"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16
I'm smiling as I remember reading this passage when our small group was meeting in our house. We were actually studying the "Fireproof Your Marriage" series, and this particular week was on the main character's addiction to pornography. We had broken up into two groups - wives & kids in our living room and husbands downstairs in our family room. As we looked up all the verses for the study that week and began discussing them, my friends busied themselves with their kiddos and quickly said that this week really didn't pertain to them. I, on the other hand, with blushing cheeks absolutely on fire blurted out that I was addicted to food and really struggling. I felt like I had four heads with the reaction I got. [As much as I love the families in our small group, we are all at completely different places in our lives and walks with the Lord.]
But, it really didn't matter. I knew that the Lord saw my heart and that I was trying to be obedient to His Word to confess my sins. I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit, and I knew that more than anything I wanted to be freed from the bondage of this addiction. We didn't end up praying right then and there as my oven went off and it was time for me to serve everyone dinner, but I felt the release of being obedient.
And I've been praying. And I'm asking you to join me in prayer. If we're going to win this battle against the enemy, we need to encourage one another and pray for one another! These verses remind us that the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. While obesity isn't the average sickness, I still need to be healed! And if you're reading this blog, chances are that you're in the same boat.
I also need to be forgiven for the lifestyle I've chosen. I confess to you now that I have and continue to struggle with this addiction to over-indulging and laziness. But, I know that God hears and answers our prayers. I believe with my whole heart that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. And - praise the Lord - I've already started to see the change as God works on my heart, mind and body. I pray that He's doing the same for you! May our thinner bodies and new lifestyles be a reflection of His awesomeness! To Him be the glory forever and ever!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear our prayers. Thank You that Your Word tells us to confess our sins to one another. There is no shame in being honest about where we're at and what our struggles are. Lord, we need You or we're never going to be the person we're meant to be on this earth. Please help us! Please forgive us! Please heal us and make us well! Renew our minds and transform our bodies for Your ultimate glory. May we display your splendor through becoming slender. We love and honor You! You alone are worthy of our praise. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
According To Your Faith Will It Be Done To You
"Then He touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you.'" Matthew 9:29
To start, we should back up and look at the beginning of this segment under the subtitle "Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute": "As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, 'Have mercy on us, Son of David!' When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you'; and their sight was restored..." Matthew 9:27-30
Have you been asking God to make you thin and healthy? If so, do you believe in your heart that He is able to do this? If your answer is "well, yes, if I could just..." or "not if I keep eating and not exercising" or "maybe, but I'm not sure if He wants to..." or "probably, but He's much too busy," then maybe it's time to go back to the Bible.
There were MANY folks that came to Jesus to get His healing touch. What does the Word tell us about these two men in particular? First, they had a need - they were blind. Second, they simply followed Jesus and called out to Him, asking for His mercy. Third and arguably most important, they believed He was capable of curing them.
Blindness isn't a disease we typically see being reversed (vs. we've seen people go from heavy to skinny on their own methods). God shows us, however, that there is NOTHING too difficult for Him. If you've struggled with obesity your whole life, one touch from Jesus can cure you. FOREVER! No more yo-yo dieting and fighting this bondage on your own strength.
But, you have to believe that Jesus alone can make the difference. You have to believe that He wants to heal you (and look at how many people He healed in the Bible - why wouldn't He desire to heal you, His beloved? No sin can separate us from the love of God [Romans 8:39]). Jesus desires to touch your life - do you believe He can? Do you believe He will? According to this treasured verse, ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH, WILL IT BE DONE TO YOU!
There are two more 'insights' that jumped out at me. First, Jesus touched their eyes. We have to see the situation differently if we're going to expect a change. The eyes were the problem for these men, but I think there was no coincidence in this area receiving a touch from the Lord. Begin to see yourself and your issue from the Lord's perspective. Allow Him to cure your blindness!
Next, I love that the men called Jesus "Lord." We have to allow Jesus full reign in our lives...He must be Lord if real change is going to occur. Back then, not everyone considered Jesus the Son of God or Lord. But, these two men who needed healed knew, and they showed Him the respect He deserved in how they addressed Him. When we come to Him with our problems, it's important to show Him honor and fear Him, even as He is the love of our life.
