What Beth Moore taught this morning on Life Today was too good not to share. "Thriving In a Season of Chastising: The Teaching Nature of God." Here are the notes I took, and I encourage you to look up and read each scripture reference.
Sometimes we cause our own suffering (painful consequences). We've done it to our self. How do we deal with that? Our problems are the result of, for example, our own pride, poor financial decisions, going forward despite a warning deep within, etc. It catches up with us in consequences & Fatherly chastisement.
Heb. 12:5-13. Discipline produces righteousness & peace.
Heb. 12:15. You cannot deserve grace. There is grace, even when you blew it!
The difference between consequences & chastisement:
Consequences are part of the natural order of God as Boss. It's the same for the believer & non-believer: You reap what you sow.
Chastisement is the supernatural order of God as Father.
*When we allow God to overtake our consequences, they become part of a teaching process.
Ps. 103:10-13. God does not treat us as we deserve, thankfully.
IF A CONSEQUENCE WILL TEACH US, GOD WILL ALLOW IT, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE NEED TO REPENT BUT WE'RE NOT REPENTING. Consequences get us to the place where we're ready to change. Heb. 12:5b.
WE HAVE TO ACCEPT THE FAULT WE HAVE TO ACCEPT. Accept your responsibility in the matter. Be willing to "own it." No one is totally innocent. Until you accept responsibility, you won't be able to "get on with it."
This was the first part of the teaching. I want to remember to catch the show one week from today, to hear more. I need this. Anyone else need it, too?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Announcement
Hi, Everyone.
I need to take some time away from posting the Life Plan Devotional. Please read previous issues here or, if you frequent ObesityHelp.com, on my OH profile blog. There are many more devotionals posted there. Everything is all right. I just need some time.
Blessings & Prayers,
Mary
I need to take some time away from posting the Life Plan Devotional. Please read previous issues here or, if you frequent ObesityHelp.com, on my OH profile blog. There are many more devotionals posted there. Everything is all right. I just need some time.
Blessings & Prayers,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #102 [My God]
Philippians 4:19 [NLT]
"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 is a familiar verse, yet how many see it as a promise? And how many who see it as a promise have meditated on it and spoken it until it gets down deep, on the inside? We must get past reading, even memorizing this verse, to the point where we know that we know it. How will you know when Phil. 4:19 has "landed"? ALL your cares, concerns, and worries will lift, even if your present circumstances (your need) hasn't changed one bit.
Meditating on a verse means thinking about it, praying over it, part by part, phrase by phrase, sometimes word by word. Let's do that, over the next few days. I have found that a verse gets down deep in my spirit much quicker, that way.
The first phrase in Philippians 4:19 is "My God." Wow! Think about how amazing it is that you can say, "He is MY God!" If you are a born-again believer then He IS your God, and you have all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that go with being His child. Every promise in God's Word is "Yes and Amen" to you. I love what the word "Amen" means: "So be it."
Notice that Phil. 4:19 says, "My God shall supply all [my] need..." It says "My God," not "my job." Having a job is great. Getting a weekly paycheck is a blessing, but we must remember that no man is to be our source of provision. No paycheck should be your source. If it is and you lose your job, you're in for a terrible trial. However, when God is your source, even if you lose your job, you will know that He will provide for you. You'll get another job, and He will meet your every need in the meantime.
Christians mean well, but so often we limit God. We put "the plan" together in our mind, as if God needs our help to work through the issue of provision. Not only is that a slap in the face of Jehovah-Jireh (the God Who Provides), but it is a sure sign that we don't believe He is able to deliver us, to save us, to provide for us. It shows a lack of faith, for if we're trying to come up with "the plan," we are saying we don't trust God to show us "the plan" and to cause it to come to fruition.
If we do not limit God, He has an unlimited number of channels through which to get provision to us. There are conditions, of course, and we'll explore them together, but, in short, if you are a born-again believer, if you are a sower (a giver), God has obligated Himself to supply all your needs. Expect God to come through for you!
What this has to do with weight loss: Whatever your need is, on the weight-loss journey, expect God to supply (provide for) that need.
Confession:
I am a born-again believer, so I confidently claim the promise that "My God shall supply all [my] need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 is a familiar verse, yet how many see it as a promise? And how many who see it as a promise have meditated on it and spoken it until it gets down deep, on the inside? We must get past reading, even memorizing this verse, to the point where we know that we know it. How will you know when Phil. 4:19 has "landed"? ALL your cares, concerns, and worries will lift, even if your present circumstances (your need) hasn't changed one bit.
Meditating on a verse means thinking about it, praying over it, part by part, phrase by phrase, sometimes word by word. Let's do that, over the next few days. I have found that a verse gets down deep in my spirit much quicker, that way.
The first phrase in Philippians 4:19 is "My God." Wow! Think about how amazing it is that you can say, "He is MY God!" If you are a born-again believer then He IS your God, and you have all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that go with being His child. Every promise in God's Word is "Yes and Amen" to you. I love what the word "Amen" means: "So be it."
Notice that Phil. 4:19 says, "My God shall supply all [my] need..." It says "My God," not "my job." Having a job is great. Getting a weekly paycheck is a blessing, but we must remember that no man is to be our source of provision. No paycheck should be your source. If it is and you lose your job, you're in for a terrible trial. However, when God is your source, even if you lose your job, you will know that He will provide for you. You'll get another job, and He will meet your every need in the meantime.
Christians mean well, but so often we limit God. We put "the plan" together in our mind, as if God needs our help to work through the issue of provision. Not only is that a slap in the face of Jehovah-Jireh (the God Who Provides), but it is a sure sign that we don't believe He is able to deliver us, to save us, to provide for us. It shows a lack of faith, for if we're trying to come up with "the plan," we are saying we don't trust God to show us "the plan" and to cause it to come to fruition.
If we do not limit God, He has an unlimited number of channels through which to get provision to us. There are conditions, of course, and we'll explore them together, but, in short, if you are a born-again believer, if you are a sower (a giver), God has obligated Himself to supply all your needs. Expect God to come through for you!
What this has to do with weight loss: Whatever your need is, on the weight-loss journey, expect God to supply (provide for) that need.
Confession:
I am a born-again believer, so I confidently claim the promise that "My God shall supply all [my] need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #101 [Promises]
II Peter 1:3-5a "By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises" [NLT].
Webster's Dictionary defines "promise" as "a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc." Depending on one's criteria for that which constitutes a "promise," there are at least 1,260 and may be as many as 6,000 promises in the Bible. Just so you know how I feel about it, I say there are 31,173 promises, for that is how many verses there are in the entire Bible. For this writer, every word in the Bible is God-breathed and true. Radical? Perhaps. It has been my experience that when one lines himself/herself up with the Word of God, in thought, word, and deed, one finds that "God can be trusted to keep His promise" (Hebrews 10:23).
No doubt you, reader, have been on the receiving end of a promise unfulfilled, and, when that happens, it is upsetting. In a perfect world, all promises are kept. I have good news! God keeps His promises! God keeps His word. "God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind" (Numbers 23:19a). Moses (the commonly-accepted writer of the Book of Numbers) goes on to ask, "Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?" (19b). The answer is "No."
The psalmist David walked with God and, at times, counter to God. No matter what, David came to learn and know that "God's way is perfect. All [His] promises prove true" (Psalm 18:30). The Apostle Paul, in the Book of Romans, chapter 4, talks about the faith of Abraham (considered to be the father of faith). Paul tells us that "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises" (vv. 20-21).
If you want to please God, if you want to see all of the promises in God's Word fulfilled in your life, you must know Jesus Christ as your Savior, "For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding 'Yes!' And through Christ, our 'Amen' (which means 'Yes') ascends to God for His glory" (II Corinthians 1:20). Believers across the millennia testify that "Those who know [His] Name trust in [Him], for [He] [does] not abandon those who search for [Him]" (Psalm 9:10).
