For God Does Speak

"...so that his very being finds food repulsive and his soul loathes the choicest meal." Job 33:20

Think the Bible doesn't have anything to say on eating, weight loss, your journey with food? Think again! I read this passage the other week and it jumped out at me for a couple reasons. First, I had had a terrible dream the night before. It seemed so real that when I woke up sweating and crying, I didn't even know where I was at first. I won't go into my entire dream, but here are parts of it: I dreamed I had pulled on my dad's arm as he was coming down a 'ladder' (of sorts). I was impatient and felt like he was moving too slow and holding me and my sisters up, so I grabbed his hand and gave it a tug, thinking it would help him find his footing and continue to come down.... only in my dream, he fell the whole way down (from me throwing him off balance) and he landed face first into cement. I remember seeing his face, his nose bleeding and cut open, his eyes immediately black and blue from his broken nose, and he was crying. (Now, for those of you who don't know my Dad, he is a big 'manly' guy who I've only seen cry once in my life when he told me that he & my mom were splitting up.) He was still on the ground on his knees, his nose gushing blood, and he kept apologizing for falling and then finally in his weakness said, "... who's pulling on me?" in a really sad and forlorn voice. I remember in my dream, I threw myself on the ground (much like my children do when they're having a fit). I beat my hands into the cement and kicked my feet and crying in loud anguish I proclaimed "Dad, it was me! I'm sorry! I'm a disease to everyone around me! I've had the worst day!" And I woke up. I felt terrible. I went to the bathroom to splash cold water on my face, and I saw that it was 2:30 am. I couldn't get back to sleep. I almost called my Dad then, but my husband who had heard me get up had woken up and told me that I should go back to sleep and not wake anyone else.

The next morning, as I was still troubled from my dream, I read the following passage in the Bible:

"14 For God does speak - now one way,

now another - 

though man may not perceive it.

15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,

when deep sleep falls on men

as they slumber in their beds,

16 he may speak in their ears

and terrify them with warnings,

17 to turn man from wrongdoing

and keep him from pride,

18 to preserve his soul from the pit (or grave),

his life from perishing by the sword (or from crossing the River).

19 Or a man may be chastened on a bed of pain

with constant distress in his bones,

20 so that his very being finds food

repulsive

and his soul loathes the choicest meal.

Job 33:14-20

I did call my Dad later that day to make sure he hadn't fallen, and I told him about my dream and about this passage in the Bible. I also told my mom, and she said to ask God what He was trying to say. One thing I see for sure is that God speaks in dreams "to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from his pride" (verse 17). I surely do need help in keeping from intentionally sinning and from pride - this evil thing that creeps up inside even when we don't realize it.

But, I also saw at the bottom of this passage the warning that if we're not careful to overcome this addiction to food - slavery to sin and overindulgence - we may end up in a bed of pain, where we eventually are so sick that we find food & choice meals repulsive and loathsome. I don't want sickness to be the way to my recovery, if at all possible. In fact, I used to pray "make me thin" and then added to that "please make me healthy and thin."

I admit that I'm still struggling with this same sin. I'm still giving into the temptation to eat at times that I shouldn't and eat things that I shouldn't. I'm still struggling to wake up early and exercise. But, I fear God. I know that He is full of mercy, compassion and grace. And yet He controls the universe and does things that we may not understand for our best interest. Earlier in the Bible it says "And he (God) said to man, 'the fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'" Job 28:28.

I don't have all the answers for weight loss. I know that it is a difficult journey that is only made possible through God Himself. To begin, I think it's important to have a healthy fear of the Lord. And next it's important to begin shunning evil. If we could walk in the steps God has provided for us, I believe we would have healthy bodies, operating the way God intended for them when He created them. That is what I desire! And, I'd really like for that to happen without a bed of pain and distress in my bones. Let's do this God's way!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to us, even when we don't perceive it as the above verse states. Lord, tell us what You desire for us. We are listening to You. Thank You for Your grace for us. We don't feel like we deserve Your love, but we are so grateful for it. God, we ask that You would make us healthy and thin. Help us learn how to properly eat so that we don't have to be in pain to loathe food or choice meals. Speak to us God, and help us shun evil and fear You alone. We love You and long to do what's right so we can spend eternity with You. Thank You for saving us through Jesus since we would not be able to come to You any other way. We love You and long to honor and serve You. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Appeal to God

