This is an awesome blog, my friends. I hope it encourages you. I've copied Lysa Terkeurst's blog below, but I'd suggest going to her site and reading her other blogs. This is TRUTH we need!!
http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/2010/01/replacing-old-lies-with-truth.html
Replacing old lies with truth
Replacing old lies with truth
If you are visiting today from my Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today Devotional- welcome! I'm glad you're here.
Yesterday, I was reading an article in Good Housekeeping magazine about weight loss. It was interesting that the writer of this secular article encouraged people to find a way to tie their weight loss journey very closely to their core beliefs and values. And if we do this, we'll have the greatest success.
I have definitely found this to be true.
I have tried to lose weight so many times. When my only goal was to get thinner, it was very easy to give into temptation and justify myself right into a chips and brownies oblivion.
Getting thin wears thin as a motivational factor. I even used my faith as an excuse. When getting thin was my only motivation, I felt good in saying, "You know, it's really kind-of vain to even care what my body looks like. I think it's more Christian to care about the inside not the outside."
And while on some levels this is true, I knew my issues went way beyond just how much I weighed. My weight was an outside indication of an internal struggle. On a spiritual level, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with my lack of control. I would say with my mouth- With God all things are possible! But, I would secretly think, All things except my issues with food.
I was addicted to sugar. I was turning to food more than I was turning to God. I walked around feeling completely defeated. And to some extent, I doubted God could help me with this. Yes, my issues were definately affecting even on a spiritual level.
Sweet sisters, God made us to consume food.
He did not make food to consume us. Like Deuteronomy 2:3 says, “You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north."
In order for me to get out of the ruts of defeat with this issue, I had to start filling in the old lies and go to scripts in my mind with truth. Like the article I mentioned above said, I had to tie my weight loss issues to something deeper than physical reasons.
As a Christ-follower, I knew I would need to make this a spiritual and mental makeover just as much as a physical one. Slowly, over time, I learned to consistently let truth be what I told myself instead of turning to the lies that kept me stuck.
Finally, I lost the weight. But even better, I freed my soul from the endless cycles of defeat that kept me from being able to follow God unhindered.
Here are some of these truths that helped set me on the path toward victory.
Old Lie: I need these Oreos. They will fill me up with a Chocolate high and taste so good.
New Truth: The thought that these Oreos will fill me is a lie. They will taste good for just the few minutes it will take to eat them. Then that hollow feeling of guilt will rush in as soon as the chocolate high dissipates. Am I wanting to eat right now because I need nourishment or because I’m feeling empty emotionally or spiritually? If I truly need a snack right now, I am capable of choosing something healthy.
Ephesians 3:17- 19, "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Old lie: I am such a failure with this healthy eating thing. Why sacrifice this instant gratification now when I know eventually I’ll just go back to my old habits anyhow.
New Truth: I am not a failure. I am a lavishly loved child of God. Part of my right as a child of God is to operate in a power beyond myself. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to me so it is possible for me to use the self-control I’ve been given.
1 John 3:1, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
Old lie: God seems so far away and these fries are right around the corner at that drive-thru.
New Truth: These fries don’t love me. And the only thing lasting from them is the cholesterol and cellulite they’ll inevitably create which will just further compound my frustration. God’s love is here in this moment and in many more to come. His love is true and carries with it only positive residual effects.
Psalm 103:17, " But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him.
This is just a start of replacing the lies and justifications with the truths of God’s love."
These are just a start. If you'd like me to send you more Go-To scripts via e-mail, leave a comment below with your e-mail address and I'll send these to you this weekend.
To leave a comment, click on the words "Post a Comment" below and follow the prompts.
May today be the day we all stop circling the mountain of defeat and truly head north!
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Friday, January 15, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Believer in Christ
I am a believer in Christ. Are you?
If you are what does that mean to you?
To me it means I believe I am a sinner worthy of death, but that while I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me and by faith I believe He saved me from the penalty of death for my sins and that I will live with Him forever in Heaven.
End of story?
For some of us yes...we trust Him for Eternity, but not for today, not for the pain, not for the need, not for the secret little habit, not for the soul crushing doubt, not for the death of the beloved, not for the hopelessness that consumes us like a cancer.
But it really isn't the end of the story.
If I am a believer in Christ, it means that not only can I trust Him with my Eternity, I can trust Him with my Now,
to guide children
to give wisdom about finances
to give me the strength to endure in this battle of the bulge...
no, let's call this what it is....the battle of sin in my life...my sinful love affair with food....
literally I can trust Him for all that I need to live this Christian life.