Hebrews 6:18b [NLT]
"We who have fled to [God] for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." [Note: specific noun, for non-specific pronoun, inserted by author, for clarity.]
What this has to do with weight loss: If you would experience success on the weight-loss journey, you must have hope that it will happen. There is a place of protection, safety, and refuge. It is in God and in His Word. Hang on to Him, and you will hang on to hope.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I choose to take You at Your Word, that Your Word is true. I want all that You have for me, so show me what that is, in the pages of Your Word, and help me to see how to make sure it comes to pass for me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with great anticipation for the fulfillment of God's promises in your life.
Webster's Dictionary defines "promise" as "a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc." Depending on one's criteria for that which constitutes a "promise," there are at least 1,260 and may be as many as 6,000 promises in the Bible. Just so you know how I feel about it, I say there are 31,173 promises, for that is how many verses there are in the entire Bible. For this writer, every word in the Bible is God-breathed and true. Radical? Perhaps. It has been my experience that when one lines himself/herself up with the Word of God, in thought, word, and deed, one finds that "God can be trusted to keep His promise" (Hebrews 10:23).
No doubt you, reader, have been on the receiving end of a promise unfulfilled, and, when that happens, it is upsetting. In a perfect world, all promises are kept. I have good news! God keeps His promises! God keeps His word. "God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind" (Numbers 23:19a). Moses (the commonly-accepted writer of the Book of Numbers) goes on to ask, "Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?" (19b). The answer is "No."
The psalmist David walked with God and, at times, counter to God. No matter what, David came to learn and know that "God's way is perfect. All [His] promises prove true" (Psalm 18:30). The Apostle Paul, in the Book of Romans, chapter 4, talks about the faith of Abraham (considered to be the father of faith). Paul tells us that "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises" (vv. 20-21).
If you want to please God, if you want to see all of the promises in God's Word fulfilled in your life, you must know Jesus Christ as your Savior, "For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding 'Yes!' And through Christ, our 'Amen' (which means 'Yes') ascends to God for His glory" (II Corinthians 1:20). Believers across the millennia testify that "Those who know [His] Name trust in [Him], for [He] [does] not abandon those who search for [Him]" (Psalm 9:10).
Hebrews 6:18b [NLT]
"We who have fled to [God] for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." [Note: specific noun, for non-specific pronoun, inserted by author, for clarity.]
What this has to do with weight loss: If you would experience success on the weight-loss journey, you must have hope that it will happen. There is a place of protection, safety, and refuge. It is in God and in His Word. Hang on to Him, and you will hang on to hope.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I choose to take You at Your Word, that Your Word is true. I want all that You have for me, so show me what that is, in the pages of Your Word, and help me to see how to make sure it comes to pass for me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, with great anticipation for the fulfillment of God's promises in your life.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #100 [God's Armor--Sword of the Spirit]
In the defensive Armor of God, the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) is the only offensive weapon. God Almighty teaches His children to tell of His strength [the Greek version of the Old Testament says that God "ordains praise"], silencing His enemies and all who oppose Him (Psalm 8:2), and He instructs us to "write [His] answer plainly" (Habakkuk 2:2) and to speak to our mountain (Matthew 17:20).
If you are a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ, then silence your avenger and every foe with praise, by daily putting on the Armor, wielding the Sword of the Spirit, and speaking out loud who you are--blessed. God will be most pleased, and the enemy will flee.
"The LORD my God is with me [Numbers 23:21]. I am blessed, and no one--not even Satan--can change that [Num. 23:20]! God has blessed me in all the work of my hands. He has watched over my journey. He has been with me, and I have lacked nothing. [Deuteronomy 2:7] In the presence of the LORD my God, my family and I rejoice in everything I put my hand to, because the LORD my God has blessed me [Deut. 12:7]. I am blessed in the city and blessed in the country! I am blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out. [Deut. 28:3,6] I am God's servant, He has blessed my house, and it will be blessed forever [I Chronicles 17:27]. I tithe, so I have enough to eat and plenty to spare; all my needs are met [II Chron. 31:10; Philippians 4:19]. God has put a hedge around me and my household, and blessed me [Job 1:10]. The LORD, my Rock, lives, and I praise Him! God avenges me, subdues nations under me, and saves me from my enemies. God exalts me above my foes, and rescues me from violent men. [Psalm 18:46-48] God has granted me eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of His presence [Ps. 21:6]. God heard my cry for mercy. He is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. [Ps. 28:6-7] I take refuge in the LORD. I will never be put to shame. I am delivered in His righteousness. [Ps. 31:1] I am blessed, for my transgressions are forgiven, my sins are covered. The LORD does not count my sins against me. [Ps. 32:1-2] The LORD is my God. He has chosen me as His inheritance, and I am blessed. [Ps. 33:12] I maintain justice and do what is right, and I am blessed [Ps. 106:3]. I respect the LORD, so I am blessed, and my children will be mighty. Wealth is in my house. Even in darkness, light dawns for me, because I am gracious, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to me, because I am generous and lend freely, and I conduct my affairs with justice. I will never be shaken. I will have no fear of bad news; my heart is steadfast, secure. I look in triumph on my foes. [Ps. 112:1-8] I have all faith, so I share in the blessings of Abraham, the man of faith [Galatians 3:9]. God has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ [Ephesians 1:3]. I am strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. I put on all of God's armor so that I am able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil, every evil ruler and authority of the unseen world, every mighty power in this dark world, and every evil spirit in heavenly places. I put on every piece of God's armor so I am able to resist the enemy, and after the battle, I will be standing firm. I stand my ground! [Eph. 6:10-14] I say 'no' to ungodliness, and I live a self-controlled, upright and godly life, while I wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of my great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for me, to redeem me from all wickedness and to purify me [Titus 2:12-14]. I am blessed. I persevere under trials, and when I have stood the test, I will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him, and that includes me! [James 1:12]"
If you are a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ, then silence your avenger and every foe with praise, by daily putting on the Armor, wielding the Sword of the Spirit, and speaking out loud who you are--blessed. God will be most pleased, and the enemy will flee.
"The LORD my God is with me [Numbers 23:21]. I am blessed, and no one--not even Satan--can change that [Num. 23:20]! God has blessed me in all the work of my hands. He has watched over my journey. He has been with me, and I have lacked nothing. [Deuteronomy 2:7] In the presence of the LORD my God, my family and I rejoice in everything I put my hand to, because the LORD my God has blessed me [Deut. 12:7]. I am blessed in the city and blessed in the country! I am blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out. [Deut. 28:3,6] I am God's servant, He has blessed my house, and it will be blessed forever [I Chronicles 17:27]. I tithe, so I have enough to eat and plenty to spare; all my needs are met [II Chron. 31:10; Philippians 4:19]. God has put a hedge around me and my household, and blessed me [Job 1:10]. The LORD, my Rock, lives, and I praise Him! God avenges me, subdues nations under me, and saves me from my enemies. God exalts me above my foes, and rescues me from violent men. [Psalm 18:46-48] God has granted me eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of His presence [Ps. 21:6]. God heard my cry for mercy. He is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. [Ps. 28:6-7] I take refuge in the LORD. I will never be put to shame. I am delivered in His righteousness. [Ps. 31:1] I am blessed, for my transgressions are forgiven, my sins are covered. The LORD does not count my sins against me. [Ps. 32:1-2] The LORD is my God. He has chosen me as His inheritance, and I am blessed. [Ps. 33:12] I maintain justice and do what is right, and I am blessed [Ps. 106:3]. I respect the LORD, so I am blessed, and my children will be mighty. Wealth is in my house. Even in darkness, light dawns for me, because I am gracious, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to me, because I am generous and lend freely, and I conduct my affairs with justice. I will never be shaken. I will have no fear of bad news; my heart is steadfast, secure. I look in triumph on my foes. [Ps. 112:1-8] I have all faith, so I share in the blessings of Abraham, the man of faith [Galatians 3:9]. God has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ [Ephesians 1:3]. I am strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. I put on all of God's armor so that I am able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil, every evil ruler and authority of the unseen world, every mighty power in this dark world, and every evil spirit in heavenly places. I put on every piece of God's armor so I am able to resist the enemy, and after the battle, I will be standing firm. I stand my ground! [Eph. 6:10-14] I say 'no' to ungodliness, and I live a self-controlled, upright and godly life, while I wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of my great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for me, to redeem me from all wickedness and to purify me [Titus 2:12-14]. I am blessed. I persevere under trials, and when I have stood the test, I will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him, and that includes me! [James 1:12]"
Friday, September 25, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #99 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XVII]
The enemy doesn't have to do much more than whisper, "This is just the way life is; there's nothing you can do about it," pairing it with a seemingly hopeless situation, and, chances are, you will give in to the fear of powerlessness/helplessness. I know that has been true in my life.
