Ephesians 6:16 says, "Above all, taking the shield of faith..." [New King James Version]. Today, let's focus on the phrase "Above all," and, by reading from various Bible translations, its meaning may be enhanced.
"Above all" can simply mean "In addition to" [New International Version] or "Also use" [New Century Version]. Those phrases point to the Shield of Faith as being another piece (the fourth) of the Armor of God.
"Above all" can mean "In all things" [Wycliffe New Testament], "In all circumstances" (English Standard Version], and "In every situation" [Holman Christian Standard Bible]. These phrases point to the importance of using the Shield of Faith at all times.
"Above all" can also mean "Lift up over all" [Amplified Version]. This phrase shows that the Shield of Faith will protect all of the other pieces of armor, if used correctly.
Take some time today to think about how you see your Shield of Faith. Is it simply another piece of God's Armor? Do you know how to use your Shield of Faith? Do you use your Shield of Faith seldom, sometimes, often, or always?
How you view and use your Shield of Faith will determine your level of victory or defeat in the spiritual battle in which you're engaged on a daily basis. In order to improve your results, you must first take an honest look at yourself as a Christian soldier and evaluate how well you're using the tools given to you by your commander, God.
I Thessalonians 3:10 [NLT]
"Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith."
What this has to do with weight loss: When there are gaps in your knowledge of what to do when you are in a weight-loss stall or are experiencing even a minor post-surgery complication, you will feel confusion and frustration. The same thing happens when there are gaps in your faith. Others are praying for you. Allow them to help you "fill in the gaps," in whatever areas are lacking.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, when I came to You, in faith, believing in You and the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, I was given a most wonderful gift, salvation. Along with that gift, I was given faith to live the Christian life and to 'fight the good fight of faith.' I want to use every tool You've given to me, Lord, and I want to use them well. Help me to see any gaps in how I view or use faith, for that can make the difference between victory and defeat. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to identify and close up any faith gaps.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #73 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part I]
The fourth piece of the Armor of God, given to each believer, is the Shield of Faith. In order to understand what it is and how to use it, we must understand what faith is. Let's spend a few days looking at the topic of "faith."
If you want to be an overcomer, you must live by faith, and that faith must be real faith, not the "I'll give it a try" kind of faith. Have the kind of faith that goes beyond hoping and into believing, no matter what.
How do you know if you are living in real faith? Real faith involves:
1) Finding out God's will regarding your need and then trusting Him to bring it to pass,
2) Stepping out and believing God for what you know to be His will for your life,
3) Believing that God said what He meant and means what He said and then trusting Him to do what He said,
4) Acting like His Word is true and expecting Him to do the same.
Get to the place where you say to yourself, "Either I believe the Bible or I don't." Hope will give up, but faith has tenacity. Real faith digs in its heels and says, "I know what belongs to me, and I'm not going to live without it!" That's how to be a world overcomer--someone with real faith, who knows it, thinks it, speaks it, and walks in it.
I John 5:4 [NLT]
"Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through faith."
What this has to do with weight loss: Do you know that it's God's will for your body to be healthy, for you to release excess weight? Do you recognize that Satan wants you to experience defeat in this area? Do you know that tenacious faith will give you victory in this area? Meditate on these facts, and be willing to go from hope to overcoming faith.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire the kind of faith that defeats the enemy and achieves victory. Often, I just 'hope' that something good will happen, but now I realize that I need to know what Your Word says about it and then stand on it, trusting You to bring it to pass. Help me to learn to live the life of overcoming faith. I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to be a world overcomer, by faith.
If you want to be an overcomer, you must live by faith, and that faith must be real faith, not the "I'll give it a try" kind of faith. Have the kind of faith that goes beyond hoping and into believing, no matter what.
How do you know if you are living in real faith? Real faith involves:
1) Finding out God's will regarding your need and then trusting Him to bring it to pass,
2) Stepping out and believing God for what you know to be His will for your life,
3) Believing that God said what He meant and means what He said and then trusting Him to do what He said,
4) Acting like His Word is true and expecting Him to do the same.
Get to the place where you say to yourself, "Either I believe the Bible or I don't." Hope will give up, but faith has tenacity. Real faith digs in its heels and says, "I know what belongs to me, and I'm not going to live without it!" That's how to be a world overcomer--someone with real faith, who knows it, thinks it, speaks it, and walks in it.
I John 5:4 [NLT]
"Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through faith."
What this has to do with weight loss: Do you know that it's God's will for your body to be healthy, for you to release excess weight? Do you recognize that Satan wants you to experience defeat in this area? Do you know that tenacious faith will give you victory in this area? Meditate on these facts, and be willing to go from hope to overcoming faith.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire the kind of faith that defeats the enemy and achieves victory. Often, I just 'hope' that something good will happen, but now I realize that I need to know what Your Word says about it and then stand on it, trusting You to bring it to pass. Help me to learn to live the life of overcoming faith. I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to be a world overcomer, by faith.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #72 [God's Armor--Gospel of Peace Shoes, Part IV]
Yesterday, we looked at how to put on the third important piece of the Armor of God--the Gospel of Peace Shoes, which give you, the believer, protection on the rocky battlefield of life, preparation for the path God has planned for you, and purpose/mission to live out your salvation and lead others to Jesus.
Today, let's look at what you can do if the laces of your gospel shoes get loose. That may sound a bit silly, but can you imagine a Roman soldier putting up his hand and saying, "Hang on a minute while I lace up my sandals"? No, for by that time, he'd be toast!
The laces of our gospel of peace shoes get loose when we "play church." That's when we merely put in our time at church, once a week (if that), but the rest of the week we don't think much about the Lord, or spend time in the Word or in prayer. We are still saved, but we're inactive in Kingdom work, leaving the soul winning to the missionaries and preachers. II Timothy 3:5 says about us, "They will act religious, but they reject the power that could make them godly."
Another reason our gospel of peace shoes can get loose is that Jesus could say to us, "'You don't love Me or each other as you did at first'" (Revelation 2:4). We go from relationship to ritual. The Christian walk gets lifeless, when that happens.
Revelation 2:4 goes on to give Jesus' answer to the problem of loose laces in one's gospel of peace shoes. "'Turn back to Me and do what you did at first.'" If you feel you've lost your way, go back to the place where your spiritual walk was deep and fulfilling. What were you doing then that you're not doing now? Put those things or activities back into your life. Start with repentance, so you know you've been forgiven and given a clean slate.
Satan wants nothing more than to loosen the laces of your gospel shoes. He knows that if he can keep you from being a testimony in word and deed, he will have snatched away a great weapon. No matter your calling or gifting, your purpose is that of every other believer...to know Christ and to make Him known.
If you begin to walk in sin, your "feet" will swell, and your gospel shoes won't seem like such a good fit anymore. There will come a time of great decision, which will result in the difference between "no peace" or "peace." You will choose either to remove your shoes or to repent. It is the latter which restores your feet, to fit the Gospel of Peace Shoes, to tighten the laces, to get you back into the Game of Living for the Lord, and to walk out your salvation, bringing the Good News to others, once more.
John 16:33 [NIV]
"'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: If Satan can't get at you any other way, he will use food to try to defeat you. Through Jesus, though, you have the power to overcome all sin, even the sinful habit of overeating and every temptation that will come to you. You are not alone, but you must decide to yield to the Lord.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to keep the laces of my gospel shoes, and my relationship with You, tight. Nothing else matters, and nothing else will be good if our relationship is suffering. May I always put You first. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, with your Gospel of Peace Shoes on, laced tightly, and living out your marching orders, making an eternal difference in the lives of precious souls.
Today, let's look at what you can do if the laces of your gospel shoes get loose. That may sound a bit silly, but can you imagine a Roman soldier putting up his hand and saying, "Hang on a minute while I lace up my sandals"? No, for by that time, he'd be toast!
The laces of our gospel of peace shoes get loose when we "play church." That's when we merely put in our time at church, once a week (if that), but the rest of the week we don't think much about the Lord, or spend time in the Word or in prayer. We are still saved, but we're inactive in Kingdom work, leaving the soul winning to the missionaries and preachers. II Timothy 3:5 says about us, "They will act religious, but they reject the power that could make them godly."
Another reason our gospel of peace shoes can get loose is that Jesus could say to us, "'You don't love Me or each other as you did at first'" (Revelation 2:4). We go from relationship to ritual. The Christian walk gets lifeless, when that happens.
Revelation 2:4 goes on to give Jesus' answer to the problem of loose laces in one's gospel of peace shoes. "'Turn back to Me and do what you did at first.'" If you feel you've lost your way, go back to the place where your spiritual walk was deep and fulfilling. What were you doing then that you're not doing now? Put those things or activities back into your life. Start with repentance, so you know you've been forgiven and given a clean slate.
Satan wants nothing more than to loosen the laces of your gospel shoes. He knows that if he can keep you from being a testimony in word and deed, he will have snatched away a great weapon. No matter your calling or gifting, your purpose is that of every other believer...to know Christ and to make Him known.
If you begin to walk in sin, your "feet" will swell, and your gospel shoes won't seem like such a good fit anymore. There will come a time of great decision, which will result in the difference between "no peace" or "peace." You will choose either to remove your shoes or to repent. It is the latter which restores your feet, to fit the Gospel of Peace Shoes, to tighten the laces, to get you back into the Game of Living for the Lord, and to walk out your salvation, bringing the Good News to others, once more.
John 16:33 [NIV]
"'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: If Satan can't get at you any other way, he will use food to try to defeat you. Through Jesus, though, you have the power to overcome all sin, even the sinful habit of overeating and every temptation that will come to you. You are not alone, but you must decide to yield to the Lord.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to keep the laces of my gospel shoes, and my relationship with You, tight. Nothing else matters, and nothing else will be good if our relationship is suffering. May I always put You first. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, with your Gospel of Peace Shoes on, laced tightly, and living out your marching orders, making an eternal difference in the lives of precious souls.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #71 [God's Armor--Gospel of Peace Shoes, Part III]
We've looked at the third important piece of the Armor of God--the gospel of peace shoes, which give the believer protection, preparation, and purpose. We've also looked at the aspect of "peace," the peace that comes from knowing Jesus as Savior. Today, let's look at how to put on this very important piece of armor.
The only way to have "our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15) is to "be saved by grace, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Of course, that's the only way to obtain every piece of God's Armor.
Once you have access to the Armor of God, through salvation, prepare yourself to follow the Lord, no matter what, and put on your gospel shoes. The gospel shoes are meant to equip your feet to move in ministry. It doesn't matter if you're a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, as a believer you are commissioned to "Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage people with good teaching" (II Timothy 4:2).
You have been given a great gift, salvation, and it's a gift that is meant to be given away, over and over again. In Mark 16:15, the Lord commanded His disciples (that's you) to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Wherever your "world" is, make sure you're a living testimony of God's Grace. "If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it" (I Peter 3:15), knowing that no matter what happens, you "don't worry in advance what you will say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11). Their only chance for salvation may be with you, today.
Romans 10:15b [NLT]
"How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
What this has to do with weight loss: As part of a community of people who are at various places on the weight-loss journey, you, as a believer, will have countless opportunities to be "salt and light" to others, many of whom do not know much (if anything) about Jesus, the one who can give them eternal life and help them be successful on their weight-loss journey. Today, I challenge you to take your beautiful feet and march into the life of a precious soul, bringing the best news of all: Christ died for all, to give those who believe in Him eternal life.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I cherish my gospel shoes. They are a perfect fit! May I use them to carry me into the lives of others who have not heard and do not know about You, My Savior--Jesus. When I received the gift of salvation, I held on to it so tightly, yet now I know that it is a most amazing gift, in that I can have it always, yet still give it away to others. May I be counted faithful in doing just that, with all that I say and all that I do. I pray in the Name of the One who died for all--Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, putting on the gospel of peace shoes and living out your marching orders.
The only way to have "our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15) is to "be saved by grace, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Of course, that's the only way to obtain every piece of God's Armor.
Once you have access to the Armor of God, through salvation, prepare yourself to follow the Lord, no matter what, and put on your gospel shoes. The gospel shoes are meant to equip your feet to move in ministry. It doesn't matter if you're a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, as a believer you are commissioned to "Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage people with good teaching" (II Timothy 4:2).
You have been given a great gift, salvation, and it's a gift that is meant to be given away, over and over again. In Mark 16:15, the Lord commanded His disciples (that's you) to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Wherever your "world" is, make sure you're a living testimony of God's Grace. "If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it" (I Peter 3:15), knowing that no matter what happens, you "don't worry in advance what you will say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11). Their only chance for salvation may be with you, today.
Romans 10:15b [NLT]
"How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
What this has to do with weight loss: As part of a community of people who are at various places on the weight-loss journey, you, as a believer, will have countless opportunities to be "salt and light" to others, many of whom do not know much (if anything) about Jesus, the one who can give them eternal life and help them be successful on their weight-loss journey. Today, I challenge you to take your beautiful feet and march into the life of a precious soul, bringing the best news of all: Christ died for all, to give those who believe in Him eternal life.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I cherish my gospel shoes. They are a perfect fit! May I use them to carry me into the lives of others who have not heard and do not know about You, My Savior--Jesus. When I received the gift of salvation, I held on to it so tightly, yet now I know that it is a most amazing gift, in that I can have it always, yet still give it away to others. May I be counted faithful in doing just that, with all that I say and all that I do. I pray in the Name of the One who died for all--Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, putting on the gospel of peace shoes and living out your marching orders.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #70 [God's Armor--Gospel of Peace Shoes, Part II]
Yesterday, we took our first look at the third important piece of the Armor of God--the gospel of peace shoes, which gives the believer protection, preparation, and purpose. Today, let's focus on the aspect of "peace."
Jesus Christ is the only foundation of a sinner's peace. When the heart has experiential knowledge of that, through salvation, it cries out with joy, "Christ is [my] peace" (Ephesians 2:14). Truly, "we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
The Greek word for peace in Ephesians 6:15 ("having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace") is ειρηνης (eirene; pronounced "i-ray’-nay"), and it means "peace, prosperity, one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one again." When you know "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding," you will see it "guard your hearts and minds," and it's all "in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:21).
Yes, it's Jesus Christ who lines our shoes with the peace of the gospel. That peace is amazing and overwhelming. When you get the revelation of that peace in your heart and down in your spirit, you will have instant peace with your past (no matter what was there), your present (no matter your current circumstances), and your future (with all its potentially fearful unknowns). You come to the place where you are fully submitted to God's divine will, knowing absolutely that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6).