"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32
What do you need to believe Him for today? He sees. He hears. He provides. Ask and you will recieve, but ask with faith.
Are you a believer in Christ?
If you are what does that mean to you?
To me it means I believe I am a sinner worthy of death, but that while I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me and by faith I believe He saved me from the penalty of death for my sins and that I will live with Him forever in Heaven.
End of story?
For some of us yes...we trust Him for Eternity, but not for today, not for the pain, not for the need, not for the secret little habit, not for the soul crushing doubt, not for the death of the beloved, not for the hopelessness that consumes us like a cancer.
But it really isn't the end of the story.
If I am a believer in Christ, it means that not only can I trust Him with my Eternity, I can trust Him with my Now,
to guide children
to give wisdom about finances
to give me the strength to endure in this battle of the bulge...
no, let's call this what it is....the battle of sin in my life...my sinful love affair with food....
literally I can trust Him for all that I need to live this Christian life.
"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32
What do you need to believe Him for today? He sees. He hears. He provides. Ask and you will recieve, but ask with faith.
Are you a believer in Christ?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
For Him Alone
A New Year has arrived. It always excites me. Another year unfolds before me and is as yet untouched, unmarred, even like a fresh fallen snow with no tracks, but only the crystals glistening like diamonds in the sun, beckoning one forward into uncharted places.
The last few years, I've been praying a big prayer....for irrevocable, absolute surrender to my Lord. I long to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, so that He can do whatever He wants in me and through me for His glory and my good.
The first time I prayed that prayer, my heart started beating so fast, I thought I might hyperventilate! Fear seemed to be choking me. The enemy loves to paralyze us with thoughts that if we surrender to God and to His will that God will "hurt us" or devastate us. I'll tell you what will devastate you....NOT giving in to God's will and God's ways for your life!
The last 2 years God has taught me, through some very hard trials, the blessed gift of endurance. My faith has grown and I am better for the lessons learned in the heat of the furnaces of affliction. My goal is to let endurance have its perfect work in me (James 1:2-3) so that I may become perfect and complete....becoming who I was intended to be in Christ, so that I might serve my destined purpose. If you've read this blog, that phrase has been repeated often and it ignites a fire in my heart,like none other. And now it seems that God is working out the lessons of endurance in the physical arena.
For 8 weeks now, I've given myself over to His will and ways for eating and exercise. Yes, I've dieted in the past, only to lose and to gain it back, yet never losing the full 80 + pounds I needed to lose. The goal was weight loss and health.
Confession: The goal of looking better and being healthy only carried me so far. It just isn't that much of a motivator for me personally. I needed more. I needed to make this about a spiritual quest..and honestly did try, many times, to eat less in an effort to "deny myself, take up my cross and to follow Him", but that too seemed an uphill battle that I soon quit fighting and gave up on.
This year it seems to be different. And please hear me on this....I say "seems to" with hesitation, even trepidation! Who wants to proclaim something with confidence, only to fail later and regret having made such a boast?! But, the Lord has really pressed on my heart that by saying, "I'm trying or I'm doing my best or I hope"...that I am actually saying, "This may not work, I actually expect to fail and this is my way of making sure I have an excuse for quitting when the time comes." So this time, I find myself saying, "I am going to do this"...the words stick in my throat...but deep in my heart, I know God is doing this, not me, and that He cannot fail if I surrender to Him. Thus the reason for my goal this year..."absolute, irrevocable surrender to His will."
And here's what God is teaching me now....in the past 8 weeks, I've lost 19 pounds. 19 pounds that I'm thrilled are gone!!! I thank Him for EVERY single ounce...no joke! Yes, I'm working out faithfully, eating right and getting my self out of bed at 6:30 in the morning, when I'm used to sleeping in till 8 or 8:30! BUT, it is not me that is doing it, it is God and for that reason, He alone can be praised for those pounds. But I have at least 64 more to go...and it seems like a sheer cliff to climb at times!!!
Here's my latest battle: virtually not one ounce lost in the last 3 weeks, despite faithful workouts and eating right...seriously, no denial here, eating RIGHT!! That has been discouraging to me at times. But, here's what the Lord is teaching me right now....that I am not doing this for weight loss, I'm doing this to "become who I was intended to be in Christ and fulfill my destined purpose" and I am to do what He has laid before me whether I see benefits to me or not, whether I like it or not, whether it makes sense or not.
