Better Genes Via Adoption

"For He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:4-6

Many times I've thought that part of my problem with obesity is my genes. My father's side of the family is extraordinarily heavy, so it must be a function of an inherited malfunctioning metabolism, right? But, I think overeating stems more from environment than it does biological disposition. I grew up in a household that ate whatever we wanted when we wanted. That's what feels "natural" so making this life change seems extraordinarily difficult at times.

This past Sunday, though, we visited a church that is doing a study of Ephesians. The first 14 verses talk about being "IN HIM." If you read the entire passage, you'll notice this phrase over and over again. We were predestined for adoption through Jesus Christ to be holy and blameless! In essence, we are adopted children. (And, as it was explained to me in a previous Bible study, we want to be adopted as sons because that means that we get the rights and riches of a son whereas women at this time didn't get such privileges).

With God as our Father, we have no excuses. We have the perfect example to watch. We have new "genes" through the deposit of His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), which gives us the POWER to live a new life. We are new creations, children of the omnipotent God!!!

I love my children SO much! If they needed or wanted something - something that was beneficial for them - and it was in my power to make it happen, I would do it. Make the sacrifice, do whatever I could, it would be done! Now picture God as our Father, the picture of the perfect parent. It was in His power to save us from our sin, and He made the ultimate sacrifice, giving His only begotten Son for us. If we ask Him to make us healthy and thin to serve Him better along with those He's put into our lives, don't you think that He will answer YES! And don't you think He has the power to make it happen for us? We simply need to get on board with His plan!

We are adopted as His children. We have the power of His Spirit. We have His promises that He will do whatever we ask in His Name. We need to believe in the Almighty and get out of this mindset that we're never going to change because we've always been this way. Hallelujah! God SAVES!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being holy and blameless. Thank You for being our amazing Lord. We believe in You, God. We believe that You sent Your Son for us so that we - through the forgiveness of our sins that You have given us - can become Your adopted heirs. Thank You for the Holy Spirit! Please empower us to do Your will. Please help us become healthy and thin for Your glory. Help us serve You and the lives You've put around us to the best of our ability. Lord, we come to You humbly and beg for Your mercy and help. Thank You for being faithful and true! In Jesus' Name we pray, AMEN!

Open Wide

"Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—if you would only listen to me, Israel! You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not worship any god other than me. I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." Psalm 81:8-10

Today I started a new Bible study called "A Woman of Moderation." In it, Dee Brestin talks about the fact that we fill our craving for God with food when we're hungry for Him and not physically hungry. I've heard this many times, but today it really hit a cord with me.

In the above verses, God tells us that we are NOT to have any gods but Him - including food! - and that He is the One who delivers us from slavery and bondage to such addictions. Then He promises that if we open wide our mouths, HE will fit it. What a promise! He will satisfy our cravings, help us when we're bored, and heal our internal wounds. Food can't "fix" us, but God can if we'll trust Him rather than our impulses to gorge ourselves.

Is it wrong to enjoy food? Not at all. Is it wrong to rely on food for our happiness when God is desiring to fulfill our needs? YES! He alone can satisfy our deepest longings and desires.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us. Thank You for being holy, worthy and amazing. God, we appreciate You meeting our longings and filling our mouths. We need You to do a work in our hearts and our lives. May we be set free from the slavery to overeating, just like the Israelites were freed from their bondage to Egypt. Help us not to bow down to any other gods and dishonor You. Help us live for Your glory. Please make us healthy and thin. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

Do You Agree?

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

Realizing that the struggle of addiction goes beyond a simple "eat less and exercise more and you'll be thin," I want you to know that I get it. If you're struggling in this area like I am, it's something you want so badly and can't seem to get there. I know in my head what's right, but I continue to make poor choices. I read a quote once that said something to the effect that we abandon what we want most when we give in to what we want right now. I've been asking God to help me in the area of discipline. I truly need it! I want to live a life of moderation. I want to be able to say no to myself and feel satisfied with the decision. It seems so simple to say and yet SO hard to do. I need prayer! I need my Father! I need the Holy Spirit to guide me in each and every moment.

I believe God's Word is truth. I believe what Jesus says in this verse is true - if we (you reading this and me writing this) agree about anything we ask for, it will be done by God the Father in heaven. So, let's ask together, shall we? Let's agree to ask for both of us right now.


Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus and His salvation. We thank You for His ministry on earth where we read the words that He spoke in truth. We thank You for His dying on the cross and resurrection - death that brings life to us. God, we know that You can raise the dead to life, so we know that nothing is impossible with you. Together, the two of us (reader and writer) ask to be healthy and thin for Your ultimate glory. Please help us lose weight, look great, and give honor to You in the process. Give us discipline, Lord, and help us lead a life of moderation. We can't do it without You, but YOU can do it for us. We believe that You'll grant our request. We need You today. Thank You, God, for your quick answer. In Jesus' Name we pray, AMEN!

Take Heart!

"Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed from that moment." Matthew 9:22

Lately, I have been lacking the faith that God can heal me of my addiction. I've gained back all the weight I had lost. Knowing better, I walked right back into the trap of sin, thinking that I could let go of it on my own at any time. I'll admit that I thought I could lose it through nursing or just not eating once I was done being pregnant. And here I am unable to get any ground. A picture of how I'm feeling is bald tires spinning on ice: turning and turning, there's no traction and very little hope.

But, as I've been reading the Bible again, I realize that my hope cannot be in my own ability to be more perfect. Without excuses, I am a sinner in need of forgiveness and life change. I am again at a spot where I must admit defeat and rely on the power of Jesus to save and to heal. Only He can! I get no glory from this situation. I look and feel awful. BUT, I believe that God can save anyone He chooses to. And I believe that He can heal someone instantly if He wants to. And I'm hoping like the woman in this story that I can somehow press through and grab just the tip of His cloak... that through faith in Him alone and His power to heal, I can be restored to who I was meant to be.

I have no hope on my own. My only prayer is for Jesus to rescue me. I know He can. I believe He can. I'm willing to wait and push on. I'm willing to believe that He is the giver of good gifts and that He can make me "healed from that very moment." I invite you to pray with me!