This peace comes over you when you read God's Word. You make the conscious decision to "listen to what God the LORD will say" because "He promises peace to His people" (Psalm 85:8). Whereas before you found Jesus as Savior, you felt conflicted within yourself, you now have received the benediction, "May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way" (II Thessalonians 3:18). You find yourself filled with great peace, peace that spills over to your family, friends, coworkers, church family, and even all mankind, knowing that "God has called us to live in peace" (I Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15). Is it always easy? No. God understands that, for He says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). There's just more power to live in peace, now.
What a gift of peace given with these gospel shoes. This gift is meant to be shared, which is the theme for tomorrow's devotion. Until then, meditate on the fact that "peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18).
Isaiah 53:5 [NIV]
"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."
What this has to do with weight loss: When you feel any dis-ease on the weight-loss journey, know that you have Someone waiting to help bring you back to a place of peace. He is the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and through Him there is perfect peace and healing.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, in a time when there's so little peace in the world, You offer a most amazing gift of peace through Your Son, Jesus. Help me to live in that gift, to the full. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today walking in the peace, quietness, protection, and rest that comes from knowing Jesus.
Jesus Christ is the only foundation of a sinner's peace. When the heart has experiential knowledge of that, through salvation, it cries out with joy, "Christ is [my] peace" (Ephesians 2:14). Truly, "we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
The Greek word for peace in Ephesians 6:15 ("having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace") is ειρηνης (eirene; pronounced "i-ray’-nay"), and it means "peace, prosperity, one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one again." When you know "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding," you will see it "guard your hearts and minds," and it's all "in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:21).
Yes, it's Jesus Christ who lines our shoes with the peace of the gospel. That peace is amazing and overwhelming. When you get the revelation of that peace in your heart and down in your spirit, you will have instant peace with your past (no matter what was there), your present (no matter your current circumstances), and your future (with all its potentially fearful unknowns). You come to the place where you are fully submitted to God's divine will, knowing absolutely that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6).
This peace comes over you when you read God's Word. You make the conscious decision to "listen to what God the LORD will say" because "He promises peace to His people" (Psalm 85:8). Whereas before you found Jesus as Savior, you felt conflicted within yourself, you now have received the benediction, "May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way" (II Thessalonians 3:18). You find yourself filled with great peace, peace that spills over to your family, friends, coworkers, church family, and even all mankind, knowing that "God has called us to live in peace" (I Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15). Is it always easy? No. God understands that, for He says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). There's just more power to live in peace, now.
What a gift of peace given with these gospel shoes. This gift is meant to be shared, which is the theme for tomorrow's devotion. Until then, meditate on the fact that "peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18).
Isaiah 53:5 [NIV]
"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."
What this has to do with weight loss: When you feel any dis-ease on the weight-loss journey, know that you have Someone waiting to help bring you back to a place of peace. He is the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and through Him there is perfect peace and healing.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, in a time when there's so little peace in the world, You offer a most amazing gift of peace through Your Son, Jesus. Help me to live in that gift, to the full. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today walking in the peace, quietness, protection, and rest that comes from knowing Jesus.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #69 [God's Armor--Gospel of Peace Shoes
We've looked at the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness, and today we begin looking at the third important piece of the Armor of God, "having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15).
You wouldn't be able to walk a hard, stony road for very long without a good pair of shoes. You won't fare well in a battle without adequate preparation. In the hard, rocky battlefield of life, you need the preparation and protection that comes specifically with the Gospel, the good news. When you know the good news, no bad news can ruin it (or you).
When you know the Gospel, you know that you are more than a conqueror. You know that nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37-39). You go wherever your will takes you, and having your feet shod with (wearing) the preparation of the gospel of peace is your spiritual readiness. The gospel sets our will, giving you a purpose and a focus, presenting you with a message and a task. It gives meaning to your life. When your will and heart are prepared and ready to serve the Lord, your Christian feet are shod, and you are prepared to face anything ahead of you.
When you responded to the Gospel, the good news that Christ died for your sins, and you believed in Jesus and accepted Him as Savior (John 3:16), He brought you out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). He placed His Holy Spirit within you so that you might work the works of God (John 6:28-29; John 14:16-17). Satan would love nothing better than to draw you back into the kingdom of darkness (Luke 22:31-32). Failing that, he'll settle for your testimony. He hates those who testify of Christ. Hence, the battle.
Next time, we'll look at why the gospel is the gospel of peace. Until then, meditate on Romans 5:6-11. Amazing.
I Corinthians 10:13 [NIV]
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
What this has to do with weight loss: The believer, one who has responded to the gospel, will find that God's grace will take him/her through times of trouble and temptation, even those on the weight-loss journey. He/she will experience the truth of the promise in I Corinthians 10:13 and will be victorious.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful for my gospel of peace shoes. They are more than adequate to protect my feet from the stony places on my journey, and when I'm in the fight, they help me to stand firm, without slipping and falling. Thank You for the gospel, the good news, that gives me protection, preparation, and purpose. May I be found faithful in it. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, your feet armed with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
You wouldn't be able to walk a hard, stony road for very long without a good pair of shoes. You won't fare well in a battle without adequate preparation. In the hard, rocky battlefield of life, you need the preparation and protection that comes specifically with the Gospel, the good news. When you know the good news, no bad news can ruin it (or you).
When you know the Gospel, you know that you are more than a conqueror. You know that nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37-39). You go wherever your will takes you, and having your feet shod with (wearing) the preparation of the gospel of peace is your spiritual readiness. The gospel sets our will, giving you a purpose and a focus, presenting you with a message and a task. It gives meaning to your life. When your will and heart are prepared and ready to serve the Lord, your Christian feet are shod, and you are prepared to face anything ahead of you.
When you responded to the Gospel, the good news that Christ died for your sins, and you believed in Jesus and accepted Him as Savior (John 3:16), He brought you out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). He placed His Holy Spirit within you so that you might work the works of God (John 6:28-29; John 14:16-17). Satan would love nothing better than to draw you back into the kingdom of darkness (Luke 22:31-32). Failing that, he'll settle for your testimony. He hates those who testify of Christ. Hence, the battle.
Next time, we'll look at why the gospel is the gospel of peace. Until then, meditate on Romans 5:6-11. Amazing.
I Corinthians 10:13 [NIV]
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
What this has to do with weight loss: The believer, one who has responded to the gospel, will find that God's grace will take him/her through times of trouble and temptation, even those on the weight-loss journey. He/she will experience the truth of the promise in I Corinthians 10:13 and will be victorious.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful for my gospel of peace shoes. They are more than adequate to protect my feet from the stony places on my journey, and when I'm in the fight, they help me to stand firm, without slipping and falling. Thank You for the gospel, the good news, that gives me protection, preparation, and purpose. May I be found faithful in it. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, your feet armed with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #68 [God's Armor--Breastplate of Righteousness, Part III]
Last time, we looked at how to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness by consciously being obedient to God and submitting to the leading and power of the Holy Spirit so that sin will have no dominion over you. Today, let's look at what to do if you get a kink/chink in your Breastplate of Righteousness.
When I awoke this morning, I asked God to bring to mind one verse that would sum up why/how we allow a kink in our Breastplate of Righteousness. Immediately, Jeremiah 2:32c came to mind. It is a verse that, the first time I read it, reduced me to tears. It says, "My people forget Me days without number." That's how we get a kink in our Breastplate of Righteousness, really in every part of our Armor. We forget God. We forget His Word. We forget to put into practice what we have learned.
On the battlefield of life, the enemy, the "accuser of the brethren," will try to bring up your past, but your Breastplate of Righteousness will be your defense. The Spirit of God dwells in you, as a believer, so God receives you as His son or daughter, no matter what Satan says. Forget that, and you will have a kink in your breastplate. An amazing thing about God, though, is that the moment you remember, the breech will be repaired.
Yes, you are "accepted in the Beloved," but that does not mean that your Heavenly Father is indifferent to your sin or regards it lightly. When you sin, a crack appears in your Breastplate of Righteousness, and, as a loving father corrects his child, so the Lord will correct you (Hebrews 12:5-11). Submit to and learn from the correction, and the crack in your breastplate will disappear.
Sometimes, a believer gets complacent and forgets their "first love," when he/she first met Jesus and desired to live a life of holiness, following hard after God. That believer still has on his/her Breastplate of Righteousness, but it's not completely strapped on, and, because of that, there are some areas exposed that need to be covered so the enemy doesn't get a firm hold. If this happens to you, "repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:4-5), and your loose breastplate will be firm and tight on you once again.
Finally, remember that you do not stand on your own merits. You never did. You never had anything worthwhile in yourself to offer to God. When you came to Christ, you quit trying to be good enough to please God. What pleases God is simple obedience to His Word, and the righteousness we display when we're preoccupied with that obedience will overwhelm the enemy every time.
Galatians 3:6
"'He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'" (Genesis 15:6)
What this has to do with weight loss: Just when we think we've got the battle of weight loss defeated, we suffer a setback. Perhaps we were complacent, perhaps we became prideful--thinking that we did it. No matter the reason for the problem, the answer, the solution is to go back to basics. Don't just believe in God, believe Him. Believe in, claim, and put into practice His Word. Do that, and you will see your weight issues line up with God's Word.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, my Breastplate of Righteousness is too important to allow it to become loose or develop a kink or chink. I desire holiness, and I ask You to make me aware the moment there's the tiniest crack in my armor. My prayer is that I will instantly allow You to heal me, so the enemy can't get to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with your Breastplate of Righteousness firmly strapped on, showing the righteousness that comes from a changed life in Christ, and fulfilling the orders of your Heavenly Commander.
When I awoke this morning, I asked God to bring to mind one verse that would sum up why/how we allow a kink in our Breastplate of Righteousness. Immediately, Jeremiah 2:32c came to mind. It is a verse that, the first time I read it, reduced me to tears. It says, "My people forget Me days without number." That's how we get a kink in our Breastplate of Righteousness, really in every part of our Armor. We forget God. We forget His Word. We forget to put into practice what we have learned.
On the battlefield of life, the enemy, the "accuser of the brethren," will try to bring up your past, but your Breastplate of Righteousness will be your defense. The Spirit of God dwells in you, as a believer, so God receives you as His son or daughter, no matter what Satan says. Forget that, and you will have a kink in your breastplate. An amazing thing about God, though, is that the moment you remember, the breech will be repaired.
Yes, you are "accepted in the Beloved," but that does not mean that your Heavenly Father is indifferent to your sin or regards it lightly. When you sin, a crack appears in your Breastplate of Righteousness, and, as a loving father corrects his child, so the Lord will correct you (Hebrews 12:5-11). Submit to and learn from the correction, and the crack in your breastplate will disappear.
Sometimes, a believer gets complacent and forgets their "first love," when he/she first met Jesus and desired to live a life of holiness, following hard after God. That believer still has on his/her Breastplate of Righteousness, but it's not completely strapped on, and, because of that, there are some areas exposed that need to be covered so the enemy doesn't get a firm hold. If this happens to you, "repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:4-5), and your loose breastplate will be firm and tight on you once again.
Finally, remember that you do not stand on your own merits. You never did. You never had anything worthwhile in yourself to offer to God. When you came to Christ, you quit trying to be good enough to please God. What pleases God is simple obedience to His Word, and the righteousness we display when we're preoccupied with that obedience will overwhelm the enemy every time.
Galatians 3:6
"'He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'" (Genesis 15:6)
What this has to do with weight loss: Just when we think we've got the battle of weight loss defeated, we suffer a setback. Perhaps we were complacent, perhaps we became prideful--thinking that we did it. No matter the reason for the problem, the answer, the solution is to go back to basics. Don't just believe in God, believe Him. Believe in, claim, and put into practice His Word. Do that, and you will see your weight issues line up with God's Word.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, my Breastplate of Righteousness is too important to allow it to become loose or develop a kink or chink. I desire holiness, and I ask You to make me aware the moment there's the tiniest crack in my armor. My prayer is that I will instantly allow You to heal me, so the enemy can't get to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with your Breastplate of Righteousness firmly strapped on, showing the righteousness that comes from a changed life in Christ, and fulfilling the orders of your Heavenly Commander.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #67 [God's Armor--Breastplate of Righteousness, Part II]
Last time we looked at the second piece of the Armor of God--the Breastplate of Righteousness. Today, we will look at how to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, and tomorrow, we'll look at what to do if we get a kink in it.
Righteousness is imputed/given to us by God, at the moment of salvation, and it is imparted/worked in us by Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Righteousness is "right standing before God," and is a most powerful weapon when dealing with the enemy, because we can tell him who we are and what we have in Christ.
In order to put on or put in place our Breastplate of Righteousness, we must be truly saved. Those who have depended on mere religion (nominal beliefs, church attendance, traditions of men) without being born again (praying to receive Jesus Christ as Savior, for the forgiveness of sins, and experiencing a heart change) will find they are ill-equipped to handle the darts of the enemy. Frustration, even defeat, is the result. In order to be righteous, you must "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14). Otherwise, it's just self-righteousness.
Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness is not putting on your own good works, integrity, or honesty. It is not putting on Bible reading, church attendance, or prayer. All of those things are wonderful, and they will be the result of a heart truly changed by salvation, but in and of themselves, they do not make us righteous. At salvation, you become a new person, but it's your decision whether or not you will "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). In other words, you must daily make the decision to put in place what you know about who you are in Christ.
As you submit yourself to the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, sin (in all its forms) will no longer have dominion over you. The person who intends to live the Christian life must yield to the power of holiness and righteousness in his/her life and conduct.
Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness is something we do consciously. The key is knowing who you are in Christ Jesus. Once you truly know that, Satan can't get to you, because you know who he is and you know who you are and what you have in you and available to you. You will walk in the righteousness of God, and you will be protected. You will desire holiness, holy living, according to the Word of God. Nothing less will satisfy.
Obedience to God is what gives us success on the battlefield of life. The righteousness we display when we are preoccupied with obedience to God's Word will overwhelm the enemy every time, and every promise housed in the Word will be known by the believer, claimed, and evident in his/her life and walk.
Matthew 5:6
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
What this has to do with weight loss: For too long, we've been hungering and thirsting, trying to fill spiritual needs with physical food, but all that left us was a body with excess weight and a heart longing for something more. When we recognize that what we really long for is a relationship with our Creator, then we're ready to take that all-important step of accepting the gift freely given so long ago (John 3:16). That gift gives one the power to have their needs satisfied in ways that do not involve food and overeating.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, in order for me to be able to put on righteousness, I must believe in, accept, and know Your Son, Jesus. There is no other way to live a righteous, fulfilled, and victorious life. I ask You to show me if I even have a Breastplate to put on. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, putting in place that which you know yourself to be in Christ.
