100 Days of Transformation- Day 78- Promised Salvation

Today was the commencement of the next stage of my 100 day fast

External  Focus- Diet

This meant I went to a second modified version of my original Daniel Fast * (DF)

For me, I added  the allowing of fish and chicken (P)...but I have already found this to be a much heavier food, so I will be adding a daily maximum weight of raw meat. (cooks up smaller).

I also allow some yoghurt in the morning on my fruit and the option of that second caffeinated-or no, coffee.

Other than that, the next three weeks will still focus on 75% Fruit & Veg...In last night's table, that shows up as (DF + P)

After three weeks, a different model of fasting will be introduced.

External Focus- Activity

I do feel I fall quite short in this area. Weight-loss and muscle toning would be further along  if I had been implementing the suggestions in the table above. I have managed to increase my walking, but I need to continue and add the new activity that comes with this next stage.

Typically, my Burleigh beach walk would be fine, but I am not beach-side at present, nor in the same set up and situation, so it requires further effort to establish and maintain.

The Fabulous 50s 5 min work outs are easy and  Shellea is good fun. She has a series of workouts that will be part of my regime.

Now, the next table again.

Scripture Study- Week 4 is a study on God's Promised Salvation.

I haven't done the work template but the verses for today are listed.
My suggestion is that you look them up, note them down, and ponder what God is actually saying to us through them.

Rev 5:9 The Lord said that Jesus is the lamb that was slain from before the foundation of the world. He knew what was going to take place and within the Godhead ( Father, Son and Spirit), the whole plan of redemption was already DONE.

Gen 3:15This is the first mention of God's intention to destroy the work of Satan in bringing the Fall of mankind about, by sending another man, the 'woman's seed'- who is Jesus.

Gen 12:1-3
This is where God calls Abram ( later, Abraham) to leave his life and follow Him. He promises to make him into a nation and to bring blessing to all families on earth through him- this is the promise of Jesus to be born of Abraham's line and be the bearer of salvation for all mankind.

God wanted a people and a family that were of the same kind as Him. Born of the same Word ( Jesus) and filled with the same Life essence ( Holy Spirit)-One in them.

Why Do we Need to be SAved?
The reason this is so important, is that  without understanding the need and subsequent promise OF salvation (and what it means), we lack the knowledge to stand on what has been provided for us. If we don't have confidence in what has been provided for us, we can't have the kind of faith that pleases God and rewards the believer. We must have single mindedness to receive ( Jam 1: 8) and we must have faith ( Heb 11:1 & Heb 11:6)

And that faith  comes directly from hearing and knowing His Word. ( Rom 10:17) Not just knowing what it says-any parrot can repeat something-but KNOWING it as your experiential truth.

It's time  to dig for more treasure!

Are YOU ready to take action by faith?


*Daniel Fast- ( DF)typically a 21 day fasting of all but plain fruit and veg. Many people do variations of this, and make reference to a fast of any kind over 3 weeks being a personal version of a Daniel Fast.

In my case, I added the allowance of egg and cheese, but didn't use it much, especially the egg.

100 Days of Transformation-Days 80/79- A New Phase

HI All!

So I am doing a wrap up weekend blog, which also wraps up this first three week stage of my 100 Days.

I have been finding my feet throughout this first three weeks and trying to get my head and habits around how best to, not only navigate this journey for myself, but hopefully provide a useful way to help others.

I am acutely aware that it has been a lot of mish-mash up to this point, but some clarity has started to shine through for me. The last three consecutive nights have found me awake for 1-2 hours in the deep dark stillness of night, writing out what was in my heart. I still don't know how to manage the time required to bring to fruition the ideas and plans I have ( my lifelong quest!), but it always starts with priorities.

My Priorities For This Journey- MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT

1.  This 100 days is a high personal priority, so doing it well, and doing it right, means everything. Otherwise, it won't count for much, anyway. It has to flow from the Spirit. And it must be disciplined by the Word.
2. If its worth planning, documenting and sharing, it could well be worth something to someone else as well. So, publish it in a usable, desirable, teachable, engaging and applicable form. (I realise, that hasn't been a strength, to date)
3. Do the content creating from a mentally clear state (3 am? lol)
   
   So here is a new table to show how I would like to take this from here.
   
   My 5 Module Process

Does this look any more interesting ? lol
It certainly does for me!
It's going to help me get the best out of this whole exercise.
My hope is that the new additions to someone's day (who might be interested in following a similar outline) won't take more than one hour, whilst some will replace current activities, or modify them.