"But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 5:8-9

There are many days that I feel like losing weight is next to impossible. But, to a God who created the entire Universe (including me!), weight loss isn't beyond Him. He's performed miracles that can't even be fathomed, so helping us drop some pounds should be a snap to Him. Thus, we need to lay our cause before Him. Let's appeal to God and watch Him change our bodies and our lives for His glory! He can do this!

Dear God, we appeal to You; our cause is to be healthy and thin for Your ultimate glory. We believe in the miracles that You have performed - You opened and closed the red sea, sent manna from heaven to feed Your people, You led the Israelites with a cloud by day and a fire by night; You sent Your son to die on the cross and rise again in three days; You have healed the sick, made the blind see and the lame walk. Lord, we know that You can drop the pounds from our bodies. We know that You can transform our shape and figure. We know that You can motivate us, help us eat healthier and enjoy it, and that You can fix the damage we've done to our bodies. Lord, we need You. We can't overcome the battle of the bulge without You. Please help us! Perform a miracle in us today, we ask with a please. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Rely on the Lord

"The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers." 2 Chronicles 13:18

This morning as I was reading my Bible, I asked God for insight into this weight loss journey. And He is faithful! I was told by my surgeon earlier this week that I should 'take it easy' and not exercise, saying the pain I'm continuing to experience since my surgery (which was over six weeks ago!) is probably because I'm overdoing it. I almost cried on the phone. It's driving me crazy! If I can't exercise, how am I going to continue to lose weight? And yet, the other evening when I decided to go for a jog in this above-freezing weather, I didn't even make it half way to the park before grabbing hold of a tree to keep me upright since I felt like someone was stabbing me in my side.

Frustrated, I cried out to God this morning. And this verse spoke to me. Why were the men of Judah victorious over the men of Israel? After all, wasn't Israel the name of God's chosen nation? This verse tells us that Judah had success because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers. (This was, of course, when Judah had split away from Israel for this period of history.) The leader of Israel at this time was worshiping idols and causing others to sin against the Lord. The men of Judah, however, "had not forsaken" the Lord; in fact, they said "God is with us; He is our leader" (v 12). Judah was being attacked at both the front and rear (v 14) - nonetheless, when they cried out to the Lord, 'God delivered them into their hands' (vs 16).

I realized that I'm feeling a bit defeated - attacked on both sides (not being able to work out and being tempted by food). But, when I feel like I'm at the end of myself, what does the Bible tell me I need to do? I need to cry out to God. For when I rely on Jesus alone, He wins the victory. I can't take credit. It has to be an obvious show of God's amazing glory, might and power. I believe that God can still be victorious when I feel defeated. And may He receive all the honor due His name through it.

Dear Heavenly Father, we confess just like in 2 Chronicles 14:11 "Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You." Father, we pray for the crushing defeat that the men of Judah saw before their eyes. We pray that you not only make us lose weight, You make us positively thin and healthy for Your glory. Lord God, we know that we can't win this battle of the bulge on our own. We see the attack of the enemy before us and behind us. But, God, You are bigger, stronger, more powerful and more wonderful than any enemy and any temptation. Father God, for Your own name and for Your children, we ask for Your help. Make our temples holy and pure for Your dwelling. May we be more like You. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Do It All For the Glory of God

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

As I was driving to school/work today, I was listening to an old Jeremy Riddle CD of my husband's. As I was singing along, I thought about God being love and just all at the same time (in his "Sweetly Broken" song). I thought about how much I don't deserve God's grace, and yet His love is unfailing. I'm so thankful for the cross today. I've been feeling a little emotional lately, probably because of being inside and not getting enough Vitamin D. But, today in particular I was feeling just an overwhelming awe at Christ's work on the cross. He won the victory for us. We are saved through His grace.