And something has/is changing in my hard heart....I am doing this for Him alone, by faith alone. And so without one bit of encouragement from the scale...I do this day after day, encouraged by His Spirit, by His word and for sheer love of Him. The Spirit is saying, "Well done", even though the scale is silent. And on I go, living out my goal...absolute, irrevocable surrender.
The last few years, I've been praying a big prayer....for irrevocable, absolute surrender to my Lord. I long to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, so that He can do whatever He wants in me and through me for His glory and my good.
The first time I prayed that prayer, my heart started beating so fast, I thought I might hyperventilate! Fear seemed to be choking me. The enemy loves to paralyze us with thoughts that if we surrender to God and to His will that God will "hurt us" or devastate us. I'll tell you what will devastate you....NOT giving in to God's will and God's ways for your life!
The last 2 years God has taught me, through some very hard trials, the blessed gift of endurance. My faith has grown and I am better for the lessons learned in the heat of the furnaces of affliction. My goal is to let endurance have its perfect work in me (James 1:2-3) so that I may become perfect and complete....becoming who I was intended to be in Christ, so that I might serve my destined purpose. If you've read this blog, that phrase has been repeated often and it ignites a fire in my heart,like none other. And now it seems that God is working out the lessons of endurance in the physical arena.
For 8 weeks now, I've given myself over to His will and ways for eating and exercise. Yes, I've dieted in the past, only to lose and to gain it back, yet never losing the full 80 + pounds I needed to lose. The goal was weight loss and health.
Confession: The goal of looking better and being healthy only carried me so far. It just isn't that much of a motivator for me personally. I needed more. I needed to make this about a spiritual quest..and honestly did try, many times, to eat less in an effort to "deny myself, take up my cross and to follow Him", but that too seemed an uphill battle that I soon quit fighting and gave up on.
This year it seems to be different. And please hear me on this....I say "seems to" with hesitation, even trepidation! Who wants to proclaim something with confidence, only to fail later and regret having made such a boast?! But, the Lord has really pressed on my heart that by saying, "I'm trying or I'm doing my best or I hope"...that I am actually saying, "This may not work, I actually expect to fail and this is my way of making sure I have an excuse for quitting when the time comes." So this time, I find myself saying, "I am going to do this"...the words stick in my throat...but deep in my heart, I know God is doing this, not me, and that He cannot fail if I surrender to Him. Thus the reason for my goal this year..."absolute, irrevocable surrender to His will."
And here's what God is teaching me now....in the past 8 weeks, I've lost 19 pounds. 19 pounds that I'm thrilled are gone!!! I thank Him for EVERY single ounce...no joke! Yes, I'm working out faithfully, eating right and getting my self out of bed at 6:30 in the morning, when I'm used to sleeping in till 8 or 8:30! BUT, it is not me that is doing it, it is God and for that reason, He alone can be praised for those pounds. But I have at least 64 more to go...and it seems like a sheer cliff to climb at times!!!
Here's my latest battle: virtually not one ounce lost in the last 3 weeks, despite faithful workouts and eating right...seriously, no denial here, eating RIGHT!! That has been discouraging to me at times. But, here's what the Lord is teaching me right now....that I am not doing this for weight loss, I'm doing this to "become who I was intended to be in Christ and fulfill my destined purpose" and I am to do what He has laid before me whether I see benefits to me or not, whether I like it or not, whether it makes sense or not.
And something has/is changing in my hard heart....I am doing this for Him alone, by faith alone. And so without one bit of encouragement from the scale...I do this day after day, encouraged by His Spirit, by His word and for sheer love of Him. The Spirit is saying, "Well done", even though the scale is silent. And on I go, living out my goal...absolute, irrevocable surrender.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Over here, over there........
My granddaughter, Ashley is 17 years old. Not that 17 is old, in fact, she is still my "baby girl". But nevertheless, the United States Marines believes she is not too young and in fact, they think she is the best of the best and she was sworn in to defend our country this week!!!
She is pumped. Actually, pumped does not even come close to describing her feelings right now. I've never seen her so very proud of herself, so determined, so sure this is the right thing for her. In fact, she said she believes this is God's call for her life. I believe that too and I know in my heart that He has called her to this. In fact, if I did not know that, I'm not sure I'd be OK right now.
Ever heard of the "Crucible"? Here are the details:
A Rite of Passage for all Marines
The Crucible is the 54-hour culmination to the transformation of recruit training. It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles for the potential Marine to negotiate.