Dear Heavenly Father, You are holy. You are perfect and righteous. I, on the other hand, have sinned greatly before you. The sin I've committed has caused me to look and feel bad. I can't seem to change on my own. So, I'm desperately seeking You. If only I could touch You here where I'm at, I believe You can save me. Truly, You are my only hope! Please, don't let me go unnoticed. Please forgive the terrible sins I've committed. Please keep me from evil. May Your good and gracious will be done in my life. I commit myself to You, in the name of Your glory. Thank You for Your amazing Word and faithfulness. Thank You for bringing life to death and healing us. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

He Must Become Greater; I Must Become Less

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

How many of us want to become less? Pick me! I wish I weighed and looked a whole lot LESS! What's the key? John knew. He said it when he noted that Jesus must become greater. When there is more of God in our lives, there is less of us, including less of our human nature that leads us into temptation and sin.

More importantly, John understood that we need to glorify God. It isn't about us. There are many instances in the Bible where someone didn't give credit to God and was immediately struck by Him. The first instance I remember was Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. He was proud and said in verse 30, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" He no more than spoke the words and a voice from heaven told him that his royal authority had been stripped from him - for seven years his sanity was taken and he lived like a wild animal outside. Picking up in verse 34:

 ³⁴ At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.

   His dominion is an eternal dominion;
   his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
³⁵ All the peoples of the earth
   are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
   with the powers of heaven
   and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
   or say to him: “What have you done?”

 ³⁶ At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. ³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

The next time I saw a similar situation was in Acts 12:23 "Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died." 

The Bible is clear that we are to give God the glory in all circumstances, humbling ourselves and recognizing that He alone is the giver of all good things. Luke 17:10 tells us "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"

I believe that God created us to praise and glorify Him. If we can use our past sin and current obedience for His holy Name, then should do so. We need to make sure that we aren't congratulating ourselves on a job well done but rather focusing on God and His glory. Our weight loss journey isn't about gym memberships, workouts, diets, or even really weight or looks. We need to get into the mindset that God alone is to be glorified through our bodies. If we can grasp this concept, I think we can lay hold of the mighty power that He offers through His Son in forgiving our sin and allowing us to start over. As I look at my body and wish it were better, I often think "If only I could start over and knowing what I know now make better choices from birth - if only I could be born again!" Friends, we can be born again! And I believe that God can give us a fresh body if we allow Him to. Only He can do it, so only He can get the credit. Let's pray!

Father God, thank You for the work of the cross. May we never forget the cost to you of our salvation. We confess that we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. We ask that You forgive us and give us fresh, new bodies along with a fresh, new start. When we do all that You've commanded, may we say with a true heart, "We only did our duty as unworthy servants." Lord, we are humbly asking for LESS of us! I want to be a whole lot less! In the place of me (and my fat) may there be more of You. Please become greater in my life! I love you, Lord Jesus. Have Your way and be glorified in me today. I ask You to make me healthy and thin for your glory. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

I remember my husband telling me once "you can't out-exercise a bad diet." I really thought about that for a long time. Knowing that most of weight loss comes from simply eating less calories than you need to burn, why can't I make myself eat less? I'm not going to starve to death. There's no real tangible reason that I need to eat as much as I do. So, with that knowledge in my head, why can't I seem to change my physical actions? Why can't I do better? How can I know something and do the complete opposite?

As I was showering today, I asked myself the question "what triggers my eating?" My first answer in this last rebound into sin was "I deserve it." That sounds crazy, but when I'm sick (like the beginning of my pregnancy), when I'm in pain (like after surgery or a recent fall where I broke my toe), when I'm tired (since I'm up feeding my baby all night long), I feel like I DESERVE to feel good. It's my right to enjoy life, and I enjoy food. It's my pleasure or addiction - why not give into cravings when I've had a rough day? If it makes me feel better, why not? After all, I've worked hard at being a mom, wife, cleaning the house, whatever the excuse is... I deserve it! I think this is where the above verse comes into play. We are to walk humbly with our God.

We don't deserve anything. Well, what we deserve is death and hell from the sin we've committed. Where do we get off feeling like we deserve more than we've been given? After all, looking at my own life, I have a wonderful husband, three beautiful children, a nice enough house, plenty to eat, clothes to wear, etc. Even if I've had a rough day, how do I think that I deserve even more than the grace I've been given? It's crazy to even think. And yet, this psychological trait is what gets me into trouble 9 out of 10 times. It's something I simply must give to God. The Lord detests pride (I deserve it!) and idol worship (addiction to food!). I'm praying to be in right relationship with him, so I need to get rid of this mentality that life is about me and not about Him.

The other times where it's not deserving, I think it's hopelessness. How can I ever expect to do better? I've willingly gained a ton of weight, eaten whatever I've wanted, and now I even have a broken toe to boot! How can I exercise? How can I eat less calories when my body has become accustomed to the intake I've had? I've been heavy all my life, is there anything but despair for my future? Will my husband ever look at me and say "wow, she's smokin!" And this is where I think that we need to love mercy. God desires to give us mercy if we'll turn to him. Do we deserve His grace? By no means! Does He give it freely if we repent? Absolutely! I can't do this walk on my own. Instead, I need to rely on God for every step of the way. I must love His mercy, act justly (do what is right) and walk ever-so-humbly with Him if I am going to have any hope for the future.

Dear God, thank You that You are a just and loving God. Thank You that You desire mercy, not sacrifice. Thank You for showing us the path to life! Please make us healthy and thin for Your glory. Break the chains of addiction, free us from anything we've done that isn't of You, help us to walk humbly with You on this journey toward a healthy temple that Your Spirit dwells in. Please forgive us and help us start fresh today, even this very minute. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

God's Ways Are Not Our Ways

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

I've been thinking lately about Sarah & Abraham. God promised to make Abraham into a great nation. And Sarah - thinking of her inadequacies to bear children up to that point, I'm presuming - decided to take the matter into her own hands and have Abraham sleep with her servant Hagar. Now, I would NEVER want to share my husband for any reason. The thought of it makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. But, I think Sarah wanted to help God fulfill His promise. (See Genesis 16.) What Sarah didn't realize is that God doesn't need help to accomplish His plans. Sure, He wants our obedience. But, He does as He pleases (Daniel 4:35) and answers to no one.

God didn't need Sarah to create a round-about way to give Abraham children. He gave them a son together - even in their old age. Sarah tried to do things her way, and what ended up happening was detrimental rather than helpful. Going about it her own way lead to heart ache on her part, her servant's part, and the children's part - and continues to fuel problems to this day. Even now, from what I understand the muslim religion holds that Ishmael (the boy born first to the servant) was the one who received Abraham's blessing from God rather than Isaac, the son born of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. Her actions ended up resulting in the creation of a whole new religion that departed from God's truth!

