THE

# 1 FA S T I N G
QUESTION

JENTEZEN FRANKLIN
If you seek a closer walk with God, consider
fasting. If you are in desperate need of a
breakthrough, fast. If you desire an access
and an intimacy with God like you have never
known, fast.

JENTEZEN FRANKLIN

J O I N T H E A N N U A L

2 1 - D AY F A S T W I T H

J E N T E Z E N F R A N K L I N

J A N U A R Y 7 - 2 8 , 2 0 1 7
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OF
CONTENTS

S E C T I O N 1 - W H AT D O E S PA S T O R F R A N K L I N D O D U R I N G A FA S T ? .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I

S E C T I O N 2 - T H E D A N I E L FA S T .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I I

S E C T I O N 3 - T H E C H A L L E N G E .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I I I

S E C T I O N 4 - N E W B O O K R E L E A S E .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I V
 Do you know the
number one question
people ask about fasting?
For over 15 years the ministry has been asked this one question more than any other:

I What does Pastor Franklin do during the fast?

They ask that question for the same reason you might. You desire a closer relationship with God,
and you’re looking for a way to get there. You want to do something dramatically different. You
are in need of a breakthrough, and possibly everything you have tried so far has failed. It could be
a health related issue, a financial one or a deeper spiritual desire. There’s no perfect formula for
fasting, but we want to answer your question and help you find what you’re looking for.

If you have watched the Kingdom Connection broadcast or one of Jentezen Franklin’s messages
online and found yourself asking, is fasting for me? Or asking yourself, “If fasting has worked for
him … can it work for me?”

Fasting does work and no one is more recognized as the authority on fasting than Jentezen
Franklin. In addition to leading millions all over the world in a 21-day fast every January and writing
a New York Times best-selling book on fasting, Jentezen has lived a life of fasting regularly while
leading others to whole new levels in their faith through this simple, biblical discipline.

If you seek a closer walk with God, consider fasting. If you are in desperate need of a
breakthrough, fast. If you desire an access and an intimacy with God like you have never
known, fast.

Throughout Scripture, fasting refers to abstaining from food, and sometimes food and drink, for
spiritual purposes. Fasting is more than just going without food; it involves spiritual intensity and
intercession. Fasting should always be accompanied with prayer, worship, and Bible study. We
believe that there is strength and encouragement when we fast in community.

Back to the most asked question we receive: What kind of fast does Jentezen Franklin do?

Let me be clear from the outset, it is always best to consult with your physician prior to starting a
food fast of any kind, and especially if you are taking medication or under the care of a doctor for
any kind of ailment.

Now, to answer the question: While there is not a simple “cookie-cutter” response, there is a basic
pattern he uses during a 21-day fast. While there have been years when he has done the entire 21-
day fast with liquids only, most years he does a full, liquids only fast for the first three days, and
then converts to the Daniel Fast for the rest of the 21-day fast. My suggestion is pray about it and
let the Holy Spirit show you what is right for you.

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II The Daniel Fast
That leads us to the second most asked question we receive, which always centers on the Daniel
fast. The Daniel fast is a biblically based fast that omits any type of meats, sugars, processed
foods; you eat only fruits, vegetables, and drink water for a predetermined season of time.

The biblical basis for the Daniel Fast is based on verses found in a few different locations in
the book of Daniel, but the most famous is found in Daniel chapter one. During the reign of
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, several Israelites, including Daniel, were asked to join the king’s
service. They were offered royal food and wine that was also offered to Babylonian idols.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the
king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the
eunuchs that he might not defile himself (Daniel 1:8 KJV).

Then, in verse 11, Daniel takes it a step further with a challenge:

So Daniel said to the steward, whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give
us vegetables to eat and water to drink.  Then let our appearance be examined before you,
and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and
as you see fit, so deal with your servants.”  So he consented with them in this matter, and
tested them ten days.

And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the
young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.  Thus the steward took away their
portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and
wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams (Daniel 1:11-15).

