There's more to this journey than the weightloss. The journey has been about facing the truth, adjusting my priorities, and pressing on. At this point I've lost 20 pounds, which is 1/4 of what I plan to loose. I know that the weight didn't come off because I have amazing will-power....it was only accomplished through amazing grace! I am praying for JOY in this journey. It's like walking in victory after walking for SO long in defeat!!
The key to reaching my goal weight is daily obedience and surrender. Giving the Holy Spirit control and asking the Lord to keep my focus on the right things. Just to review the most important things I've learned....
1. Feed my hunger, not my appetite
2. Feast on God's Word instead of food
3. I can't, but HE can!
4. I can do the the possible and let God do the impossible!
5. Exercise is my friend...embrace it and it will pay off!
6. It is God's will for me to take care of the body He created. So He will help me to do it when I ask Him for help.
7. I have victory, because Jesus purchased it for me!
8. I must crucify the flesh!
Galatians 5:24
“Those who belong to Jesus Christ have crucified their lower nature with all it’s appetites.”
PRESS ON...for the Lord will give us strength for the Journey and meet all of our needs!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
CHAPTER 12: Prepare for Action
If we ever want to accomplish our goals, we must take action.
In order to take action, there must be some preparation. If not, the ultimate goal will never be realized.
Preparing our minds for action comes from 1 Peter 1:13.
This would include a truthful evaluation of where we stand mentally, physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.
It would also include gaining the knowledge and information we need to carry out the mission.
This scripture also speaks of being "self-controlled". (Meaning self-disciplined, practicing restraint!) The question is, how do we maintain a posture of self-control? The answer is priorities. Putting the proper emphasis on the most important things. Is it more important to satisfy the cravings of the appetite, or to meet the nutritional needs of the body? In the same way we could look at this spiritually...being obedient and pleasing to God in the area of healthy eating or be "gluttons". That may sound harsh, but it's actually true.
I pray that we will fulfill the scripture in 1 Peter 1, and be followers of Christ who walk the way He did...in moderation.
In order to take action, there must be some preparation. If not, the ultimate goal will never be realized.
Preparing our minds for action comes from 1 Peter 1:13.
This would include a truthful evaluation of where we stand mentally, physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.
It would also include gaining the knowledge and information we need to carry out the mission.
This scripture also speaks of being "self-controlled". (Meaning self-disciplined, practicing restraint!) The question is, how do we maintain a posture of self-control? The answer is priorities. Putting the proper emphasis on the most important things. Is it more important to satisfy the cravings of the appetite, or to meet the nutritional needs of the body? In the same way we could look at this spiritually...being obedient and pleasing to God in the area of healthy eating or be "gluttons". That may sound harsh, but it's actually true.
I pray that we will fulfill the scripture in 1 Peter 1, and be followers of Christ who walk the way He did...in moderation.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
CHAPTER 11: He Built the House!
Imagine this scenario:
A Father built a beautiful new home for his daughter. He purchased choice materials and spared no expense. The house was stocked with the finest furniture and fixtures. When the house was complete, he turned the key over to her.
He just knew she would be pleased with his work and enjoy this lovely home. He looked forward to sharing many wonderful times together there. As time went by the young lady neglected to take care of the house. She didn't even make much time to spend with her father. He tried to remind her of how much he loved her and what a precious gift this house was, but she paid no attention. Several years went by and one day she realized that floors were scratched, there were cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, the roof leaked, and their were stains on the furniture, all from careless use. She called her father and asked for his help. Her father's heart was full of joy. It was a call he had waited on, because he had longed to help her. She was unable to make repairs on her own, but together they could accomplish great things. Her father had the skill and expertise and finally she had the desire to restore her home, and put things back in working order.
God created our bodies and He is able to repair the things are are not in working order. We need to call on Him to help us make necessary changes.
God has chosen to dwell in His people through the Holy Spirit. He builds a spiritual home within our hearts. This brings new life as the Spirit of the Living God takes up residence and we allow him free reign. After all, He built the house!
1 Peter 2:4-6
"...you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
I don't know about you, but it's hard to fathom the fact that God calls ME to be part of a "royal priesthood" a citizen of His "holy nation". Being a citizen of this nation gives us gifts and graces, or priviledges so to speak. By the blood of Jesus, we can come boldly before the throne and offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.
That sacrifice begins with turning the keys over to the Master Builder and letting Him do a work in us that is impossible for us to do on our own.
A Father built a beautiful new home for his daughter. He purchased choice materials and spared no expense. The house was stocked with the finest furniture and fixtures. When the house was complete, he turned the key over to her.