I think sometimes we try to go about God's business in our ways rather than His. I think of losing weight and immediately I think I need to starve myself and exercise round the clock. In fact, last Sunday I decided to go for a run even though I haven't been getting much sleep at night. I figured that I enjoy exercising and that must be the right way to lose weight. But, the following day, I fell and broke my toe. No more running for me for at least six weeks, the doctor said. I was devastated. But, I didn't start my weight loss journey with exercise. Sure, it came later. But, originally, it started by me reading my Bible and highlighting Scripture that spoke to a healthier lifestyle (and thus me writing this).

God knows that real change - not yo-yo diets but REAL life change - stems from the heart. I have to get my thoughts in line with His before I'm going to see lasting change occur. God could, if He desired, make me thin overnight. I wholeheartedly believe that. So, why not read my Bible, and pray and petition God? He is the source of change. And if I want to be successful, I need to submit to His authority and the way that He has prescribed. His ways and His thoughts are higher than mine. The best I can do is talk with Him - via reading the Bible and prayer - and learn what His ways and thoughts might be.

I also tend to think His ways can be easier than we think. That sounds silly. But, Sarah didn't need to share her husband with another woman. She needed to wait on God and trust that He would help her conceive. Trusting and waiting sound hard, but the experience is a lot more rewarding than all the work we do in place of the right thing. Today I'm feeling like God's way is to read our Bible, pray and listen to the Holy Spirit when we hear cues from Him. Beyond that, I need to trust that if He wants me to lose weight, He will be my strength, my source, my vision and my guide.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being the way, the truth and the life. Thank You for communicating your thoughts and ways to us - even though they are much higher than ours - through Your Word. Help us make time to read our Bibles and pray each day. May we listen to You and do things Your way. God we ask that You make us healthy and thin - and that You receive the glory for it. Instead of us doing it the world's way or our own way, please teach us YOUR way. Please create lasting change in our hearts and free us from addiction to overeating and sinful pleasures. I trust You, God, to help us. We need You and ask You for this good gift. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

Knitting Needles

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you." Psalm 139:13-18

I heard a sermon months ago using the above verses. The speaker, one of my favorites (Jason Mitchell), talked about how we were made by God, who knew and created each detail about us. We can't be frustrated with who we are if we are going to become who God created us to be. Think about that last sentence for a moment - we can't be frustrated with who we are if we are going to become who God created us to be. As I thought about it, I thought about how annoyed I am that I struggle with weight. My husband doesn't care what he eats, for the most part. Why do I struggle with cravings? Why can't I seem to say no? Why do I have a slower metabolism than some folks? Why does this have to be my issue? After all, as I look back at my family, we're all obese. My grandfather was so extremely obese that he choked to death on a hot dog (sad, but true).

But, the above verses remind me that God doesn't make mistakes. He doesn't use poor choices in thread and knitting needles when he's creating us. He knew the things we would struggle with... but what an awesome thought that these very things can be what will bring Him the most glory. If we were born to glorify Him, then I believe that sometimes our struggles on this earth are brought about to give Him glory. If life were easy, would we have a testimony to share? If we can overcome the enemy and our past mistakes and behaviors, then we have so much more to praise God for!

God loves us. He made us. His works are wonderful. He knew what He was doing and saw our unformed body before one of our days came to be. I believe that He knew what we would struggle with, and I believe that these very issues can be turned around for His glory.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. You are an amazing God! I am so blessed to know You and serve You. We love You, Lord Jesus. Thank You that Your works are wonderful. You don't make mistakes. We are not a mistake. Our struggles are not a mistake. Please help us overcome them so that we can bring You the glory in the midst of this journey. Help us not dwell on our downfalls but look to You to continue perfecting what You started within us. We will not become who we are meant to be DESPITE how we were created but because of how You made us. I am thrilled to be Your creation. I confess I have not always loved how I've looked - please help me overcome the vain selfish desires in my heart and create a pure heart where I can glorify You and how You knit me to be uniquely me. Thank You, God. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

Being Refined, Purified & Made Spotless

"Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time." Daniel 11:35

My third son was born seven weeks ago to the day. And stepping on the scale this evening, I still weigh almost 50 pounds more than I did when I conceived him. YIKES! I was feeling hopeless again today, I'll admit. I fear that I'll never be able to change. I keep giving into cravings rather than obeying what I know to be truth. I hang my head at the fact that I lost over 80 pounds and then gained most of them back in nine short months. And I certainly can't blame my amazing little guy - for even pregnancy has no bearing on behavior or habit. For if my weight was based on circumstances and not sin, I would have been able to lose more this past seven weeks since he's been born.

I finally made the time to read God's Word again today. And the above verse jumped out at me. Some of the "wise" will stumble. I don't necessarily consider myself wise. I am learning more and more as I read and study God's Word, though, and in this context I felt that it was saying "people who know their God" (Daniel 11:32). Oh, how I hope that can be said of me! Reading on, the wise will stumble SO THAT THEY MAY BE REFINED, PURIFIED AND MADE SPOTLESS...

I have definitely stumbled in this journey of losing weight. It has been a long hiatus. But, I need to hold tight to the idea that it's never too late to try again. If there can be a purpose to this stumbling, though, then God has given me hope once again that He can pick me up, dust me off, and strengthen me to try some more. I need refining. I obviously haven't mastered being healthy. I need purifying... looking back, I can see where I was taking some of the glory for my weight loss. After all, I had worked hard, right? WRONG! Only through God's grace was I able to eat better, exercise and lose weight. Honestly, without Him I have no chance. Even though my head knows what's necessary, I can't seem to act on the knowledge. I'm stuck like an addict in sinking sand. But, I know a God who doesn't play by this world's rules. I know that He and only He can help me (and you!). I can't look down on others who need to lose weight. I can't stick my nose up at what they have on their plate while I'm in line at a buffet. For truly, I've been that person... even recently. I can only be humble about what God is doing in my life and hopefully encourage others. May this stumbling come to an end. I'm pleading today for God's mercy... may He refine me, purify me and make me spotless until the time of the end.