It amazes me that God can take an overweight, out-of-shape body like mine and transform it. I don't deserve it. I've done damage to this 'vehicle' God has given me. But, we know that eating less and exercising will get us back to where we belong. It reminds me of little girls who cut their doll's hair and cry when it won't grow back. But, when we (God's children) get a bad haircut, we have hope for new growth. Again, I feel so undeserving of this miracle... my own sin is what got me here. But, Christ died for me (and you!) to restore my relationship with God and my sin is washed away.

If you're feeling like getting healthier is an uphill battle, remember that Christ already walked the uphill battle for you. His grace saves you. His blood covers you. His mercy will renew and strengthen you. His love will amaze you. So, as you worship this awesome God today, as you eat or drink and in whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Dear Heavenly Father, I bow before You in worship. On my face, I praise You for who You are. I am so thankful, God. Thank You for new opportunities. Thank You for never giving up on us. Thank You for new life, new hope, new dreams, new purpose. Thank You that You can restore us. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for Your blood. Thank You for taking away our sin. May we glorify You in ALL we do today, including our eating and drinking. We love You! In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Develop Discipline

"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..." Proverbs 6:23

This past weekend, we went to church Saturday night at LCBC. The current sermon series is on "TWISDOM" and the pastor has asked the congregation to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for the day of the month. I thought this sermon was extremely good, and again it spoke right to me as if it were Jesus Himself sitting next to me teaching me. The notes and sermon itself will be available next week at www.lcbcchurch.com, if you're interested in hearing it for yourself.

Anyway, here are a few takeaway points from the sermon that I thought related to our journey of weight loss. First, we learned that discipline is an indispensable tool that will help our lives work well. If we lack discipline, it's hard to lose weight, I believe. At least I've found that true for myself (and how I need the Lord to help me in this area!). Then Pastor David Ashcraft, noting that he was borrowing from another author who's name I missed, gave us pointers for using the tool of discipline well.

First, we have to decide what our goals are - what exactly are we trying to accomplish? Discipline is necessary if we're ever going to reach our full potential. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds, it's going to take some discipline to reach it. If your goal is to lose two pounds, you might just hit it on your own. Are your goals big enough to require discipline? If so, begin praying and asking God to teach you and guide you in the way of discipline.

Second, we need to practice the concept of "delayed gratification." This is the most difficult for me, I think. David Ashcraft noted that we have to get the pain over with first so we can enjoy a season of pleasure. There are many days that I've chosen to nap while my kids nap instead of doing the work I should be doing or sleep in rather than waking up early to exercise. There are many days that I've decided to indulge in tasty food rather than experiencing this season of 'pain' to have the season of pleasure (i.e. healthier and thinner). He likened it to eating the cake first so we can eat the frosting second. But, people who eat the frosting first often have a rough life... not walking in the way of wisdom.

Third, and I think this is also critical for us on this journey, we need to develop the art of "advanced decision making." We need to make decisions while the lights are on and we're not being tempted, i.e. a safe environment. We're not going to just wake up on our own in the morning to do our exercising, we're going to have to set an alarm. The last three days, though, I've turned off my alarm and rolled back over. I need to decide in advance that no matter what, I'm getting out of bed and starting my day by working out my body. I also need to make a meal plan while I'm not starving or being tempted by foods I shouldn't have. When we're making those decisions, the pastor noted we should review the benefits of a disciplined decision while also reviewing the consequences of an undisciplined decision. I need to think of myself in a bathing suit, or not being able to do something fun with my kids because I'm out of shape to make the important decisions to lead a disciplined life. Also, the Bible says we should make our decisions in broad daylight before we're in a sticky situation. According to Proverbs 6:26, if we wait to decide until we're tempted, we're toast!

So, begin by asking yourself, what are the critical decisions I need to make now while it's still broad daylight and I'm not starving and not being tempted? People who embrace discipline usually live lives that work well, but people who are casual or eat the frosting first or rebuke discipline usually don't.