Basic Facts
Recruits will travel 48 miles on foot during the event.
There are 29 problem-solving exercises during the Crucible.
It consists of 36 different stations.
The recruits will have three meals, ready-to-eat (MREs) during the 54 hours.
The recruits will be required to carry 45 pounds during the Crucible, in addition to 782 gear, uniform and M16 A2 service rifle weight.
Can anyone say, "I don't think so?" The Crucible? Are you kidding me? No, they aren't kidding and Ashley is up for it. Did I say I am so proud of her?
Here's how all of this is impacting me on a personal level.....I too am a soldier in the army of Christ. But isn't it easy to forget we are in the His service? Can you imagine Ashley telling her Ranking Officer that she wouldn't be "doing the Crucible", that she decided it was just too much? And yet, do we do that with Christ?
I'm now in my 5th. week of my new lifestyle changes and my great attitude is waining, to put it mildly. I'm tired frankly. Earlier this week, I didn't go swimming like I'd planned. I "decided" the workouts I'd already done were "enough" for the day.
Boy, did the Lord convict me!!! He seemed to quickly remind me that I'm in His service. He put this plan before me, in answer to my cries for help. I had no right to stop without asking His permission. I was very humbled. Quickly, I asked for His forgiveness and set my mind to once again put Him in charge of what I do and when I do it.
Ashley ships out to Basic Training January 25, 2010. She will graduate June 2 on Parris Island in South Carolina. Although she and I are certainly in different "training camps", we are both, nevertheless, in training and I know in my heart I must show up for her graduation June 2nd. and be able to look her in eyes knowing I endured through my training, even on the days I wanted to quit, just like I'm sure she'll do.
....and if we endure, it will have a perfect work in us...making us perfect and complete, lacking in NOTHING!!! Complete: To become who I am supposed to be in Christ, so that I can fulfill my destined purpose. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about!
Hoorah!!!
She is pumped. Actually, pumped does not even come close to describing her feelings right now. I've never seen her so very proud of herself, so determined, so sure this is the right thing for her. In fact, she said she believes this is God's call for her life. I believe that too and I know in my heart that He has called her to this. In fact, if I did not know that, I'm not sure I'd be OK right now.
Ever heard of the "Crucible"? Here are the details:
A Rite of Passage for all Marines
The Crucible is the 54-hour culmination to the transformation of recruit training. It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles for the potential Marine to negotiate.
Basic Facts
Recruits will travel 48 miles on foot during the event.
There are 29 problem-solving exercises during the Crucible.
It consists of 36 different stations.
The recruits will have three meals, ready-to-eat (MREs) during the 54 hours.
The recruits will be required to carry 45 pounds during the Crucible, in addition to 782 gear, uniform and M16 A2 service rifle weight.
Can anyone say, "I don't think so?" The Crucible? Are you kidding me? No, they aren't kidding and Ashley is up for it. Did I say I am so proud of her?
Here's how all of this is impacting me on a personal level.....I too am a soldier in the army of Christ. But isn't it easy to forget we are in the His service? Can you imagine Ashley telling her Ranking Officer that she wouldn't be "doing the Crucible", that she decided it was just too much? And yet, do we do that with Christ?
I'm now in my 5th. week of my new lifestyle changes and my great attitude is waining, to put it mildly. I'm tired frankly. Earlier this week, I didn't go swimming like I'd planned. I "decided" the workouts I'd already done were "enough" for the day.
Boy, did the Lord convict me!!! He seemed to quickly remind me that I'm in His service. He put this plan before me, in answer to my cries for help. I had no right to stop without asking His permission. I was very humbled. Quickly, I asked for His forgiveness and set my mind to once again put Him in charge of what I do and when I do it.
Ashley ships out to Basic Training January 25, 2010. She will graduate June 2 on Parris Island in South Carolina. Although she and I are certainly in different "training camps", we are both, nevertheless, in training and I know in my heart I must show up for her graduation June 2nd. and be able to look her in eyes knowing I endured through my training, even on the days I wanted to quit, just like I'm sure she'll do.
....and if we endure, it will have a perfect work in us...making us perfect and complete, lacking in NOTHING!!! Complete: To become who I am supposed to be in Christ, so that I can fulfill my destined purpose. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about!
Hoorah!!!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Training in Christ
After working SO hard, week before last, I could hardly wait for some well deserved rest. I'd been sick all week, yet worked out through it all. I imagined myself staying in my jammies and resting all weekend.