Dear Heavenly Father, I am ashamed to even come before You. But, You are worthy of praise. You are worthy of glory. YOU alone are worthy of trying again. May I glorify You with my body, my speech and my actions. May they all come in line with Your plan for my life. Help me to encourage others who are also on this journey. May we all lead healthier lives so we can be used by You for Your holy Name's sake. Lord, if at the end of days, Your appointed time, You say "well done" then all of this, even my horrendous stumbling, will be worth it. Please forgive me. Please pick me up, dust me off and help me do better. Please don't forsake me or turn away because of my sin. I beg for the blood of Jesus to cover me once again. Please teach me how to treat my body like Your holy temple. In Jesus' powerful and precious name I pray, AMEN!

The Old Has Gone, the New Has Come!

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

I heard a fantastic sermon yesterday, which reminded me of how we can continue on this struggle of becoming a "new creation." We looked at Genesis 2:25 that says "Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame." The very next chapter (really, the very next verse) conveys how they ate of the forbidden fruit and ran in shame to cover themselves with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). Jason Mitchell spoke about how guilt and shame are very different. Guilt comes from actions that we've done and can bring about godly repentance; shame, on the other hand, is about who we ARE (rather than what we've done). Shame makes us feel like we'll never amount to anything more and keeps us away from others and God.

The sermon was on how to live the abundant life, and the message was centered on living in community how we are to be open with one another and not hide behind fig leaves or isolate ourselves. How can we do that? By remembering that in Christ we are a new creation. Like a song playing on the radio these days (almost too often even though it's a great song), "we are more than the choices that we make, we are more than the sum of our past mistakes, we are more than the problems we create, we've been remade!" Our behavior doesn't make us who we are - CHRIST makes us who we are. We can be honest in saying "I've screwed up" but that's not where the story ends. Instead, we can say "but glory to God, I am a new person in Christ!"

And while this information should not be a revelation to me, once again it hit home. I'm currently in my third trimester of pregnancy. I've gained far more weight than I should have already, even though the OBGYN hasn't said anything negative about it. I know. I know that I've parted from the path of eating healthy and exercising daily in the mornings. I've allowed myself to take naps in the afternoon rather than being diligent with my time in trying to be a healthier person. And while one day wouldn't kill me, I've adopted a new lifestyle in the last six months that is not what God has for me. 

And as I gain weight, I also want to hide behind those fig leaves. I am ashamed, honestly, and the only way to hide is to truly 'hide.' But, I realized that I've been listening to the lie that my behavior is who I am and who I'll always be...I'll never get out of this cycle of disobedience, I will always struggle with these same problems, I will never break free. This verse reminds me that if I'm in Christ, I am a new creation. He has paid the price for my past and made me new. I can feel guilt over things that need to change, but I can't hide away in shame for isolation just brings further pain and problems.  I need to hold onto this promise that God has made me a new person. I AM a new creation in Him. One step, one day at a time, I need to live that new creation out. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that tells us that even though we've screwed up, we are a new creation in You. The old is gone, the new has come! Father, I have felt so ashamed at how I look even though I am thrilled to be carrying another son of yours. Forgive me for the sins I've committed and help me to start walking as the new creation You've made me to be. Help me burn the fig leaves and be open about my struggles so that others can hear Your Word and turn to You if they're facing the same issues. Father God, we're lost without You. We can't break free without the blood of Jesus covering us and helping us. Thank You for not leaving us. Please forgive us and help us start fresh once again. We love You and long to honor You with everything we say and do. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

The Oldest Sin in the Book

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." Genesis 3:6

Once again, I'm reading the Bible cover to cover, starting back in Genesis. I noticed that the first ever sin committed dealt with eating. Did you ever think about that? From the time man was created, God put limits on what he could and could not eat. The Lord told Adam in Genesis 2:16-17 that he was free to eat from any tree in the garden EXCEPT the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It struck me upon reading this passage this time how much God had given to Adam. He was allowed to eat almost anything, but there were still limits.

Ironically, it was woman who first committed the sin of eating what she wasn't supposed to. She knew word-for-word what God had told her husband (Genesis 3:2-3) and yet, we see in verse 6 that she ate the fruit anyway and even shared it with her husband. She willingly disobeyed God and had to suffer the consequences. More than that, it grieved me to see that she drug her husband down in the process. How many times do I do the same thing? My overeating and unhealthy lifestyle affects both my husband and children as I cook for them or encourage our family to go out to eat, etc. When pregnant with my first son, both my husband and I gained a tremendous amount of weight as he was gracious to me and my desires during those months.

There are times that I growl in my heart at Eve's sin. Why would she listen to that serpent? Why must I endure pain in childbirth because she was so stupid? Why are there weeds in my flower beds every spring that we spend countless hours trying to keep under control? How could they have been so foolish? All mankind pays consequences because of their actions. They knew better! And then it hits me all over again. I do the same thing. I know in my heart and in my head what is safe to eat. I know when I'm overeating and indulging. I know when I'm committing a sin against God and my family. And yet, I often run back to food for comfort. Just as Eve was deceived, I've let the same sin rule my life over and over again, knowing better, doing wrong.

If I have knowingly sinned, I can't hold any grudges against anyone else who has, too. I can't judge anyone who is overweight, for I've struggled my entire life with this sin of eating what I'm not supposed to. And, it looks to me as if it's been the longest sin known to mankind. We must defeat the enemy in this area! We must say no to the cunning of the serpent when he tempts us with food that is not in God's plan for our lives. It's not like God is trying to deny us good things - for we see how He allowed Adam to eat from every tree but one. He is the giver of all perfect gifts (James 1:17) and I must remind myself that a healthy body is a much better long-term gift than an immediate satisfaction of a craving, which brings momentary pleasure and future remorse. Let's pray!

Father God, we thank You once again for Your Word. I realize that Satan has been tempting mankind with eating something we shouldn't for a long time. But, it's no excuse. In fact, on the contrary, we should know better! I'm sorry for the sin I've committed in this area. And I'm sorry for dragging my husband and children down with me on this path. Please keep them healthy and thin, as well as me. Please forgive my sin and heal my body as only You can. Keep me from temptation and deliver me from evil, I humbly ask. In Jesus' powerful and precious name I pray, AMEN!