So, once again I ask you to search your heart, do you believe that He can make you healthy and thin? According to your faith, will it be done to you. I believe God can make this change for me and you...may my Lord prove me right! :)
Dear Jesus, we honor You as Lord and Savior. God, on our own, we can't cure this illness of obesity. We know that we need a touch from You. Lord, we know it's Your will for us to be healthy, holy vessels for Your glory. We ask today for a fresh restoration from You...we cry out "have mercy on us!" Please change our focus and how we view the situation. Touch our eyes, touch our hearts and touch our bodies. We need You, and we believe that You can change us. May You receive the glory for the miracle we're about to see!!! We love You, Lord God. You never cease to amaze us. Praise You! We love You and worship You today. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
To start, we should back up and look at the beginning of this segment under the subtitle "Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute": "As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, 'Have mercy on us, Son of David!' When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you'; and their sight was restored..." Matthew 9:27-30
Have you been asking God to make you thin and healthy? If so, do you believe in your heart that He is able to do this? If your answer is "well, yes, if I could just..." or "not if I keep eating and not exercising" or "maybe, but I'm not sure if He wants to..." or "probably, but He's much too busy," then maybe it's time to go back to the Bible.
There were MANY folks that came to Jesus to get His healing touch. What does the Word tell us about these two men in particular? First, they had a need - they were blind. Second, they simply followed Jesus and called out to Him, asking for His mercy. Third and arguably most important, they believed He was capable of curing them.
Blindness isn't a disease we typically see being reversed (vs. we've seen people go from heavy to skinny on their own methods). God shows us, however, that there is NOTHING too difficult for Him. If you've struggled with obesity your whole life, one touch from Jesus can cure you. FOREVER! No more yo-yo dieting and fighting this bondage on your own strength.
But, you have to believe that Jesus alone can make the difference. You have to believe that He wants to heal you (and look at how many people He healed in the Bible - why wouldn't He desire to heal you, His beloved? No sin can separate us from the love of God [Romans 8:39]). Jesus desires to touch your life - do you believe He can? Do you believe He will? According to this treasured verse, ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH, WILL IT BE DONE TO YOU!
There are two more 'insights' that jumped out at me. First, Jesus touched their eyes. We have to see the situation differently if we're going to expect a change. The eyes were the problem for these men, but I think there was no coincidence in this area receiving a touch from the Lord. Begin to see yourself and your issue from the Lord's perspective. Allow Him to cure your blindness!
Next, I love that the men called Jesus "Lord." We have to allow Jesus full reign in our lives...He must be Lord if real change is going to occur. Back then, not everyone considered Jesus the Son of God or Lord. But, these two men who needed healed knew, and they showed Him the respect He deserved in how they addressed Him. When we come to Him with our problems, it's important to show Him honor and fear Him, even as He is the love of our life.
So, once again I ask you to search your heart, do you believe that He can make you healthy and thin? According to your faith, will it be done to you. I believe God can make this change for me and you...may my Lord prove me right! :)
Dear Jesus, we honor You as Lord and Savior. God, on our own, we can't cure this illness of obesity. We know that we need a touch from You. Lord, we know it's Your will for us to be healthy, holy vessels for Your glory. We ask today for a fresh restoration from You...we cry out "have mercy on us!" Please change our focus and how we view the situation. Touch our eyes, touch our hearts and touch our bodies. We need You, and we believe that You can change us. May You receive the glory for the miracle we're about to see!!! We love You, Lord God. You never cease to amaze us. Praise You! We love You and worship You today. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Mercy, Not Sacrifice
"On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'[Hosea 6:6] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-13
So many times, I hear from different people "God helps those who help themselves" and "nothing comes for free." But, how do these principles fit in with God's amazing grace? I love this passage because it reminds us that Jesus desires mercy, not sacrifice.
While we have sinned in overindulging ourselves in the past, God specifically reminds us in these verses that He sent His Son for sinners like us. Once again, Jesus' blood has saved us! While we can't keep on sinning, we can rest in the knowledge that God desires to have mercy on us. He can heal us, and there's nothing too awful we've done that prevents Him from loving us and wanting to be near us.
Know today that He loves you, wants to help you, and desires a relationship with you right where you're at! Rather than focusing on sacrifice, focus on His unending mercy and grace in your life. And praise Him for it!
Dear Jesus, we worship and adore You. Thank You for your ultimate sacrifice, that we can receive Your mercy. Lord, please forgive us - we have sinned! We are 'sick' and in need of a doctor - our great physician - to heal our bodies and make them the holy vessels they were meant to be. Please help us! We love You and praise You! You alone are worthy of our worship. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
So many times, I hear from different people "God helps those who help themselves" and "nothing comes for free." But, how do these principles fit in with God's amazing grace? I love this passage because it reminds us that Jesus desires mercy, not sacrifice.
While we have sinned in overindulging ourselves in the past, God specifically reminds us in these verses that He sent His Son for sinners like us. Once again, Jesus' blood has saved us! While we can't keep on sinning, we can rest in the knowledge that God desires to have mercy on us. He can heal us, and there's nothing too awful we've done that prevents Him from loving us and wanting to be near us.