Righteousness is imputed/given to us by God, at the moment of salvation, and it is imparted/worked in us by Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Righteousness is "right standing before God," and is a most powerful weapon when dealing with the enemy, because we can tell him who we are and what we have in Christ.
In order to put on or put in place our Breastplate of Righteousness, we must be truly saved. Those who have depended on mere religion (nominal beliefs, church attendance, traditions of men) without being born again (praying to receive Jesus Christ as Savior, for the forgiveness of sins, and experiencing a heart change) will find they are ill-equipped to handle the darts of the enemy. Frustration, even defeat, is the result. In order to be righteous, you must "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14). Otherwise, it's just self-righteousness.
Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness is not putting on your own good works, integrity, or honesty. It is not putting on Bible reading, church attendance, or prayer. All of those things are wonderful, and they will be the result of a heart truly changed by salvation, but in and of themselves, they do not make us righteous. At salvation, you become a new person, but it's your decision whether or not you will "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). In other words, you must daily make the decision to put in place what you know about who you are in Christ.
As you submit yourself to the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, sin (in all its forms) will no longer have dominion over you. The person who intends to live the Christian life must yield to the power of holiness and righteousness in his/her life and conduct.
Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness is something we do consciously. The key is knowing who you are in Christ Jesus. Once you truly know that, Satan can't get to you, because you know who he is and you know who you are and what you have in you and available to you. You will walk in the righteousness of God, and you will be protected. You will desire holiness, holy living, according to the Word of God. Nothing less will satisfy.
Obedience to God is what gives us success on the battlefield of life. The righteousness we display when we are preoccupied with obedience to God's Word will overwhelm the enemy every time, and every promise housed in the Word will be known by the believer, claimed, and evident in his/her life and walk.
Matthew 5:6
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
What this has to do with weight loss: For too long, we've been hungering and thirsting, trying to fill spiritual needs with physical food, but all that left us was a body with excess weight and a heart longing for something more. When we recognize that what we really long for is a relationship with our Creator, then we're ready to take that all-important step of accepting the gift freely given so long ago (John 3:16). That gift gives one the power to have their needs satisfied in ways that do not involve food and overeating.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, in order for me to be able to put on righteousness, I must believe in, accept, and know Your Son, Jesus. There is no other way to live a righteous, fulfilled, and victorious life. I ask You to show me if I even have a Breastplate to put on. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, putting in place that which you know yourself to be in Christ.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #66 [God's Armor--Breastplate of Righteousness]
We have looked at the first piece of the Armor of God--the Belt of Truth, what it is, how to put it on, and what to do if we let it slip. Today, let's take a look at the second piece of armor--the Breastplate of Righteousness, which we are to put "in place" so we can "stand firm" (Ephesians 6:14).
The breastplate covered the body of the Roman soldier from his neck to his thighs. It was used to protect all the vital organs, especially the heart. The Breastplate of Righteousness is meant to protect the heart of the believer, as that believer focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
When one gives one's heart to Jesus, immediately God counts the believer as righteous (Galatians 2:16). "Righteousness" is the right standing before God that is the status of the Christian, out of which moral conduct and character emerges. It is not our own righteousness that counts, for "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags"(Isaiah 64:6). No one is good enough to stand before God, yet since "God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us,...in Him we become the righteousness of God" (II Corinthians 5:21). When you become a believer, God sees you through the Cross, cleansed and righteous.
Righteousness is both imputed and imparted. Righteousness is imputed, put on us, by God (Romans 3:22). Righteousness is also imparted, worked in us by Christ, with our cooperation and the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:10-11). True righteousness is something we are, not something we do. Righteousness within us affects what we do, but what we do does not make us righteous.
Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10), and that is his favorite method of attack on a believer. He will try to bring up the past, to accuse you, but the breastplate of righteousness, along with the Belt of Truth, knowing who you are in Christ and what you have as His child, is your trusty defense. Without them, the enemy could knock you down with one word of condemnation.
Romans 8:1,11 [NIV]
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, [God] who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you." [Note: Masculine pronoun changed to specific proper noun and placed in brackets by author, for clarity.]
What this has to do with weight loss: It is a fact that only a small percentage of dieters is able to lose weight and keep it off. That proves we can't do this on our own. Believers, however, have the added, supernatural help of the Holy Spirit within us, to give us the power and strength to walk the weight-loss journey with victory. The question is, will you yield to Him daily?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the truth about myself--that on my own I could never be good enough to live in Your presence. Thank You for taking my sins to the cross and offering me Your righteous life. Lord, show me any sin I need to confess right now, so that nothing will hinder me from being filled to overflowing with Your Spirit and so the enemy has nothing with which to accuse me. [Take time for confession.] Thank You for forgiving me, clothing me in Your Righteousness, and filling me with Your Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, armed with the Breastplate of Righteousness.
The breastplate covered the body of the Roman soldier from his neck to his thighs. It was used to protect all the vital organs, especially the heart. The Breastplate of Righteousness is meant to protect the heart of the believer, as that believer focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
When one gives one's heart to Jesus, immediately God counts the believer as righteous (Galatians 2:16). "Righteousness" is the right standing before God that is the status of the Christian, out of which moral conduct and character emerges. It is not our own righteousness that counts, for "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags"(Isaiah 64:6). No one is good enough to stand before God, yet since "God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us,...in Him we become the righteousness of God" (II Corinthians 5:21). When you become a believer, God sees you through the Cross, cleansed and righteous.
Righteousness is both imputed and imparted. Righteousness is imputed, put on us, by God (Romans 3:22). Righteousness is also imparted, worked in us by Christ, with our cooperation and the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:10-11). True righteousness is something we are, not something we do. Righteousness within us affects what we do, but what we do does not make us righteous.
Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10), and that is his favorite method of attack on a believer. He will try to bring up the past, to accuse you, but the breastplate of righteousness, along with the Belt of Truth, knowing who you are in Christ and what you have as His child, is your trusty defense. Without them, the enemy could knock you down with one word of condemnation.
Romans 8:1,11 [NIV]
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, [God] who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you." [Note: Masculine pronoun changed to specific proper noun and placed in brackets by author, for clarity.]
What this has to do with weight loss: It is a fact that only a small percentage of dieters is able to lose weight and keep it off. That proves we can't do this on our own. Believers, however, have the added, supernatural help of the Holy Spirit within us, to give us the power and strength to walk the weight-loss journey with victory. The question is, will you yield to Him daily?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the truth about myself--that on my own I could never be good enough to live in Your presence. Thank You for taking my sins to the cross and offering me Your righteous life. Lord, show me any sin I need to confess right now, so that nothing will hinder me from being filled to overflowing with Your Spirit and so the enemy has nothing with which to accuse me. [Take time for confession.] Thank You for forgiving me, clothing me in Your Righteousness, and filling me with Your Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, armed with the Breastplate of Righteousness.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #65 [God's Armor--Belt of Truth, Part III]
Last time, we looked at the Belt of Truth and how to put it on by staying in and standing on God's Word. It would be great if we would daily put on, buckle up, and cinch tightly the Belt of Truth. However, sometimes we let it slip. Today, let's look at that, to find out what to do when it happens.
Before a soldier puts on his armor, he checks it, for he knows if there are any cracks in it or weakened areas, he's more vulnerable to being rendered ineffective and may become wounded in battle. Make it a daily habit to check your Belt of Truth. If you do, you're less likely to allow it to slip.
Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Am I right with the Lord?
2) Is there any untruth lingering in my heart?
3) Am I embracing known sin?
4) Am I spending time daily in God's Word?
If your answer to any of the 4 questions is anything other than what you know it should be, get it taken care of. The Holy Spirit will help you know what to do, or, if you need someone with skin on, seek the help of a godly friend, counselor, or pastor.
If you Belt of Truth has slipped, simply acknowledge that and ask God to fix it. Admit that you made a mistake, and seek God's pardon. If you do this with no attempt at a cover up, you take away the power the enemy has over you. However, if you try to ignore what has happened, you invite the enemy to continue to attack and wound you.
Keep a "short list" with God, stay in the Word, and you will stand secure in the promises and truths it contains.
Psalm 51:6 [Amplified]
"You [God] desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart."
What this has to do with weight loss: You've made the decision to walk the weight-loss journey with integrity, but you slip and fall. The enemy loves it when that happens. When you fall, it's your decision whether to stay down or get back up. Choose to get up, and allow the One Who Gives Victory to help you stay on the right track.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know what it's like to walk in victory, and I know what's it like to experience defeat because I got careless. Sometimes I get complacent about spending time with You, in prayer and in Your Word. I've done that over and over again, despite the fact that when I don't fill myself with You, I hunger for that which does not satisfy. Any moment I stray from You, I'm open to the enemy's attacks. Help me to put on the Belt of Truth daily, buckle it, and cinch it tightly, because the alternative is so very sad. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with the knowledge that if you allow your Belt of Truth to slip, Jesus is there to help you tighten it up again.
Check out Dean Hall's helpful products at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Before a soldier puts on his armor, he checks it, for he knows if there are any cracks in it or weakened areas, he's more vulnerable to being rendered ineffective and may become wounded in battle. Make it a daily habit to check your Belt of Truth. If you do, you're less likely to allow it to slip.
Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Am I right with the Lord?
2) Is there any untruth lingering in my heart?
3) Am I embracing known sin?
4) Am I spending time daily in God's Word?
If your answer to any of the 4 questions is anything other than what you know it should be, get it taken care of. The Holy Spirit will help you know what to do, or, if you need someone with skin on, seek the help of a godly friend, counselor, or pastor.
If you Belt of Truth has slipped, simply acknowledge that and ask God to fix it. Admit that you made a mistake, and seek God's pardon. If you do this with no attempt at a cover up, you take away the power the enemy has over you. However, if you try to ignore what has happened, you invite the enemy to continue to attack and wound you.
Keep a "short list" with God, stay in the Word, and you will stand secure in the promises and truths it contains.
Psalm 51:6 [Amplified]
"You [God] desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart."
What this has to do with weight loss: You've made the decision to walk the weight-loss journey with integrity, but you slip and fall. The enemy loves it when that happens. When you fall, it's your decision whether to stay down or get back up. Choose to get up, and allow the One Who Gives Victory to help you stay on the right track.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know what it's like to walk in victory, and I know what's it like to experience defeat because I got careless. Sometimes I get complacent about spending time with You, in prayer and in Your Word. I've done that over and over again, despite the fact that when I don't fill myself with You, I hunger for that which does not satisfy. Any moment I stray from You, I'm open to the enemy's attacks. Help me to put on the Belt of Truth daily, buckle it, and cinch it tightly, because the alternative is so very sad. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with the knowledge that if you allow your Belt of Truth to slip, Jesus is there to help you tighten it up again.
Check out Dean Hall's helpful products at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #64 [God's Armor--Belt of Truth, Part II]
Today (and everyday), let's put on the Belt of Truth, the first piece of God's Armor. When we do this, we "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27), who is "the Truth" (John 14:6), and we're surrounded by Him. He becomes our bubble of safety.
Our Belt of Truth is God's revelation of all that He is to us, all that He has done for us, and all that He promises to do for us in the days ahead. This truth is written in the Bible (Psalm 119:142), revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), and realized through Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
The Belt of Truth cuts through all the world's distortions, deceptions, and compromises. The Bible is truth, so when you study, memorize, live, and follow it, you are able to see the world from God's point of view. Putting on this first important piece of armor means feeding on truth through daily Bible reading and then making it a part of yourself. Just as the Belt of Truth holds all of the armor together, the truth of the Bible will hold you together.
The victorious Christian soldier is one who has revelation knowledge of who God is. He/She has "acknowledge[d] and take[n] to heart...that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below" and recognizes that "there is no other" (Deuteronomy 4:39). When one knows God in a deep, personal way, he/she can say with the psalmist, "I love You, O LORD, my strength...my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;...in whom I take refuge. He is my shield, and the horn [strength] of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies" (Psalm 18:1-3).
Daily, you must choose to stand on the truth of God's Word. When you face trials and tribulations (and you will), you must tighten your belt by standing on the truths written in the Word of God. You will know you have done that when what you know in the good times you hang on to in the troublesome times.
Psalm 119:160, 163, 167 [NIV]
"All Your words are true;... I hate and abhor falsehood but I love Your law... I obey Your statutes, for I love them greatly."
What this has to do with weight loss: When we put on the Belt of Truth, it will be evident in how we live, even in how we conduct ourselves on the weight-loss journey. Depend on the truth of God's Word to strengthen you for the journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the truth about Yourself, for reminding me that You are the only God, the Creator of heaven and earth, my Father who loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my hope, my truth, and my strength. You are everything I need each day, as I choose to arm myself in Your Truth. I love Your Truth and know it is necessary to withstand the attacks of the evil one. May I clothe myself in Your Truth, tighten the Belt of Truth today, and rely on it to recognize and defeat every lie of the enemy. Help me to 'bind it upon [my] heart forever' so that 'when [I] walk, [it] will guide [me]' (Proverbs 6:21-22), in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with the Belt of Truth on, buckled, and cinched tightly.
Our Belt of Truth is God's revelation of all that He is to us, all that He has done for us, and all that He promises to do for us in the days ahead. This truth is written in the Bible (Psalm 119:142), revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), and realized through Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
The Belt of Truth cuts through all the world's distortions, deceptions, and compromises. The Bible is truth, so when you study, memorize, live, and follow it, you are able to see the world from God's point of view. Putting on this first important piece of armor means feeding on truth through daily Bible reading and then making it a part of yourself. Just as the Belt of Truth holds all of the armor together, the truth of the Bible will hold you together.
The victorious Christian soldier is one who has revelation knowledge of who God is. He/She has "acknowledge[d] and take[n] to heart...that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below" and recognizes that "there is no other" (Deuteronomy 4:39). When one knows God in a deep, personal way, he/she can say with the psalmist, "I love You, O LORD, my strength...my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;...in whom I take refuge. He is my shield, and the horn [strength] of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies" (Psalm 18:1-3).
Daily, you must choose to stand on the truth of God's Word. When you face trials and tribulations (and you will), you must tighten your belt by standing on the truths written in the Word of God. You will know you have done that when what you know in the good times you hang on to in the troublesome times.