Didn't happen.
And I took that so very well, nary a blip on the screen, so to speak.
Not!!!
I was so frustrated when I realized that my plans, key word there is "my" by the way, were not going to be realized, after all I "deserved" it after a week of hard work. I went to God about my irritation and He quickly reminded me of my initial goal in my efforts to lose weight and get healthy. My goal was not to lose weight. My was to be complete in Christ.
James 1:2-4 says that when trials test our faith, it will produce endurance and if we endure the result will be that we will become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But it was the definition of "complete" that captured my heart and mind.
"To become who we were intended to be (in Christ) and serve our destined purpose."
That is what I want with all of my heart, and that is my true goal in all of this physical effort. And last Saturday, as I sat talking to my Lord, He reminded me that I was being trained to become "complete" and that being complete was not just improving my physical self, but my heart, mind and body. He seemed to speak into my heart, "Debbie, your training to be complete is never finished. You will never get a "day off" from training in being complete in Christ. This week you worked on your physical body, this weekend, we will train your heart to deny your self, take up your cross and follow Me."
Training, you see, is for the entire person. For years I've ignored the physical and invested myself in the spiritual, but to be complete in Christ, I must let Him train my entire self.
I spent the weekend. hearing His voice, and obeying His words. I invested myself, not in rest, but in serving others and doing His will, not mine.
Didn't happen.
And I took that so very well, nary a blip on the screen, so to speak.
Not!!!
I was so frustrated when I realized that my plans, key word there is "my" by the way, were not going to be realized, after all I "deserved" it after a week of hard work. I went to God about my irritation and He quickly reminded me of my initial goal in my efforts to lose weight and get healthy. My goal was not to lose weight. My was to be complete in Christ.
James 1:2-4 says that when trials test our faith, it will produce endurance and if we endure the result will be that we will become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But it was the definition of "complete" that captured my heart and mind.
"To become who we were intended to be (in Christ) and serve our destined purpose."
That is what I want with all of my heart, and that is my true goal in all of this physical effort. And last Saturday, as I sat talking to my Lord, He reminded me that I was being trained to become "complete" and that being complete was not just improving my physical self, but my heart, mind and body. He seemed to speak into my heart, "Debbie, your training to be complete is never finished. You will never get a "day off" from training in being complete in Christ. This week you worked on your physical body, this weekend, we will train your heart to deny your self, take up your cross and follow Me."
Training, you see, is for the entire person. For years I've ignored the physical and invested myself in the spiritual, but to be complete in Christ, I must let Him train my entire self.
I spent the weekend. hearing His voice, and obeying His words. I invested myself, not in rest, but in serving others and doing His will, not mine.
Friday, December 4, 2009
God's Provisions
Today was cold here in Dallas,with snow predicted, although it didn't materialize. I woke up still suffering from my AWFUL cold and knew in my heart of hearts that I did NOT want to get out in this frigid weather and go swimming today. I did not want to fulfill my commitment to the Lord. It was ok, after all, I was sick, not to mention that I'd obeyed all week long, even in spite of being sick. That old familiar voice hissed in my ear, "Go ahead, stay home, you deserve to, after all, you're sick and you've been so good."
I was really battling!!! What do to? What to do? Go? Stay??
I bowed my head and spoke to the Lord, "Lord, for all of my life, my flesh and my feelings have dictated whether or not I would or would not do certain things. My only goal in all of this physical effort is to be complete, becoming who I was intended to be in Christ and to serve my destined purpose for You. I want You to control me, not my flesh. What do You want me to do today? Stay home? Go swimming? It's Your call and I am Your servant."
I still was not clear as to what to do, but I did know He would answer me. I called my friend, Jill to ask her if she was going swimming and to get her opinion about whether or not I should go. Honestly....I wanted someone to give me permission, even an order, to "STAY HOME GIRL!!" But, sweet Jill said she thought going would actually be good for me if we didn't over do it and then she said the magic words..."let me just pick you up, so you don't have to drive." Done! I'm in!!! I knew the Lord had spoken to my heart.
We went. We did good. I actually felt good and was SO proud of myself. But that was not all.