Create in Me a Pure Heart

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:10-12

Today my prayer is for God to change my heart - I truly need a pure and clean heart to continue walking with Him. I have more than fallen off the wagon; I jumped off gleefully right back into a life I know to be sinful. Why? I guess I was tired. Worn out. Or probably more likely, unwilling to change or allow God to take me to the next step. So, I quit. I quit exercising. I quit eating right. I quit reading the Bible, praying, fasting and seeking God on this matter in my life. Oh, I had lots of excuses. But, that's what they are, just excuses. We found out in the beginning of October that we were expecting our third child. We were thrilled as we had been trying all summer to conceive. But, with the pregnancy came SEVERE morning sickness that lasted throughout the day. I didn't feel like exercising. I felt like sleeping. A lot! And I ate whatever sounded good - after all, I was told that simple carbs may stay down the best. But, really, it's all excuses. Now as I step on the scale, I see that I've gained back a third of the weight I'd lost over the last couple years. And I'm devastated.

I was ready to throw in the towel. Why try if I can't stick to it? But, as I was proofreading a newsletter for the local Mission in town, I read a fascinating article on addiction and relapse. The article noted that often relapse is part of recovery. It's those folks who don't quit when they do relapse back into old habits but try again that eventually successfully kick their habit for good. The article was challenging believers, helpers, family, friends and church members not to give up on addicts who mess up and go back to their addictions. While we don't condone the sin, we still need to love and encourage the sinner to get right back on the wagon and try again. It's only through the love of Jesus and support of others that addicts eventually are able to break the cycle of addiction. But, it doesn't typically happen overnight but is rather a process. As I read it, I thought YES! YES! Of course people need to try again and not quit.

Then, it hit me. Why was I quitting? Because I've failed? Yes, I had given up hope. But, who has the power to change me from the inside out? God! Can He do it? Yes! Will He do it? Yes, if I'm willing to follow and obey Him. I do believe it. And I once again had to repent for allowing myself to become so easily ensnared by the lies of Satan that food is what will comfort me, that it's fine to overeat at the holidays when we're going to parties and purchasing gifts, that it doesn't matter what I eat now because I can work it off later. Lies that shouldn't fool me did once again. But, I'm not giving up.

Another thing I read recently was that Satan loves to make God look like a fool. I would NEVER want to be part of that. For I've given God glory for the weight I lost - was I now making Him look foolish for saving me when I was screwing up again? I felt Godly conviction that I needed to change. The only problem is that once again I feel hopeless. But, I'm not without hope. I need to go back to the Word where God can teach me how to live. James 4:8 tells us to "Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Oh, I've been double-minded as I've asked for one thing and acted another way. I need my heart purified and my hands clean. The thought of God still being willing to come near me, though, thrills me.

I read another passage that spoke to me regarding God purifying our hearts. See 1 Kings 8:46-50: “When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to their enemies, who take them captive to their own lands, far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy..."

Now I realize that you shouldn't take the Bible out of context. This was Solomon's Prayer of Dedication of the Temple, and he was praying for God's chosen people, Israel. Yet, there are some things I think we can take from this text. For one, all people sin. We all screw up. We just struggle with different things. And that doesn't mean my sin is any less of a sin, it just means that I need to see what to do once I've been taken back into captivity where I'm once again a slave to food. I think this passage shows us. If we have a change of heart and turn back to God with all our heart and soul, and if we pray... then God says He will forgive His people and free them with His great mercy.

I'm not sure that I can have a complete change of heart without God's help. So, I'm starting with prayer and Bible reading. I enjoy food. I like going out to eat. I like making it. I like eating it. I like trying new things and eating whatever I want. But, I don't like outgrowing my clothes and feeling awful. I don't want sin in my life. So, I'm willing to give my desires to God and trust Him to change me from the inside out. Will you do the same?

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You, ashamed of our sin and the chains that weigh us down. Once again I've walked away from the good path You chose for me and went my own way, seeking my own pleasure and the satisfaction of my cravings. I'll admit that I've been lazy and gluttonous. I am so sorry, God. Please change my heart and purify it. Make my hands, heart, and head pure and refined before You. I can't change on my own. Instead, I repent and give You my life. And may You alone receive the glory for any outward changes. May I not be proud but instead humble before You as we walk together in this journey. I love You, God. Please make me healthy and thin, and keep this baby inside of me healthy as well. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

Driving Out Demons

"But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you." Luke 11:20

How many of you have struggled with yo-yo dieting? I can name several times in life that I've lost significant amounts of weight, only to gain it all back again and then some. After doing the South Beach Diet and stopping when I got pregnant with my first son, I gained back more weight than I had lost, leaving me heavier than ever. UGH!And I can't blame the pregnancy - for after gaining over 60 pounds, I gave birth to a little guy who weighed just slightly more than 3 pounds. 

Why can't I stay on task and keep with what I know is right? As I've been studying God's Word and pondering this thought, I read the following verses that Jesus spoke in Luke 11:24-26: "When an evil (or unclean) spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." When I read these verses, I'll admit that I was horrified. It dawned on me that this may be happening to me.

I think in the present age, we don't think so much about 'spirits' that enter us. Maybe our culture doesn't make it 'fashionable' or 'hip' to think that demons could be possessing us - that's for horror movies and non-fiction, right? But as I've been reading the New Testament, driving out demons is often how Jesus' healing was described. I have a great friend who struggles with seizures, and I just read in Luke how God rebuked the demon who had been possessing a boy who had various seizures (Luke 9:37-43). When God healed a man who had been mute in Luke 11:14, He did so through driving out the demon. Jesus drove out an evil spirit on the Sabbath in a synagogue in Luke 4:31-37. He would also say things like "your sins have been forgiven" when he healed folks. For me, I know that overeating has been a sin in my life. But, have I left the door open in committing these sins for actual evil spirits to enter? I shudder at the thought.

Then I read the story of "the Healing of the Demon-possessed Man." I remember this story well, for I did Bible quizzing when I was in high school and we were to memorize the first half of the book of Luke and be quizzed on it. I wasn't completely committed to the quizzing as some of my friends were, but I did enjoy learning this way and remember much of what I read from those days. In any case, I remember Jesus meeting a man who called himself "Legion" because many demons had gone into him (this story is found in Luke 8:26-38). "A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and He gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned." I almost giggled at the irony. What do pigs represent in society? Typically, if we call a person a piggy, it means that they eat too much. Could my demons be sent into a herd of pigs that they would die rather than me? That is my prayer! I would rather the demons not wander around aimlessly and come back into my cleaned-up life and settle in with seven of their friends. Rather, I'd rather be done with this sin once and for all!