Psalm 119:160, 163, 167 [NIV]
"All Your words are true;... I hate and abhor falsehood but I love Your law... I obey Your statutes, for I love them greatly."
What this has to do with weight loss: When we put on the Belt of Truth, it will be evident in how we live, even in how we conduct ourselves on the weight-loss journey. Depend on the truth of God's Word to strengthen you for the journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the truth about Yourself, for reminding me that You are the only God, the Creator of heaven and earth, my Father who loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my hope, my truth, and my strength. You are everything I need each day, as I choose to arm myself in Your Truth. I love Your Truth and know it is necessary to withstand the attacks of the evil one. May I clothe myself in Your Truth, tighten the Belt of Truth today, and rely on it to recognize and defeat every lie of the enemy. Help me to 'bind it upon [my] heart forever' so that 'when [I] walk, [it] will guide [me]' (Proverbs 6:21-22), in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with the Belt of Truth on, buckled, and cinched tightly.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #63 [God's Armor--Belt of Truth]
The Roman soldier of biblical times took special care of his armor. He knew that without it, he wouldn't stand a chance against his enemy. The same is true of the Christian soldier, who faces spiritual warfare and an enemy who will try to fight dirty. Take care to put on each piece of the Armor of God, every day.
The first piece of armor you must put on is the Belt of Truth. When I first read the key passage in Ephesians 6:14, I found it odd that the belt of truth is listed first, until I studied about the pieces of a soldier's armor and discovered that his belt is what held the rest of the armor together. It held the breastplate in place, made sure the soldier's tunic stayed put (so as not to be tripped up during battle), and contained the sheath for the soldier's sword or dagger. The belt was crucial.
For the believer, the Belt of Truth is crucial, if one is to be victorious in daily spiritual warfare with the enemy, Satan, and his minions. Ephesians 6:12 says that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," and because we war against supernatural beings, we need supernatural assistance. God has provided that, with the full armor of God, and the foundation of it all is Truth.
Truth must be present in two places, our heart and our mind. Holding anything else (especially malice and bitterness, which are falsehoods) puts a big dent in our armor and leaves us wide open to demonic attack. Our prayers of faith will be rendered ineffective if we do not wear the belt of truth.
Truth in our heart means serving God with the right motives, and loving and serving others with sincerity. It is being honest, in everything we say and do. Truth in the mind means having clarity of sound doctrine. It's knowing what you believe, knowing that God's Word is absolute truth, knowing what Christ has done for you, and having that translate into godly living. Truth in our heart makes us sincere and teachable before God. Truth in the mind helps to strengthen our spirit (mind, will, and emotions) to serve the Lord. Truth in the heart and mind keeps us rooted and grounded in Christ and acting on what we know is true.
Next time, we'll find out how to put on the Belt of Truth and what to do if we let it slip. Until then, pay attention to how well you're living a truthful life and whether or not you're allowing God's truth to hold your life together.
Ephesians 6:14 [NIV]
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."
What this has to do with weight loss: Obesity has, at its very core, a foundation of lies. The obese person has fallen prey to the lie that he/she can eat anything wanted and not suffer the consequences. His/her life is full of excuses, which is the cleaned up version of lies. If we are ever going to be victorious in the area of weight loss, we must get honest about where we are and how we got there. We must drop all excuses, take responsibility, and determine to live an honest life, including our weight-loss journey and all that entails.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire to live an honest, truthful life. I want my heart to be full of sincerity and my mind to be full of truth, so much so that my daily walk mirrors that. May I harbor no falsehoods, for I know that if I do, I am open to attack from the enemy. Help me to daily choose to put on Your Armor, beginning with the Belt of Truth. I pray in the Name of Jesus who said, 'I am the...Truth.' Amen."
Go forth today, with the Belt of Truth on and evident in your life.
The first piece of armor you must put on is the Belt of Truth. When I first read the key passage in Ephesians 6:14, I found it odd that the belt of truth is listed first, until I studied about the pieces of a soldier's armor and discovered that his belt is what held the rest of the armor together. It held the breastplate in place, made sure the soldier's tunic stayed put (so as not to be tripped up during battle), and contained the sheath for the soldier's sword or dagger. The belt was crucial.
For the believer, the Belt of Truth is crucial, if one is to be victorious in daily spiritual warfare with the enemy, Satan, and his minions. Ephesians 6:12 says that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," and because we war against supernatural beings, we need supernatural assistance. God has provided that, with the full armor of God, and the foundation of it all is Truth.
Truth must be present in two places, our heart and our mind. Holding anything else (especially malice and bitterness, which are falsehoods) puts a big dent in our armor and leaves us wide open to demonic attack. Our prayers of faith will be rendered ineffective if we do not wear the belt of truth.
Truth in our heart means serving God with the right motives, and loving and serving others with sincerity. It is being honest, in everything we say and do. Truth in the mind means having clarity of sound doctrine. It's knowing what you believe, knowing that God's Word is absolute truth, knowing what Christ has done for you, and having that translate into godly living. Truth in our heart makes us sincere and teachable before God. Truth in the mind helps to strengthen our spirit (mind, will, and emotions) to serve the Lord. Truth in the heart and mind keeps us rooted and grounded in Christ and acting on what we know is true.
Next time, we'll find out how to put on the Belt of Truth and what to do if we let it slip. Until then, pay attention to how well you're living a truthful life and whether or not you're allowing God's truth to hold your life together.
Ephesians 6:14 [NIV]
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."
What this has to do with weight loss: Obesity has, at its very core, a foundation of lies. The obese person has fallen prey to the lie that he/she can eat anything wanted and not suffer the consequences. His/her life is full of excuses, which is the cleaned up version of lies. If we are ever going to be victorious in the area of weight loss, we must get honest about where we are and how we got there. We must drop all excuses, take responsibility, and determine to live an honest life, including our weight-loss journey and all that entails.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire to live an honest, truthful life. I want my heart to be full of sincerity and my mind to be full of truth, so much so that my daily walk mirrors that. May I harbor no falsehoods, for I know that if I do, I am open to attack from the enemy. Help me to daily choose to put on Your Armor, beginning with the Belt of Truth. I pray in the Name of Jesus who said, 'I am the...Truth.' Amen."
Go forth today, with the Belt of Truth on and evident in your life.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #62 [God's Armor]
Yesterday, we looked at how faith is really simple, as it means taking God at His Word. I also mentioned that the "shield of faith" is part of the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11,16). After posting the devotion, I began to pray about where God would take us next, and after reading a reply to the devotion, I knew that God would have us look at Ephesians 6:10-17.
To a soldier, his armor meant protection and a means to gain victory. It is the same with the armor of God. The Word of God tells us to "put on the armor of light," to "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:12c,14a, NIV), so as we are hidden in Jesus, we can count on victory, both in the present and for all eternity.
God promises victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from them. It is crucial that, as a believer, you daily make the choice to put on God's Armor, each piece, to put into place what you know about each piece. We will look at each piece of the Armor, so you can recognize how much you know about it, as well as how much you are using it in your daily life.
Ephesians 6:10-11 [NIV]
"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
What this has to do with weight loss: Satan does not want you to succeed at anything, even at losing weight. If he can't use anything else to defeat you, he will use food to do so. You can take your stand against that schemer by putting on the full armor of God. Each piece of the armor can help you in the fight for victory over any difficulty on the weight-loss journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly, Father, it means so much to me to know that You know all about my battles and that You have provided the perfect armor, complete with everything I need to know and do, to be victorious against the one who wants me to be defeated. I do not need to fear him, but I do need to be aware of him. May I choose, every single day, to put on the armor that You've given to me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing to pick up and put on God's Armor.
To a soldier, his armor meant protection and a means to gain victory. It is the same with the armor of God. The Word of God tells us to "put on the armor of light," to "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:12c,14a, NIV), so as we are hidden in Jesus, we can count on victory, both in the present and for all eternity.
God promises victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from them. It is crucial that, as a believer, you daily make the choice to put on God's Armor, each piece, to put into place what you know about each piece. We will look at each piece of the Armor, so you can recognize how much you know about it, as well as how much you are using it in your daily life.
Ephesians 6:10-11 [NIV]
"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
What this has to do with weight loss: Satan does not want you to succeed at anything, even at losing weight. If he can't use anything else to defeat you, he will use food to do so. You can take your stand against that schemer by putting on the full armor of God. Each piece of the armor can help you in the fight for victory over any difficulty on the weight-loss journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly, Father, it means so much to me to know that You know all about my battles and that You have provided the perfect armor, complete with everything I need to know and do, to be victorious against the one who wants me to be defeated. I do not need to fear him, but I do need to be aware of him. May I choose, every single day, to put on the armor that You've given to me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing to pick up and put on God's Armor.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #61 [Faith is...]
It is important for you to understand that while faith must be pure and potent, faith is really very simple. It's simply believing that God will do what He says in His Word. When Jesus said, "He who believes has everlasting life" (John 6:47), each of us must decide that either those words are true and apply to us, or they are not true and apply to no one. If we believe that they are true and choose to believe they are true for us, we receive the gift of eternal life (John 1:12).
At its most basic level, faith provides a means by which we can receive the gift of eternal life, but beyond that, faith serves a crucial role in the life of each believer. It is part of the "full armor of God," the "shield of faith," serving to protect us from the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). As Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
When things are going well for us, faith comes easy. However, when times grow tough, our faith is tested (James 1:2-3). During those times of trouble, ask yourself the following questions:
1) Do I believe that God loves me? (John 3:16; I John 3:1)
2) Do I believe that God is sovereign and that "all things are possible" in Him? (Job 42:1-2; Matthew 19:26)
3) Do I believe that God is able to accomplish His will in my life? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
4) Do I believe that God hears me when I pray according to His will? (I John 5:14-15)
5) Do I believe that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"? (Romans 8:28, NIV)
If during times of troubles or trials you can answer "yes" to those questions, you have all the faith you need. Through every difficult time in your life, know that through faith you can "cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7, NIV).
True faith is simple but powerful. It draws us closer to God. When we go through the valley of despair, faith leads us back to the mountaintop. When we find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle, faith moves the mountain. Not the faith of the mighty, nor the faith of a saint, but the faith of a child, the faith of a mustard seed.
Habakkuk 2:4 [NLT]
"'Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: Living by one's faith makes one's life truly healthy and meaningful. Willpower is not necessary, when Godpower is available and utilized. Is your faith evident, even in your weight-loss journey?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, sometimes I make faith out to be something so difficult, when it's really very simple, as simple as saying 'Yes' to You. It's knowing You, knowing Your Word, and knowing that Your Word is true for me. Lord, help me today to exhibit simple, pure, potent faith in whatever circumstances I find myself, and may that faith be my shield as I fight the good fight of faith. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, living life with simple yet pure and powerful faith.
At its most basic level, faith provides a means by which we can receive the gift of eternal life, but beyond that, faith serves a crucial role in the life of each believer. It is part of the "full armor of God," the "shield of faith," serving to protect us from the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). As Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
When things are going well for us, faith comes easy. However, when times grow tough, our faith is tested (James 1:2-3). During those times of trouble, ask yourself the following questions:
1) Do I believe that God loves me? (John 3:16; I John 3:1)
2) Do I believe that God is sovereign and that "all things are possible" in Him? (Job 42:1-2; Matthew 19:26)
3) Do I believe that God is able to accomplish His will in my life? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
4) Do I believe that God hears me when I pray according to His will? (I John 5:14-15)
5) Do I believe that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"? (Romans 8:28, NIV)
If during times of troubles or trials you can answer "yes" to those questions, you have all the faith you need. Through every difficult time in your life, know that through faith you can "cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7, NIV).
True faith is simple but powerful. It draws us closer to God. When we go through the valley of despair, faith leads us back to the mountaintop. When we find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle, faith moves the mountain. Not the faith of the mighty, nor the faith of a saint, but the faith of a child, the faith of a mustard seed.
Habakkuk 2:4 [NLT]
"'Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: Living by one's faith makes one's life truly healthy and meaningful. Willpower is not necessary, when Godpower is available and utilized. Is your faith evident, even in your weight-loss journey?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, sometimes I make faith out to be something so difficult, when it's really very simple, as simple as saying 'Yes' to You. It's knowing You, knowing Your Word, and knowing that Your Word is true for me. Lord, help me today to exhibit simple, pure, potent faith in whatever circumstances I find myself, and may that faith be my shield as I fight the good fight of faith. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, living life with simple yet pure and powerful faith.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #60 [Mountains, Part V]
We've been looking at how to make Jesus' words from Matthew 17:20 ("If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move," NIV) come alive for you. You've decided which mountain needs to be moved. You've written it down. You've spoken to your mountain, in Jesus' Name, and you've put pure, potent faith behind your words.
Now, you're ready for the trying of your faith to work some patience (James 1:3). Your mountain might move right away, and how wonderful when that happens. However, if God, who knows you better than you know yourself, sees that you would benefit by a time of testing (what I like to call "faith opportunity"), your mountain will not move right away. It is during that time where you will see if your faith is pure or not, if you'll give in to doubt and unbelief or stand on God's Word. Your spiritual character is tested. If you pass the faith test, your mountain will move, just as Jesus said.
A few years ago, a missionary shared Matthew 21:18-22 with the children of an Asian orphanage. It's the story of when Jesus curses the fig tree, and the disciples are amazed when it withers. Jesus explains that it's having faith, without doubting, that one must have, and speaking to a mountain, that causes it to be thrown into the sea.
The children in the orphanage were astounded by that story, and because they lived in the shadow of a mountain, which meant little sunshine, cold temperatures, and clothes that took forever to dry on the line, they decided to command their mountain to move, in Jesus' Name.
The missionary was horrified. He almost told them that Jesus really didn't mean it literally, but he saw that they were acting in faith, rather than tempting God, so he decided to just see what God would do with the situation. This was the missionary's test of faith, as well as the children's.
The children exhibited childlike faith, and each day, they thanked God that their mountain was moving, in Jesus' Name. Could they see that it was moving? No, but they believed that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV). They just seemed to know that instead of believing something when you see it, you will see it when you believe it. Until the manifestation of the moved mountain, they'd be patient and trust God and His Word.
It wasn't long before heavy equipment began to roll nearby, bulldozing the mountain in a redevelopment effort. The government knew nothing about the declaration the children had made. The missionary was shocked but realized he shouldn't have been. Others may call it a coincidence, but believers call it a Godincidence.
