Gotta Change the Subject

Yes, I know there are still two chapters left of Ephesians, but my brain has moved on. Sorry, Paul, to just dump you off like this, but as I said when I started the book, we were doing Daniel in a new Bible study and the chances of switching were pretty good.

This new study in Daniel is going to be really good. We've only had one session so far and I find that this year, I struggle finding the time to do any homework. Last time we did a Beth Moore study, I was diligent in getting my homework done nearly every day. This time, I have a week to get 3 lessons done and I can barely do it.

On a soon-to-be-related note, I'm also in the middle of a big weight loss effort. Since January, I've lost 40 pounds and have at least 35 to go. In June, I hit a plateau. It's always so hard to push through those plateaus and now with this health stuff going on, I find it harder to push. I can't do aerobics...I have to watch how much I physically exhert myself...all food makes me sick so I eat anything... It seems easier to just put the weight loss on hold until I'm physically "healthy" again, then pick it up and lose the rest.

But get this...

Daniel 1:3-5, 8, 15 (New King James Version)

3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles,
4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.

It's so easy for me to find excuses. Then in our very first session, looking at the very first chapter of a book that is sure to overwhelm my mind, God shows me five little words. These words are just enough to make me hide my face. Here was Daniel, taken out of his own land, thrown into the king's home to study and he's given all the delicacies of the king's table. And Daniel has enough integrity and commitment to God to say "NO." He even challenges the eunuchs to test his appearance against the other men after the ten days.

Many would look at this passage and take it as a weight-loss challenge. "Wow--vegetables (and here, this means anything grown from sown seed...fruits, veggies, grains) made them look healthier and stronger. If he can do it, so can I!" And if that's what works, more power to you!

As for me? I'm going to take those five little words I've already highlighted..."Daniel purposed in his heart." It was a heart decision, not a mind decision. The excuses I find to not get my homework done is a mind decision. The choice to put weight loss on hold till health is figured out is a mind decision. But in my heart, I know that "In all things, Christ gives me strength." In my heart of hearts, I know I am capable of doing these things. I also know myself well enough to know that not doing my homework will stunt my spiritual growth, just as not watching my weight will only give me more to lose later.

I appreciate the heartfelt efforts of those I love to encourage me not to get overwhelmed and to take one thing at a time. But as of this moment, Amy purposed in her heart that these things are right for her to do. They may not be easy to accomplish, but my heart knows it is strengthened by Him.

Feel free to keep me accountable...