Dawn Darnell Ministries

Greetings Family of God,

 

In 2026, my prayer is that we will experience prosperity and deeper fellowship with the Father, growing spiritually in all of God’s attributes. Remember, we are chosen, as stated in Matthew 5:14: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

 

As we approach the first fruit fast of 2026, let’s intentionally leave behind the things from 2025 that held us back. Let go of past burdens so we can move forward toward God’s calling for us. God’s plans remain, no matter what we have faced, as Romans 8:26 and 28 reminds us: "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness... And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Even when we do not understand, trust that God’s purpose is at work. 

 

God knows his perfect plan for us, from beginning to end. I assure you through Scripture that his plan is for us to win, have victory, and succeed. When God deals with us, he sees the finish of his plans first, then starts from the beginning. His counsel shall stand forever (Isaiah 46:10). We see this in Joseph’s life. Joseph was rejected by his brothers, put into a pit, accused of rape, and placed in prison. At the end, we see God’s purpose at work for Joseph’s good, because he was called and chosen. Joseph became second in authority to Pharaoh. He delivered and saved his family from famine. He moved his family to Egypt and became a wealthy, prosperous ruler. Joseph’s final purpose was better than his beginning. He saw and understood it all. 

 

We should also remember all the benefits, good things, and blessings God bestowed on us in 2025. Especially those things that strengthened us and deepened our faith in Christ. I have learned to live and thrive on what God told Paul when he prayed to God three times, literally begging God (NLT) to stop the trial he was going through! Satan’s messenger, a demonic spirit (2 Corinthians 12:8 NLT), was allowed to torment him, and Paul wanted it to end. God assured him that his grace, God’s ability, was all he needed and that God’s power works best in weakness. Satan has been defeated, not us. God’s Word says, "Greater is He who is in us than he (Satan) who is in the world" (1 John 4:4 NLT). I also glean from the heart and mind of God spoken to Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:22–24 NLT: "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin each morning afresh. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him."

 

Family of God, we have been given a fresh start for the 2026 first fruit fast. We can enter 2026 with thankfulness and a blood-washed conscience, leaving the past where it belongs, giving God our best, total surrendering to his will and plans. We can use our lips to praise and worship him for who he is and all that he is, our Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, our father. We must keep that attitude, knowing we have been given all things freely from him by his Spirit, to succeed.

 

When getting started with our fast, as always, consult your doctor to see if this is something you can undertake. I know some may have health challenges and take medicine, which will not allow them to do our normal fast with liquids only.

 

Some might need to eat solid foods. My recommendation is to follow the Daniel fast described in the Bible, where he ate certain fruits and vegetables (Daniel 10:1–2). God knows what you can do and your heart’s motive. Scripture says, "rend your heart and not your garments" (Joel 2:12–13).

 

This year’s fast is different from our previous fasts. As God has spoken to my spirit, this fast will be shorter than the 21-day Daniel fast (Daniel 10:2–3).

 

This year, God has called us to do our normal fast, which is liquids only. We face a stronger demonic force, so we must sacrifice more and not eat solid food. Food can hinder spiritual progress when seeking clarity from God. Hunger itself can become a distraction, making it hard to discern God's voice. Hunger pains can be very distracting (Acts 10:9 20; Exodus 22:4 14; Matthew 17:14 21). God sees this fast as a sacrifice. We are advised to deny human appetites (Philippians 3:18–21; Isaiah 58:10–11).

 

Our reference scripture, which we will follow, is taken from Luke 4:1 (NLT).

 

“Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus had not eaten for a long time and became very hungry.” 