He just knew she would be pleased with his work and enjoy this lovely home. He looked forward to sharing many wonderful times together there. As time went by the young lady neglected to take care of the house. She didn't even make much time to spend with her father. He tried to remind her of how much he loved her and what a precious gift this house was, but she paid no attention. Several years went by and one day she realized that floors were scratched, there were cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, the roof leaked, and their were stains on the furniture, all from careless use. She called her father and asked for his help. Her father's heart was full of joy. It was a call he had waited on, because he had longed to help her. She was unable to make repairs on her own, but together they could accomplish great things. Her father had the skill and expertise and finally she had the desire to restore her home, and put things back in working order.
God created our bodies and He is able to repair the things are are not in working order. We need to call on Him to help us make necessary changes.
God has chosen to dwell in His people through the Holy Spirit. He builds a spiritual home within our hearts. This brings new life as the Spirit of the Living God takes up residence and we allow him free reign. After all, He built the house!
1 Peter 2:4-6
"...you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
I don't know about you, but it's hard to fathom the fact that God calls ME to be part of a "royal priesthood" a citizen of His "holy nation". Being a citizen of this nation gives us gifts and graces, or priviledges so to speak. By the blood of Jesus, we can come boldly before the throne and offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.
That sacrifice begins with turning the keys over to the Master Builder and letting Him do a work in us that is impossible for us to do on our own.
Friday, March 19, 2010
CHAPTER 10: The Bread of Idleness
For many years, I've read about the Proverb 31 Woman and thought, "How could anyone measure up to that?"
Proverbs 31:25-27
"She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness."
I have to say that over the last 8 years or so, I've felt like I was running out of steam. Eight years ago I went through some tough health problems that took me off work for a year and rendered me feeble at the time. The Lord has blessed me to experience healing in my body. But still, I've gone through a daily struggle to "feel" like doing what needed to be done. Regardless of how I felt, I have slowed down very little. I've always been an extremely busy person. (Of course what mother with three children isn't?) But I long to have the energy to spend it on helping others.
Something that really stood out to me in this scripture is that "eat the bread of idleness" doesn't mean "lazy" or "inactive". It literally means "gossip", "discontent" and "self-pity". Gossip hasn't really been a struggle, but discontent and self-pity have been. Who hasn't felt sorry for themselves or wished that things would be different?
I pray that I will let the Holy Spirit transform my me in such a way that my life will in some way reflect the character of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Proverbs 31:25-27
"She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness."
I have to say that over the last 8 years or so, I've felt like I was running out of steam. Eight years ago I went through some tough health problems that took me off work for a year and rendered me feeble at the time. The Lord has blessed me to experience healing in my body. But still, I've gone through a daily struggle to "feel" like doing what needed to be done. Regardless of how I felt, I have slowed down very little. I've always been an extremely busy person. (Of course what mother with three children isn't?) But I long to have the energy to spend it on helping others.
Something that really stood out to me in this scripture is that "eat the bread of idleness" doesn't mean "lazy" or "inactive". It literally means "gossip", "discontent" and "self-pity". Gossip hasn't really been a struggle, but discontent and self-pity have been. Who hasn't felt sorry for themselves or wished that things would be different?
I pray that I will let the Holy Spirit transform my me in such a way that my life will in some way reflect the character of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
CHAPTER 9: Temptation
"Watch and pray, lest you enter temptation. For the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41 & Mark 13:48
Jesus was no stranger to temptation. He encountered times in His ministry when I'm sure He grew tired, hungry, frustrated and angry. He experienced the same emotions we do.
In John 2:1-11, when He attended the wedding at Cana, the master of the house provided a feast for the guests. The food was probably quite elaborate for this special occasion. I'm sure Jesus enjoyed His share of the meal. It had been a wonderful day with friends and family. He had performed his first miracle.
Then verse 12 of the same chapter, Jesus was angry because they were selling merchandise in the temple in Jerusalem. So he drove them out with a whip made of chords. He even turned over tables. Jesus was frustrated to say the least. His Father's house was being misused!
From one extreme to the other, his life experience gave him the whole spectrum of emotions that we encounter. But Jesus knew the flesh was not to be catered to. The last verse in this chapter says, "He Himself knew what was in human nature." (Amplified)
It is our nature to want to please the flesh. We sometimes let our emotions sway our obedience. I pray that we will find true joy and freedom in obeying God and being lead by the Spirit, giving no room for the flesh.
"You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh..." Galatians 5:13
Jesus was no stranger to temptation. He encountered times in His ministry when I'm sure He grew tired, hungry, frustrated and angry. He experienced the same emotions we do.
