salt and pepper
Preparation:
1. Place chopped cilantro or Italian parsley in glass salad bowl
2. Add remaining vegetables.
3. Squeeze lemon or lime juice over salad.
4. Toss all ingredients and chill in fridge.
5. Before serving drizzle with salad dressing and salt and pepper to taste
6. Serve cool as a salad or side dish.
Red Onion, Orange and More Salad
This popular and colorful salad lends a festive note to meal. Some versions omit the red onion, or replace the raspberry vinegar with lemon juice. No matter which variation is served, however, this salad is tangy and refreshing when served with soups, stews or other Daniel Fast main dishes. The salad should always be served chilled.
Ingredients:
4 ripe medium oranges, peeled
1 small red onion, sliced fine
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons golden raisins, covered for 20 minutes in hot water, then drained
20 black olives, pitted
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons almonds, blanched and chopped fine
Springs of fresh mint, to garnish
Preparation:
1. Remove the white pith from the oranges and cut the fruit crosswise into 1/4 inch slices.
2. Arrange on a serving platter and scatter over the sliced red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon this dressing over the onion and oranges.
5. Sprinkle with the raisins, olives, sunflower seeds, and almonds.
6. Garnish with mint springs and serve chilled.
Winter Fruit Salad
Fruit salads are great all year around. This one centers on those fruits that area easily available in the wintertime, including pomegranates which are usually out of season by February. Use your creativity and intuition with this recipe!
Ingredients
1 pomegranate seeds and juice
½ pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks (or canned pineapple, packed in juice)
2 oranges, segment by removing membrane
2 grapefruit, segment by removing membrane
2 apples, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
2 pears, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
2 bananas, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces (add just before serving)
Preparation
1. Remove the seeds from ½ pomegranate and then crush the remaining seeds to extract the juice. Add juice to serving bowl. Reserve seeds for later addition.
2. Add pineapple, orange segments, grapefruit segments, apples and pears and mix.
3. Gently stir in pomegranate seeds.
4. Refrigerate several hours for flavors to blend.
5. Just before serving, add banana, mix and serve.
Salad Dressings
Many salad dressings call for sugar or honey. I have chosen to exclude those in this Journal, however many people on the Daniel Fast include honey in their list of acceptable foods. It’s up to you! More salad dressing recipes are available on The Daniel Fast weblog.
Lemon Olive Oil Dressing
Ingredients:
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (1 large or 1½ small lemons)
¾ cup olive oil (or sometimes I mix canola and olive)
1-2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
fresh ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Shake all ingredients in a bottle.
2. Toss with fresh salad greens.
3. Store leftover dressing in refrigerator.
Greek Salad with Dill and Cilantro Salad Dressing
2 T red wine vinegar
2 T honey
2 T parmesan cheese
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1/2 t dill (scant)
1/2 t cilantro (scant)
1 t dijon mustard
Italian Seasoning to taste
Salt and pepper
3 T olive oil
This is good served over a combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow pepper, red onions, black olives, and feta or goat cheese.
Mandarin Orange Salad
2 T honey
2 T cider vinegar
1 1/2 T orange juice concentrate (scoop from container and freeze the rest)
1 1/2 t. red wine vinegar
1 1/2 t chopped green onion
2 – 3 T olive oil
Combine all of the above and serve over romaine lettuce topped with one small can of mandarin oranges, sunflower seeds, and slivered almonds. You can also add chicken. (Frozen juice concentrates are not the healthiest for drinking, but in this small amount it’s not a great concern.)
Thousand Island Dressing
Here are two recipes for Thousand Islands Dressings that will work for the Daniel Fast. Make sure to READ THE LABEL for the relish to make sure it is sugar-free and chemical-free.
Ingredients
1 cup soy mayonnaise
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped onions
2 tablespoons chopped green peppers
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon paprika
1 dash salt
This recipe is for really quick Thousand Islands Dressing:
1 cup soy mayonnaise
¼ cup chili sauce
¼ cup dill pickle relish
¼ teaspoon salt
Preparation
The preparation for both dressings is the same.
1. Mix all ingredients blending very well.
2. If the dressing is too thick, add a bit of soy milk or water.
3. Chill before using.
Snacks
Celery sticks with Natural Peanut Butter and Raisins.