After this man was healed, he begged Jesus to go with Him. But Jesus sent him away saying "Return home and tell how much God has done for you. (Luke 8:39)" I think this is a crucial step to our healing, too. I boast not at the fact that I've lost weight. For honestly, this has been a struggle for me almost my entire life. If I had discipline to begin with, I wouldn't even be writing this for you (and the public at large) to read. Rather, it's humiliating to talk about something that society looks down on and is truly sin in my life. But, in saying that, I've lost over 60 pounds and it's only been through God's amazing grace. For, I don't have willpower or discipline on my own, but God has been showing me His extravagant love for me and His desire for my well-being. Please pray for me, and I will continue to pray for you. It's only through prayer and God's work on the cross that we'll ever be set free from sin!

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are holy. We can praise You and magnify You even on days that we don't feel worthy for You are ALWAYS worth of honor. Father, we thank You for Your Word today. God, we pray and ask right now that You would drive out the demons in our lives by Your very finger so that the kingdom of God would come to us. Lord, I'll be honest and admit that I don't understand a lot about demons. I don't fear them, for You alone are to be feared. Instead, I ask You to drive out any evil spirits that we've allowed to enter our lives. And, please don't let them wander, but we ask that you instead send them into the pigs that they may die and we might have life more abundant. God, we don't want to leave room for even more evil spirits to come into our lives. God, guard our hearts, our minds, our bodies, our souls and our actions. Lord, we ask for the Holy Spirit to protect us as only You can. Please mold our bodies and hearts as You intended when You created them. Don't allow sin to enter our lives and destroy Your creation. May our bodies glorify You, as we long to display Your splendor for Your honor. God, help us admit where we've been wrong and tell others what You alone have done for us. It's not by our work, Lord, but by Your very finger that we are healed. We thank You and praise You, Lord Jesus. Have Your way in our lives! In Your Name we pray, AMEN!

Depending on God's Mercy

^"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:16

I read this verse as I was studying the Bible, and I realized how true it is. We can desire to be thin, we can struggle and make lots of effort to overcome our sin, but in all reality, our entire success depends on God's mercy. You see, He's the only one that can forgive us of our sin and set us free from the bondage we've allowed ourselves to get into. And, we can't do anything to earn His favor. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). But, the good news is that God is merciful! The work has already been completed on the cross. We don't have to earn it. We just need to receive it and believe that God has forgiven us so we can begin again. It doesn't depend on human effort but on God's mercy. If you're struggling today, fall back on God's mercy. He desires to set you free as His beloved child.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You in awe and worship. You are a holy God. Lord, no amount of effort or works gets us to your throne of grace. Instead, the blood of Your Son Jesus has already paved the way for our forgiveness. Thank You for reconciling us to You even while we were still sinning. God, we don't deserve Your goodness, but we thank You for Your mercy and love. Thank You that You have called us children. We long to honor You in what we say, do and even eat. Please forgive our sin and help us start fresh today. We humbly ask to be healthy and thin for Your glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Watch & Pray

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41

This verse spoke to me as I read it. Jesus was telling His disciples to keep watch and to pray that they wouldn't fall into temptation. Do you struggle with tempting foods? I know I do. One thing I fell in love with this summer was the caramel frappe from McDonald's. In just one drink, there's over 600 calories! Yikes! Yet, I couldn't seem to resist when the opportunity arose for one. Then I noticed their advertising called these drinks 'temptations.' Was that a sign or what?!?!

According to Jesus in the gospel, we need to watch and pray so that we won't fall into temptation. I run most mornings and I start the day thinking that I'm going to eat healthy and light and workout a ton. In my spirit, I'm willing. But as the day wears on, I notice the weakness of my body as I get hungry or tired. What's the answer? Prayer. Being watchful. Realizing that our body is weak. Going back to a loving God and asking for help so we don't fall into temptation. Let's pray now!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being a holy and loving God. Thank You for Your Word. God, we want to be watchful and we're coming to You in prayer. Please keep us from temptation. You know our spirit is willing, but you also know our body is weak. Please protect us, oh Lord, and strengthen us. Please make us healthy and thin for Your glory. Develop character and discipline in our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!

Believe

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22

As I've been reading the Bible lately, I've noticed an emphasis on having faith. For example, I read recently in Matthew 13:58 that Jesus "did not do many miracles there [His hometown] because of their lack of faith." He was healing all kinds of diseases and freeing people from demons (Matthew 8:16-17), but when people didn't believe, He didn't perform miracles. On the other hand, I again read 'the Faith of the Canaanite Woman' in Matthew 15:21-28. Jesus was not planning on healing her daughter, for He said "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel" (verse 24), but when she pressed on, He said "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." (verse 28).

Since I was a small kid, I remember hearing that the faith of a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Why is it then, though, that I doubt sometimes that God would make me thin? I realized that I still have the mindset that I will always be heavy and struggle with weight. Why is that? Do I believe that God can do heal me if He wanted to? YES! Do I believe that being healthy and thin lines up with God's Word? YES! So, if I ask for something from God, the giver of all good gifts, why do I sometimes feel like I could walk on water to Jesus and then other times I sink all too quickly like Peter did (Matthew 14:27-33)?

James 1:6-7 tells us "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." Yikes! I don't want to be double-minded or not receive what the Lord has for me. For , I believe that He wants my best. I believe that God is compassionate and gracious. I believe that He is the Creator and Redeemer of my body. I believe that if He promises in His Word to give us whatever we ask for in prayer - and if we're praying for something in line with His Word and His will - He will indeed keep that promise.

After studying the Israelites for some time, I've seen where God kept up His end of the bargain even though His people sinned. If He says He will do something, He does it. He doesn't lie, and He even goes above and beyond what we would expect from such an amazing and just God. 

So, I'm asking Him to be healthy and  thin. And I'm believing that He will answer my request. But, make no mistake about it - I don't think that this answer to prayer is because of my faith. For, I deserve nothing from a holy God and am unworthy even to serve Him on my own accord. But, through the blood of Jesus, I believe He will save me. The perfect gift, given by grace and mercy to a hopeless world.

So, today, if you're going to be like me and ask God to make you thin, then friend, BELIEVE! Have FAITH! And glorify God when you see the results of His hand in your life!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that even though Jesus came to heal the lost sheep of Israel, He also healed all kinds of people from their various diseases and demons when they had faith in Him. We believe that You sent Your Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins. And, we confess that we have sinned! God, the amount that I weigh reveals sin in my life. I am ashamed of my past behavior, but I ask humbly at your feet to be healed. Please take my body and make me healthy and thin for Your glory. Help me make wise choices, motivate me where I need it, but most of all, God, I beg of You to reveal Your glory through my life. God, part of me thinks that I shouldn't write this for all to read. But, instead, I give up my pride for the sake of Your ultimate glory. As people see a difference in my life, may they bow and honor You alone. I confess that I've tried on my own to do the right things and earn Your favor. But, I'm far too imperfect to even begin... that's when I stand in awe at Your mercy and grace since You paid my debt in advance. I can't earn it. I just have to believe to receive it. I believe that You can and will heal me of this burden and make me a display of Your splendor. I thank You and praise You for the work You're completing. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Foolish?

