The Daniel Plan – Book Review

Happy New Year! I apologize for no post yesterday, but I was spending time with family and taking down my Christmas decorations. If you have been doing this treacherous task, then I feel your pain. The only thing worse than decorating a Christmas tree is taking one down. I love Christmas, but it’s a lot of work. My husband and I were talking about the year, 2013, and we both agree that we are glad it is over. Let’s pray that 2014 is a better year for America, than it was last year.

It is Throwback Thursday at Prayer in Every City. Thank you for joining me during the month of Spiritual Renewal. Today I will be doing a review on Rick Warren’s new book, The Daniel Plan, which was just published. I am not a huge fan of Rick Warren, because I disagree with his “seeker friendly” movement which has swept the nation since his first book, The Purpose Driven Life. I believe that the “seeker friendly” movement has done severe damage in many of our churches by catering to the “seekers” rather than concentrate on spiritual growth. But I will set aside my differences for this book, because it goes along with my Spiritual Renewal theme for this month. This book is not just a new diet plan, but focuses on a healthy lifestyle. If you have ever tried to diet, then you know how difficult this can be. If you desire to make lifestyle changes, then this requires the power of the Holy Spirit. According to Rick, “I have already mentioned that you need God’s power, not just willpower, to change. God’s Holy Spirit helps us break free from bad habits, compulsions, and addictions” (p. 26). This book is not a Daniel Fast, but rather focuses on his diet in Daniel 1:8-16. I plan to follow the diet in Daniel 1 and focus on eating more fruits and vegetables. Many people diet to lose weight, but they do not eat healthy. I know overweight people who eat healthier diets than skinny people. So whether or not you need to lose weight, commit to eating a healthy diet this year.

As we begin our journey of Renewal, you may wish to pick up a copy of this book. I have been trying to lose weight myself and know that my willpower is very weak. I am only successful at losing weight when I do a diet fast. If you would like to find out more about my diet fast, then take a look at this article, “Fasting Friday – A Diet Fast”.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope you have prayed at least 5 minutes today.  We will increase this amount next week. What about memorizing your scripture for the week? Remember our verse for this week is Phil. 4:8. Have you decided which book of the Bible you would like to study? Feel free to join me next Wednesday for a Bible study on walking in the spirit. Tomorrow is Fasting Friday where we will look at a healthy diet plan. No, I am not a diet expert, but my goal is to build a support group to help us lose weight together. I need all the help I can get. See you tomorrow!

Our Weekly Spiritual Renewal Schedule

Week of Spiritual Fitness

Celebration Sunday – Spend time with family, day of rest, study your book of the Bible, prayer
Meditations Monday – Establish a quiet time (prayer), memorize a weekly scripture verse
Triathlon Tuesday – Focus on prayer, Bible study and Fitness day
Walk in the Spirit Wednesday – Bible study on how to walk in the Spirit at Prayer in Every City
Throwback Thursday – Book recommendations from the “Old Guys” at Prayer in Every City
Fasting Friday – Learn about healthy eating habits, do a weight loss program as a fast to the Lord
School of Prayer Saturday – Tips on How to Study the Bible at Prayer in Every City

Warren, Rick. Daniel Amen M.D. Mark Hyman M.D. The Daniel Plan. The Daniel Plan, 2013.