Due to repressed memories and trauma from a rape at 15 and an abusive first marriage, I suffered from depression, anxiety, fear, and panic attacks. Even as a believer, I know what it is like to wake up in the morning, clinging to the Lord and trusting Him to get me through the day. Like David, I prayed to God and reminded Him that, "You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 59:16-17).
The enemy wanted me to feel powerless to change my situation of depression and panic attacks (and all that entailed), just like he wanted me to feel powerless to change the situation in my first marriage. While he was successful for a time, in both circumstances, I came to realize that because I am a believer, I am never powerless. It took some time, but I climbed out.
Are you in a situation that has you brought down low? You don't have to stay there. Climb up! Climb out! Allow God to help you experience what David did, and caused David to pray, "You armed me with strength for battle; You made my adversaries bow at my feet" (II Samuel 22:40). God says to you, "...I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
Daniel 11:32b [KJV]
"...The people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits."
What this has to do with weight loss: An exploit is "a striking or notable deed; feat" (Webster's). Do you ever get the feeling, while on the weight-loss journey, that it will be considered an "exploit," should you make it to goal weight with your sanity in tact! Let me assure you, if you know God and allow Him to empower you, you will do it!
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, sometimes life is really hard, and the enemy wants me to think that there's no way out, that there's nothing that I or anyone else can do to change the situation. I recognize that as a lie, Lord, because You have told me in Your Word that You will strengthen me and help me. I'm so thankful that, in the midst of terribly tough times, I can feel Your Hand holding me up. I love You so much for that! Father, when I'm in a seemingly hopeless situation, remind me that I can climb up and out of it, with Your help. Help me to know what to do, and help me to take that first step, the next step, and the next. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, trusting in the One who gave you the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to remind you that He can and will deliver you from the fear of powerlessness/helplessness.
Due to repressed memories and trauma from a rape at 15 and an abusive first marriage, I suffered from depression, anxiety, fear, and panic attacks. Even as a believer, I know what it is like to wake up in the morning, clinging to the Lord and trusting Him to get me through the day. Like David, I prayed to God and reminded Him that, "You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 59:16-17).
The enemy wanted me to feel powerless to change my situation of depression and panic attacks (and all that entailed), just like he wanted me to feel powerless to change the situation in my first marriage. While he was successful for a time, in both circumstances, I came to realize that because I am a believer, I am never powerless. It took some time, but I climbed out.
Are you in a situation that has you brought down low? You don't have to stay there. Climb up! Climb out! Allow God to help you experience what David did, and caused David to pray, "You armed me with strength for battle; You made my adversaries bow at my feet" (II Samuel 22:40). God says to you, "...I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
Daniel 11:32b [KJV]
"...The people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits."
What this has to do with weight loss: An exploit is "a striking or notable deed; feat" (Webster's). Do you ever get the feeling, while on the weight-loss journey, that it will be considered an "exploit," should you make it to goal weight with your sanity in tact! Let me assure you, if you know God and allow Him to empower you, you will do it!
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, sometimes life is really hard, and the enemy wants me to think that there's no way out, that there's nothing that I or anyone else can do to change the situation. I recognize that as a lie, Lord, because You have told me in Your Word that You will strengthen me and help me. I'm so thankful that, in the midst of terribly tough times, I can feel Your Hand holding me up. I love You so much for that! Father, when I'm in a seemingly hopeless situation, remind me that I can climb up and out of it, with Your help. Help me to know what to do, and help me to take that first step, the next step, and the next. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, trusting in the One who gave you the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to remind you that He can and will deliver you from the fear of powerlessness/helplessness.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #98 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XVI]
We have looked at 4 of the top 5 most common fears used by Satan, to try to discourage and defeat you, the believer: the fear of want/lack, the fear of peril/danger, the fear of sickness/disease, and the fear of death/dying. Today, let's look at the fifth and final most common fear used by Satan, the fear of powerlessness/helplessness.
If you have ever felt like a victim of circumstances or had thoughts similar to, "Poor thing. Everything bad happens to you. It's just one thing after another, and you're powerless to change it," you've experienced the whispers of the enemy, to try to get you to fear that you are powerless or helpless.
The apostle Paul, when he sought help from the Lord 3 times for a "thorn in the flesh...a messenger of Satan sent to buffet [him]" to be removed from him (II Corinthians 12:7), the Lord said to Paul, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness'" (II Corinthians 12:9a). Paul understood that there is purpose in supposed weakness, "so that Christ's power may rest on me," and he even went so far as to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses" and "That is why, for Christ's sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties." How could that be? Paul sums it up by saying, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9b-10)
Paul experienced something that God wants each believer to experience, that though Satan "meant it for evil, God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Satan had been going crazy, ever since his right-hand man, Saul, the one who had imprisoned and caused to be killed more believers than any one person, had himself come to know Jesus, so much so that God changed his name from Saul (which means "asked for") to Paul (which means "small" or "humble"). Satan wanted Saul back, so he tried over and over to put fear of powerlessness/helplessness on Paul, hoping that Paul would revert to his old Saul (and sin) nature. But it didn't work, because Paul knew the power of God's grace, not to "put up with" but to "conquer all."
Paul said to the Corinthians, and God says to you today, that He (God) "is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (II Corinthians 9:8). In what things? In all things. When? At all times. How much will God give you, of what you need? All that you need. How much grace will you experience? All grace. Why fear that you are powerless or helpless? You shouldn't, for you, as a true believer, are anything but powerless, far from being helpless.
Philippians 4:13 [Amplified]
"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]."
What this has to do with weight loss: How many times, on the weight-loss journey, have you asked yourself, "Can I really do this?" For the believer who realizes who he/she is in Christ, the answer is a resounding YES, not because the believer has personal strength or fortitude, but because his/her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One. When you feel weak in your ability, and find yourself giving in to the fear that you are powerless and helpless, remember that you "have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers [you]."
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, Satan wants me to fear that I am powerless and helpless, and sometimes it's true. During those times, help me to know that when I'm weak, I'm really strong in You. On my own, I can't do it, but in You, there's nothing I can't do! I praise You for that, and I pray that I'll live it out. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing the power of God over the fear of powerlessness.
If you have ever felt like a victim of circumstances or had thoughts similar to, "Poor thing. Everything bad happens to you. It's just one thing after another, and you're powerless to change it," you've experienced the whispers of the enemy, to try to get you to fear that you are powerless or helpless.