 

Scripture never said that Jesus did not drink. We will follow what Jesus did; he ate no solid food. I believe that from Jesus' calling on his life and the ministry he was called to fulfill, he needed his flesh and body to submit totally to God and his Spirit. The mission he was on required a sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2), and from scripture we see that, after the fast, he was well equipped to deal with Satan and his demons. Jesus went into the power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture describes Jesus as knowing his mission and the call on his life. Jesus had clarity about where he should go, who he should deal with, and what he should do. Jesus had insight and wisdom into the kingdom of God and Satan’s kingdom. No demon, plot, or plan could stop or defeat him. Satan was only allowed to think he defeated Jesus at the cross, but we know that was a lie. The cross was for our benefit; the finished work of Jesus and his blood on the cross is what gave us victory over Satan and his kingdom, even today, glory to God!

 

First Fruit comes from the Bible. God instructed Moses to direct his people in this. They gave God the first of their crops each year. By offering these before anyone else ate, people thanked God: "We know you gave the rain and made them grow." All blessings are from you, and without you, nothing could flourish or grow. We honor you by returning the first fruits before eating them. We say thank you for your blessing for the year (Proverbs 3:9; Deuteronomy 26:2).

 

This is where our First Fruit Fast comes from. We want to tell and show God gratitude (Acts 17:28). We have been given the grace to live and see another year. We have been given the opportunity to fulfill the call and destiny in our lives by the hands and will of God. Many did not live to see another year of God’s grace. We have, and we acknowledge his blessings. We know this year is a year of grace, favor, and mercy. God will continue to bless us all year long. God, who is so rich in his mercy, already has us covered for the year.

 

Our first fruit fast will begin Monday, January 12, 2026, and last fourteen days, ending Sunday, January 25, 2026, at midnight. This fast sets the spiritual tone for the year, using Acts 27:21–42 and Proverbs 4:20–22 as guidance.

 

Instructions for Starting the Fast

1. We are commanded by God to fast. God is a Spirit, and this fast is spiritual. Our fast is to God and the type he has chosen. It destroys and breaks all wicked and demonic strongholds (Matthew 9:15; John 4:24; Isaiah 58:6–8; Zechariah 7:5; Acts 13:2).

2. Always repent and confess both known and unknown sin. Keep your heart ready to forgive anyone who hurt you, just as Christ did. Unforgiveness can block your fast from delivering its promises and benefits (Luke 23:34; 1 John 1:9; Ephesians 4:30–32).

3. Give to the poor, the homeless, and the hungry (Isaiah 58:7, 10; Proverbs 22:9; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 25:35–40). This promotes speedy health (Isaiah 58:8).

 

Starting the Fast

Now that you understand our guidelines, begin cutting back on your meals each day until you start the fast. If you eat three meals a day, start eating two and a snack. Each day you should eat less. Start cutting out your sugar and sweets. If you drink coffee or tea, leave out the cream, milk, and sugar, and cut back on caffeine. Lemon or lime is a good substitute for sugar in tea. Your body will begin to obey you and stop fighting you. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins in your body, which can help reduce cravings, headaches, and body pain. This is the time to renew your mind by God’s word and to pray and meditate in God’s word. Each day will get easier for you. If you consume something you shouldn't, just repent and continue in the fast. Because this is a spiritual time, replace your natural habits of watching TV and other things with prayer, God’s word, and worship. Remember, this is spiritual, so angels from God will come. Evil spirits will try to come as well. Always stay alert by governing everything by God’s Word (1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:1). Keep a journal to record what God will be telling and showing you during the fast. Remember to get plenty of rest, as your body and organs will be undergoing a deep cleansing. Scripture reminds us to anoint ourselves when needed and to wash our faces to refresh ourselves. (Matthew 6: 16-18).