As we pulled up to my door, I began to thank Jill for taking me and going so far out of her way and she told me she was just being obedient. She explained that 2 months ago she was asked to participate in an activity that she'd been involved in for years and it would have been today. At the time she asked the Lord what He'd like for her to do and He said, "Jill, not this time." She admitted that she was confused about why she should say no, but she obeyed the Master. "Debbie", she said, as she looked at me, with her beautiful blue eyes, "Two months ago God knew that you'd need me to help you today and He made sure I was available."
I was awe struck. I couldn't help but think of the Israelites, to whom God provided daily manna from heaven, no less, to give them what they needed. God too had given me what I needed today, to do what He had laid before me AND He prepared for that provision 2 months ago.
Our God is good. Our God can be trusted. Our God is faithful. Our God is the great provider of all things ....even rides to the pool, so that a weak woman, who wanted to quit today, can fulfill what He has asked of her.
What do you need to trust God for today?
I was really battling!!! What do to? What to do? Go? Stay??
I bowed my head and spoke to the Lord, "Lord, for all of my life, my flesh and my feelings have dictated whether or not I would or would not do certain things. My only goal in all of this physical effort is to be complete, becoming who I was intended to be in Christ and to serve my destined purpose for You. I want You to control me, not my flesh. What do You want me to do today? Stay home? Go swimming? It's Your call and I am Your servant."
I still was not clear as to what to do, but I did know He would answer me. I called my friend, Jill to ask her if she was going swimming and to get her opinion about whether or not I should go. Honestly....I wanted someone to give me permission, even an order, to "STAY HOME GIRL!!" But, sweet Jill said she thought going would actually be good for me if we didn't over do it and then she said the magic words..."let me just pick you up, so you don't have to drive." Done! I'm in!!! I knew the Lord had spoken to my heart.
We went. We did good. I actually felt good and was SO proud of myself. But that was not all.
As we pulled up to my door, I began to thank Jill for taking me and going so far out of her way and she told me she was just being obedient. She explained that 2 months ago she was asked to participate in an activity that she'd been involved in for years and it would have been today. At the time she asked the Lord what He'd like for her to do and He said, "Jill, not this time." She admitted that she was confused about why she should say no, but she obeyed the Master. "Debbie", she said, as she looked at me, with her beautiful blue eyes, "Two months ago God knew that you'd need me to help you today and He made sure I was available."
I was awe struck. I couldn't help but think of the Israelites, to whom God provided daily manna from heaven, no less, to give them what they needed. God too had given me what I needed today, to do what He had laid before me AND He prepared for that provision 2 months ago.
Our God is good. Our God can be trusted. Our God is faithful. Our God is the great provider of all things ....even rides to the pool, so that a weak woman, who wanted to quit today, can fulfill what He has asked of her.
What do you need to trust God for today?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
I'm taking a HUGE step of faith right now by telling my deepest thoughts and struggles. To announce, for all the world to see, that I have begun, yet again, to tackle my food issues is very scarey. Let me just stop right here and re-phrase that....my sinful habit of overeating. Let's just tell it like it is, how about that?
Why am I doing this?
Because most anyone who reads this has "issues" of their own. Issues that hurt the heart, holding it in bondage. Because whatever you are a slave to, that is your master and a very cruel one at that. In fact, if any of us were married to our "habit", if it were a real person, it would certainly be labeled an abusive marriage, to say the least! My habit has literally broken my body, not to mention my heart and mind.
I want to be free from the love of food and the condemnation and the continual trying to get a grip, yet failing.
Earlier this year I began to pray "new prayers". Asking God, not to give me new diet, I don't need one, I know them all, backwards and forwards. But I asked Him to give me a new heart. A heart devoted to Him. A heart devoted to loving Him with all of my heart, not food.
I also asked Him to heal me, to deliver me, to save me from myself.
It has taken a long time. In fact, almost 2 years ago,( you can actually read my post in January 2008) God began to teach me about perseverance. I thought at the time of that post, that He would teach that to me as I dieted, yet once again. But, He actually taught me about endurance, perseverance and running the race that is set before me, through some HUGE trials. They are truths I will be eternally grateful for, in fact, soon those retreats will be loaded to my website, www.Followinghim.com, as a new retreat message called, "Enduring Through Trials", which you can listen to in a few weeks, if you like. And now, much to my surprise and delight, He is teaching me to use those truths to endure through my life long temptation to over eat.