The apostle Paul, when he sought help from the Lord 3 times for a "thorn in the flesh...a messenger of Satan sent to buffet [him]" to be removed from him (II Corinthians 12:7), the Lord said to Paul, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness'" (II Corinthians 12:9a). Paul understood that there is purpose in supposed weakness, "so that Christ's power may rest on me," and he even went so far as to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses" and "That is why, for Christ's sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties." How could that be? Paul sums it up by saying, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9b-10)
Paul experienced something that God wants each believer to experience, that though Satan "meant it for evil, God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Satan had been going crazy, ever since his right-hand man, Saul, the one who had imprisoned and caused to be killed more believers than any one person, had himself come to know Jesus, so much so that God changed his name from Saul (which means "asked for") to Paul (which means "small" or "humble"). Satan wanted Saul back, so he tried over and over to put fear of powerlessness/helplessness on Paul, hoping that Paul would revert to his old Saul (and sin) nature. But it didn't work, because Paul knew the power of God's grace, not to "put up with" but to "conquer all."
Paul said to the Corinthians, and God says to you today, that He (God) "is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (II Corinthians 9:8). In what things? In all things. When? At all times. How much will God give you, of what you need? All that you need. How much grace will you experience? All grace. Why fear that you are powerless or helpless? You shouldn't, for you, as a true believer, are anything but powerless, far from being helpless.
Philippians 4:13 [Amplified]
"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]."
What this has to do with weight loss: How many times, on the weight-loss journey, have you asked yourself, "Can I really do this?" For the believer who realizes who he/she is in Christ, the answer is a resounding YES, not because the believer has personal strength or fortitude, but because his/her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One. When you feel weak in your ability, and find yourself giving in to the fear that you are powerless and helpless, remember that you "have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers [you]."
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, Satan wants me to fear that I am powerless and helpless, and sometimes it's true. During those times, help me to know that when I'm weak, I'm really strong in You. On my own, I can't do it, but in You, there's nothing I can't do! I praise You for that, and I pray that I'll live it out. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing the power of God over the fear of powerlessness.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #97 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XV]
When you take the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), part of the Armor of God and given to every believer (Ephesians 6:17), you have everything you need to defeat Satan, as he seeks to cause you to give in to the fourth most common fear, the fear of death/dying.
When you know what the Word of God has to say about death, you will feel reassurance, and you will have the arsenal you need to speak to the enemy and watch him retreat. You are not alone. The psalmist tells us, and it is true, that "The Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine" (Psalm 33:18-19).
Even if you're given a terminal diagnosis, as was Hezekiah in Isaiah 38:1-5, you can call on God for help, as did Hezekiah. He "prayed to the LORD, [saying,] 'Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in Your eyes.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly." Notice that Hezekiah lived a life in line with God's Word. "Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: 'Go and tell Hezekiah...I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add 15 years to your life." When Satan whispers, "You're going to die," you tell him, "Let's see what God has to say!"
God says, "The number of your days I will fulfill" (Exodus 23:26). This is a promise to those who worship Him wholeheartedly (Exodus 23:24-25). God says, "With long life will I satisfy [the one who loves Me] and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:16). When Satan tries to present you with the fear of death/dying, you tell him, "I love and worship God. He knows the exact number of days I will live, and He's promised it will be a long, satisfying life, so you have no say so in the matter. Get behind me, Satan!"
I Corinthians 15:56-58 [NIV]
"The sting of death is sin... But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm..."
What this has to do with weight loss: Through Jesus' death on the Cross, we have spiritual and physical victory over sin, even the sin of gluttony, which caused us to put on many pounds of pain and resulted in many physical and emotional consequences. Through Jesus, and as a true believer, you have ultimate victory on your weight-loss journey. May that encourage you to "stand firm," when you experience the occasional slip or stall.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I thank You that through the death of Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ, I have victory over sin, no matter the sin, no matter the consequence of the sin. How I praise You for that! The enemy would have me believe that he has the power to bury me, but as Your child, as someone who loves You and lives for You, I have You on my side. How I praise You for that! Give me the courage and the boldness to claim and proclaim Your promises of long life, whenever the enemy comes to me with the fear of death/dying, for Your Word is greater than his word. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking God's powerful Word, knowing that the enemy's scheme to put fear of death/dying on you will be defeated.
When you know what the Word of God has to say about death, you will feel reassurance, and you will have the arsenal you need to speak to the enemy and watch him retreat. You are not alone. The psalmist tells us, and it is true, that "The Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine" (Psalm 33:18-19).
Even if you're given a terminal diagnosis, as was Hezekiah in Isaiah 38:1-5, you can call on God for help, as did Hezekiah. He "prayed to the LORD, [saying,] 'Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in Your eyes.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly." Notice that Hezekiah lived a life in line with God's Word. "Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: 'Go and tell Hezekiah...I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add 15 years to your life." When Satan whispers, "You're going to die," you tell him, "Let's see what God has to say!"
God says, "The number of your days I will fulfill" (Exodus 23:26). This is a promise to those who worship Him wholeheartedly (Exodus 23:24-25). God says, "With long life will I satisfy [the one who loves Me] and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:16). When Satan tries to present you with the fear of death/dying, you tell him, "I love and worship God. He knows the exact number of days I will live, and He's promised it will be a long, satisfying life, so you have no say so in the matter. Get behind me, Satan!"
I Corinthians 15:56-58 [NIV]
"The sting of death is sin... But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm..."
What this has to do with weight loss: Through Jesus' death on the Cross, we have spiritual and physical victory over sin, even the sin of gluttony, which caused us to put on many pounds of pain and resulted in many physical and emotional consequences. Through Jesus, and as a true believer, you have ultimate victory on your weight-loss journey. May that encourage you to "stand firm," when you experience the occasional slip or stall.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I thank You that through the death of Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ, I have victory over sin, no matter the sin, no matter the consequence of the sin. How I praise You for that! The enemy would have me believe that he has the power to bury me, but as Your child, as someone who loves You and lives for You, I have You on my side. How I praise You for that! Give me the courage and the boldness to claim and proclaim Your promises of long life, whenever the enemy comes to me with the fear of death/dying, for Your Word is greater than his word. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking God's powerful Word, knowing that the enemy's scheme to put fear of death/dying on you will be defeated.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #96 [God's Armor--Helment of Salvation, Part XIV]
The enemy doesn't have to do much more than whisper, "You're going to die!" and pair it with a potentially-serious situation, and, chances are, you will give in to the fear of death/dying. I know that has been true in my life.
I was chloroformed and raped, at the age of 15. When the memories came back, so did the fear of death. Even though the repressed memories had caused me to suffer from depression and panic attacks for more than 3 decades, I never had another panic attack after my memory was restored. While I definitely had issues to work on, to work out, to work through, I no longer feared death/dying. The reason was twofold--I realized that I had not been alone for that dark time in my life, and the enemy had not won!
King David understood danger and fear of death, as he experienced it many times. He prayed, "My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, 'Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest'" (Psalm 55:4-6). Even David, the one who, as a boy, killed a giant with a slingshot and a stone, felt overwhelmed with fear of death, but he prayed through until he could testify to others to "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fail" (Psalm 55:22).
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth, wrote about what he and his companions had suffered. He said, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered... We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death." Paul gives some perspective, though, to those difficult times, as he goes on to say, "But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us" (II Corinthians 1:8-10).
When you know and trust the One with Resurrection Power, fear of death/dying will no longer have a hold on you.
Psalm 56:13 [NIV]
"You have delivered my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."