Daniel Fast Specifics

Many of the questions we receive each year relate to the use of spices, dairy, coffee and
supplements. While there are areas of technicality, try not to turn a spiritual pursuit of God
into a legalistic set of strict rules and regulations. There is the letter of the law and there is the
spirit of the law. None of the things mentioned are fasting disqualifiers, and in fact, a critical and
judgmental spirit is a far greater danger. So if you must err, err to the side of grace.

The technical answer is that the Daniel fast implies only food that comes from the ground, and
especially focuses on fruits, vegetables and water. But since salt and most spices also come from
the ground or plants, then technically these fall into that category. Salt has other health risks, and if
you plan on using it be sure your physician agrees.

Keep the main thing the main thing.

If a little sugar free ranch dressing helps you stay with the main thing, which is salads, fruits, and
vegetables, then don’t judge or be judged. Moderation and wisdom and right motives are the key
here. Don’t “strain at a gnat” and miss out on the greater purpose of the fast. Here is another rule
of thumb for what to eat and not eat on a fast: When in doubt…don’t. (see Matthew 23:24)

Another most-asked question has to do with dairy products. In this category are types of milk,

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butter and sour cream. The technical answer to this question would be “no” because these
come from an animal and are not plant based. That being said, there are numerous plant based
substitutes such as soy or almond that you can use that may help add that flavor or texture you
need to make the food more palatable or that drink a bit less bland. Again, err to the side of grace.

Another question we receive has to do with coffee, tea and artificial sweeteners. Technically
speaking, coffee comes from a bean and tea is plant based as well, but you need to be aware
that when you drink any beverage, hot or cold, with caffeine there is a risk when it accompanies a
change in diet. If you choose to abstain from drinking caffeine, expect a pretty strong headache
for the first three days as your body cries out for caffeine while it sheds itself of the toxins you have
ingested and held onto over time.

Artificial sweeteners may help make food or a drink more palatable, but if there is anything medical
science agrees to when it comes to the foods we eat, it’s that most artificial sweeteners are not
only unhealthy, but many times they can be worse than actual sugar. Be wise here and don’t allow
yourself to become legalistic.

III The Challenge

Do you desire closeness with God you can’t seem to find? Do you have a loved one that you
would give anything to see them come to know Jesus? Do you have financial needs that seem
to outweigh that weekly paycheck? Most do! You need the same thing Moses needed when the
enemy was approaching…he needed a sea to part. And it did. David needed a giant to fall. And the
giant fell. Esther needed an audience with the king. And it was granted. And you, my friend, need a
miracle you have never experienced, and we are here to help.

If you will click below you will find incredible, time-tested resources that will help you take your
faith and your life in Christ to the next level through fasting. Knowledge is power I believe these
resources will be a great blessing to you. In fact, one of the things I recommend every year is for
you to find a group to fast with. If you can’t get friends and family to join you, consider our online
community your personal group! Follow our blog throughout your 21-day journey and connect with
us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to live stream our weekly service each Sunday
and Wednesday on jentezenfranklin.org, YouTube or Facebook.

IV New Book Release

We are releasing this brand new book called Fasting: 101 Most Asked Questions. In this fact-filled
book we answer 101 of the most asked questions with basic, easy-to-understand answers as well as
biblical references and examples.

Fasting is a choice, but it is also obedience. In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about three duties of every
Christian: giving, praying, and fasting. Notice in the scripture reference below he doesn’t use the
word “if.” He uses the word “when” just like He does in the other parts of Matthew chapter 6 when
He talks about praying and giving. You could choose to not fast this year, but why would you? Why
would you choose to stay where you are when God has so much more for you?

Find Pastor Jentezen Franklin’s brand new Fasting: 101 Most Asked Questions online now at
jentezenfranklin.org. With your gift of $50 or more, you will receive this new book PLUS Jentezen
Franklin’s New York Times bestseller, Fasting.

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