Matthew 21:22 [NIV]
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
What this has to do with weight loss: If the mountain you have commanded to move is weight-related, couple your pure faith with faith-filled prayer. If you do that, God will move mountains to move your mountain.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I pray for childlike faith today, the faith that rests in You and takes You at Your Word. Help me to be patient, to rely on Your timing to move my mountain. I believe my mountain has already been moved in Your Kingdom, and I know that if I 'let patience have her perfect work in me' that I will see the mountain be moved in my natural world. I thank You, in advance, for moving my mountain. I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus, who calls me to move mountains. Amen. "
Go forth today, patiently watching for your mountain to move.
Now, you're ready for the trying of your faith to work some patience (James 1:3). Your mountain might move right away, and how wonderful when that happens. However, if God, who knows you better than you know yourself, sees that you would benefit by a time of testing (what I like to call "faith opportunity"), your mountain will not move right away. It is during that time where you will see if your faith is pure or not, if you'll give in to doubt and unbelief or stand on God's Word. Your spiritual character is tested. If you pass the faith test, your mountain will move, just as Jesus said.
A few years ago, a missionary shared Matthew 21:18-22 with the children of an Asian orphanage. It's the story of when Jesus curses the fig tree, and the disciples are amazed when it withers. Jesus explains that it's having faith, without doubting, that one must have, and speaking to a mountain, that causes it to be thrown into the sea.
The children in the orphanage were astounded by that story, and because they lived in the shadow of a mountain, which meant little sunshine, cold temperatures, and clothes that took forever to dry on the line, they decided to command their mountain to move, in Jesus' Name.
The missionary was horrified. He almost told them that Jesus really didn't mean it literally, but he saw that they were acting in faith, rather than tempting God, so he decided to just see what God would do with the situation. This was the missionary's test of faith, as well as the children's.
The children exhibited childlike faith, and each day, they thanked God that their mountain was moving, in Jesus' Name. Could they see that it was moving? No, but they believed that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV). They just seemed to know that instead of believing something when you see it, you will see it when you believe it. Until the manifestation of the moved mountain, they'd be patient and trust God and His Word.
It wasn't long before heavy equipment began to roll nearby, bulldozing the mountain in a redevelopment effort. The government knew nothing about the declaration the children had made. The missionary was shocked but realized he shouldn't have been. Others may call it a coincidence, but believers call it a Godincidence.
Matthew 21:22 [NIV]
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
What this has to do with weight loss: If the mountain you have commanded to move is weight-related, couple your pure faith with faith-filled prayer. If you do that, God will move mountains to move your mountain.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I pray for childlike faith today, the faith that rests in You and takes You at Your Word. Help me to be patient, to rely on Your timing to move my mountain. I believe my mountain has already been moved in Your Kingdom, and I know that if I 'let patience have her perfect work in me' that I will see the mountain be moved in my natural world. I thank You, in advance, for moving my mountain. I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus, who calls me to move mountains. Amen. "
Go forth today, patiently watching for your mountain to move.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #59 [Mountains, Part IV]
Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20, NIV). You've decided which mountain needs to be moved. You've written it down, and you've spoken to it, in Jesus' Name. How can you be sure it will move?
It is your faith that will determine whether or not the mountain you have spoken to will move. Today, let's look at the kind of faith that moves mountains. If you want to see your mountain moved, you must believe that it will move. Faith is the key, when it comes to prayer and speaking to your mountain. James 1:6-7 says, "When he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord" (NIV). You see, you spoke to your mountain, but God does the moving, in response to your faith.
Jesus said that all you need, to move your mountain, is "faith as small as a mustard seed." Does that mean that it doesn't take much faith to move a mountain? It's not the quantity of your faith but the quality of your faith. Mountain-moving faith must be pure and strong. Chefs know that the flavor of whatever mixture a mustard seed is added to will be overcome by the mustard seed. It may be small, but the mustard seed is potent. Mountain-moving faith must be potent, overpowering and overcoming any reason to doubt.
Matthew 17:20 [NIV]
"...If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there, and it will move.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: If the mountain you have commanded to move is weight-related, it will take pure faith to see it come to pass (just like any other mountain). You must believe that it will move. If you doubt the outcome, your mountain might rumble, but it won't budge. Remind yourself that God wants you to move your mountain, believe it will move, and believe in the power of God to do the moving.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, faith is such an integral part of the victorious Christian life. From Genesis to Revelation, faith is a recurring theme of Your Word. Indeed, faith is the victory that overcomes the world and every experience in it. There are times when my faith is very strong, but there are also times when it seems very weak. I understand the father who, while seeking healing for his son, said to Jesus, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' (Mark 9:24). Thank You, Lord, that You are here to help me have the faith to move my mountain. I know that faith is a gift from You, and all I have to do is receive it and then utilize it. I believe Your Word is true, and now that I've spoken to my mountain with all the power that faith holds, I am ready for the next step. I ask You to continue to teach me, so that I will see my mountain move. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with pure and powerful faith, to move your mountain.
It is your faith that will determine whether or not the mountain you have spoken to will move. Today, let's look at the kind of faith that moves mountains. If you want to see your mountain moved, you must believe that it will move. Faith is the key, when it comes to prayer and speaking to your mountain. James 1:6-7 says, "When he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord" (NIV). You see, you spoke to your mountain, but God does the moving, in response to your faith.
Jesus said that all you need, to move your mountain, is "faith as small as a mustard seed." Does that mean that it doesn't take much faith to move a mountain? It's not the quantity of your faith but the quality of your faith. Mountain-moving faith must be pure and strong. Chefs know that the flavor of whatever mixture a mustard seed is added to will be overcome by the mustard seed. It may be small, but the mustard seed is potent. Mountain-moving faith must be potent, overpowering and overcoming any reason to doubt.
Matthew 17:20 [NIV]
"...If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there, and it will move.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: If the mountain you have commanded to move is weight-related, it will take pure faith to see it come to pass (just like any other mountain). You must believe that it will move. If you doubt the outcome, your mountain might rumble, but it won't budge. Remind yourself that God wants you to move your mountain, believe it will move, and believe in the power of God to do the moving.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, faith is such an integral part of the victorious Christian life. From Genesis to Revelation, faith is a recurring theme of Your Word. Indeed, faith is the victory that overcomes the world and every experience in it. There are times when my faith is very strong, but there are also times when it seems very weak. I understand the father who, while seeking healing for his son, said to Jesus, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' (Mark 9:24). Thank You, Lord, that You are here to help me have the faith to move my mountain. I know that faith is a gift from You, and all I have to do is receive it and then utilize it. I believe Your Word is true, and now that I've spoken to my mountain with all the power that faith holds, I am ready for the next step. I ask You to continue to teach me, so that I will see my mountain move. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with pure and powerful faith, to move your mountain.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #58 [Mountains, Part III]
Today we continue looking at how to move a mountain. Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move" (Matthew 17:20, NIV). Notice that Jesus said "say to this mountain." You must speak to your mountain.
Yesterday, I asked you to decide what mountain you want moved and to write it down. Today, I want you to decide if you're willing to speak to your mountain. It's harder to decide than you might think. You've got to open your mouth and speak to your mountain, and that takes determination and commitment, because you have to say what you mean and mean what you say.
If you're willing to commit to this process of moving your mountain, open your mouth and speak to your mountain. If commitment is not there, don't speak to your mountain, because your words will be meaningless. If you're committed and willing to exercise your faith (we'll talk about faith next time), in a firm voice, speak the following: "In the Name of Jesus, mountain of __________, I command you to MOVE!"
Matthew 17:20 [NIV]
"...say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there'..."
What this has to do with weight loss: I knew my mountain of 245 excess pounds had to move, and when I was in the hospital in June of 2008, right there in my hospital room, I spoke these words: "Mountain of excess weight, I command you to MOVE, in Jesus' Name!" I then prayed, "Lord, if You open the door to weight-loss surgery, I'll walk through it." What is your weight-loss journey mountain? Open your mouth and command it to move, and then pray for God's help and wisdom to cooperate in the mountain-moving miracle that's coming your way.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I love that You've given me permission and authority to speak to my mountain and command it to move. I ask You to give me the courage to do my part, to open my mouth and say the words with commitment. Continue to show me, through Your Word, how to empower my words with faith. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking to your mountain.
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Yesterday, I asked you to decide what mountain you want moved and to write it down. Today, I want you to decide if you're willing to speak to your mountain. It's harder to decide than you might think. You've got to open your mouth and speak to your mountain, and that takes determination and commitment, because you have to say what you mean and mean what you say.
If you're willing to commit to this process of moving your mountain, open your mouth and speak to your mountain. If commitment is not there, don't speak to your mountain, because your words will be meaningless. If you're committed and willing to exercise your faith (we'll talk about faith next time), in a firm voice, speak the following: "In the Name of Jesus, mountain of __________, I command you to MOVE!"
Matthew 17:20 [NIV]
"...say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there'..."
What this has to do with weight loss: I knew my mountain of 245 excess pounds had to move, and when I was in the hospital in June of 2008, right there in my hospital room, I spoke these words: "Mountain of excess weight, I command you to MOVE, in Jesus' Name!" I then prayed, "Lord, if You open the door to weight-loss surgery, I'll walk through it." What is your weight-loss journey mountain? Open your mouth and command it to move, and then pray for God's help and wisdom to cooperate in the mountain-moving miracle that's coming your way.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I love that You've given me permission and authority to speak to my mountain and command it to move. I ask You to give me the courage to do my part, to open my mouth and say the words with commitment. Continue to show me, through Your Word, how to empower my words with faith. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking to your mountain.
The S.T.A.R.T. Program (Strategies To Achieve Recovery & Transformation) CD helps you change from the inside-out. Check it out at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #57 [Mountains, Part II]
Mountains are meant to be climbed, but some of them are meant to be moved. When the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn't drive out the demon in a boy, He told them, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20, NIV). Jesus would not tell us to move mountains if they couldn't be moved or weren't meant to be moved.
If you would benefit more by the mountain being moved than climbed, then God wants you to have the faith to move your mountain. Mountains meant to be moved are those where there is nothing more you can do to improve your situation.
For the next few days, we're going to focus on Matthew 17:20, to see what we need to do (or have) to become mountain movers. For today, I want you to decide which mountain you'd like to have moved in your life. Write it down, and ask the Lord to help you understand, through this devotional, how to move that mountain.
Matthew 17:20 [NIV]
"...If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
What this has to do with weight loss: When I weighed 400 lbs. but should have weighed 155, I had a 245-lb. mountain in front of me. While I had been able to chip away a few pounds from it, it still loomed very large. One day, when I read Matthew 17:20, I decided that this was the mountain I was meant to move. I wrote it down, and I asked the Lord to help me understand how to move my mountain of excess weight. Whatever your mountain is, on your weight-loss journey, God can help you move it. Just ask Him and then listen for further instructions.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'll admit that I'm a little skeptical that I can be a mountain mover, but I do have a mountain that needs to be moved rather than climbed. It is the mountain of ______, and today I'm asking You for the wisdom to know and understand how to move it. Thank You, in advance, for helping me become a mountain mover, just like Jesus referred to when He said, 'Nothing will be impossible for you.' I pray in the Name of Your Mountain Moving Son, Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to see your mountain move.
If you would benefit more by the mountain being moved than climbed, then God wants you to have the faith to move your mountain. Mountains meant to be moved are those where there is nothing more you can do to improve your situation.
For the next few days, we're going to focus on Matthew 17:20, to see what we need to do (or have) to become mountain movers. For today, I want you to decide which mountain you'd like to have moved in your life. Write it down, and ask the Lord to help you understand, through this devotional, how to move that mountain.
Matthew 17:20 [NIV]
"...If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
What this has to do with weight loss: When I weighed 400 lbs. but should have weighed 155, I had a 245-lb. mountain in front of me. While I had been able to chip away a few pounds from it, it still loomed very large. One day, when I read Matthew 17:20, I decided that this was the mountain I was meant to move. I wrote it down, and I asked the Lord to help me understand how to move my mountain of excess weight. Whatever your mountain is, on your weight-loss journey, God can help you move it. Just ask Him and then listen for further instructions.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'll admit that I'm a little skeptical that I can be a mountain mover, but I do have a mountain that needs to be moved rather than climbed. It is the mountain of ______, and today I'm asking You for the wisdom to know and understand how to move it. Thank You, in advance, for helping me become a mountain mover, just like Jesus referred to when He said, 'Nothing will be impossible for you.' I pray in the Name of Your Mountain Moving Son, Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to see your mountain move.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #56 [Mountains]
I'll be honest. I don't like trials or mountains or bumps in the road of life. For some reason, I think life should be easy for me in the present and future, I guess because life in the past was so hard. I have an aversion to pain and difficulty, but I must come to terms with the fact that life is hard sometimes.
I know that many of my readers are going through difficult times. I hear you, and I feel your pain. I want you to know, though, that while God never promises that we won't go through hard times, "The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us" (Hebrews 13:5, CEV). As you're trudging up your personal mountain, how you view it will make all the difference.
You might wish that your mountain was smooth, but if it was smooth, you wouldn't be able to climb it. There are rocky places along the way, but it's up to you whether you view them as stumbling blocks or stepping stones. It's all in how you look at your mountain, as something to be dreaded or something to be conquered.
James 1:2-4 [Amplified]
"Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking nothing."
What this has to do with weight loss: I was talking to my life coach last week, and I was complaining about this weight-loss journey being "so hard." He likened it to the hard work of climbing a mountain. You get about halfway up the mountain, and because you're tired and sore and your breathing's a bit labored, you begin to entertain thoughts of turning around, of quitting. You begin the back and forth thoughts of "Quit" and "Keep going," and that banter continues for the remainder of the climb. But then you reach the summit, and it feels so wonderful, because you know you kept going despite the difficulties. My friends, let's keep going...no matter what. Let's keep the summit in view, and if we do, we will be victorious.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You know I'm going through a trial today, and it's hard for me to 'consider it wholly joyful.' Help me to see it as You see it, a way to prove my faith and bring out endurance, steadfastness, and patience in me. I want to be 'perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking nothing,' and if this mountain is the only way to make that happen, then give me the grace to climb it. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be a mountain climber.
I know that many of my readers are going through difficult times. I hear you, and I feel your pain. I want you to know, though, that while God never promises that we won't go through hard times, "The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us" (Hebrews 13:5, CEV). As you're trudging up your personal mountain, how you view it will make all the difference.