I've decided to share this journey on line because I know I am not alone. So many are crying out for freedom, yet are paralyzed to leave their prison behind. I do not pretend to have all of the answers, but I will share what He teaches me each day. This is about a heart change, not a diet. Yes, I'm having positive results, but my goal is not be skinny, my goal is to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Do you want to know what is motivating me? It isn't becoming a size 10, or going on a cruise, or being thin for my 60th. birthday in 2 1/2 years, but it is to be "complete", as described in James 1:2-4. You are going to love the Greek definition of "complete".
Here it is...are you ready?
Complete means to become who you were intended to be in Christ, so you can serve your destined purpose!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I CAN be who I was intended me to be. Me!! Even at 57!!! I can become who I was intended to be in Christ. It's not too late. And one facet of who I was intended to be in Christ is the fruit of the Spirit...part of which, is "self-control".
I want that. I want to be complete. I want to be all that I was intended to be.
Do you want to join me? If so, then come on along! We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!!! Yes, we can!!!
This first post is a loooooooonnnnnggg one!!! But, there was much on my heart to share. And below I've included a portion of a journal entry from last year and it really "tells all". Perhaps you will find you are like me and want to be free!
January 23, 2009
I’ve walked in bondage to the love of food for longer than I can remember. I’m obsessed with thoughts of it, desire for it, pleasure from it. I expect it to give me joy, happiness, excitement, comfort, peace, medication and it has not. Instead, my love for it has given me pain, self-hatred, unfulfilled desires, vacillating between craving and loathing.
But I have begun a new path into freedom. I’m propelled into this new realm by the Spirit, Who is promising true joy, fulfillment, peace and satisfaction in God, through Jesus Christ. What I have been craving CAN be found…in Christ and Christ alone. He is my Savior, my Friend, my true Hope.
Lord, I’ve been obsessed with getting enough for as long as I can remember. Enough love, enough security, enough promise and it seems to me that I have sought to fulfill that by trying, yet failing, to find “enough” in food. I can control when I get enough, how I get enough and what is enough. But I have only ended up with less, not more and certainly not enough. Enough is never enough.
My heart yearns for more and now I will seek that in Him, the all perfect One. Today Lord, I begin a journey of faith. Faith that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You, for Your purposes and Your glory. That you have designed my body to work in a certain way and to look a certain way. You know what I need to eat, when I need to eat and how much I need to eat. You know how much I weigh now and how much I should weigh. You alone can restore my mind and heart and body and give my weary soul rest.
I give You myself and ask that you teach me to seek You for all things. Change my heart to seek You for pleasure and joy and comfort. ONLY You can do that, oh Lord. Another diet, counting calories, counting points, eating “right” foods, as opposed to “wrong” foods will not help me.
I am asking You to do more in me and through me, than I could ever ask for or imagine. I would guess that I have between 100 and 80 pounds to lose. My hips and joints hurt. I am exhausted. I am asking you to bring me to “normal”. May I just not think about food. May it have no place in my life, except for nourishment and occasionally celebration. May You be foremost in my thoughts and desires. May I be obsessed with You! Teach me to eat when I’m hungry and to stop when I’m full. I have no idea what full is, but will You enable me to know it and to embrace it?
I beg You for endurance and may endurance produce maturity.
My spirit knows this is right, that this is my only hope and my last hope. To be joined to You, abiding with You, seeking You to provide for me, is where my peace can be found. Today You have been the song in my heart and I thank you and ask for more!!! I think this quote says it all...
That sinful habit you struggle with daily,
Oh, God, that is my prayer, for my heart, soul, mind, spirit and will to be captivated by who You are and what You have and for me in Christ Jesus. I believe you!!!! I have stepped out in faith. I am filled with hope.
Why am I doing this?
Because most anyone who reads this has "issues" of their own. Issues that hurt the heart, holding it in bondage. Because whatever you are a slave to, that is your master and a very cruel one at that. In fact, if any of us were married to our "habit", if it were a real person, it would certainly be labeled an abusive marriage, to say the least! My habit has literally broken my body, not to mention my heart and mind.
I want to be free from the love of food and the condemnation and the continual trying to get a grip, yet failing.
Earlier this year I began to pray "new prayers". Asking God, not to give me new diet, I don't need one, I know them all, backwards and forwards. But I asked Him to give me a new heart. A heart devoted to Him. A heart devoted to loving Him with all of my heart, not food.
I also asked Him to heal me, to deliver me, to save me from myself.