"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (Galatians 3:3, NIV).

I read this verse on a friend's facebook post, and I smiled at God speaking directly to me. As I looked at older posts on this blog, I realized it sounds like I only learn during sermons. On the contrary, I read my Bible everyday and often see verses related to my journey of losing weight, as well as other things I'm studying in God's Word. But, lately I've been too ashamed to write them down. It's easy to read about something, almost as easy to know about it then, but extremely difficult to put it into practice. Earlier this summer, I severely sprained my ankle. And without exercise in my life, it became all the more difficult to want to eat healthy. So, I quit for awhile. And I'm paying the price as I look at the scale in utter horror.

I realized this week, though, that God is again working in my life as He's weaning out the ugly sin of pride. When I am able to work out and I somehow gain back a little motivation, I tend to think that I am in control or doing the right things. How foolish I can become in so little time! I throw everything I've read out the window as I take on the world's view of weight loss. I started thinking of different diets I could try and different workouts, and pretty soon the scale is rising again and I'm floundering. And I feel all the more ashamed because I know that I know the right things to do but I can't stop screwing up and I wallow in self-pity at my choice to sin again and again.

I have done what the Israelites did when they forgot God and started serving other things. The above verse brought back perspective. I've asked God to help me in this walk. I have to have faith that He can transform my mind and my body. I have to rely on Him each step of the way. I have to rest in the fact that He has died for the sins I've committed. I have to start each day fresh with Him. I have to get rid of any thought that I'm doing something right, for this journey is simply not about me. God is the one who started it, and He will be the one who finishes it.

Does that mean I keep going back to my old lifestyle? As Paul would say, "By no means!" But that does mean that I have renewed faith that God can still work in my life after I've started screwing it up again. For human effort isn't enough to change a person from the inside out. God started this work by His Spirit, and He is mighty to save. I have faith that He and only He can do this. So, I boast about my weaknesses because they are where God shows up strong (as I paraphrase the Bible). I have no pride left. It is God alone who deserves honor and glory. And that's the best place to be.

Dear Heavenly Father, Your name is holy. You alone are worthy of honor and praise and glory. Forgive us for being foolish. Thank You for being gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for our ugly sin. We realize that we can't attain our goal by human effort. It is only through You that we are able to 'go for it' another day. Please help us. Please give us motivation and willpower. Please let us shine for You alone. Please rid us of our pride and help us always shine Your light. Please make us healthy and thin for Your glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Being Content

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13

God has been speaking to me a lot about contentment lately, and I didn't even realize it until today. Last week, one of my best friends came over and as we were talking, she said she's trying to learn to be content with what God has for her. It really struck me, particularly because of who this gal is. So, as I was reading my book on raising children this past weekend, the above verse on contentment jumped out at me. I even made note of it as I set my book down so I could send it to her in a letter of encouragement.

Then yesterday was a particularly rough day at our house. I had a migraine and my kids were also having rough days and wanted to SCREAM. I was angry and frustrated and by the end of the night, I felt extremely guilty for my behavior that resulted from my anger. I am not two, and yet I found myself wanting to scream and yell as well. Last night, I saw a friend on facebook posting about a verse from Jonah about how being angry does us no good, and I knew that God was gently talking to me. 

So, this morning wanting life to go a little better, I picked back up my book and read some more. I'm currently reading "Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration For Character...In You and Your Kids!" by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller. It has been an extremely good book so far and I would highly recommend it. I was still on the chapter of contentment, and as I was reading the pages, I realized that this was an area of struggle for me more than for my kids. I have been the child that hasn't dealt with disappointment well and learned to be content. Here is a passage from the book that stuck out to me; Turansky &Miller (2002) write:

"Children who are demanding and grow up with unchecked selfishness will have a harder time as they grow older. They won't have the character necessary to understand and accept the limits that God may place on them. As you help your children address their arguing, badgering and whining, you will begin to prepare them for a life of contentment. We all need to learn to live within boundaries, whether they are financial limits or health restrictions. Limits are part of life. Contentment means that we say no to things we can't afford or shouldn't eat. If children can't accept no from their parents, how will they ever learn to say no to themselves or accept limits from God? In the school of life, the 'Developing Contentment Curriculum' is not an elective; it's a required course." p. 101-102 [emphasis mine].

As I read this, it reminded me of a conversation I had with my father a couple weeks ago. He said that he can't stand to say no to himself. He's also extremely overweight, but he was talking about living on a tighter budget now that he's retired. He hates limits and doesn't think he should have to follow them. I truly fear for his future, both financially and health-wise. Sometimes these conversations make me panic, and I pray for him and then have to let go and trust God to take care of him. That said, I relate to him, both in the natural sense that he's my Dad and with what he was saying. I, too, hate to be told no. All too often, I buy what I shouldn't or eat whatever I crave. I'm an adult now, so I shouldn't be told no anymore, I reason. But how wrong I've been!

As I was reading this chapter on contentment, I recognized the symptoms of a selfish heart in me. Arguing, whining, badgering... all things done in the name of 'persistence' when in all reality it is pure selfishness. If something doesn't go my way, I have a tendency to try and outwit my opposition rather than recognizing the hurt that it will do to the relationships I have. This started as a child, I realize, but growing up while my parents were in the middle of a divorce, I can say that I typically got my way. Now I've turned into a childish adult. A childish adult with an addiction to food that is really stemming from an inability to tell myself no and accept limits from God. 

Our bodies weren't made to handle an indulgence to all our cravings. When I see someone limit themselves on something they really want, it is truly impressive to me. And I realized today that this is where the battle needs to start again for me. I need to learn to be content with whatever circumstances I'm in. As Paul articulates so well in the above verses, I need to learn to be content whether I'm well fed or hungry, in plenty or in want. And what's his answer to contentment? He believes in God - that he can do all things through Him who gives strength.