In John 2:1-11, when He attended the wedding at Cana, the master of the house provided a feast for the guests. The food was probably quite elaborate for this special occasion. I'm sure Jesus enjoyed His share of the meal. It had been a wonderful day with friends and family. He had performed his first miracle.
Then verse 12 of the same chapter, Jesus was angry because they were selling merchandise in the temple in Jerusalem. So he drove them out with a whip made of chords. He even turned over tables. Jesus was frustrated to say the least. His Father's house was being misused!
From one extreme to the other, his life experience gave him the whole spectrum of emotions that we encounter. But Jesus knew the flesh was not to be catered to. The last verse in this chapter says, "He Himself knew what was in human nature." (Amplified)
It is our nature to want to please the flesh. We sometimes let our emotions sway our obedience. I pray that we will find true joy and freedom in obeying God and being lead by the Spirit, giving no room for the flesh.
"You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh..." Galatians 5:13
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
CHAPTER 8: A New Day
I am grateful that when the sun rises every morning, I receive new mercy! How amazing is it that the Heavenly Father puts yesterday's mistakes behind us and allows a fresh start daily.
This is a new day, a day that holds new promise.
I heard someone say once, "Don't let your present condition, dictate your future position." Looking with my physical eyes, it's hard to envision tomorrow being much different than today. However, I long for a new day! A day when my weaknesses will be overcome by the victory I have in Christ.
If I will do what is possible, God will do the impossible.
"Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and you are not your own." 1 Corinthians 6:19
It seems I have neglected to take care of the "temple" He gave me. I have let the "temple" come to ruins. I have finally made up my mind to be obedient and disciplined in the way that I eat, in order to repair and remodel the "temple". The motive is not to fit into a bikini, wear the latest fashion or get approval from people. My heart's desire is to let the power of God defeat what the enemy of my soul is doing to destroy me and hinder me in ministry. I want Jesus to know that I am thankful for the gift of life He's given me today. So thankful that I'm going to care enough about my life to take care of myself. This is something I have NEVER done! As a result, I find myself categorized as OBESE. But a new day is coming. A day when I will be at a healthy weight and ALL GLORY will be TO GOD!!!
This is a new day, a day that holds new promise.
I heard someone say once, "Don't let your present condition, dictate your future position." Looking with my physical eyes, it's hard to envision tomorrow being much different than today. However, I long for a new day! A day when my weaknesses will be overcome by the victory I have in Christ.
If I will do what is possible, God will do the impossible.
"Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and you are not your own." 1 Corinthians 6:19
It seems I have neglected to take care of the "temple" He gave me. I have let the "temple" come to ruins. I have finally made up my mind to be obedient and disciplined in the way that I eat, in order to repair and remodel the "temple". The motive is not to fit into a bikini, wear the latest fashion or get approval from people. My heart's desire is to let the power of God defeat what the enemy of my soul is doing to destroy me and hinder me in ministry. I want Jesus to know that I am thankful for the gift of life He's given me today. So thankful that I'm going to care enough about my life to take care of myself. This is something I have NEVER done! As a result, I find myself categorized as OBESE. But a new day is coming. A day when I will be at a healthy weight and ALL GLORY will be TO GOD!!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
CHAPTER 7: Dry, Weary Deserts
What's your desert?
By this I mean a time of drought in your life,
when you long for change.
I came across this scripture in my Bible as I was studying
about "True Hunger":
Psalm 63:1
"God, You're my God. I can't get enough of You.
I've worked up such a hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts."
Does your desert stir a thirst in you for more of God?
Luke 6:25 says, "Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger."
No matter what we fill our lives with, it will never satisfy the longing in our souls for a relationship with Jesus. Only He can satisfy our souls.
"A great appetite provokes God to anger." Ezekial 16:26
It seems we have an appetite for everything the world has to offer, while neglecting the one thing that will make us complete.
I pray that we will "work up such a HUNGER FOR GOD", that we will put our flesh aside and glorify Him in everthing we do!
By this I mean a time of drought in your life,
when you long for change.
I came across this scripture in my Bible as I was studying
about "True Hunger":
Psalm 63:1
"God, You're my God. I can't get enough of You.
I've worked up such a hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts."
Does your desert stir a thirst in you for more of God?
Luke 6:25 says, "Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger."
No matter what we fill our lives with, it will never satisfy the longing in our souls for a relationship with Jesus. Only He can satisfy our souls.
"A great appetite provokes God to anger." Ezekial 16:26
It seems we have an appetite for everything the world has to offer, while neglecting the one thing that will make us complete.
I pray that we will "work up such a HUNGER FOR GOD", that we will put our flesh aside and glorify Him in everthing we do!
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