You might wish that your mountain was smooth, but if it was smooth, you wouldn't be able to climb it. There are rocky places along the way, but it's up to you whether you view them as stumbling blocks or stepping stones. It's all in how you look at your mountain, as something to be dreaded or something to be conquered.
James 1:2-4 [Amplified]
"Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking nothing."
What this has to do with weight loss: I was talking to my life coach last week, and I was complaining about this weight-loss journey being "so hard." He likened it to the hard work of climbing a mountain. You get about halfway up the mountain, and because you're tired and sore and your breathing's a bit labored, you begin to entertain thoughts of turning around, of quitting. You begin the back and forth thoughts of "Quit" and "Keep going," and that banter continues for the remainder of the climb. But then you reach the summit, and it feels so wonderful, because you know you kept going despite the difficulties. My friends, let's keep going...no matter what. Let's keep the summit in view, and if we do, we will be victorious.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You know I'm going through a trial today, and it's hard for me to 'consider it wholly joyful.' Help me to see it as You see it, a way to prove my faith and bring out endurance, steadfastness, and patience in me. I want to be 'perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking nothing,' and if this mountain is the only way to make that happen, then give me the grace to climb it. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be a mountain climber.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #55 [Spring Cleaning, Unforgiveness]
I know you've been working hard, cleaning out strife, negative talk, gossip, fear and worry from your heart and home. While everything looks pretty clean, if you look closely, you may see some mold growing in rather inconspicuous places. That, my friend, is unforgiveness, and it doesn't matter how clean you get your heart and home, if unforgiveness is allowed there, nothing else will sparkle as it was meant to, least of all you.
No doubt, each of us has been on the receiving end of various wrongs, some of them quite horrific. I am here to testify to you, that if you do not forgive the unforgivable, you will suffer physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is not worth it. Someone once said, "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and wishing someone else would die." It just won't happen. The only one to die just might be you.
Forgiveness is a choice, a decision only you can make. Research shows that 80% of sickness and disease has its basis in stress. Is hanging on to your hurt or wounded pride worth that?
Forgiveness is required, if you want God's forgiveness. None of us deserve forgiveness, yet Jesus died on the cross to pay for that forgiveness. How can we not forgive others, when we have been shown such amazing, unearned forgiveness. Forgive, if you're asked to do so. Forgive, even if you're not asked to do so. Bring back the sparkle of forgiveness to your heart and home today.
Matthew 6:15 [NIV]
"If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
What this has to do with weight loss: I know, in my own life, unforgiveness was one of the root causes of my morbid obesity. I could not forgive the unforgivable, and in order to try to stuff down all the emotions that brought up in me, I ate and ate. That crazy behavior nearly buried me. When I made the conscious decision to forgive those who had harmed me in the past, the weight of unforgiveness was lifted and, with it, the weight of many pounds that emotional eating had added to my body. If you are an emotional eater, take time to review your past, to see if there are people you have yet to forgive. If there are, give yourself a most wonderful gift...forgive each person, right here, right now, in the quiet of your heart. It will feel amazing.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You and I both know that people have hurt me, in my past, even in my present. I haven't wanted to forgive, and even if I've wanted to forgive, I didn't think I could...until now, Lord. I must forgive, Father, because I want and need Your forgiveness. Help me to forgive as You forgive, without the person deserving it. Now that I realize that forgiveness is a choice, at this very moment, and with Your help, I make the decision to forgive the following people and offenses: ___________. Thank You, Father, for flooding my heart and home with forgiveness. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, walking in forgiveness.
No doubt, each of us has been on the receiving end of various wrongs, some of them quite horrific. I am here to testify to you, that if you do not forgive the unforgivable, you will suffer physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is not worth it. Someone once said, "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and wishing someone else would die." It just won't happen. The only one to die just might be you.
Forgiveness is a choice, a decision only you can make. Research shows that 80% of sickness and disease has its basis in stress. Is hanging on to your hurt or wounded pride worth that?
Forgiveness is required, if you want God's forgiveness. None of us deserve forgiveness, yet Jesus died on the cross to pay for that forgiveness. How can we not forgive others, when we have been shown such amazing, unearned forgiveness. Forgive, if you're asked to do so. Forgive, even if you're not asked to do so. Bring back the sparkle of forgiveness to your heart and home today.
Matthew 6:15 [NIV]
"If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
What this has to do with weight loss: I know, in my own life, unforgiveness was one of the root causes of my morbid obesity. I could not forgive the unforgivable, and in order to try to stuff down all the emotions that brought up in me, I ate and ate. That crazy behavior nearly buried me. When I made the conscious decision to forgive those who had harmed me in the past, the weight of unforgiveness was lifted and, with it, the weight of many pounds that emotional eating had added to my body. If you are an emotional eater, take time to review your past, to see if there are people you have yet to forgive. If there are, give yourself a most wonderful gift...forgive each person, right here, right now, in the quiet of your heart. It will feel amazing.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You and I both know that people have hurt me, in my past, even in my present. I haven't wanted to forgive, and even if I've wanted to forgive, I didn't think I could...until now, Lord. I must forgive, Father, because I want and need Your forgiveness. Help me to forgive as You forgive, without the person deserving it. Now that I realize that forgiveness is a choice, at this very moment, and with Your help, I make the decision to forgive the following people and offenses: ___________. Thank You, Father, for flooding my heart and home with forgiveness. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, walking in forgiveness.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #54 [Spring Cleaning, Worry, Day 2]
Along with cleaning out strife, negative talk, and gossip, we're seeking to rid our heart and home of worry and any fear attached to that worry. There is only one sure way to do that, and it's found in I Peter 5:7, "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully" [Amplified].
That's what the Lord wants you to do--cast/throw everything that's bothering you to Him. If you have trouble doing that, or you're like the fisherman who casts his line but then reels it back in, it may be because you do not yet have the realization of how much God cares for you, how much He loves you, and how concerned He is about every aspect of your life. If that's true of you, ask Him to show you how much He cares for you. You just may get a vision of Calvary.
Psalm 55:22 [Amplified]
"Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)."
What this has to do with weight loss: You were created to live in a garden, not walk through life weighted down with the cares of this world and pounds of pain. You don't have to worry and fret about releasing the excess weight that's been weighing you down for so long. You don't have to fear slipping into old eating habits, falling off the diet wagon, or failing to keep off that which you've already lost. Give all of those fears and worries to the Lord, knowing that He wants you to do that, and He is able to sustain you and cause you to be successful on your weight-loss journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I thank You that You created me to live in a garden, not walk through life weighted down with care. I desire to be free, today, of all the fears and worries that have caused me to forget how much You care for me. I realize that You've been waiting for me to give all my burdens over to You, so that You can take care of them. I don't know why I've tried to carry them myself, tried to take care of them on my own. I haven't done a good job, because they're still here. Now I know that You are the only One who can take them away, like yesterday's trash. I give every concern, anxiety, and worry to You, Father, for I see that just as Jesus bore all our sins on the cross, He bore my sins of fear and worry. I will bear them no more. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, free of the weight of fear and worry.
Education is one way to combat fear and worry. Educate yourself and your sister/daughter/neice/granddaughter/friend about how to stay safe in a world of psychos, players, punks, and pervs, by reading The Guy Detector, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Sample pages available for viewing there, also (see bottom of web site page).
That's what the Lord wants you to do--cast/throw everything that's bothering you to Him. If you have trouble doing that, or you're like the fisherman who casts his line but then reels it back in, it may be because you do not yet have the realization of how much God cares for you, how much He loves you, and how concerned He is about every aspect of your life. If that's true of you, ask Him to show you how much He cares for you. You just may get a vision of Calvary.
Psalm 55:22 [Amplified]
"Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)."
What this has to do with weight loss: You were created to live in a garden, not walk through life weighted down with the cares of this world and pounds of pain. You don't have to worry and fret about releasing the excess weight that's been weighing you down for so long. You don't have to fear slipping into old eating habits, falling off the diet wagon, or failing to keep off that which you've already lost. Give all of those fears and worries to the Lord, knowing that He wants you to do that, and He is able to sustain you and cause you to be successful on your weight-loss journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I thank You that You created me to live in a garden, not walk through life weighted down with care. I desire to be free, today, of all the fears and worries that have caused me to forget how much You care for me. I realize that You've been waiting for me to give all my burdens over to You, so that You can take care of them. I don't know why I've tried to carry them myself, tried to take care of them on my own. I haven't done a good job, because they're still here. Now I know that You are the only One who can take them away, like yesterday's trash. I give every concern, anxiety, and worry to You, Father, for I see that just as Jesus bore all our sins on the cross, He bore my sins of fear and worry. I will bear them no more. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, free of the weight of fear and worry.
Education is one way to combat fear and worry. Educate yourself and your sister/daughter/neice/granddaughter/friend about how to stay safe in a world of psychos, players, punks, and pervs, by reading The Guy Detector, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Sample pages available for viewing there, also (see bottom of web site page).
Monday, August 10, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #53 [Spring Cleaning, Worry, Day 1]
Doesn't it feel good, to know that you're getting rid of strife, negative talk, and gossip from your home? Today, let's focus on cleaning out worry from your heart and home.
I used to worry about so many things. One day, I was talking to my mother on the telephone, recounting my latest worry. Mom listened well, as she always did, and when I finished, she said, "Honey, do you know the saying, 'Why worry when you can pray'?" I said, "Yes," and she continued with, "Well, your saying is 'Why pray when you can worry.'" As a believer, that stung, but her point was well made. I was not making use of the power of prayer, to gain victory over the sin of worrying. And worry is a sin, because it shows a lack of trust in our Heavenly Father as Friend, Protector, Provider, and more.
From experience, and with much love for you--the reader, I tell you that if you do not take control of worry and the underlying foundational emotion of fear, they will control you, for the rest of your life. That is not the abundant life God promises (John 10:10), so why settle for it. Be determined today, to seek and clean out every spot of fear and worry from your heart and home. Use the power of God's Word and prayer, to do so.
Philippians 4:6 [Amplified]
"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."
What this has to do with weight loss: It is very tempting to give in to fear and worry, when it comes to our weight-loss journey. "What ifs" creep up at every turn. What if I can't afford weight-loss surgery? What if I die in the operating room? What if I'm the only one who doesn't lose weight after surgery? What if I "eat around" my surgery? What if I transfer my addiction to food to something else? What if I lose weight and have an affair? The list is endless, but the believer does not have to give in to those fears and worries. Take each one to the Lord in prayer, and ask Him to help you to change each "what if" into a "but God..."
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know that there are times when You look at me and say, like You said to Martha, 'You are worried about many things,' when You want me to be like Mary, sitting at Your feet, choosing 'the better thing.' I don't want to be ruled by fear and worry, for I know it's a sin. I desire to trust You, to depend on You and Your Word, to come to You in prayer and petition, and ask You to take care of each fear, each worry. Help me to see when I'm being tempted to give in to fear or worry, and give me the strength to allow You to show me the way through, to victory. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to get rid of fear and worry from your heart and home.
Psalms for Surgery CD is a great product to use when you are coming against fear and worry. Let the Psalms comfort you. This CD is available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Listen to a sound bite from each track there, also.
I used to worry about so many things. One day, I was talking to my mother on the telephone, recounting my latest worry. Mom listened well, as she always did, and when I finished, she said, "Honey, do you know the saying, 'Why worry when you can pray'?" I said, "Yes," and she continued with, "Well, your saying is 'Why pray when you can worry.'" As a believer, that stung, but her point was well made. I was not making use of the power of prayer, to gain victory over the sin of worrying. And worry is a sin, because it shows a lack of trust in our Heavenly Father as Friend, Protector, Provider, and more.
From experience, and with much love for you--the reader, I tell you that if you do not take control of worry and the underlying foundational emotion of fear, they will control you, for the rest of your life. That is not the abundant life God promises (John 10:10), so why settle for it. Be determined today, to seek and clean out every spot of fear and worry from your heart and home. Use the power of God's Word and prayer, to do so.
Philippians 4:6 [Amplified]
"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."
What this has to do with weight loss: It is very tempting to give in to fear and worry, when it comes to our weight-loss journey. "What ifs" creep up at every turn. What if I can't afford weight-loss surgery? What if I die in the operating room? What if I'm the only one who doesn't lose weight after surgery? What if I "eat around" my surgery? What if I transfer my addiction to food to something else? What if I lose weight and have an affair? The list is endless, but the believer does not have to give in to those fears and worries. Take each one to the Lord in prayer, and ask Him to help you to change each "what if" into a "but God..."
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know that there are times when You look at me and say, like You said to Martha, 'You are worried about many things,' when You want me to be like Mary, sitting at Your feet, choosing 'the better thing.' I don't want to be ruled by fear and worry, for I know it's a sin. I desire to trust You, to depend on You and Your Word, to come to You in prayer and petition, and ask You to take care of each fear, each worry. Help me to see when I'm being tempted to give in to fear or worry, and give me the strength to allow You to show me the way through, to victory. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to get rid of fear and worry from your heart and home.
Psalms for Surgery CD is a great product to use when you are coming against fear and worry. Let the Psalms comfort you. This CD is available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Listen to a sound bite from each track there, also.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #52 [Spring Cleaning, Negative Talk, Day 2]
Yesterday, we continued spring cleaning by ridding our heart and home of negative words/talk. Today, let's pay attention to another destructive habit, which involves our tongue--gossip.
The psalmist David asked, "Father, who can live in Your presence?" and part of the list includes "[the one] who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander [gossip, backbiting] on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man" (Psalm 15:1-3). How do you measure up with that list? Do you lie or gossip? Do you have a family member who does? It's time to get it out of your home!
In Leviticus 19:16 we are commanded, "Do not go about spreading slander among your people." Another translation says, "Do not go about being a tale bearer." Exodus 23:1 says, "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness." Refuse to hear or speak gossip. It does not matter if it is true or false.
Matthew 7:1-2 [NIV]
"[Jesus said,] 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: I get nervous when someone asks me, "Can I tell you something?" Because I don't know what the person wants to tell me, I often respond with, "Sure. All I ask is that you tell it to Jesus before you tell it to me." That way, the Holy Spirit has an opportunity to intervene, if needed. I don't know why it is, but many of us on the weight-loss journey enjoy discussing a fellow journeyer's eating habits or weight-loss progress (or lack thereof). That's gossip, and the attitude that is often the foundation of gossip is a judgmental attitude. While it's so easy to judge people, it's detrimental--both to the one being judged and the one doing the judging. Let's just be concerned about and speak of our own journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are times when I enjoy talking about someone else. Even if it's true, it's not right. Forgive me for the times I did not speak truth from my heart, or spread a false report. Help me to take a stand against gossip, both in my heart and in my home. Help me to refuse to hear gossip, for my ears are not garbage cans. Help me to refuse to speak gossip, for my mouth should be consecrated to spreading the good news. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, free of gossip in your heart and home.