What this has to do with weight loss: Our soul encompasses our mind, will, and emotions. When weighed down with many pounds of pain, death encompasses our soul, to the point where we think about it, we do the things that will bring it on prematurely, and we experience all the emotions attached with fearing a death at the hands of gluttony (our own hands). We made many attempts at fighting the fear, at making the changes necessary to turn the situation around, yet we stumbled over and over. Then God delivered us, through weight-loss surgery, and now He is helping us to keep from stumbling. The reason is so that we will live and walk before Him in the light of LIFE.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, no matter how the enemy will try to place fear of death/dying upon me, I thank You that I am never alone--You are with me always--and THE ENEMY WILL NOT WIN. You are my Deliverer, and may I walk before You in the light of life. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, trusting in the One who gave you the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to remind you that He can and will deliver you from the fear of death/dying.
I was chloroformed and raped, at the age of 15. When the memories came back, so did the fear of death. Even though the repressed memories had caused me to suffer from depression and panic attacks for more than 3 decades, I never had another panic attack after my memory was restored. While I definitely had issues to work on, to work out, to work through, I no longer feared death/dying. The reason was twofold--I realized that I had not been alone for that dark time in my life, and the enemy had not won!
King David understood danger and fear of death, as he experienced it many times. He prayed, "My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, 'Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest'" (Psalm 55:4-6). Even David, the one who, as a boy, killed a giant with a slingshot and a stone, felt overwhelmed with fear of death, but he prayed through until he could testify to others to "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fail" (Psalm 55:22).
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth, wrote about what he and his companions had suffered. He said, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered... We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death." Paul gives some perspective, though, to those difficult times, as he goes on to say, "But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us" (II Corinthians 1:8-10).
When you know and trust the One with Resurrection Power, fear of death/dying will no longer have a hold on you.
Psalm 56:13 [NIV]
"You have delivered my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."
What this has to do with weight loss: Our soul encompasses our mind, will, and emotions. When weighed down with many pounds of pain, death encompasses our soul, to the point where we think about it, we do the things that will bring it on prematurely, and we experience all the emotions attached with fearing a death at the hands of gluttony (our own hands). We made many attempts at fighting the fear, at making the changes necessary to turn the situation around, yet we stumbled over and over. Then God delivered us, through weight-loss surgery, and now He is helping us to keep from stumbling. The reason is so that we will live and walk before Him in the light of LIFE.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, no matter how the enemy will try to place fear of death/dying upon me, I thank You that I am never alone--You are with me always--and THE ENEMY WILL NOT WIN. You are my Deliverer, and may I walk before You in the light of life. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, trusting in the One who gave you the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to remind you that He can and will deliver you from the fear of death/dying.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #95 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XIII]
We have looked at 3 of the top 5 most common fears used by Satan: the fear of want/lack, the fear of peril/danger, and the fear of sickness/disease. Today, let's look at the fourth most common fear used by Satan to try to discourage and defeat you, fear of death/dying.
There is a saying that "There are two sure things in life: death and taxes." Unless a believer is alive at the Rapture (when we are called away, to meet Jesus in the air), "What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave?" (Psalm 89:48).
Romans 5:12 tells us, "Just as sin entered the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, in this way death came to all men, because all sinned." Yes, we descendants of Adam share a sin nature and death (both spiritually and physically). It has been Satan's greatest work and achievement.
However, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (I John 3:8)! "[Jesus] shared in [our] humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death" (Hebrews 2:14-15).
The enemy will have multiple opportunities to whisper "You're going to die," either as a result of sickness/disease or just in day-to-day living. As a believer, though, you have the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) which give you protection from premature death, if you make use of them.
Death should not be a fearful thing, for a believer, nor should a believer be obsessed with watching or waiting for it, for, through Jesus' death on the cross, Hosea 13:14 was fulfilled, when God said, "I will ransom [my people] from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?"
Psalm 90:10 [NLT]
"The length of our days is 70 years--or 80, if we have the strength..."
What this has to do with weight loss: God has given each of us the ability to live for 70-80 years, yet, for those of us who are obese, we have significantly reduced that promised lifespan. However, just as we have negatively affected "the length of our days," we can make healthful eating and exercise changes, to positively affect how many years we will live. Either way, it's a decision each of us make. May your choices today be positive, healthy ones.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I am so grateful to You and Your Son, Jesus, for giving me, as a believer, victory over the spiritual and physical consequences of sin--death. Help me to see what Your Word has to say about death, so that I won't give in to the fear of death, that the enemy will try to bring to me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing victory in living over fear of death.
There is a saying that "There are two sure things in life: death and taxes." Unless a believer is alive at the Rapture (when we are called away, to meet Jesus in the air), "What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave?" (Psalm 89:48).
Romans 5:12 tells us, "Just as sin entered the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, in this way death came to all men, because all sinned." Yes, we descendants of Adam share a sin nature and death (both spiritually and physically). It has been Satan's greatest work and achievement.
However, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (I John 3:8)! "[Jesus] shared in [our] humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death" (Hebrews 2:14-15).
The enemy will have multiple opportunities to whisper "You're going to die," either as a result of sickness/disease or just in day-to-day living. As a believer, though, you have the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) which give you protection from premature death, if you make use of them.
Death should not be a fearful thing, for a believer, nor should a believer be obsessed with watching or waiting for it, for, through Jesus' death on the cross, Hosea 13:14 was fulfilled, when God said, "I will ransom [my people] from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?"
Psalm 90:10 [NLT]
"The length of our days is 70 years--or 80, if we have the strength..."
What this has to do with weight loss: God has given each of us the ability to live for 70-80 years, yet, for those of us who are obese, we have significantly reduced that promised lifespan. However, just as we have negatively affected "the length of our days," we can make healthful eating and exercise changes, to positively affect how many years we will live. Either way, it's a decision each of us make. May your choices today be positive, healthy ones.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I am so grateful to You and Your Son, Jesus, for giving me, as a believer, victory over the spiritual and physical consequences of sin--death. Help me to see what Your Word has to say about death, so that I won't give in to the fear of death, that the enemy will try to bring to me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing victory in living over fear of death.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #94 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XII]
Once you know what God's Word has to say about sickness and disease (attending to the Helmet of Salvation/Deliverance given to you), you have its power to back you up, whenever Satan comes at you with his third most common fear, the fear of sickness and disease.
Jesus Christ is "the exact representation of [God's] being" (Hebrews 1:3), and "...The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works of the devil" (I John 3:8). The very first work of the devil was to bring sin, sickness, disease, and death into the Garden, with Adam and Eve's permission.
During Jesus' early ministry, we are told, in Matthew 8:16, that "When evening came, they brought to [Jesus] many who were under the power of demons, and He drove out the spirits with a word and restored to health all who were sick." He was fulfilling His Father's will.
Jesus is our example. He speaks to each believer, when He says, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these" (John 14:12). Remember that, when the enemy comes at you with the fear of sickness and disease.
Just as Jesus drove out spirits "with a word," that is what you must do. When the enemy comes at you with the fear of sickness and disease, whispering thoughts of, "You're going to get cancer and die" (or something similar), lift up your Sword of the Spirit and speak aloud to him, with all the power of God's Word backing you. Personalize II Corinthians 10:5, and say firmly to the enemy, "I demolish [all your] arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God!" and then say, "Get behind me, Satan!"
Psalm 103:2-3 [NIV]
"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases."
What this has to do with weight loss: I know that many in the weight-loss community have suffered or are suffering from co-morbidities and illness (whether weight-related or not). If you are a believer, I beg you to pay attention to Psalm 103:2-3, and know that God offers you "benefits." He offers forgiveness of sins and healing of diseases. Not just some of them...all of them. In faith, make a "demand" on those benefits, knowing that God will be most pleased to forgive and heal you. How do I know? "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19). No, whatever God says, He does, and He fulfills every promise, if you will believe and receive.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, whenever I'm presented with fear of sickness and disease, I'm going to recognize where it's coming from--from the enemy, and I'm going to open my mouth and rebuke him and the fear, the sickness, the disease. I'm going to use Your Word to do that, Lord, because it has the power to demolish Satan's schemes and bring healing to me. I thank You for that, and I pray that I will always believe and receive. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking God's powerful Word, knowing that the enemy's scheme to put fear of sickness and disease on you will be thwarted.