Well that fun image took some time, so  I am going to stop there.
I have made it to the end of my first module and am going to eat some meat for the first time in 3 weeks!

I hope you have had or, are having, a splendid weekend!
Till tomorrow ( Hasta Manana!)

100 Days of Transformation- Day 81- Just keep turning up!

Seniors Singalongs

I dressed in one of my new outfits and went along to my gig-a first time for a senior centre in Tugun, on the south end of the Gold Coast. I had a fun hour with them and altho' was well received in may ways, these guys really want a lot of singalong stuff, not just spectate- which is fine by me. I know a ton of appropriate songs to sing, but now I need to learn to play more of them. And that's fine by me , too :)

People did sing along today, but they really want to be actively engaged, so I have been scouting good material to add to my repertoire that will provide opportunity for just that.

But one of the reasons I mention this gig, is because I have had some voice issues. It is probably a combination of factors; coming through menopause, doing less with my voice over the last 3 months, steroids in inhalers being used more frequently, lower protein intake (strengthens muscle). These are all natural things, but they came together to make my speech quality fairly unstable. Over the last three days, I've noticed and tried to do some basic vocal work to help, but I was a ways off full voice and wondered if I should just pull out-not that is ever a good idea, unless you are convinced you couldn't do the job.

Still, I decided to turn up and commit to the gig. I need the work and I need the potential extra work it could lead to. In addition, I want to be singing more, and this field offers a ministerial aspect.  My point is, I'm seasoned enough to know, both in faith, and in singing, that I can pull it off if I take that step- no turning back.

And it went very well from that perspective.

Sometimes, it's just about turning up. Taking that step to show up is the action that accompanies your confession of faith. God makes up the rest.

Or as I heard someone say once;
Give it your best, 
pray that it's blessed, 
And let Jesus take care of the rest!

You don't just turn up. You commit to it.

This is the attitude of a believing believer.  I have decided to follow Jesus-no turning back. In this case, I decided to follow through on my word, and take God at His. Good choice!
Perhaps my midnight Journal preaching between 2:30-3:30 helped to set that up!

Final Days of Initial Daniel Fast

Just two more days of this stage left. Not too much will change for the next three weeks. I'm reintroducing meats: fish and chicken, but in controlled portions. Still no bread ( miss it! ), no rice, no pasta, biscuits,cakes etc. Still having lots of fruit and veggies, of course!

I have no idea what effect it has made on my weight/size. Only three weeks, and no real exercise to speak of, although, I intend to make a more concerted effort toward that now. I am using averages to credit myself with weight loss, and believe that  as long as I follow through on this process, the desired goal will be reached.

But I am using the Word to power these shifts.. "Shoulda wouldas" haven't worked.
Extrinsic motivation just isn't cutting it, coz the pain of the change has felt higher and more certain than the promise of pleasure in outcomes.
Intrinsic motivation-for my relationship with the Lord, my husband, myself, my family, church, ministry/work. I want to live a truly transformed, fasted life! Not an impotent, woosey, christian-in-name-only-one

What kind of life do YOU want to Live?

100 Days of Transformation-Day 82-Answered Prayer

What matters more, how you start...or how you finish?

In my book, it's all about how you end. Today was one of those days that didn't start so well, coz I had dreams that woke me up to wrong thinking. I guess you could say they revealed some of the concerns of my heart, which in turn, gives me opportunity to address those concerns with the Word.

And I did!

The Reality of Practicalities

You know what's cook about the Word??

You can do what I did, take some time to proclaim the contrasting truth  with a thankful heart-no matter how you feel-and give glory to God, like Abraham did when God told him he would become the father of many nations, even tho, he'd never been a father at all, and his wife, who had always been barren, was now 90!

Without weakening in his faith he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred  years old-and that Sarah 's womb was also dead. Yet, he did not waiver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. Rom 4:19-21 

Don't Go By Your Feelings, But Take The Word Of God and CHANGE the Way You Feel

So, I went for a walk, for almost an hour, pushing my granddaughter past parks and by the river, as I sang Praise and worship songs and sometimes just spoke out scripture. I was mad at myself for feeling so bummed and glum, when I have Jesus in my life and the Spirit of God living in me and Great God Almighty as my Father... and that was the moment I started speaking differently

To be honest, I didn't FEEL like I was doing a very good job at all with the praise and worship part, coz I was preoccupied with some vocal issues, and I have a new gig tomorrow.

It doesn't ALWAYS feel like something is happening in the moment you are taking action...but it catches up!