Know today that He loves you, wants to help you, and desires a relationship with you right where you're at! Rather than focusing on sacrifice, focus on His unending mercy and grace in your life. And praise Him for it!
Dear Jesus, we worship and adore You. Thank You for your ultimate sacrifice, that we can receive Your mercy. Lord, please forgive us - we have sinned! We are 'sick' and in need of a doctor - our great physician - to heal our bodies and make them the holy vessels they were meant to be. Please help us! We love You and praise You! You alone are worthy of our worship. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Friday, September 25, 2009
You Will Eat & Be Satisfied
"And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all nations, as it is today." Deuteronomy 10:12-15
"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today - to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul - then I will send rain on your land in its season...and you will eat and be satisfied." Deuteronomy 11:13-15
You will often see my posts coming out of the Old Testament because that is where I'm studying, relatively speaking (of course I want to know the whole Bible!!!). Each day, the first thing I do is open God's word and ask for revelation. And God is so faithful! If you're feeling overwhelmed today with all that's involved in losing weight, make it simple. Get back to basics. The ONLY thing that's required of you is to LOVE the Lord your God and SERVE Him with all your heart and all your soul. Fear the Lord, walk in all His ways, observe His decrees and allow Him to guide your steps. You don't have to get bogged down with the trivial things in life - God will iron out the details for you. Simply follow His voice when He says 'come!' or 'go!'
The second set of verses promises that if we do this, He will send the rain (so that we can reap the harvest!) and that we will eat and be satisfied. I don't know about you, but lately I haven't felt all that satisfied with what I've been eating for one reason or another, from wishing it was healthier to feeling like I'm stuck in a rut with the same foods over and over to wishing there was more in my belly without it sticking to my belly (if I'm being brutally honest!). But, I hold fast to this promise that we will be satisfied! God will provide for us and meet our every need.
So, don't forget your true purpose in life...to worship Him, to love Him, to serve Him and to glorify Him. Praise be to Jesus!
Dear God, thank You for reminding us what You require of us. We do love You, Lord. Help us walk in Your ways, keep Your decrees and fear You alone. Thank You for the promise that You will provide everything necessary so that we will be satisfied when we eat. You are an awesome God, and we adore You. Be glorified today through us! In Jesus' name, AMEN!
"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today - to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul - then I will send rain on your land in its season...and you will eat and be satisfied." Deuteronomy 11:13-15
You will often see my posts coming out of the Old Testament because that is where I'm studying, relatively speaking (of course I want to know the whole Bible!!!). Each day, the first thing I do is open God's word and ask for revelation. And God is so faithful! If you're feeling overwhelmed today with all that's involved in losing weight, make it simple. Get back to basics. The ONLY thing that's required of you is to LOVE the Lord your God and SERVE Him with all your heart and all your soul. Fear the Lord, walk in all His ways, observe His decrees and allow Him to guide your steps. You don't have to get bogged down with the trivial things in life - God will iron out the details for you. Simply follow His voice when He says 'come!' or 'go!'
The second set of verses promises that if we do this, He will send the rain (so that we can reap the harvest!) and that we will eat and be satisfied. I don't know about you, but lately I haven't felt all that satisfied with what I've been eating for one reason or another, from wishing it was healthier to feeling like I'm stuck in a rut with the same foods over and over to wishing there was more in my belly without it sticking to my belly (if I'm being brutally honest!). But, I hold fast to this promise that we will be satisfied! God will provide for us and meet our every need.
So, don't forget your true purpose in life...to worship Him, to love Him, to serve Him and to glorify Him. Praise be to Jesus!
Dear God, thank You for reminding us what You require of us. We do love You, Lord. Help us walk in Your ways, keep Your decrees and fear You alone. Thank You for the promise that You will provide everything necessary so that we will be satisfied when we eat. You are an awesome God, and we adore You. Be glorified today through us! In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Profaning the Things of God With Food
"Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, "Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary." Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, "Sell me your birthright as of this day." And Esau said, "Look, I am about to die, so what profit shall this birthright be to me?" Then Jacob said, "Swear to me as of this day." So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright." Genesis 25:29-34
Can you imagine purchasing something so valuable for so little? I've seen a commentator liken it to buying a wedding ring with a $1 cheeseburger from the value menu. According to John W. Ritenbaugh (2001) in his online commentary Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two), Esau's major character flaw was that he valued immediate, sensual satisfaction over his birthright. He carelessly gave up the things of God to satisfy his appetite.