It has taken a long time. In fact, almost 2 years ago,( you can actually read my post in January 2008) God began to teach me about perseverance. I thought at the time of that post, that He would teach that to me as I dieted, yet once again. But, He actually taught me about endurance, perseverance and running the race that is set before me, through some HUGE trials. They are truths I will be eternally grateful for, in fact, soon those retreats will be loaded to my website, www.Followinghim.com, as a new retreat message called, "Enduring Through Trials", which you can listen to in a few weeks, if you like. And now, much to my surprise and delight, He is teaching me to use those truths to endure through my life long temptation to over eat.
I've decided to share this journey on line because I know I am not alone. So many are crying out for freedom, yet are paralyzed to leave their prison behind. I do not pretend to have all of the answers, but I will share what He teaches me each day. This is about a heart change, not a diet. Yes, I'm having positive results, but my goal is not be skinny, my goal is to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Do you want to know what is motivating me? It isn't becoming a size 10, or going on a cruise, or being thin for my 60th. birthday in 2 1/2 years, but it is to be "complete", as described in James 1:2-4. You are going to love the Greek definition of "complete".
Here it is...are you ready?
Complete means to become who you were intended to be in Christ, so you can serve your destined purpose!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I CAN be who I was intended me to be. Me!! Even at 57!!! I can become who I was intended to be in Christ. It's not too late. And one facet of who I was intended to be in Christ is the fruit of the Spirit...part of which, is "self-control".
I want that. I want to be complete. I want to be all that I was intended to be.
Do you want to join me? If so, then come on along! We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!!! Yes, we can!!!
This first post is a loooooooonnnnnggg one!!! But, there was much on my heart to share. And below I've included a portion of a journal entry from last year and it really "tells all". Perhaps you will find you are like me and want to be free!
January 23, 2009
I’ve walked in bondage to the love of food for longer than I can remember. I’m obsessed with thoughts of it, desire for it, pleasure from it. I expect it to give me joy, happiness, excitement, comfort, peace, medication and it has not. Instead, my love for it has given me pain, self-hatred, unfulfilled desires, vacillating between craving and loathing.
But I have begun a new path into freedom. I’m propelled into this new realm by the Spirit, Who is promising true joy, fulfillment, peace and satisfaction in God, through Jesus Christ. What I have been craving CAN be found…in Christ and Christ alone. He is my Savior, my Friend, my true Hope.
Lord, I’ve been obsessed with getting enough for as long as I can remember. Enough love, enough security, enough promise and it seems to me that I have sought to fulfill that by trying, yet failing, to find “enough” in food. I can control when I get enough, how I get enough and what is enough. But I have only ended up with less, not more and certainly not enough. Enough is never enough.
My heart yearns for more and now I will seek that in Him, the all perfect One. Today Lord, I begin a journey of faith. Faith that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You, for Your purposes and Your glory. That you have designed my body to work in a certain way and to look a certain way. You know what I need to eat, when I need to eat and how much I need to eat. You know how much I weigh now and how much I should weigh. You alone can restore my mind and heart and body and give my weary soul rest.
I give You myself and ask that you teach me to seek You for all things. Change my heart to seek You for pleasure and joy and comfort. ONLY You can do that, oh Lord. Another diet, counting calories, counting points, eating “right” foods, as opposed to “wrong” foods will not help me.
I am asking You to do more in me and through me, than I could ever ask for or imagine. I would guess that I have between 100 and 80 pounds to lose. My hips and joints hurt. I am exhausted. I am asking you to bring me to “normal”. May I just not think about food. May it have no place in my life, except for nourishment and occasionally celebration. May You be foremost in my thoughts and desires. May I be obsessed with You! Teach me to eat when I’m hungry and to stop when I’m full. I have no idea what full is, but will You enable me to know it and to embrace it?
I beg You for endurance and may endurance produce maturity.
My spirit knows this is right, that this is my only hope and my last hope. To be joined to You, abiding with You, seeking You to provide for me, is where my peace can be found. Today You have been the song in my heart and I thank you and ask for more!!! I think this quote says it all...
That sinful habit you struggle with daily,
that low-grade addiction that keeps you in the throes of guilt and shame,
that inability to walk with consistency in the things you know please God,
ultimately will only be overcome when your heart, soul, mind, spirit, and will are captivated by the majesty, mercy, splendor, beauty, and magnificence of who God is and what He has and will do for you in Jesus.(Sam Storms, "Pleasures Evermore")
Oh, God, that is my prayer, for my heart, soul, mind, spirit and will to be captivated by who You are and what You have and for me in Christ Jesus. I believe you!!!! I have stepped out in faith. I am filled with hope.
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