I can honestly say, that I usually DO feel, from the time I start to the time I finish speaking the Word out. And then, STUFF changes too.

Not long after we arrived back, my husband video called just to tell me to go buy myself something new and nice to wear for my gig tomorrow. I don't often take him up, but this time, I did! And it wasn't what I bought, as much as the fact that my husband, who often features in my prayers, took it upon himself to call and offer that gift. It's not unusual for him him to do it either, but at that specific time, to feel moved to go out of his way-that meant something special for me today!

Remember, one of the  rewards of fasting 'well' is that prayers are heard and answered. Actually, this is a perpetual promise of god for His children and those who seek Him in faith with their whole hearts.

So, today I finished better than I started. 
I think that is a worthy goal for EVERY day - Amen!

How was YOUR Day?? 

And a few things is always nice.  

100 Days of Transformation- Day 83- write the vision/make it plain

Good Fit

Is 58:8-12 is a good fit as an overlay for all the things I hoped to be accomplished through this century of days. Looking back to Derek Prince's [slightly modified] list from Day 84-last night,  I can easily slot my hopes into the areas listed.

In Day 95, I made my own list and a sample table of my fasting plan. I avoided including the intercessory prayer, for various people because I didn't want to discuss personal matters that concerned others, but I will include some general statements here.

And I think I had something for most, if not all, of them!  I have added some notes beside the list elements to show how all I wanted for this fast is offered by God as a reward for fasting done in His will.
So, Is 58:8-12 is a good passage for me to take time to review daily, as it lays out God's promises for those who fast, in keeping with God's will.

1. Light... Clarity of vision and simple singularity of purpose and direction
2. Health (speedily)...weight loss, exercise/work out routine-wardrobe for new look
3. Righteousness...renewed in my thinking to who I am in Christ, and who he is in me
4. Glory...transformation in me and those whose  lives I impact, demonstrating God's might to save.
5. Answered prayer... new home with office, income to pay for it, well ordered days- and fullness of joy, knowing where I belong and functioning there.
6. Continual Guidance...open to follow the Spirit's leading and seeing God delivering me as I am obedient and for His promised Rewards to come to fruition in my life.
7. Satisfaction & refreshing...my great Shepherd, Provider, and Source of Peace
8. Strong bones...reduced inflammation and increased muscle mass
9. Work that endures...establish and excel in new business, to have regular $$ to give into ministries-and anywhere else I desire.
10. Repairs and Restoration...Prayers and intercession for specific people to encounter God in new and deeper ways. Prodigals come home! Broken relationships renewed. This is particularly exciting. 

• a significant weight loss.
• to be 1-2 sizes smaller
• to be a lot healthier
• to have much improved sleep quality
• to build a signature look wardrobe
• to have my own home and home office
• to be excelling in my new online business
• to have a stable routine for holistic well being
• to love my life again
• to know where/how I belong in the greater Body of Christ and be there!
• to have a regular $$ giving schedule
• to be developing fluency in French
• to be head over heels in love with my God.

Next step is to find other supporting verses for these promises.

Come back tomorrow  for some more. Meanwhile, there is plenty here, to begin to profess mind renewing Word.

I'll be doing with you!

That's it for tonight, for me.

See what verses aptly answer your needs. Write them in the comments below. Be wonderful to hear from you..............

100 Days of Transformation-Day 84 Increasing Focus & Intention

Making It Count

A new 'cover art piece to go with the weekly study.
More colour to come! ( unfinished)

With each passing day, a growing conviction to make this 100 days count toward deep and lasting transformation.

That was always the goal, but the understanding of my part in that process, apart from denying myself certain kinds of eating pleasures, grows increasingly significant.

If this time is to bring about the outcomes I so desperately desire to see come to pass, I know I need to be specific and intentional about it.

To this end, yesterday, I was looking at giving each week a focus, building daily on that focus, so as to establish my heart and my thoughts upon it. Whenever my mind or emotions wander down inferior paths, to use those verses to straighten them (me) out again. It's putting them to practical use, in the moment, that develops that faith muscle.

Every new focus of subsequent weeks builds upon the ones that came before, so that a strong spiritual foundation and sturdy structure become a sound doctrine for standing upon in any situation. Not only so, but  by the end of 100 Days there is transformation evident as the power of God's Word begins to do wonderful works of grace , from the inside out.

I'm not a stranger to this process, and have witnessed glorious answers to prayer many times over, but at this stage in my life, after years of deviation, I have struggled to bring about the desired shifts I want to see in my life-elements that SHOULD be evident in my walk. 