Jesus Christ is "the exact representation of [God's] being" (Hebrews 1:3), and "...The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works of the devil" (I John 3:8). The very first work of the devil was to bring sin, sickness, disease, and death into the Garden, with Adam and Eve's permission.
During Jesus' early ministry, we are told, in Matthew 8:16, that "When evening came, they brought to [Jesus] many who were under the power of demons, and He drove out the spirits with a word and restored to health all who were sick." He was fulfilling His Father's will.
Jesus is our example. He speaks to each believer, when He says, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these" (John 14:12). Remember that, when the enemy comes at you with the fear of sickness and disease.
Just as Jesus drove out spirits "with a word," that is what you must do. When the enemy comes at you with the fear of sickness and disease, whispering thoughts of, "You're going to get cancer and die" (or something similar), lift up your Sword of the Spirit and speak aloud to him, with all the power of God's Word backing you. Personalize II Corinthians 10:5, and say firmly to the enemy, "I demolish [all your] arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God!" and then say, "Get behind me, Satan!"
Psalm 103:2-3 [NIV]
"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases."
What this has to do with weight loss: I know that many in the weight-loss community have suffered or are suffering from co-morbidities and illness (whether weight-related or not). If you are a believer, I beg you to pay attention to Psalm 103:2-3, and know that God offers you "benefits." He offers forgiveness of sins and healing of diseases. Not just some of them...all of them. In faith, make a "demand" on those benefits, knowing that God will be most pleased to forgive and heal you. How do I know? "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19). No, whatever God says, He does, and He fulfills every promise, if you will believe and receive.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, whenever I'm presented with fear of sickness and disease, I'm going to recognize where it's coming from--from the enemy, and I'm going to open my mouth and rebuke him and the fear, the sickness, the disease. I'm going to use Your Word to do that, Lord, because it has the power to demolish Satan's schemes and bring healing to me. I thank You for that, and I pray that I will always believe and receive. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking God's powerful Word, knowing that the enemy's scheme to put fear of sickness and disease on you will be thwarted.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #93 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XI]
The enemy will provide you with multiple opportunities to give in to his third most common fear, the fear of sickness and disease. Have no fear. You have on the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance). Now, pick up the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), and listen to your Commander and Heavenly Father speak to you.
"My son [daughter], pay attention to what I say; listen closely to My words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's [woman's] whole body" (Proverbs 4:20-22). God's Word is life and health. If you don't know what God has to say in the Bible, how can you expect to be victorious over Satan in anything.
If you are a believer who does not read God's Word, except along with the preacher during your one visit to church per week, then you have not exercised your spiritual muscles. And if you don't regularly exercise your spiritual muscles, you will not have the strength it takes to lift up the Sword of the Spirit given to you by God Himself, much less use it against your enemy.
Do you want life and health? Then you must pay attention to what God has to say, listen closely to His Words, look at them constantly (or be thinking about them), and hide them in your heart. God's Word heals. God's Word, when used against Satan's lies and attempts to throw fear of sickness and disease on you (and any other fear) will defeat him every time.
Proverbs 4:23-24 [NLT]
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech."
What this has to do with weight loss: How often do you allow the negative or hurtful things that other people say determine the course of your day, even your life? Even a careless word from a coworker can set you up for emotional eating. Don't give in to it. Guard your heart, and avoid that person. Resist the urge to "give back in kind." Your ears are not garbage cans, but your mouth shouldn't be one, either.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want life and health. I want to be so full of Your Word that there's no room for sickness and disease. I want to know Your Word so well that when Satan tries to throw sickness on me, I immediately raise my Sword of the Spirit and speak Your Words of promise of health and long life. I know that if I can do that, he will turn tail and run. May I flex my spiritual muscles and effectively guard my heart and body. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, strengthening your knowledge and use of God's Word, which is life and health to you and protection against fear of sickness and disease.
"My son [daughter], pay attention to what I say; listen closely to My words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's [woman's] whole body" (Proverbs 4:20-22). God's Word is life and health. If you don't know what God has to say in the Bible, how can you expect to be victorious over Satan in anything.
If you are a believer who does not read God's Word, except along with the preacher during your one visit to church per week, then you have not exercised your spiritual muscles. And if you don't regularly exercise your spiritual muscles, you will not have the strength it takes to lift up the Sword of the Spirit given to you by God Himself, much less use it against your enemy.
Do you want life and health? Then you must pay attention to what God has to say, listen closely to His Words, look at them constantly (or be thinking about them), and hide them in your heart. God's Word heals. God's Word, when used against Satan's lies and attempts to throw fear of sickness and disease on you (and any other fear) will defeat him every time.
Proverbs 4:23-24 [NLT]
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech."
What this has to do with weight loss: How often do you allow the negative or hurtful things that other people say determine the course of your day, even your life? Even a careless word from a coworker can set you up for emotional eating. Don't give in to it. Guard your heart, and avoid that person. Resist the urge to "give back in kind." Your ears are not garbage cans, but your mouth shouldn't be one, either.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want life and health. I want to be so full of Your Word that there's no room for sickness and disease. I want to know Your Word so well that when Satan tries to throw sickness on me, I immediately raise my Sword of the Spirit and speak Your Words of promise of health and long life. I know that if I can do that, he will turn tail and run. May I flex my spiritual muscles and effectively guard my heart and body. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, strengthening your knowledge and use of God's Word, which is life and health to you and protection against fear of sickness and disease.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #92 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part X]
The fear of sickness and disease, the third most common fear used by Satan to try to discourage and defeat the believer, is prevalent in the Body of Christ today. The reason that Satan is so successful in using it, in putting sickness and disease in the bodies of believers, is because believers do not realize the power behind their Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance), part of the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:17). They do not know what the Word of God has to say about sickness and disease, especially about how to obtain healing, so they are unable to successfully wield the Sword of the Spirit, to fend off the attacks of Satan within their body.
The Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) give you protection and ultimate victory from sickness and disease, but you must know the promises of healing found in God's Word, qualify for them, and claim and speak them into your life. If you do that, "the length of [your] days [will be] 70 years--or 80, if [you] have the strength" (Psalm 90:10). If not, though, "[your] span [will be] but trouble and sorrow, for [the years] quickly pass" (Psalm 90:10).
Sin, sickness, disease, and death were ushered into God's perfect Garden when Adam and Eve listened to Satan's words of doubt, believed his deception, and gave in to his lies. The moment they did that, they qualified for the promise of God, when He said, "You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die" (Genesis 2:17). You see, that's how God works. He teaches us, warns us, and then, when we disobey, He allows the consequences. Praise God for redemption through the Blood of His Son, which gives us forgiveness of sins and healing of our body, if we will avail ourselves of it.
God says to Moses, and to believers today, for He does not change and neither does His Word, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you" (Genesis 15:26). When sickness results from not listening to God, not paying attention to His Word, not doing what is right and what is commanded in His Word, then God will allow you to experience the consequence, the sickness and disease. However, if you listen, pay attention, allow God's Word to change your heart and affect how you live your life, God's healing will be yours.
We live in a fallen world, so there will be plenty of opportunity for the enemy to win the battle of sickness and disease in your body, but while he may appear to win the battle, with God as your Jehovah-Rapha [the God Who Heals], you will win the war. That does not mean that we would live forever, but "though outwardly [our bodies] are wasting away [wearing out], yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day," so "we do not lose heart" (II Corinthians 4:16). God wants you to be like Moses, to live a long life, and when you have fulfilled the number of the days of your life, that you go to be with the Lord like Moses, whose "eyes were not weak nor his strength gone" (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses walked to his own funeral, and so should you!