 

Our Focus and assignment during the Fast

Acts 27:21–37; Proverbs 4:20–22

 

God has spoken to me about some things on his heart for us, his children. God’s love goes beyond and passes human understanding (Ephesians 3:19; Philippians 4:7). This fast focuses on our health and our quality of life. God knows and sees everything. Scripture says God would not do anything unless He revealed it to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). God is genuinely concerned about our well-being in this world. We are in this world, but do not live by its rules and dictates. We live by the rules of the kingdom of God. God chose us out of this world system, and His ways are totally different (John 15:19). Jesus stated in John 17:14–16: "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of this world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (the Devil). They are not of the world, even as I am not of this world." God has revealed to me how to prepare our bodies by obeying his word and the guidance he has given us on eating, rest, work, sleep, relationships, and exercise. We were told to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1–2). God is for the body, and the body is for the LORD (1 Corinthians 6:13). God will always do His part. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). We live in a time in America when healthcare is not a major concern for our government. God knows all things and leads us, His children, into the truth of His Word (1 John 5:19). We’re living in a time where many cannot afford healthcare insurance, and because the premiums are so high, many choose to go without it. As a result, we are about to be faced with a time of much sickness and disease in our land, as we have never seen before. Old and new diseases will arise. I believe many will die from simple health problems that could have been prevented. As God spoke to his children through Moses, saying none of the diseases that came upon the Egyptians shall be upon you if you harken and obey my voice, I am the Lord that healeth you (Exodus 15:26).

 

The health care system is unbelievably bad in America. God wants us to be prepared and ready. God has promised to take care of our bodies if we listen to him. Our bodies belong to God. God wants us, his children, to fast and pray about the healthcare system and the leaders who are controlling it. God wants to get involved and turn this plot of Satan around (Ezekiel 22: 30) “Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy”. (John 10:10) Jesus came to give life and give it in abundance. If we cry out to God, God will heal this system of healthcare (2 Chronicles 7:14). God also showed me many of his children who have been suffering with old chronic diseases, pain, and sickness for a long time. God wants to bring healing to your bodies. Once you do this fast, you will find out for yourself that you have been healed. You will not be thinking about it, and it will just manifest. One thing God has shown me is he will protect us from these diseases and sicknesses that are about to come. If I am in line with what His Word says and am a doer of it.

 

Guidelines for the fast

 

Acts 27:21–37; Proverbs 4:20–22; Isaiah 58:6–11

1. Fast starts on Monday, January 12, 2026, for fourteen Days.

2. Fast will end on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at midnight. (If you want to continue till the end of January 31, 2026, God Bless you)

3. This fast is a normal fast with only liquids. (Those who have health challenges and take medicine should consult with their doctor first or do the Daniel fast (Daniel 10:2–3).

4. We will take communion on the fourteenth day, our last day. You can get the elements and do this in the private setting of your home.

5. Be sure to give to the homeless, the hungry, the poor (Isaiah 58:7–8).

6. In the first week, keep silent before God, and allow the Holy Spirit to search your spirit and cleanse you from any secret faults you might have. Do not ask for anything; this is a time to let God guide you. And to keep a repentant heart and attitude before God (Psalm 105:4; Habakkuk 2:20).

7. The second week should be a time of worship and praising God. The Holy Spirit will reveal things about your body and health, and what we must do to take care of ourselves. And give us wisdom on how to intercede for our leaders who are in authority over our health care system. And for God’s will to be done in our health care system. 

 

Proverbs 30:8; 2 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:1–5

 

Father, thank you for your grace, strength, and power to carry us through this fast. We take your authority and bind every hindering spirit that would come. Thank you for your peace during this fast. We bind strife and confusion in Jesus’s name. We bind sickness and diseases, all attacks of the enemy to interfere with this fast. Father removes all diabolical people from around us. And only send those with a divine assignment from you. We ask that you arrest every contrary spirit that would try to fight against your plan and purpose during this fast. We thank you right now for fulfilling this assignment you have called us to fulfill in Jesus’ name. We also sprinkle the blood of Jesus over every person who is partaking of this fast. And we give you all the praise and Glory and Honor that your counsel will stand and manifest during this fast now and afterwards in Jesus’ name, we ask for these things.

 

Click here for the list of foods that can be consumed for those of you who will undertake the Daniel Fast is.

  

In His Love and Work,

 

Pastor Dawn M. Darnell