Yesterday I finished up the Seventh and final day of

• No bread
• No pasta
• No red meat

However, I keep going with the “no sugar, no dairy fast” for the month of September! Changing my focus is a daily, hourly, moment by moment adventure. I’m thankful for the Word of God always bringing me back to the purpose of this journey called life.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2, NLT).

“Changing the way I think” is crucial in living a life pleasing to the Lord, besides keeping my feet firmly planted on the ground, a.k.a. no panic eruptions!

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:11-13, NIV).

Our bodies can often seem at war with our soul. We are told to say “No,” to train our bodies (1Corinthians 9:24-27), and live self-controlled lives. We need the “Helper” Who will fill our tanks each day and give us the desire to live with purpose. He truly is the “person-driven” filler of tanks!

Last year’s September sugar/dairy fast, I shared from Meg Marie Wallace’s Lifestyle Beauty Blog. Her motto, “Fit for a Purpose,” delivered a punch that I appreciated. She explained, “Fitness and healthy eating are important because they help to create a lifestyle that allows me to give more to others. I want to use all I have to pour out my life for those around me, and ultimately make Jesus’ name great.”

And, in his book, Every Body Matters, Gary Thomas emphasizes “Strengthening Your Body to Strengthen Your Soul.” His insight for understanding the body, the temple of God, as an instrument for God’s glory and not seeking to be an ornament, also gives me a correct understanding of where I’m headed – An instrument for God’s use!

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself  for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NLT).

“Honoring the Lord with what He has given me!” Remembering my body belongs to the Lord helps as I follow through with a month of no dairy, and no sugar. God’s Word brings such delight to my person-driven “fast!”

What drives you to follow your life’s purpose?