For comfort and direction, especially when facing any surgery, listen to Psalms for Surgery. Check out this CD at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Sound bite of each track available.
The psalmist David asked, "Father, who can live in Your presence?" and part of the list includes "[the one] who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander [gossip, backbiting] on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man" (Psalm 15:1-3). How do you measure up with that list? Do you lie or gossip? Do you have a family member who does? It's time to get it out of your home!
In Leviticus 19:16 we are commanded, "Do not go about spreading slander among your people." Another translation says, "Do not go about being a tale bearer." Exodus 23:1 says, "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness." Refuse to hear or speak gossip. It does not matter if it is true or false.
Matthew 7:1-2 [NIV]
"[Jesus said,] 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: I get nervous when someone asks me, "Can I tell you something?" Because I don't know what the person wants to tell me, I often respond with, "Sure. All I ask is that you tell it to Jesus before you tell it to me." That way, the Holy Spirit has an opportunity to intervene, if needed. I don't know why it is, but many of us on the weight-loss journey enjoy discussing a fellow journeyer's eating habits or weight-loss progress (or lack thereof). That's gossip, and the attitude that is often the foundation of gossip is a judgmental attitude. While it's so easy to judge people, it's detrimental--both to the one being judged and the one doing the judging. Let's just be concerned about and speak of our own journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are times when I enjoy talking about someone else. Even if it's true, it's not right. Forgive me for the times I did not speak truth from my heart, or spread a false report. Help me to take a stand against gossip, both in my heart and in my home. Help me to refuse to hear gossip, for my ears are not garbage cans. Help me to refuse to speak gossip, for my mouth should be consecrated to spreading the good news. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, free of gossip in your heart and home.
For comfort and direction, especially when facing any surgery, listen to Psalms for Surgery. Check out this CD at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Sound bite of each track available.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #51 [Spring Cleaning, Negative Talk, Day 1]
We spent time spring cleaning, seeking to get strife out of our heart and home. Whether it's disobedience, intrigue (stirring things up for one's entertainment), or fussing about little things, all forms of strife lead to quarrels, factions (separations), and battles. As always, love is the answer, and if you ask the Lord for wisdom in how to deal with the strife in your heart/home/work place/church, He will be faithful to give you answers/ideas and provide healing.
Today, we begin looking at a second area where God desires that we clean out--negative talk, in all its forms. For today, pay special attention to how many negative words are spoken to and around you. You may even find that negative talk has become a habit, but habits can be replaced with new, better habits.
James 3:5 says that "the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." Our tongue can sure get us into trouble. Jesus said, "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth" (Matthew 15:11). It is so important that we watch what we say, because "the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). Based on the things you say today, what will be your fruit/reward tomorrow?
Proverbs 18:21 [NLT]
"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
What this has to do with weight loss: Are you speaking life into your weight-loss journey, or are you speaking death? Pay attention to things you say about your journey. If you're speaking positive words of hope about your journey (Example: "I know I will get to my goal weight and be able to maintain"), you're speaking life into it. If you're speaking negative words of frustration about your journey (Example: "I'm never going to get to my goal weight, at this rate"), you're speaking death into it. What you say today will come to pass tomorrow, so choose your words wisely.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I often forget how powerful words are, both those spoken by myself and those spoken by others. Help me to really listen to what is being said, and help me to clean out all negative talk from my heart and home. May all our words honor You and be helpful and healing words for this home. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to listen for and get rid of negative talk in your life.
Today, we begin looking at a second area where God desires that we clean out--negative talk, in all its forms. For today, pay special attention to how many negative words are spoken to and around you. You may even find that negative talk has become a habit, but habits can be replaced with new, better habits.
James 3:5 says that "the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." Our tongue can sure get us into trouble. Jesus said, "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth" (Matthew 15:11). It is so important that we watch what we say, because "the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). Based on the things you say today, what will be your fruit/reward tomorrow?
Proverbs 18:21 [NLT]
"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
What this has to do with weight loss: Are you speaking life into your weight-loss journey, or are you speaking death? Pay attention to things you say about your journey. If you're speaking positive words of hope about your journey (Example: "I know I will get to my goal weight and be able to maintain"), you're speaking life into it. If you're speaking negative words of frustration about your journey (Example: "I'm never going to get to my goal weight, at this rate"), you're speaking death into it. What you say today will come to pass tomorrow, so choose your words wisely.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I often forget how powerful words are, both those spoken by myself and those spoken by others. Help me to really listen to what is being said, and help me to clean out all negative talk from my heart and home. May all our words honor You and be helpful and healing words for this home. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to listen for and get rid of negative talk in your life.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #50 [Spring Cleaning, Strife, Day 3]
This is the third day we've spent spring cleaning, seeking to get strife out of our heart and home. It's hard work, I know, but well worth the effort.
There are 3 main Greek words for the word "strife," and in studying them, I noticed 3 main foundational issues, leading to 3 main outward manifestations. Perhaps you will see yourself in one of them, and if you are a parent, perhaps you'll see your child in one of them. Take care of the foundational issue/tendency/bent, and the outward manifestation will be taken care of, as well.
1) Tendency toward disobedience leads to the outward manifestation of disputes.
2) Tendency toward intrigue/drama leads to the outward manifestation of factions.
3) Tendency toward disputing about trifles leads to fighting battles.
If any of those struck a chord with you, pay attention to what God's Word has to say about them and how to solve the problem.
Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Romans 13:13 encourages us to "behave decently,...not in dissension and jealousy." Anyone who is a follower of Jesus is His servant/worker, and II Timothy 2:24 says that "The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."
Remember the old saying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"? Excellent advice! Does your family have a Life Quote? If not, and your home tends to see (and hear) strife, why not adopt this one: "Love is fluently spoken here."
Proverbs 10:12b [NIV]
"...love covers over all wrongs."
What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us will "blow it" on this weight-loss journey, probably more than once. We may cause someone else to feel pain, due to our reactions to our own inner struggles, as a result of our weight or diet issues. At those times, let us remember that "love covers over all wrongs." Love yourself and love others. Let love guide your life, and your failures will be few.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, it is my heartfelt desire to clean out my heart and home of strife, in all its forms, and to do it today. I need Your help, though, Lord, for only You can give me the strength needed to do so. Fill my heart and home with Your Love, so that there's no room for anything else that shouldn't be there. Where there is strife, let me sow love. May love become the very foundation of our home, and it will be...when we allow You to be the Head of our home. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, letting love guide your life.
The S.T.A.R.T. Program (Strategies To Achieve Recovery & Transformation) CD, produced especially for the bariatric patient, is available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Check out the sound bite for each track.
There are 3 main Greek words for the word "strife," and in studying them, I noticed 3 main foundational issues, leading to 3 main outward manifestations. Perhaps you will see yourself in one of them, and if you are a parent, perhaps you'll see your child in one of them. Take care of the foundational issue/tendency/bent, and the outward manifestation will be taken care of, as well.
1) Tendency toward disobedience leads to the outward manifestation of disputes.
2) Tendency toward intrigue/drama leads to the outward manifestation of factions.
3) Tendency toward disputing about trifles leads to fighting battles.
If any of those struck a chord with you, pay attention to what God's Word has to say about them and how to solve the problem.
Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Romans 13:13 encourages us to "behave decently,...not in dissension and jealousy." Anyone who is a follower of Jesus is His servant/worker, and II Timothy 2:24 says that "The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."
Remember the old saying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"? Excellent advice! Does your family have a Life Quote? If not, and your home tends to see (and hear) strife, why not adopt this one: "Love is fluently spoken here."
Proverbs 10:12b [NIV]
"...love covers over all wrongs."
What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us will "blow it" on this weight-loss journey, probably more than once. We may cause someone else to feel pain, due to our reactions to our own inner struggles, as a result of our weight or diet issues. At those times, let us remember that "love covers over all wrongs." Love yourself and love others. Let love guide your life, and your failures will be few.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, it is my heartfelt desire to clean out my heart and home of strife, in all its forms, and to do it today. I need Your help, though, Lord, for only You can give me the strength needed to do so. Fill my heart and home with Your Love, so that there's no room for anything else that shouldn't be there. Where there is strife, let me sow love. May love become the very foundation of our home, and it will be...when we allow You to be the Head of our home. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, letting love guide your life.
The S.T.A.R.T. Program (Strategies To Achieve Recovery & Transformation) CD, produced especially for the bariatric patient, is available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. Check out the sound bite for each track.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #49 [Spring Cleaning--Strife, Day 2]
Yesterday, we began a new mini-devotional series called "Spring Cleaning." The first thing we want to get out of our home is strife.
I spent a number of years as a high school English teacher. I loved teaching, and I loved kids. Most of my students called me Mama Law, a name they came up with, so they saw me as a mother figure.
One year, near the end of the school year, because my seniors had just graduated, I spent most of my afternoon in the pod (storage room in the middle with 4 classrooms that spidered out from there), cleaning and taking inventory of the books.
You could hear most everything from each classroom, when in the pod, and I became a reluctant hearer of an unfortunate confrontation. All of a sudden, I heard the teacher yell, "Pick up that balled-up piece of paper you tossed at the trash can and throw it away properly," to which the male student replied, "No." The conversation, frustration, words, and threats escalated from there, very quickly. Just as I was about to call the office, I heard a very loud crash, which resulted from the student pulling over a bookcase full of books, onto the floor. All of this happened over a piece of trash!
If only the teacher had known or taken to heart what the Bible has to say, in II Timothy 2:23, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." It's so true, that "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam," and the advice of "so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out" is so wise (Proverbs 17:14).
Proverbs 15:8 says that "A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel." Anger is at the root of every quarrel. Anger is an emotion, and every emotion is God-given, but as Ephesians 4:26 cautions, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Anger can be expressed in appropriate ways, and things should be worked out before the sun sets.
If your home sees quarreling, clean up the quarrels and get them out! Work to make your home a haven of rest.
Proverbs 15:1 [NIV]
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
What this has to do with weight loss: Sometimes the dieting part of our weight-loss journey can give us a seemingly-terminal case of the grumps, especially if we're craving carbs or trying to wean off them! It's important to think before you speak, to be aware of what you're saying, to avoid the cycle of frustration and angry words, and replace them with gentle speak. Your family shouldn't suffer because you're dieting.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I recognize that there are times when I get involved in foolish and stupid arguments. I repent for the times that I stirred things up with my words, when I could have responded gently and diffused the situation. Lord, I long for my home to be a haven of rest, a respite from the often cruel world. Help me to be aware of what I'm saying and how I'm voicing my words. Help me to root out all quarreling from my home. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking words of gentleness.
Help your daughter avoid psychos, players, punks, and pervs by giving her The Guy Detector by C. Dean Hall, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
I spent a number of years as a high school English teacher. I loved teaching, and I loved kids. Most of my students called me Mama Law, a name they came up with, so they saw me as a mother figure.
One year, near the end of the school year, because my seniors had just graduated, I spent most of my afternoon in the pod (storage room in the middle with 4 classrooms that spidered out from there), cleaning and taking inventory of the books.
You could hear most everything from each classroom, when in the pod, and I became a reluctant hearer of an unfortunate confrontation. All of a sudden, I heard the teacher yell, "Pick up that balled-up piece of paper you tossed at the trash can and throw it away properly," to which the male student replied, "No." The conversation, frustration, words, and threats escalated from there, very quickly. Just as I was about to call the office, I heard a very loud crash, which resulted from the student pulling over a bookcase full of books, onto the floor. All of this happened over a piece of trash!
If only the teacher had known or taken to heart what the Bible has to say, in II Timothy 2:23, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." It's so true, that "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam," and the advice of "so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out" is so wise (Proverbs 17:14).
Proverbs 15:8 says that "A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel." Anger is at the root of every quarrel. Anger is an emotion, and every emotion is God-given, but as Ephesians 4:26 cautions, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Anger can be expressed in appropriate ways, and things should be worked out before the sun sets.
If your home sees quarreling, clean up the quarrels and get them out! Work to make your home a haven of rest.
Proverbs 15:1 [NIV]
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
What this has to do with weight loss: Sometimes the dieting part of our weight-loss journey can give us a seemingly-terminal case of the grumps, especially if we're craving carbs or trying to wean off them! It's important to think before you speak, to be aware of what you're saying, to avoid the cycle of frustration and angry words, and replace them with gentle speak. Your family shouldn't suffer because you're dieting.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I recognize that there are times when I get involved in foolish and stupid arguments. I repent for the times that I stirred things up with my words, when I could have responded gently and diffused the situation. Lord, I long for my home to be a haven of rest, a respite from the often cruel world. Help me to be aware of what I'm saying and how I'm voicing my words. Help me to root out all quarreling from my home. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking words of gentleness.
Help your daughter avoid psychos, players, punks, and pervs by giving her The Guy Detector by C. Dean Hall, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #48 [Spring Cleaning, Strife, Day 1]
On Saturday, my husband and I did some spring cleaning inside our home. It felt good to get rid of some stuff. It's nice to replace disorder with order, to banish the dirt and uncover the shine. We worked tirelessly, and, at the end of the day, we felt wonderfully spent. It was perfect groundwork for the Lord speaking to me, and now to you, about spring cleaning. There are things we need to get out of our house (both literally and figuratively).
The first item to clean out, throw out, get rid of is strife, in all its forms. Whether it's quarreling, insults, disorder, contention, dissension, or disputes, strife should have no place in our home (our body, as well as our physical dwelling place). Let's get strife out of our home!
Of course, that's easier said than done, but we're going to spend a few days looking at not only the problem of strife, but its solution. In the meantime, be thinking of the strife that you deal with, whether as an individual or collectively, as a family.
Proverbs 26:21 [NIV]
"As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife."