I don't want to live an impotent 'christian' life.
I want to live sanctified and set apart-live a fasted life
-live a transformed life.I must see the power of God at work in and through me!
Continuously.

I came across a Derek Prince you tube Video on how To Fast Successfully. This man of God is such a blessing to my heart! in this video, he highlights the rewards God lays out for those who choose to fast according to the will of God.

Pretty sure this content will affect this study material I am putting together. Even though I have fumbled around these first two weeks, I think I will have some quality content to share by the end of this 100 Days. Content that can be truly beneficial to others who are serious about seeing God's ongoing transformation them from the inside out!

We 'work out' our salvation. We grow up in the Word. We are trained in righteousness. That's what it's all about: being conformed to the image of his Son, Jesus. I just want to leave you with this list of ten things from Is 58: 8-12 

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call , and the Lord will answer,
you shall cry out,and he will say "here I am"
if you take away  the yoke from your midst,
the pointing  of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.

And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong.
and you shall be like a watered garden, 
like a spring of water
whose waters do not fail.

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the "Repairer of the breach,
the Restorer of streets to dwell in "

From this passage, came this list. Derek Prince drew it out of verses 8-9, 11-12., but I altered it slightly ( and I may extend it), as I wanted to include the strong bones ( I need that! So, do many post menopausal women. And happily, it isn't the only verse to promise it!) Here is the list of promised outcomes when we fast according to the will of God.

When the work is done, templates to colour will be included :)

1.Light2.health(speedily)3.righteousness 4.glory 5.Answered prayer
6.Continual guidance
7.Satisfaction & Refreshing
8. Strong bones
9.Work that endures10. Restoration 

As it turns out, this list pretty much sums up what I listed for myself! All that hoped for can basically fit into these categories of blessings!
So.. I will pick up from here tomorrow...in the mean time,

how can you see this list transforming your life? How do you think your might life look if all of these 'rewards' manifested as promised?

p.s. sorry, don't know what's going on with my formatting, but after a number of  efforts, I am too tired to fix it tonight!

100 Days of Transformation- Day 85-Back To 'Normal'

Allbeit a NEW normal.

Coz once a new baby comes home, nothing will ever be quite the same again. :) And there is something of a transition stage, with 'spot' celebrations and guests, even as a new routine comes together one day at a time.

The household is complete again. Tomorrow will be a dinner for immediate family on our side, and I'm sure the days and weeks that follow will include many others at various  times. It's been fun having special Grandma time with Pearl these few days past. <3

And yes, through it all, I continue with my Daniel Fast -which is mostly fruit and veg and nuts ( I did include very small portions of cheese on some days , and ate 3 eggs over that time, too. I am very ready for something else! lol However, this stage of my 100 days completes Sunday evening and the next phase begins, which will include more controlled portions of protein (salmon and chicken), which my sample table indicated.

Other 'New' Elements

Now that Samuel Judah has arrived ( born in the car with midwife Daddy!), I am already thinking about what comes next for me. I am here to help for  a certain number of weeks, but after that, need my own 'permanent' place and be working on the online business that I am starting in July. Naturally, these are prayer points, or should I say "confession" points, with thanksgiving.

But as I was saying yesterday, there are some categories of confession I want to cover, as part of my training in righteousness. Some people may argue that living by the righteousness that is by faith should be more fluid and less structured, but the Bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved, as those who correctly handle the Word of Truth. 2 Tim2:15

Most studies are undertaken with a disciplined base, and each field of study is actually referred to as a discipline. MY high school art teacher used to say "You need to learn the rules and about how they work, before you can a know how to bend them". Art was taught through the imitating of the masters, for the purpose of mastering their techniques.

This requires INTENTIONAL and specific, and maybe even systematic, practise. Learning to bridle one's tongue and rein in one's thoughts will ONLY happen this way. Do it with joy and thanksgiving, from the heart, by the Spirit of faith-not as some dutiful, dry, obligatory exercise of the natural will. The first way leads to powerful transformation and greater joy, but the latter to resentment and disappointment when it fails to work.

This is not the final form, but I wanted to make some kind of step toward the Weekly focus I laid out in last night's blog, the purpose to be to learn and meditate on these verses in Week 1.

In order for God' Word to transform your life, you must receive it as done and give thanks. Some things are easier than others, but all are within reach to the committed person who truly wants to believe God unto a glorious testimony.
Amen!!!