The Daniel Fast: A Whole Body Experience; And Even More

Our church, World Hope Worship Center, is corporately participating in a Daniel Fast for the next several weeks. Because there are apparently many versions of a Daniel Fast, Pastor Dave distributed an informational packet that described the fast in more detail. One section was titled The Daniel Fast: A Whole Body Experience. This section quite succintly and accurately described the makeup of human beings and how this fast will benefit us; body, soul, and spirit.


I was reminded that this is very close to what Royal Rangers know as the 4 gold points of the Royal Ranger emblem. Those gold points represent the four ways a boy grows; physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. The basis for this comes from Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." If we break this down and compare it to the emblem and the Daniel Fast information guide we clearly see the commonalities.

Luke	Emblem	Daniel Fast Guide
Growing in wisdom	Mentally	Soul
Growing in stature	Physically	Body
Growing in favor with God	Spiritually	Spirit
Growing in favor with men	Socially

The Daniel Fast Guide seems to be in perfect harmony with Luke and the RR emblem except that it does not address the fourth point. However, already I have noticed that this corporate fast is having an impact on our social growth. I believe this fast can be a catalyst for the development of stronger relationships.

One of the greatest blessings I have received as a RR commander has been the relationships that I have enjoyed with other RR leaders. These relationships are initially forged through the obvious common interest of being involved in the ministry. But the strongest and most impactful of these relationships are developed through spending time in prayer together. Praying for the same boys and their families. Praying for each other's families and those of other leaders. Battling in spiritual warfare together, defeating the enemy in unity with each other and with God.

I look forward to seeing how this fast helps us to grow socially and build stronger relationships.