Day 3 of The Full 40
I was reading in the New Testament and this verse got me thinking. Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. After reading that I thought about one of the most amazing human beings I have ever heard of - Daniel. His story of being captured and taken as a slave is incredible. I encourage you to study his whole life at some point but for now let us look at how he ate and the effects of good nutrition and dedication to God. Daniel 1:8-20 8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. 10 But he responded, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.” 11 Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” 14 The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others. 17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. 18 When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. Commentary: God’s Word gives us hope when we slow down and hear the inspiring stories of how God helped real people with real challenges. Daniel’s determination to do the right thing should give us strength. He only ate vegetables and water for 10 days. The result was he looked healthier and better nourished than the other men. Daniel’s mind was clear and he could understand things that others could not. My hope is that this will inspire you stay away from foods that slow you down and fuel yourself with the healthy stuff. Prayer: God, give me self control like Daniel had. Help me to eat clean and think clearer. -Amen
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Day 2 of The Full 40
I love how the Bible tells us to fill our minds with truth and good things. Check out this beautiful scripture found in the book of Philippians chapter 4. (The Message Version) You will do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Commentary: You decide what you fill your mind with. Do not listen to negativity. Focus on the best of things, not the worst. This takes practice. Each day we will look at helpful scripture to strengthen our mind and our spirit. When those are strong, it is easier to do the right things. Prayer: Dear God, help me to meditate on truth. The beautiful and compelling teachings that you share with me through your Holy Word. I want to be in harmony with You and what you are doing all around me. Give me strength to eat smart today and have a good attitude. – Amen. Not Giving Up: If you didn't eat perfect yesterday or you missed a planned workout, please don't give up. This is a challenge to improve ourselves. It is not a contest to see who is perfect. Each day will get easier. Proverbs 24:16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. I am here to help so reach out. - Max Good Morning Team.
24 people have signed up for The Full 40. Between now and Friday June 21st we are going to wait upon the Lord and He is going to R.E.N.E.W. Our strength. Here is what my plan looks like for Monday. Rest: For sleep I will be in bed at 9:30. Exercise: For exercise I will do 2 miles on the treadmill. Nutrition: Here is what I will eat today: Breakfast - 2 scrambled eggs on one slice of toast. Black coffee. Lunch - Homemade chicken salad. Diced up chicken breast mixed with Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo, Tarragon, 6 red grapes, a half of an avocado. To drink I will have green tea. Afternoon snack - Apple sliced up with some Almond butter. Green tea. Dinner - 1 cup of brown rice, mixed with steamed broccoli and topped with salmon. To drink I will have decaf green tea. No snacks after dinner. Education: I will meditate on this scripture throughout the day. Especially when I get hungry. Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Commentary: The Apostle Paul inspires us to seek out the secret to living in every situation. Paul fully trusted Jesus. I often think about Paul in prison. He had the most amazing attitude. Singing and praying while he was chained up. Paul knew that Jesus faced many challenges and so would he. His faith remained strong and probably got even stronger as he made it through many challenging days. He was a mission minded person. Prayer: During these 40 days help me to have the mindset that Paul had. Keep me focused on the mission no matter what tries to hold me back. I can do this challenge because of my faith in Jesus, who gives us strength. - Amen. Wellness: For Wellness I will play guitar for 20 minutes. I hope that this look at my plan for today inspires you to make a clear plan for your day. Reach out if you need any help or have a question. - Max elevateyourlife@gmail.com |