Rice cakes with peanut butter
Almonds
Dried fruit or Trail Mix
Apples dipped in nut butter
Sliced Fuit
Fruit Kabobs
Flatbread chips with homemade salsa
Hummus with flatbread chips
Vegetarian Chili from Pam Henkelman
2 med sized green pepper, chopped
1 med sized yellow onion, chopped
1 zucchini, s1liced & quartered
1 yellow squash, sliced and quartered
2 Tbls olive oil
2 Tbls chili powder
3/4 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 cups frozen corn
1 16 oz can tomatoes, juice and all
1 can Rotel tomatoes, juice and all
2 16 oz can black beans, juice and all
1 16 oz can pinto beans, juice and all
1 4 oz can chopped green chilies
1 4 oz can tomato paste
Chop and sauté in oil the peppers and onions and garlic. Add the squashes, chili powder, pepper flakes and corn. When all the veggies are soft but firm, add the tomatos, beans, green chilies and tomato paste. Stir until blended. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Let simmer about 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
(This chili tends to be kind of sweet so I counter that with more heat! Adjust red pepper flakes. You can do regular tomatoes if you don’t like Rotel.)
SOUPS FROM DANIEL FAST COOKBOOK
Basic Vegetable Stock (or you can just buy vegetable stock)
A good vegetable stock is useful in the Daniel Fast and serves as an excellent substitute for chicken or beef stock. Simmering the stock for a full hour will release the flavors of the vegetables in your broth. Because of the long simmering time, it is in the stock’s best interest that the vegetables be chopped into large chunks rather than a small dice. ** See notes for variations on this recipe.
Ingredients:
2 large onions, cut into large chunks
2 medium carrots, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into large chunks
3 stalks of celery, remove and discard all leaves, cut into large chunks
1 whole bulb of garlic, peel each clove, but do not chop
10 peppercorns
1 bay leaf
Preparation:
1. Cut all the vegetables into large pieces. Place all ingredients into a large pot. Cover with cold water.
2. Turn the stove to a high temperature, and bring the stock to a quick simmer. Once the water comes to boil, turn heat to low. Allow the vegetables to simmer for an hour. Any longer than an hour and the vegetables will begin to turn mushy and begin to lose all their flavorful vibrancy, leaving a wilted taste to the stock.
3. Strain the stock. It should be light in color, sweet in flavor and translucent. Now you can use the stock in place of chicken or beef stock. You may need to increase seasoning when replacing one of these more flavorful stocks.
** Season the stock with other herbs such as parsley, thyme or rosemary. You can also use ginger if you plan to use the stock for an Asian recipe. You an also caramelize the onions and carrots before adding them to the stock for a richer and more flavorful stock. Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the stock also makes for a different flavor in the stock.
Daniel Fast Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped onions or thinly sliced leeks (whites only)
1 cup thinly sliced celery
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 (14.5 ounce) cans vegetable broth
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8 cups mixed fresh or frozen vegetables, such as carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, potatoes, and zucchini (cut larger vegetables into smaller pieces)
Preparation
1. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions or leeks, celery, and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Add broth, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, and 3 cups water to pot; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes.
3. Add vegetables to pot, and return to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Let cool before storing.
4. Pour remaining soup in small batches into bowl of a food processor; carefully puree until smooth, and return to saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. serve hot.
Yield: eight servings The Daniel Fast Cookbook – Version I © 2008 by Susan Gregory Page 26
Garden Vegetable Soup
This recipe calls for fresh vegetables, but substitute with frozen varieties if they are not available. By the way, tests show that frozen vegetables actually retain more of their vitamins and minerals because they are frozen so soon after harvesting.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped leeks, white part only (from approximately 3 medium leeks)
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
Salt
2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds (approximately 2 medium)
2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
2 cups fresh green beans, broken or cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 quarts vegetable broth
4 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes
2 ears corn, kernels removed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup packed, chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 – 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Preparation:
1. Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the leeks, garlic, and a pinch of salt and sweat until they begin to soften, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
2. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a simmer.
4. Once simmering, add the tomatoes, corn kernels, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are fork tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and add the parsley and lemon juice. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Serve immediately.