The Bible says Esau despised his birthright, meaning he treated it scornfully or with contempt. Hebrews 12:16 says ". . . lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright." Profane (unlike what you may think it to be) simply means being irreverent toward what is sacred. Esau treated his sacred God-given birthright carelessly, thus profaning it.
Rittenbaugh (2001) notes that Esau is unconcerned about God, the things of God, and the future; instead he is worldly. And too many of us are like him. We as Christians need to get out of the immediate gratification mode when dealing with life's present circumstances and instead look toward the kingdom of God and what's important to our Heavenly Father.
"God's Word depicts Esau's worldliness through the medium of eating. Eating something he desired at the moment meant more to him than a tremendously valuable gift of God" (Rittenbaugh, 2001). Finally, Rittenbaugh comments and I wholeheartedly agree, "It is worth meditating upon how much satisfying immediate cravings and yearnings, perhaps even for food, presents a stumbling block to our pleasing God."
When I read this commentary on these verses, I knew that there were times I had given up God's good and pleasing will for my life to satisfy my immediate cravings...yes, even for something silly like food, which doesn't feel so silly when you're hungry. But, my desire is to please the Lord in every aspect of life and my prayer is to always consider God's kingdom before making a rash choice.
Dear Lord, we praise You abd thank You today for this word of God and for John Rittenbaugh's commentary on it. Please forgive us where we have profaned what's important to You by treating it as common or insignificant. Help us to always focus on the future and the good plans You have for us. Help us say 'no' when immediate sensual satisfaction in eating pleasure takes over our good judgment. May we always please You and value things that are valuable to You instead. Help us, Lord Jesus! We can't do this without You! In Your Name we pray, AMEN!
Can you imagine purchasing something so valuable for so little? I've seen a commentator liken it to buying a wedding ring with a $1 cheeseburger from the value menu. According to John W. Ritenbaugh (2001) in his online commentary Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two), Esau's major character flaw was that he valued immediate, sensual satisfaction over his birthright. He carelessly gave up the things of God to satisfy his appetite.
The Bible says Esau despised his birthright, meaning he treated it scornfully or with contempt. Hebrews 12:16 says ". . . lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright." Profane (unlike what you may think it to be) simply means being irreverent toward what is sacred. Esau treated his sacred God-given birthright carelessly, thus profaning it.
Rittenbaugh (2001) notes that Esau is unconcerned about God, the things of God, and the future; instead he is worldly. And too many of us are like him. We as Christians need to get out of the immediate gratification mode when dealing with life's present circumstances and instead look toward the kingdom of God and what's important to our Heavenly Father.
"God's Word depicts Esau's worldliness through the medium of eating. Eating something he desired at the moment meant more to him than a tremendously valuable gift of God" (Rittenbaugh, 2001). Finally, Rittenbaugh comments and I wholeheartedly agree, "It is worth meditating upon how much satisfying immediate cravings and yearnings, perhaps even for food, presents a stumbling block to our pleasing God."
When I read this commentary on these verses, I knew that there were times I had given up God's good and pleasing will for my life to satisfy my immediate cravings...yes, even for something silly like food, which doesn't feel so silly when you're hungry. But, my desire is to please the Lord in every aspect of life and my prayer is to always consider God's kingdom before making a rash choice.
Dear Lord, we praise You abd thank You today for this word of God and for John Rittenbaugh's commentary on it. Please forgive us where we have profaned what's important to You by treating it as common or insignificant. Help us to always focus on the future and the good plans You have for us. Help us say 'no' when immediate sensual satisfaction in eating pleasure takes over our good judgment. May we always please You and value things that are valuable to You instead. Help us, Lord Jesus! We can't do this without You! In Your Name we pray, AMEN!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Holy vs. Common
"You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean..." Leviticus 10:10
When I start to think about 'what can I eat' vs. 'what should I stay away from' I feel that I get bogged down; specifically because the more that I have the thoughts of things in my head, the more I want them. So if I'm thinking of not eating carbs, then the more carbs are in my mind as I'm telling myself to stay away from them and soon the very thing I start craving is the sugar that I'm telling myself not to have. I could drive myself crazy!
As I was reading in Leviticus about the rules for the Israelites, God's chosen people, I realized that there are many things that they couldn't have that I think are 'normal.' Now I know that Jesus gave us a new covenant with his blood that we aren't bound by some of the old laws...He conquered sin and the grave forever! The more I wrestled with the subject of eating, however, the more this verse from Leviticus stuck out in my mind.