Finally the sermon ended with the phrase "There's no telling where my potential can go, what I can do or who I can impact." Again, there's a higher plan for our weight loss. We're meant to impact lives for Christ. We need to be healthy so God can use us mightily for His glory. If we're napping, overindulging or out of shape, we might miss our calling! I don't want that; I'd rather have discipline in my life. How about you?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this message. Thank You that Your Word says: "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding" Proverbs 15:32. Thank You that we learn from the above verse that discipline is the way to life. God, I must confess that I lack discipline. And, Lord, just like discipline sometimes means punishment, I pray and ask You to discipline me so that I can live to my fullest potential, realize my calling and glorify You. Father, we want to impact others for Your Name. We ask You to help us in practicing the concept of delayed gratification and developing the art of advanced decision making. Help us eat healthier, exercise and lose the weight. God, we need You. We can't stay motivated on our own. We can't lose a pound without You. But, Lord, with You, ALL things are possible. Please don't give up on us! Make us healthy and thin for Your glory. And may we always sing Your praise. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Be Strong & Do the Work

"Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work." 1 Chronicles 28:10

I was reading God's Word again this morning, and this verse made me smile. While I know that this is David speaking to his son Solomon, the correlation between this physical temple and our temple for the Holy Spirit was unmistakable. What did the father tell his son? Be strong and do the work. Obviously it takes work to build a worthy temple for the Lord, so we must be strong and just do it (not to copy the Nike slogan!).

Just before this verse, David says "...acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever" 1 Chronicles 28:9. We must serve God with wholehearted devotion, we must have a willing mind, we must have pure motives and we must seek His face along this journey. If we do, God will make us strong to do the work required for building up His temple, i.e. our bodies.

So, let's be strong and do the work!

Dear God, help us along this journey. Help us be strong and do the work required to make our temple, the body where Your Holy Spirit dwells, healthy and thin. May we glorify You today with our hearts, minds, souls, bodies, speech and actions. Forgive us where we fall short of our callings and may we start with a fresh foot forward. Thank You for Your mercy & grace and for saving us through Your Son, Jesus. We love You and praise You today! In Jesus' name, AMEN!

I Lifted the Yoke From Your Neck & Bent Down to Feed You

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." Hosea 11:4

This chapter of Scripture is speaking of God's love for Israel. As I read it, this verse jumped out at me. After doing the "Breaking Free" Bible study by Beth Moore, I realized that being overweight has come from years of bad habits that were started early in my life. As I've said before, I've literally allowed myself to be enslaved to food and my cravings. Picture your life and how much you've eaten and visualize it as a literal yoke on your neck. I allowed myself to become burdened by this sin and yet I couldn't seem to break free from it because I was entangled by it. But, in His Word, God tells us that He loves us so much, He will lift the yoke from our neck. While He's speaking here of the Israelites, His chosen beloved,  I think that the verses apply to us now, who as His children are His beloved, too.

Instead of being yoked to the sin of overindulgence and laziness, we can be led with God's ties of love and cords of human kindness. I would love to walk freely, not yoked to oppression but instead being led by my Father's love. My favorite part is that He will bend down to feed us. In case I missed that this verse was for me, it includes being fed as part of the 'deal.' God will feed us. He will show us what we need to eat. He will lead us with His love. He will break us free from the sin we've allowed to enslave us. He will lift the yoke of obesity from our necks. Later on in Hosea, we see the Lord's heart and His amazing compassion aroused. Let us pray that He will show us the same compassion!

Dear God, we admit that we have sinned against You. We have indulged in food that was not healthy for our temple, which is Your dwelling place. We've chosen to allow ourselves to become so overweight we're not sure if we can even exercise or eat healthier. Lord, there are days I confess that I feel like giving up this journey. But, God, I praise You that You tell us that You lifted the yoke from our neck. We no longer have to go back to our old habits for they have nothing on us. Instead, You lead us with cords of human kindness and ties of love. Lord, help us realize what this means. Father, please forgive us and let Your compassion be aroused. Send Your mercy and help us along this journey of freedom. Allow us to be healthy and thin for Your glory. We love You, Father God. And we praise You and thank You for Your Word. May we continue to learn and obey. In Jesus' name, AMEN!