What this has to do with weight loss: I don't know why some people love a fight. Even in weight-loss support groups, we come across people who either try to start a fight or keep one going. It's really too bad, because it detracts from the supportive nature and purpose of "community." Maybe that could describe you, even. Commit to starting or feeding only fires that cause others to feel warmth in its glow.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have brought before me the issue of strife in my home, both in my body/mind/spirit and in my family. Help me to see the issue clearly, and as I meditate on what Your Word has to say about strife, over the next few days, give me a solution to every problem that strife has caused in my heart and life. I thank You, in advance, for the work You're going to do in and through me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to look for and get rid of strife in your life.
The first item to clean out, throw out, get rid of is strife, in all its forms. Whether it's quarreling, insults, disorder, contention, dissension, or disputes, strife should have no place in our home (our body, as well as our physical dwelling place). Let's get strife out of our home!
Of course, that's easier said than done, but we're going to spend a few days looking at not only the problem of strife, but its solution. In the meantime, be thinking of the strife that you deal with, whether as an individual or collectively, as a family.
Proverbs 26:21 [NIV]
"As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife."
What this has to do with weight loss: I don't know why some people love a fight. Even in weight-loss support groups, we come across people who either try to start a fight or keep one going. It's really too bad, because it detracts from the supportive nature and purpose of "community." Maybe that could describe you, even. Commit to starting or feeding only fires that cause others to feel warmth in its glow.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have brought before me the issue of strife in my home, both in my body/mind/spirit and in my family. Help me to see the issue clearly, and as I meditate on what Your Word has to say about strife, over the next few days, give me a solution to every problem that strife has caused in my heart and life. I thank You, in advance, for the work You're going to do in and through me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to look for and get rid of strife in your life.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #47 [Troubles]
When life is going well, we often forget God. We slack up in reading and following His Word. The pleasures of life take up too much of our time. Inevitably, troubles come. Perhaps they come to move us back to the center of His will for us...being close to Him.
God is just, but the world equates that with meanness. God is also good, but the world equates that with weakness. God is misunderstood. It's too bad, because knowing Him is all that we need, in this world and throughout eternity. When troubles come, those who truly know Him will find Him to be their rock. Those who trust in Him flee to Him for protection and refuge.
Nahum 1:7 [NIV]
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey can be one with troubles, both minor and major, few or many. We're not meant to go through those times alone. It helps to have loving and understanding friends and family. When you're going through troubles, don't forget The One who will help you more than anyone. Just put your trust in Him.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I admit that when all's right with my world, I often veer from following You. It's as if I think I don't really need You...until troubles come, that is. I can see how You would allow trouble to come to my door, when You know it's the only thing that will bring me back to You. What I really want, though, Lord, is to stay close to You, so my troubles are as few as possible. When the inevitable troubles come, my prayer is that I will continue to trust in You, to flee to You, where I will find help, refuge, and safety. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, staying close to The One who, in the midst of troubles, is still God.
In times of trouble, the Psalms are especially comforting. Listen to them on the Psalms for Surgery CD, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
God is just, but the world equates that with meanness. God is also good, but the world equates that with weakness. God is misunderstood. It's too bad, because knowing Him is all that we need, in this world and throughout eternity. When troubles come, those who truly know Him will find Him to be their rock. Those who trust in Him flee to Him for protection and refuge.
Nahum 1:7 [NIV]
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey can be one with troubles, both minor and major, few or many. We're not meant to go through those times alone. It helps to have loving and understanding friends and family. When you're going through troubles, don't forget The One who will help you more than anyone. Just put your trust in Him.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I admit that when all's right with my world, I often veer from following You. It's as if I think I don't really need You...until troubles come, that is. I can see how You would allow trouble to come to my door, when You know it's the only thing that will bring me back to You. What I really want, though, Lord, is to stay close to You, so my troubles are as few as possible. When the inevitable troubles come, my prayer is that I will continue to trust in You, to flee to You, where I will find help, refuge, and safety. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, staying close to The One who, in the midst of troubles, is still God.
In times of trouble, the Psalms are especially comforting. Listen to them on the Psalms for Surgery CD, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #46 [Next step]
As I was praying about where the Lord would have us go, after finishing the F.I.R.S.T. Place mini devotional yesterday, I kept "hearing" the words "next step." Each time I'd pray, "Yes, Lord. That's what I'm asking. What is the next step?" Again, I'd hear, "next step." Well, it finally clicked with me that He was giving me the content of today's devotion...next step. I'm a little slow, sometimes. :)
I remember when each of my children learned to walk. I'd get them to stand up, then I'd kneel a few feet in front of them and say, "Come to Mommy," holding my arms out and smiling (perhaps bribing them with a toy). Inevitably, the child would take a wobbly step and then promptly fall down. Each time the "game" was repeated, though, the child would take one more step than the time before, until, finally, he/she was walking. Precious memories.
What's the next step for you, that you need to take? God has a plan for your life, and He's right there, to help you take the next step. Perhaps life is dark right now, and you can't even see to take one step. Know that He "will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Yes, it does take faith to step where all seems dark, but as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole situation."
Psalm 37:23-24 [NIV]
"The LORD delights in the way of the man whose steps He has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand."
What this has to do with weight loss: There are steps to success in the weight-loss journey. Many of them are well-known, but some of them are different, tailor made to the individual's weight-loss journey. When you're at a weight-loss journey crossroads, and you're not sure which way to go next, ask the One who knows what's ahead. He will order your steps.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are times when I'm not sure which way to go or what is the next step in Your plan for me. Those are the times when I rely on You to help me know what to do. I thank You that You have promised never to leave me nor forsake me. Thank You that Your promises are true, and You are a God of Your Word. I lift my hand up to You, and I ask You to take hold of it and lead me on to the next step of my journey. According to Your Word (Proverbs 3:6), I acknowledge You in all my ways, and I know You will direct my path. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, taking the next step illumined by the light of The One Who Is the Light Of The World.
I remember when each of my children learned to walk. I'd get them to stand up, then I'd kneel a few feet in front of them and say, "Come to Mommy," holding my arms out and smiling (perhaps bribing them with a toy). Inevitably, the child would take a wobbly step and then promptly fall down. Each time the "game" was repeated, though, the child would take one more step than the time before, until, finally, he/she was walking. Precious memories.
What's the next step for you, that you need to take? God has a plan for your life, and He's right there, to help you take the next step. Perhaps life is dark right now, and you can't even see to take one step. Know that He "will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Yes, it does take faith to step where all seems dark, but as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole situation."
Psalm 37:23-24 [NIV]
"The LORD delights in the way of the man whose steps He has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand."
What this has to do with weight loss: There are steps to success in the weight-loss journey. Many of them are well-known, but some of them are different, tailor made to the individual's weight-loss journey. When you're at a weight-loss journey crossroads, and you're not sure which way to go next, ask the One who knows what's ahead. He will order your steps.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are times when I'm not sure which way to go or what is the next step in Your plan for me. Those are the times when I rely on You to help me know what to do. I thank You that You have promised never to leave me nor forsake me. Thank You that Your promises are true, and You are a God of Your Word. I lift my hand up to You, and I ask You to take hold of it and lead me on to the next step of my journey. According to Your Word (Proverbs 3:6), I acknowledge You in all my ways, and I know You will direct my path. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, taking the next step illumined by the light of The One Who Is the Light Of The World.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #45 [F.I.R.S.T. Place, summary]
For the past week, I've challenged you to ask yourself if God is first in your
Finances
Interests
Relationships
Schedule
Troubles.
What are the benefits of putting God first in your life? They are countless, limitless. Jesus Himself said to "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto [given] you" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus had been talking about how to have no worries about what to eat, drink, wear, etc. The person who puts God first knows that God will take care of him/her. The person who puts God first lives in victory and peace. The person who puts God first sees God move in and through his/her life. The person who puts God first walks with God, hand in Hand.
Take an honest look at each area of your life, and see the places where God is not first place. Seek to put Him first place. You will be glad you did.
Joshua 24:15b, 16 [NIV]
"...Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... Then the people answered, 'Far be it from us to forsake the LORD...'"
What this has to do with weight loss: If you determine today, and every day, to make God first in your life, He will provide for the finances involved in your weight-loss journey, be honored by the interests of your weight-loss journey, help you preserve the relationships of all those touched by your weight-loss journey, bless the schedule of your time spent on your weight-loss journey, and accompany you to the end of every trouble connected with your weight-loss journey. His involvement will make all the difference; give Him permission by putting Him first.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I see how putting You first in my life is the only way to experience true peace in this fallen world. Your Word is very clear on that. I don't want to worry about money or bills, be embarrassed by some of the things I do, hurt the people I claim to love, forget You, or go through trials alone. I want You to be first place in my life. I want Your influence in all areas of my life. Today, and every day, Lord, my prayer is that I will focus on You and Your Word, for help to keep my life in balance, with You at the helm of my ship. If I ever lose focus, which causes You to be relegated to second place, I ask that Your Holy Spirit would nudge me to look to You once more and yield to You as my Lord and my God. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, keeping God first in your life.
Finances
Interests
Relationships
Schedule
Troubles.
What are the benefits of putting God first in your life? They are countless, limitless. Jesus Himself said to "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto [given] you" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus had been talking about how to have no worries about what to eat, drink, wear, etc. The person who puts God first knows that God will take care of him/her. The person who puts God first lives in victory and peace. The person who puts God first sees God move in and through his/her life. The person who puts God first walks with God, hand in Hand.
Take an honest look at each area of your life, and see the places where God is not first place. Seek to put Him first place. You will be glad you did.
Joshua 24:15b, 16 [NIV]
"...Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... Then the people answered, 'Far be it from us to forsake the LORD...'"
What this has to do with weight loss: If you determine today, and every day, to make God first in your life, He will provide for the finances involved in your weight-loss journey, be honored by the interests of your weight-loss journey, help you preserve the relationships of all those touched by your weight-loss journey, bless the schedule of your time spent on your weight-loss journey, and accompany you to the end of every trouble connected with your weight-loss journey. His involvement will make all the difference; give Him permission by putting Him first.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I see how putting You first in my life is the only way to experience true peace in this fallen world. Your Word is very clear on that. I don't want to worry about money or bills, be embarrassed by some of the things I do, hurt the people I claim to love, forget You, or go through trials alone. I want You to be first place in my life. I want Your influence in all areas of my life. Today, and every day, Lord, my prayer is that I will focus on You and Your Word, for help to keep my life in balance, with You at the helm of my ship. If I ever lose focus, which causes You to be relegated to second place, I ask that Your Holy Spirit would nudge me to look to You once more and yield to You as my Lord and my God. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, keeping God first in your life.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #44 [F.I.R.S.T. Place, Part V]
Previously, we looked at 4 of the 5 areas of life (finances, interests, relationships, and schedule), to see, individually, if God has first place in your life. Today, we'll look at the fifth and final area.
Troubles (the T in F.I.R.S.T.)--Think about your troubles, that which troubles you. Do those troubles defeat you? Do they cause you to moan and groan or even to be angry at God because you're going through them? Are you handling your troubles, or are your troubles handling you? Do you search the Word for scripture about your troubling area, so you know what God's Word says about it? Do you search out the promises contained in the Word, and are you doing your part so God can do His part? Finally, are you patient in waiting for God to move in your circumstances, living by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7)? Do you understand the authority given to you as a believer (Mark 16:17-18) and, if so, do you put on and use the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), speak the Name of Jesus and tell Satan to "Move on!"?
We live in a fallen world, so we will experience troubling situations, but we can and must believe the Lord when He said, "...be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, Amplified). You are an overcomer, because you have The Overcomer within you. Think like it, talk like it, and walk like it. If you need wisdom in a situation, go to God and ask for it, and He will give it to you (James 1:5). Is God first in your troubles?
II Corinthians 4:8-9 [NIV]
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed... For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
What this has to do with weight loss: I have wept over some of the posts I've read on ObesityHelp.com, by precious people who are going through terrible complications post-weight loss surgery. I've marveled at their courage, even their ability to just get up every morning. Those who know the Lord shine, even during their darkest days. They are able to give encouragement to others, despite knowing discouragement themselves. They live the saying, "Hope springs eternal," and it's a joy to rejoice with them when their troubles are over.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are days when I feel beset on every side by troubles. Sometimes those troubles threaten to crush me, but that's when I look up to You, The Overcomer. Thank You for Your Word that prepares me for the inevitability of troubles, yet does not leave me without help and hope. Thank You that no matter what I face, You are right here beside me, comforting and encouraging me. May I look to Your Word, in all my troubles, for the pathway through every trouble, and may I take advantage of every promise in Your Word connected to each trouble I experience, so my time in the valley may be short. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, putting God first in your troubles.
In times of uncertainty and trouble, listen to the Psalms from the cd Psalms for Surgery. More information available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Troubles (the T in F.I.R.S.T.)--Think about your troubles, that which troubles you. Do those troubles defeat you? Do they cause you to moan and groan or even to be angry at God because you're going through them? Are you handling your troubles, or are your troubles handling you? Do you search the Word for scripture about your troubling area, so you know what God's Word says about it? Do you search out the promises contained in the Word, and are you doing your part so God can do His part? Finally, are you patient in waiting for God to move in your circumstances, living by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7)? Do you understand the authority given to you as a believer (Mark 16:17-18) and, if so, do you put on and use the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), speak the Name of Jesus and tell Satan to "Move on!"?
We live in a fallen world, so we will experience troubling situations, but we can and must believe the Lord when He said, "...be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, Amplified). You are an overcomer, because you have The Overcomer within you. Think like it, talk like it, and walk like it. If you need wisdom in a situation, go to God and ask for it, and He will give it to you (James 1:5). Is God first in your troubles?
II Corinthians 4:8-9 [NIV]
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed... For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
What this has to do with weight loss: I have wept over some of the posts I've read on ObesityHelp.com, by precious people who are going through terrible complications post-weight loss surgery. I've marveled at their courage, even their ability to just get up every morning. Those who know the Lord shine, even during their darkest days. They are able to give encouragement to others, despite knowing discouragement themselves. They live the saying, "Hope springs eternal," and it's a joy to rejoice with them when their troubles are over.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are days when I feel beset on every side by troubles. Sometimes those troubles threaten to crush me, but that's when I look up to You, The Overcomer. Thank You for Your Word that prepares me for the inevitability of troubles, yet does not leave me without help and hope. Thank You that no matter what I face, You are right here beside me, comforting and encouraging me. May I look to Your Word, in all my troubles, for the pathway through every trouble, and may I take advantage of every promise in Your Word connected to each trouble I experience, so my time in the valley may be short. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, putting God first in your troubles.
In times of uncertainty and trouble, listen to the Psalms from the cd Psalms for Surgery. More information available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
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