You see, we are to distinguish what is 'clean' or proper for us and our bodies. And how do we do that exactly? By reading God's word AND with the help of the Holy Spirit. The whole idea is that we are to be holy for God. While it may be "common" to eat this or that or behave a certain way, God doesn't call us to be just common. He tells us to be holy. In fact, Leviticus 11:44 (and 45, actually) say "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy."
So, in your pursuit of eating healthier to look slimmer, don't buy into the world's views of what we're supposed to look like, eat like, or be like. Buy into God's! Ask yourself, does what I'm about to say or do go along with the holiness God is calling me to? If so, by all means, go for it! But, if you feel that check in your spirit from the Holy Spirit letting you know that your next action isn't on the path of holiness, then ask God to help you stay away from it. And believe that He will empower you to do so!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us free choice. Thank You that You guide us in distinguishing between the holy and the common and between the unclean and the clean. Lord, there are times that we know what is right and yet we still do wrong. Please forgive us! And help us - through the power of your Son Jesus - to get back on the right path toward being holy since You, oh Lord, are holy. And, help us in what we should and shouldn't eat, what we should and shouldn't do and what we should and shouldn't say. Lord, may all of our lives be for Your ultimate glory. We love you, Lord Jesus! In Your name we pray, AMEN!
When I start to think about 'what can I eat' vs. 'what should I stay away from' I feel that I get bogged down; specifically because the more that I have the thoughts of things in my head, the more I want them. So if I'm thinking of not eating carbs, then the more carbs are in my mind as I'm telling myself to stay away from them and soon the very thing I start craving is the sugar that I'm telling myself not to have. I could drive myself crazy!
As I was reading in Leviticus about the rules for the Israelites, God's chosen people, I realized that there are many things that they couldn't have that I think are 'normal.' Now I know that Jesus gave us a new covenant with his blood that we aren't bound by some of the old laws...He conquered sin and the grave forever! The more I wrestled with the subject of eating, however, the more this verse from Leviticus stuck out in my mind.
You see, we are to distinguish what is 'clean' or proper for us and our bodies. And how do we do that exactly? By reading God's word AND with the help of the Holy Spirit. The whole idea is that we are to be holy for God. While it may be "common" to eat this or that or behave a certain way, God doesn't call us to be just common. He tells us to be holy. In fact, Leviticus 11:44 (and 45, actually) say "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy."
So, in your pursuit of eating healthier to look slimmer, don't buy into the world's views of what we're supposed to look like, eat like, or be like. Buy into God's! Ask yourself, does what I'm about to say or do go along with the holiness God is calling me to? If so, by all means, go for it! But, if you feel that check in your spirit from the Holy Spirit letting you know that your next action isn't on the path of holiness, then ask God to help you stay away from it. And believe that He will empower you to do so!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us free choice. Thank You that You guide us in distinguishing between the holy and the common and between the unclean and the clean. Lord, there are times that we know what is right and yet we still do wrong. Please forgive us! And help us - through the power of your Son Jesus - to get back on the right path toward being holy since You, oh Lord, are holy. And, help us in what we should and shouldn't eat, what we should and shouldn't do and what we should and shouldn't say. Lord, may all of our lives be for Your ultimate glory. We love you, Lord Jesus! In Your name we pray, AMEN!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Discipline
"He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." "Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you." Deuteronomy 8:3,5
This morning, I got on the scale....and it was humbling. A weekend of birthday celebrations for my son, and the outcome was not pretty. But, I knew that God was speaking right to me in my morning devotions when the Bible said "the Lord your God disciplines you." I desperately need discipline in my life. I know that God is teaching me that this life is not about food but rather the Word of God. May these two verses bring fresh revelation to you as well!
Dear Lord, thank You for causing us to hunger. Thank You also for feeding us and teaching us that we don't live on just bread but rather EVERY word that comes from Your mouth. Thank You for loving us like children that You discipline us...may the outcome of that discipline be what You're seeking in us. Please help us, Lord! Transform our minds, spirits and bodies. In the name of Jesus' we pray, AMEN!
This morning, I got on the scale....and it was humbling. A weekend of birthday celebrations for my son, and the outcome was not pretty. But, I knew that God was speaking right to me in my morning devotions when the Bible said "the Lord your God disciplines you." I desperately need discipline in my life. I know that God is teaching me that this life is not about food but rather the Word of God. May these two verses bring fresh revelation to you as well!
Dear Lord, thank You for causing us to hunger. Thank You also for feeding us and teaching us that we don't live on just bread but rather EVERY word that comes from Your mouth. Thank You for loving us like children that You discipline us...may the outcome of that discipline be what You're seeking in us. Please help us, Lord! Transform our minds, spirits and bodies. In the name of Jesus' we pray, AMEN!
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