White Bean and Black Olive Soup
The flavors and contrasting colors in this soup make it delightful to heat and fun to see! The Kalamata olives add a very unique flavor. You can substitute black olives, but it won’t be the same . . . search out the Kalamata olives. They are available in most larger grocery stores in the deli section.
Ingredients
1 cup dry white beans
3 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1¼ cup onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano or marjoram
1½ teaspoon basil
1 small or ½ medium zucchini, diced
1 small bell pepper, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
3 ounces tomato paste
4 cups vegetable stock or water
black pepper
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 medium tomato, diced
1 handful flat leafed parsley, minced
Preparation
1. Sort and wash the beans, place in saucepan with water, bring to a simmer, and cook until tender (about 1hour 15 minutes).
2. After about an hour, heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, carrot, salt, and herbs, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8-10 minutes.
3. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic, sauté 5 minutes.
4. Stir the tomato paste into the veggie stock and add to vegetables along with pepper, olives, and lemon juice.
5. Lower heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
6. Top with tomato and parsley and serve.
Yield: six servings The Daniel Fast Cookbook – Version I © 2008 by Susan Gregory Page 29
Black-eyed Peas and Brown Rice Soup
Black-eyed peas are a Southern tradition for New Year’s Day. The more you eat on that day, the more prosperous you will be in the coming year. This Black-eyed pea recipe is easy to make and serves as a hearty meal in itself.
Ingredients
1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
4 cups water
3 small vegetable bouillon cubes
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cilantro, minced
1 tablespoon parsley, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 large tomato, chopped
1 cup uncooked long-grained brown rice
Preparation
1. Combine black-eyed peas and water in large saucepan; add bouillon and garlic. Bring black-eyed pea mixture to boil; reduce heat and stir in oil, cilantro, parsley, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Stir in onion, scallions, thyme and tomato. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or when black-eyed peas are almost soft. Stir in rice; cover.
3. Cook until rice and black-eyed peas are tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes before serving the black-eyed pea soup.
Yield four servings The Daniel Fast Cookbook – Version I © 2008 by Susan Gregory Page 30
Greek Vegetable Stew
The Orthodox Greeks enter partial fasts as part of their religious practices. This recipe is one that’s handed down and common among Greek families.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons oil
2 onions, chopped
1 pound green string beans, broken in half
1 package frozen or fresh spinach
4 cups water
6 zucchini, chunked
4 yellow squash, chunked
2 cups celery leaves
4 tomatoes, quartered
1 teaspoon salt
8 slices lemon
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons fresh basil
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Preparation:
1. Lightly brown onions in a hot dry skillet in 2 tablespoons oil.
2. Add oregano and garlic, cook 1 minute.
3. Add 4 cups water and tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes.
4. Add remaining ingredients. Cook covered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with a lemon slice in each bowl.
Yield: eight servings The Daniel Fast Cookbook – Version I © 2008 by Susan Gregory Page 31
Hearty Split Pea Soup
This recipe gets even better with time and makes a very thick split pea soup. To make it thinner, simply add more water. Depending on the density of split peas, it may take a while for the vegetables and peas to soften, but you can’t really overcook this soup; just stir occasionally, and add water if it gets too dry. Alter seasonings to your liking!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups dried split peas
1/2 cup barley
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
7 1/2 cups water
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 potatoes, diced
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation:
1. In a large pot over medium high heat, sauté the oil, onion, bay leaf and garlic for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
2. Add the peas, barley, salt and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, parsley, basil, thyme and ground black pepper. Simmer for 20 – 30 more minutes or until the peas and vegetables are tender.
Lentil Soup
I love this recipe! It’s hearty and full of flavor. Serve it along with a nice green salad and some sliced fruit. It’s a very satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounce)
1 pound lentils (approximately 1 1/4 cups)
2/3 cup pearl barley
11 cups vegetable broth (can substitute water)
4 – 6 fresh thyme sprigs
Preparation:
1. Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes with their juices. Simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the lentils and pearl barley, mix to coat.