I wonder how I can teach my children to be content and not demanding if I have yet to master the skill myself. This morning, I bowed face first on the ground to beg God for His mercy and fill me and my children with contentment. That means being content when He says 'yes' and 'no' ... that means trusting God and believing He has our best in mind. That means ridding ourselves of childish behavior and demanding that we get anything we want and living a life of grace for others and for limits in our lives. I think this will be a tough journey but it's a lesson I wish I had learned a long time ago. Let's pray!

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being a holy God. Thank You for giving us limits and saying no when we need the answer to be no. For only You really understand the long-term future. Thank You for teaching us those lessons that humble us and make us bow down in repentance. Lord, we need You and Your righteousness. May the blood of Jesus also cover our sins of selfishness and demanding our own way - please forgive us! We ask for Your amazing grace. We also beg for contentment. Please give us the strength of character to be content even when we are hungry or living 'in want.' May we follow what Paul says in these verses. Please continue to develop character inside of us that shines through to the outside of us. Please make us healthy and thin for Your glory. In Jesus name, AMEN!"

Stop Going Back to Captivity

"However, if you say, 'We will not stay in this land,' and so disobey the Lord your God, and if you say, 'No, will will go and live in Egypt, where we will not see war or hear the trumpet or be hungry for bread,' then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'If you are determined to go to Egypt and you go to settle there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow you to Egypt, and there you will die." Jeremiah 42:13-16

When I read this passage, I immediately recognized the irony in it. These people were the survivors who hadn't been taken to captivity in Babylon. God was telling them to stay in Judah and be His remnant there; but instead after they had seen all the destruction that had come in their land, they decided that Egypt was a better place for them. If you know anything at all about the Israelites, then you know that they were slaves in Egypt at one time and God had set them free by bringing plagues against the land and the people who lived there, including the plague on the firstborn. The Egyptians had treated them harshly, and God had saved the Israelites when they cried out, and made them His chosen people. Here in Jeremiah, many generations later, they decided they wanted to go back to this territory to settle because they feared being hungry for bread, among other things.

How many of us fear being hungry when we try to lose weight? I know I do. I hate being hungry. I hate feeling light-headed and desiring the taste of something that I know I can't have. It's easy to be overweight - you simply eat whatever sounds good. But, it's a struggle to maintain weight and even harder to start losing it. That said, we knowingly go right back into captivity when we give into our fears rather than trust God. We don't like being hungry, so we willingly go right back where we started. It sounds awful, but I've done it time and time again.

And what does God promise His beloved people who go back into captivity? For one, the famine they dread will follow them there, and more importantly, they will die there. If we don't obey God's instructions of where He wants us to go and if we put more emphasis on our desire for food than His will for our lives, then the good He has planned for us will instead end in destruction. God wanted the people in this passage to be His remnant in His land and rebuild it. Instead, they gave into their desires for an 'easier' life; and God warned them up front, through Jeremiah, that this was NOT His plan for them and that they would die of the very things they feared when they went to Egypt. Unfortunately, this people didn't listen to God's warnings. They found out the hard way that when God says He's going to do something, He means it. He only speaks truth. And while He's gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, He also is just and righteous.

I keep reading throughout these pages of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel of how much God warned His beloved people. They were doing detestable things, including worshiping other gods, and yet He sent His messengers to speak to them in love and promised to relent if they would turn from their wicked ways and follow Him wholeheartedly. When they didn't, He followed through on His word that He had sent to His prophets. Today I realized that we're in a similar situation. We can choose to do things the way we've always done them, giving ourselves comfort through food rather than laying down our fear of being hungry and giving it to God. Or, we can say that we realize we'll die in captivity if we don't make a significant change and follow God wholeheartedly in this struggle.

We may not know what that looks like, but we can trust in our compassionate God, who will reward our obedience by saving us! Only through Christ can we be saved from a life of sin. We need forgiveness and we need redemption - we need a 180 turn from our old patterns. Let's not go back to Egypt. Let's press on toward what God has planned for our lives! Who's with me?

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today and admit that we fear being hungry. So many times we've allowed that fear to take us right back to our place of captivity, where we are slaves to our cravings and food addiction. We pray that today, we can make a stand once and for all to stay in the place that You have created for us - a life where we rely on You alone. Forgive us, oh God, of our sin. Help us turn from our wicked ways through Your salvation. Show us compassion. And I pray that we would see the outcome of this decision - that You would please make us healthy and thin for Your glory. We return to You with our whole hearts. No longer will we serve other things. Be glorified and praised today! In Jesus' name, AMEN!

My Food is To Do God's Will

"'My food,' said Jesus, 'is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.'" John 4:34

After Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman, He met up with His disciples who urged Him to 'eat something' and His first response was "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." Then, when they wondered if someone else had brought Him food, the above verse was His response. His food was to do God's will. WOW!

Have you ever had someone urge you to eat when you're fasting or when you're trying to eat less? 'You have to eat,' they say. 'It's not good for you to starve.' 'Your body was made for food,' etc. And while all those may be true, there are times that we're to worry a whole lot less about the food we eat and a whole lot more about the will of the Lord and what work He has for us.

I remember times in the past - particularly one family camping weekend - when I would think about when we'd eat before we even left and wonder if I should pack things to take along so we wouldn't starve. Now I laugh at myself (thankfully I can). STARVE!?!?! Really??? I have enough body fat that it would take awhile for me to look like I'm starving. Being hungry and starving are far different things. I would eat again. I would eat that day. I wouldn't necessarily eat on my schedule that I was used to. And yet, thinking about it would drive me crazy. It would make me not even want to go.

I've noticed lately how one side of my family plans their functions around meals. Now, I understand that we all have children who typically eat on a schedule. But, as we plan our days out, meals are a top priority. Then the other side of my family plans their fun activities and figures that we'll eat when we have time, whatever we can grab, and it doesn't truly matter. Guess which side is heavier. 

The Bible tells us not to worry about food, and we always think of that verse in terms of God providing for us so we don't have to wonder where our meals will come from. I think this verse above speaks more to the fact that we're not to think about food but rather focus on God and finish the work He has called us to do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son and the example that Jesus is to us. Thank You that even though He was human and hungry, He knew that serving You and doing Your will was far more important than food. Please help us learn this lesson in whatever way You mean for us to 'digest' it. Help us do Your will and finish Your work here on earth. Thank You for providing for us both physically with food and spiritually with Your Word. Keep us growing on the inside and slimming down on the outside. In Jesus' name, AMEN!