Do not give in to the notion that sickness and disease is just a part of life. Do not fear the one who will seek to bury you, for "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (I John 4:4)! The Greater One is your Healer!
Proverbs 4:18-19 [NIV]
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."
What this has to do with weight loss: When you are righteous, in right standing with God, you have light for your journey, even your weight-loss journey. That Light will help you see that which can cause you to stumble, even on your weight-loss journey. Allow the Light of God and His Word to reveal the path you must take, to health, healing, and wholeness in your body.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, much of the sickness I experience is due to my own poor decisions and choices, but I thank You that it doesn't have to be that way. If I listen to You and follow Your Word, I will live a healthy life, full of healing. Lord, Satan is used to winning many battles of sickness, but I desire to win the war of wellness. Help me to see my part in doing that, to partner with You, my Jehovah-Rapha, my Healer. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing obedience to God's Word over the deception and sickness of sin.
The Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) give you protection and ultimate victory from sickness and disease, but you must know the promises of healing found in God's Word, qualify for them, and claim and speak them into your life. If you do that, "the length of [your] days [will be] 70 years--or 80, if [you] have the strength" (Psalm 90:10). If not, though, "[your] span [will be] but trouble and sorrow, for [the years] quickly pass" (Psalm 90:10).
Sin, sickness, disease, and death were ushered into God's perfect Garden when Adam and Eve listened to Satan's words of doubt, believed his deception, and gave in to his lies. The moment they did that, they qualified for the promise of God, when He said, "You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die" (Genesis 2:17). You see, that's how God works. He teaches us, warns us, and then, when we disobey, He allows the consequences. Praise God for redemption through the Blood of His Son, which gives us forgiveness of sins and healing of our body, if we will avail ourselves of it.
God says to Moses, and to believers today, for He does not change and neither does His Word, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you" (Genesis 15:26). When sickness results from not listening to God, not paying attention to His Word, not doing what is right and what is commanded in His Word, then God will allow you to experience the consequence, the sickness and disease. However, if you listen, pay attention, allow God's Word to change your heart and affect how you live your life, God's healing will be yours.
We live in a fallen world, so there will be plenty of opportunity for the enemy to win the battle of sickness and disease in your body, but while he may appear to win the battle, with God as your Jehovah-Rapha [the God Who Heals], you will win the war. That does not mean that we would live forever, but "though outwardly [our bodies] are wasting away [wearing out], yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day," so "we do not lose heart" (II Corinthians 4:16). God wants you to be like Moses, to live a long life, and when you have fulfilled the number of the days of your life, that you go to be with the Lord like Moses, whose "eyes were not weak nor his strength gone" (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses walked to his own funeral, and so should you!
Do not give in to the notion that sickness and disease is just a part of life. Do not fear the one who will seek to bury you, for "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (I John 4:4)! The Greater One is your Healer!
Proverbs 4:18-19 [NIV]
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."
What this has to do with weight loss: When you are righteous, in right standing with God, you have light for your journey, even your weight-loss journey. That Light will help you see that which can cause you to stumble, even on your weight-loss journey. Allow the Light of God and His Word to reveal the path you must take, to health, healing, and wholeness in your body.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, much of the sickness I experience is due to my own poor decisions and choices, but I thank You that it doesn't have to be that way. If I listen to You and follow Your Word, I will live a healthy life, full of healing. Lord, Satan is used to winning many battles of sickness, but I desire to win the war of wellness. Help me to see my part in doing that, to partner with You, my Jehovah-Rapha, my Healer. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing obedience to God's Word over the deception and sickness of sin.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #91 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part IX]
We have looked at 2 of the top 5 most common fears used by Satan, the fear of want and lack, and the fear of peril or danger. Today, let's look at the third most common fear used by Satan to try to discourage and defeat you, fear of sickness and disease.
Of all the fears utilized by Satan, the fear of sickness and disease is the one used most successfully. The reason is because so many of us believers are ignorant of (lacking revelation knowledge of) the fact that "by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5), a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus, when He was flogged prior to His crucifixion (Mark 15:15).
The Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) give you protection and ultimate victory from sickness and disease, but you must know the promises of healing found in God's Word, qualify for them, and claim and speak them into your life.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, they allowed Satan to bring in sin, sickness, disease, and death. Sin is the cause of it all, but the Cross is the cure. Jesus "took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows... He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5, NIV). Since Jesus fulfilled that which was prophesied by Isaiah, there is no need for any believer to either fear or endure sickness or disease.
So many believers are either sick or afraid that they will get a horrible sickness or disease. Fear is the opposite of faith, and when a believer entertains fear, he/she gives Satan an open door to bring in that which is feared. If you need healing today, it will be "according to your faith" (Matthew 9:29). Next time, we'll look at some specific promises of healing. Until then, read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), about the healing ministry of Jesus, and know that "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Psalm 107:17-20 [NIV]
"Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them."
What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us with a weight problem has been foolish and rebellious. We have suffered physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. No diet, not even weight-loss surgery, will take care of all our afflictions, but if we cry out to God, He will save us from our distress. His Word heals!
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I have an enemy who wants me to fear sickness and disease, but You have 'not given me a spirit of fear' (II Timothy 1:7), so I do not have to be afraid of anything. Truly, You have sent Your Word to heal me. I pray that I will avail myself of it. May my faith in You, Your Word, and Healing be so strong that, according to my faith, sickness and disease shall have no power over me. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing faith in healing over fear of sickness.
Of all the fears utilized by Satan, the fear of sickness and disease is the one used most successfully. The reason is because so many of us believers are ignorant of (lacking revelation knowledge of) the fact that "by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5), a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus, when He was flogged prior to His crucifixion (Mark 15:15).
The Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) give you protection and ultimate victory from sickness and disease, but you must know the promises of healing found in God's Word, qualify for them, and claim and speak them into your life.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, they allowed Satan to bring in sin, sickness, disease, and death. Sin is the cause of it all, but the Cross is the cure. Jesus "took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows... He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5, NIV). Since Jesus fulfilled that which was prophesied by Isaiah, there is no need for any believer to either fear or endure sickness or disease.
So many believers are either sick or afraid that they will get a horrible sickness or disease. Fear is the opposite of faith, and when a believer entertains fear, he/she gives Satan an open door to bring in that which is feared. If you need healing today, it will be "according to your faith" (Matthew 9:29). Next time, we'll look at some specific promises of healing. Until then, read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), about the healing ministry of Jesus, and know that "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Psalm 107:17-20 [NIV]
"Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them."
What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us with a weight problem has been foolish and rebellious. We have suffered physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. No diet, not even weight-loss surgery, will take care of all our afflictions, but if we cry out to God, He will save us from our distress. His Word heals!
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I have an enemy who wants me to fear sickness and disease, but You have 'not given me a spirit of fear' (II Timothy 1:7), so I do not have to be afraid of anything. Truly, You have sent Your Word to heal me. I pray that I will avail myself of it. May my faith in You, Your Word, and Healing be so strong that, according to my faith, sickness and disease shall have no power over me. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing faith in healing over fear of sickness.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #90 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part VIII]
Yesterday, we looked at the second of the top 5 most common fears used by Satan, the fear of peril or danger, which, by the way, is often an outgrowth of the first fear, that of want or lack. The Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) give you protection and ultimate victory.
There are many promises of safety, contained in God's Word. For them to manifest in your life, you must: 1) Know them, 2) Qualify for them (meet their conditions), and 3) Claim them and speak them into your life.
Today, let's look at the 91st chapter from the Book of Psalms, a chapter full of promises that, if you qualify for them (see verses 1-2 and 14), will keep you safe from fear of peril and danger.