4. Add the broth and stir.
5. Add the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils and barley are tender, about 40 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Yield: six servings The Daniel Fast Cookbook – Version I © 2008 by Susan Gregory Page 33
Mushroom Soup
This soup is delicious and creamy, but still within Daniel Fast guidelines. It’s great for chilly nights. Serve along with a nice green salad or sliced tomatoes.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon oil or 1/2 c. water
2 medium onions, chopped
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 ½ teaspoons dill
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cups water or vegetable stock
2 tablespoon margarine or oil
3 tablespoon flour
1 cup soymilk
2 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation:
1. In a soup pot, sauté onion in oil or water until soft.
2. Add mushrooms, dill, paprika, caraway and pepper, then sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce and water or stock, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the flour. Cook one minute, stirring constantly, then whisk in the soymilk until smooth.
5. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
6. Add to the mushroom mixture and blend in. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings The Daniel Fast
Potato-Leek-Onion Soup
The leeks in this soup add a wonderful flavor to the potatoes. It’s a perfect winter lunch or dinner meal
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium leeks (white part only), chopped
1 clove garlic
2 – 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
5 cups water
6 medium potatoes, cut into small or medium pieces
4 celery stalks, sliced
1 stalk fresh lemongrass (or dried) to taste
cayenne, salt, and dill or marjoram, to taste
1 cup soy or rice milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation:
1. Sauté the onions, leeks, and garlic in vegetable oil in a large pot until soft. Then
2. add the water, potatoes, celery, lemongrass, cayenne, salt, and dill.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30-45 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Cover the pot for a thin broth or leave it uncovered for a thicker soup.
4. Once the potatoes are soft, remove the stalk of lemongrass (if using fresh) and purée about half the soup in a blender or food processor, then mix it back into the pot.
5. Add the lemon juice to the soy or rice milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then add it to the soup. Serve warm.
Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup
Please feel free to leave comments as to how youe fast is going over the next 21 days. – January 6th at mid night through January 27th at breakfast.
Pastor Steve Lummer
A Note from Brenda
Steve and I have been amazed to see what God has done in our lives over the years through fasting and prayer. We can only imagine what He has in store for us over the next few weeks and the year ahead, not only for our family, but for your family and our church.
One resource we have used is, Living in the Raw: Recipes for Healthy Living. The book is available in most bookstores. It has great information on food content and combinations that have sparked a lot of creative ideas about how to use fruits and vegetables.
Some people will enjoy using the book to prepare meals of raw food without cooking — you’ll find information about using the sprouting technique and food dehydrators to help make it happen. I do not use it for this, but as a way to gain information about ingredients and new food combinations. Much of the book has been useful to me (the salad dressings are interesting) and I will often modify the recipes to create a cooked version of the soups and other dishes.
I hope this guide and these recipes help you stay healthy, creative, and focused on Him throughout our 21-day fast together!
Blessings and healthy living friends.
Brenda
This information was primarily taken from the book “Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts” by Elmer L. Towns, published in 1996 by Regal Books, Ventura, California.
Our body is designed to heal itself. When a disease enters our body from bad dietary habits or from the outside, our bodies begin to fight it. Doctors, surgery, or medicines are most often designed to remove the source of the problem, but the healing is done by the body itself. Many common diseases are easily prevented with basic good nutrition and exercise habits.
STEP ONE: BE SPECIFIC
Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.
1. The king’s food was against dietary laws.
2. Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
3. The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.
STEP TWO: FAST AS A SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8).
STEP THREE: REFLECT INNER DESIRE BY OUTER DISCIPLINE
Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that were not good for health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health may be linked to any of the following factors:
a. Your food choices.
b. The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
c. Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
d. Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body.
Faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.
SOME HELPFUL HEALTHY RECIPES
Thick and Creamy Corn-Potato Soup
6 ears corn (cut off the cob)
6 medium-large red potatoes (chopped in 1/2 inch pieces)
6 carrots (finely chopped)
1 medium-large onion (finely chopped)
2 green peppers (finely chopped)
2 bay leaves
3 teaspoons thyme
2 teaspoons marjoram
3 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons pepper
3 32oz. boxes of vegetable broth
water
Put vegetables and spices in a large soup pot. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Add broth and maintain a light boil. Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from heat. Blend 3/4 of the soup mixture in a blender in batches. Put blended soup in a large bowl or container until the blending process is complete. Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add water to thin and obtain the desired consistency. Heat through and serve. Serves 8-10 generously.
Tomato Basil Soup
12 Vine Ripe Tomatoes
1 Package Cherry Tomatoes
2 1/2 Cups Fresh Carrot Juice (or Odwalla available in juice section)
1 Large Ripe Avocado
2 Yellow Onions (chopped)
4 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
5 Stems Fresh Basil
2 Tablespoons Pure Honey
1 Bay Leave
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Cut tomatoes and avocado in quarters and place all ingredients in blender and blend on low speed for one minute. Continue to blend on high for an additional minute until creamy. Pour into large soup bowl or crock pot and cook on medium low for 2 to 3 hours.
Portabello Steaks
6 portabello mushroom caps
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Pure Maple syrup
2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon marjoram
Wash mushrooms and place in a gallon size plastic sealable bag. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Add to the mushrooms and marinate for a few hours. Grill indoors or out until cooked through.
Serve with baked sweet potatoes and grilled squash and asparagus.
Grilled Vegetables
Toss yellow squash, zucchini, and asparagus with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Salt and Pepper to taste. Grill indoors or out until tender.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Wash sweet potatoes, prick with a fork several times and place in a 400 degree oven for an hour and a half. Less time may be needed if potatoes are small.
Vegetable Barley Soup
Choose your vegetables. Really, anything can work depending upon your taste.
My picks:
3 cups chopped celery
2cups chopped white onion
3 cups chopped carrots
3 cups chopped green/yellow/red pepper
3 cups thin sliced mushrooms
2 cups chopped roma tomatoes (peeled and seeded)
2 32oz. boxes vegetable broth
Use your favorite spices. I choose 2 cloves garlic, sea salt to taste, 2 teaspoons marjoram flakes, 2 teaspoons oregano flakes, 1 bay leaf and 1 teaspoon parsley. Pour ¼ cup vegetable broth in a soup pot. Add all of the vegetables and saute them until tender. Add the spices and stir to mix. Add the remaining vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and add 1 cup Natural Whole Grain Barley. Boil for 15-20 minutes until the barley is tender.
Serves 6
For thicker soup, just blend 1/2 of the vegetable mixture (prior to putting in the barley) in a blender. Add it back to the soup pot and then add the barley.
Guacamole
Blend ripe avocados in a food processor with juice from 1 large lime, 2 cloves garlic, 1 roma tomato and a dash of salt. If you like spice, you can add 1/4 of a jalapeno pepper seeded.
Serve on black beans, portobello mushrooms or use as a dip with vegetables.
Baked Apples or Pears
Slice a pear or apple in half. Use a grapefruit spoon to scoop out the seeds and the tough, center portion. Place halves, skin side down, in a glass baking dish. Brush with ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Microwave for 10 minutes or until tender. Serve warm.
The Breaker’s Granola
5 cups raw oatmeal
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup slivered raw almonds
1 cup finely chopped cashews
1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup flax seed
1 cup finely chopped dry figs
1 cup finely chopped apricots (unsweetened if possible)
1/4 cup chopped coconut
2 cups unsweetened raisins
2 Tablespoons cinnamon
Mix together in a large bowl. Keep in tightly sealed container such as tupperware in the pantry. To serve cold, soak 1/2 cup granola in unsweetened plain soy milk for a few minutes. To serve warm, you can prepare with water or unsweetened soy milk in the microwave. Use 1 cup liquid to 1/2 cup granola. Warm for a minute on high or more if desired.
Note: Chop the nuts and fruits in a food processor individually and then add them to the oats.
Gazpacho
6 med. tomatoes, quartered
2 large cucumbers
1 small red onion
1 med. zucchini, chopped
3 med. garlic cloves, smashed
1 med. green bell pepper
chopped fresh herbs: parsley, basil, chives
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin seed
2 cups vegetable stock or tomato juice
1. In food processor, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, zucchini, garlic, and green pepper and process on high until coarsely chopped.
2. Add herbs, lemon juice, oil, salt, cayenne, and cumin. Process a few more burst. Blend in stock or tomato juice.
3. Transfer to large bowl. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Serves 4. Preparation Time:10 minutes.
Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash
Slice squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon as you would a pumpkin. Then completely submerge both halves in boiling water and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the inside is tender to a fork and pulls apart in strands. (It is better to undercook if you are not sure). Remove, drain, and cool with cold water or an ice bath to stop the cooking. Then use a fork to scrape the cooked squash out of its skin, and at the same time, fluff and separate the squash into spaghetti-like strands. Discard the skin. Reheat the squash strands by dipping with a strainer in boiling water just before serving.
You can also bake the spaghetti squash in the oven. Just scoop seeds out as described above and prick outside skin with a fork. Place skin side up in a baking pan with 1 inch water. Bake 45 minutes or until tender in a 400 degree oven. Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes until they can be handled. Scrape with a fork as mentioned above and serve with stir fried sauce.
Stir Fried Sauce
10 Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped coarsely
2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic
2 cups chopped broccoli florets or 1 package baby spinach
2 teaspoons oregano (powdered or flakes)
Sea salt to taste
Saute mushrooms and onion with garlic and oregano. Add tomatoes and other vegetables. Cook until tender and heated through. Toss in a large bowl with spaghetti squash strands. Serve hot. 6 servings
Brown Rice with Edamame and Vegetables
2 cups brown rice
4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 package frozen, shelled edamame
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced white mushrooms
½ teaspoon cumin
1 clove garlic minced
½ cup chopped green onion
Combine orange juice and water/broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add brown rice and bring back to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove lid to let steam escape and set aside.
While rice is cooking, prepare edamame according to package directions but without salt. Drain in a sieve. Saute garlic, cumin, mushroom and carrot just until tender (do not overcook). Put rice in a large bowl and add the edamame and other vegetables. Top with chopped green onion.
Servings:4-6 entrée size
Serve with orange slices and celery sticks.
Cuban Black Beans & Rice with Tomato Salsa
1 package dried black beans
Vegetable broth (1- 32oz. box)
Chili powder
Chipotle powder
2 cloves garlic
Soak beans overnight in water (cover w/2 inches above beans). Drain and rinse beans. Place beans in sauce pan and add vegetable broth. Add water to cover if needed. Add spices and boil for 1 hour and then simmer until tender (follow package direction if available). Prepare brown rice according to package directions.
Salsa
Roma Tomatoes quartered
Lime
Cilantro
Green onion (1 bunch)
Chili powder
Cumin
Garlic
In a food processor, chop tomato, cilantro, green onion with chili powder, garlic, cumin and lime juice by pulsing the blade several times to desired texture. We prefer chunky.
Place rice on individual dishes and top with beans and salsa.
Serves: 6 entrée size
Serve with sliced mango and papaya and lime juice.
Toasted Nut Snack
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Place raw walnuts, almonds, cashews or other desired nuts on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly browned. Cool completely and mix in a bowl with unsweetened raisins.
We keep this on the counter for a quick snack.
Honey and Oat Cereal
Prepare Oatmeal with Soy Milk or Water. Sweeten with Honey and a dash of cinnamon.
I hope this guide and these recipes help you stay healthy, creative, and focused on Him throughout our 21-day fast together!
Steve and Brenda Lummer
Discovery Church
How to keep your dreams alive even when they steal your coat.
Sunday January 26th, 2014
If you want a dream that will last a lifetime …. Y ou need to get a dream that is bigger than LIFE!
Our dreams should be BIG ENOUGH TO OUT LIVE US!
I DON’T HAVE A DREAM – IT HAS ME!
A DREAM will
1. A DREAM WILL TEST YOU.
2. A DREAM WILL COST YOU.
3. A DREAM WILL SHAPE YOU.
Joseph Actually had more than a coat of many colors…He had many coats.
THE THREE COATS OF A DREAMER
1. The coat of GRACE.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. Genesis 37:3
It was a gift ——– it was a covering
1 corinthians 4:7 – What do you have that you did not receive?
Eph 2:8,9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
2. The coat of A GODLY CHARACTER .
But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, 12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. Genesis 39:11,12
THE COAT OF SALVATION – THE GIFT OF GOD’S GRACE –.
THE COAT OF CHARACTER – THE GIFT OF OUR RACE
Jesus BROKE THE CURSE of sin so you could BREAK THE CYCLE of sin.
3. The coat of LEGACY and OVERCOMING.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” – 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. Genesis 41:39-42
Revelation 3:21 – To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
The Genesis 50:20 principle. – Let God continue the process of turning the bad that happened to you into the good of his purpose –
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – I can see Jesus saying that while he sits at the right side of the father after he saw his dream come true.
Discovery Dreams
Part 1
Pastor Steve Lummer
“Joseph had a dream” – Genesis 37:5
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1. JOSEPH’S NAME MEANS “TO ADD”
“She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.” – Genesis 30:24
What’s in a NAME? – Discovery
dis·cov·er – verb
1. find (something or someone) unexpectedly or in the course of a search.
“Gold miners discovery gold in at Sutter’s Mill”
synonyms: – find, locate, come across/upon, stumble on, chance on, light on, bring to light, uncover, unearth, turn up; track down
We have a vision here at Discovery Church.
Our vision is to:
LOVE GOD
CONNECT PEOPLE
DISCOVER CHRIST
______________________________________________
2. WE ARE THE CHURCH WE’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR.
Our core values
1. We Value a Shared Vision
As leadership and congregation, we share and create the vision for the direction of the church, both presently, and in the future.
2. We Value Intentional Redemptive Relationships
We purpose to develop intentional redemptive relationships through Biblical teaching, discipleship, and fellowship.
3. We Value Connection With Our Community
We determine to connect with our community by consistent involvement with local needs and events.
4. We Value Edifying Worship
We strive to create and experience worship that exalts God and edifies people of all ages.
5. We Value Targeted Outreach
Our emphasis for outreach is to help people to discover and develop a new life in Christ.
6. We Value Outdoor Classrooms
We chose to use God’s creation as an opportunity for discipleship and fellowship.
7. We Value a Culture of Excellence
A culture of excellence is a movement of ordinary people attempting extraordinary things for God, and doing so, with great detail and skill.
8. We Value Biblical Integrity
As leadership, we commit to Biblical integrity by adhering to the truth and grace of God’s Word that trains people to live God’s way.
9. We Value a Culture of Servanthood
We strive to develop an atmosphere where people are not consumers but contributors to God’s work here on the earth.
10. We Value A Next Generation Focus
As leadership and congregation, we determine to reach, teach, and keep children for God’s kingdom.
________________________________________________________________
3. DREAMS ARE BORN NOT BORROWED AND START SOME SMALL HABITS THIS YEAR.
A couple of years ago, I read Malcolm Gladwell’s classic, The Tipping Point, and came across something that sociologists call “the broken window theory.”
It has been one of the most powerful and helpful tools for helping me understand why so many Christians get stuck and live the sad existence of miserable mediocrity and comfortable complacency. And for how to get out of it.
“The broken window theory” says that if want to reduce crime in a neighborhood, one of the first and most effective things you can do is to fix the broken windows. Literally. If there’s a section of town that’s run down, and violent crime, murders, and drug deals are on the upswing, sociologists have proven that by just fixing the broken windows on that block, those bigger issues are affected, and crime is diminished.
That seems preposterous to me. You’ve got this big problem, and you’re going to go waste your time doing something as simple as fixing a broken window? That’s like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic as it heads toward the iceberg, isn’t it?
But it works. Apparently, it has to do with sending a signal that anarchy is no longer the rule of the day and that crime is no longer the status quo.
So what is at the heart of the “broken window theory?” If you boil it down, you essentially have two parts:
1) A big goal: reduce crime. 2) A small start: fix windows. But it’s the small start that makes the big goal possible.
From my experience, this is very true to form as far as what I’ve seen in people’s lives that don’t seem to have any traction and aren’t going anywhere. The problem isn’t just that they don’t think big enough. It’s also that they don’t start small enough. As a result, they usually give up quickly because their initial steps are too difficult. Or they never get started at all because their initial steps are too daunting.
A big dream without a small start is nothing but a daydream. God initiates the biggest changes in our lives through the little things.
You can’t have Apostle Paul’s walk with God overnight. Big dream.
But you can start praying two minutes a day starting tomorrow. Small start.
You can’t entirely mend a broken relationship overnight. Big dream.
But you can have a conversation and open the door, write the letter, make the call, say I’m sorry. Small start.
If your child or friend is far from God, you can’t bring him back overnight. Big dream.
But you could you start praying for him every day. Small start.
Pastor Steve Lummer