Psalm 91 [Amplified Version]
"1. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3. For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4. [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. 5. You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. 6. Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. 7. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 8. Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. 9. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10. There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11. For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13. You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. 14. Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. 15. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation."
Psalm 91:2 [NLT]
"This I declare about the Lord: ...I trust Him."
What this has to do with weight loss: In what or whom do you trust to enable you to get to your weight-loss goal, or stay there? Is it your surgery or diet plan, your nutritionist, your doctor, your family, yourself? Every one of those things or people can fail you. Only God is worthy of our trust, and if you put your trust in Him and Him alone, He will not fail you, and you will not fail.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want every promise of deliverance and safety You have for me, as Your child. I want to dwell in Your secret place, that place of absolute intimate fellowship with You, where I trust and rely on You, where I not only know Your Name but KNOW You, so much so that I cannot tell where You end and I begin. Today, I rest in You, and I thank You, in advance, that no evil will come to my door this day. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, qualifying for and speaking the 91st Psalm.
There are many promises of safety, contained in God's Word. For them to manifest in your life, you must: 1) Know them, 2) Qualify for them (meet their conditions), and 3) Claim them and speak them into your life.
Today, let's look at the 91st chapter from the Book of Psalms, a chapter full of promises that, if you qualify for them (see verses 1-2 and 14), will keep you safe from fear of peril and danger.
Psalm 91 [Amplified Version]
"1. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3. For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4. [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. 5. You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. 6. Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. 7. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 8. Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. 9. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10. There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11. For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13. You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. 14. Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. 15. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation."
Psalm 91:2 [NLT]
"This I declare about the Lord: ...I trust Him."
What this has to do with weight loss: In what or whom do you trust to enable you to get to your weight-loss goal, or stay there? Is it your surgery or diet plan, your nutritionist, your doctor, your family, yourself? Every one of those things or people can fail you. Only God is worthy of our trust, and if you put your trust in Him and Him alone, He will not fail you, and you will not fail.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want every promise of deliverance and safety You have for me, as Your child. I want to dwell in Your secret place, that place of absolute intimate fellowship with You, where I trust and rely on You, where I not only know Your Name but KNOW You, so much so that I cannot tell where You end and I begin. Today, I rest in You, and I thank You, in advance, that no evil will come to my door this day. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, qualifying for and speaking the 91st Psalm.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #89 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part VII]
We have looked at the first of the top 5 most common fears used by Satan, the fear of want and lack. Praise God for the Helmet of Salvation and deliverance which, when coupled with the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) gives you protection and ultimate victory from the fear of lack and the second most common fear from Satan, the fear of peril.
I read somewhere that 90 percent of what we fear never happens, and 9 percent of the remaining 10 percent we make happen. How many times have you heard someone say, "I knew this would happen!" Job, of the Bible, said something similar (Job 3:25), and we are no different. We just have greater opportunity to give in to fear today.
The enemy has much to work with today, to bring to you, the believer, fear of peril. There is real danger all around--drugs, guns, and people full of evil intentions. The prince of this world has many followers, who care not for sanctity of life. HOWEVER, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (I John 4:4)! Do you believe it?
The Bible warns us that Satan will prey on people. Revelation 2:10 tells us to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." I want you to notice the phrase "as a roaring lion." You could insert the word "like" for "as" (as many versions do). That tells me that Satan tries to act like a roaring lion, but he isn't really one. Even if he were, Jesus says to you, the true believer, "I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).
There are many verses in God's Word, which are meant to reassure you that God is ready, willing, and able to help you be safe from every dart of danger from the enemy. We will focus on one devotion dedicated to that. Until then, repeat after me, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6).
Psalm 56:3 [NIV]
"When I am afraid, I will trust in You."
What this has to do with weight loss: There are many opportunities to give in to fear on the weight-loss journey, for there is always the danger of failing to use our tools and going back to old habits and regaining weight. That's just what the enemy wants you to do, too, but you can say, "When I am afraid, I will trust in [God]." Trust Him to help you, even in matters of weight loss. The Hebrew for the word "trust" in Psalm 56:3 means "to hasten to for refuge." Have no fear; run to Him.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are many opportunities to fear, yet so much of the time fear is just False Expectations Appearing Real. Even when clear and present danger surrounds me, I place my trust in You. I rely on You, I depend on You, I run to You. Help me to search the Scriptures for promises of safety, to claim them, and speak them into my life. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing faith in God over fear of danger.
I read somewhere that 90 percent of what we fear never happens, and 9 percent of the remaining 10 percent we make happen. How many times have you heard someone say, "I knew this would happen!" Job, of the Bible, said something similar (Job 3:25), and we are no different. We just have greater opportunity to give in to fear today.
The enemy has much to work with today, to bring to you, the believer, fear of peril. There is real danger all around--drugs, guns, and people full of evil intentions. The prince of this world has many followers, who care not for sanctity of life. HOWEVER, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (I John 4:4)! Do you believe it?
The Bible warns us that Satan will prey on people. Revelation 2:10 tells us to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." I want you to notice the phrase "as a roaring lion." You could insert the word "like" for "as" (as many versions do). That tells me that Satan tries to act like a roaring lion, but he isn't really one. Even if he were, Jesus says to you, the true believer, "I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).
There are many verses in God's Word, which are meant to reassure you that God is ready, willing, and able to help you be safe from every dart of danger from the enemy. We will focus on one devotion dedicated to that. Until then, repeat after me, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6).
Psalm 56:3 [NIV]
"When I am afraid, I will trust in You."
What this has to do with weight loss: There are many opportunities to give in to fear on the weight-loss journey, for there is always the danger of failing to use our tools and going back to old habits and regaining weight. That's just what the enemy wants you to do, too, but you can say, "When I am afraid, I will trust in [God]." Trust Him to help you, even in matters of weight loss. The Hebrew for the word "trust" in Psalm 56:3 means "to hasten to for refuge." Have no fear; run to Him.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are many opportunities to fear, yet so much of the time fear is just False Expectations Appearing Real. Even when clear and present danger surrounds me, I place my trust in You. I rely on You, I depend on You, I run to You. Help me to search the Scriptures for promises of safety, to claim them, and speak them into my life. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, choosing faith in God over fear of danger.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #88 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part VI]
While Satan does not care what fight of fright you, the believer, get engaged in, let's look at the top 5 most common fears used by him to try to bury you. The Helmet of Salvation (which means deliverance), coupled with the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), will give you protection and ultimate victory, if you use them.
The first of the 5 most common areas of fear, used by the enemy, is fear of want or lack. It's that fear that you will not have enough money to pay the bills, enough food to put on the table, that you will lose your job and your home. The state of today's economy sets the stage for that fear, and the daily news showcases the plight of millions of people who have seen their fears realized.
As a believer, you have the power of God's unfailing promises to cushion you from the fear of lack, but you must know and speak the Word. You must believe that Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who Provides, will provide for you. You must believe that the Word will work for you. If you do not, you will probably say one day, like Job, "That which I feared has come upon me" (Job 3:25).
Know the following points and the God-breathed Word behind them, and defeat the fear of lack. Look up each scripture reference, and commit them to memory.
1) God knows your every need. Don't worry about your needs; just pray and give them to God, trusting Him to provide. (Matthew 6:31-32; Luke 12:29; Philippians 4:6)
2) God wants you to prosper. Be a person He can bless. (Psalm 35:27; II Chronicles 26:5; Psalm 1:3; Psalm 37:3)
3) God expects you to be a giver. Be faithful to Him in your giving, and look for ways to help others. (Proverbs 3:9-10; Proverbs 11:25; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38)
Line yourself up with the Word of God, and you will be able to know, say, and see come to pass that "My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
Faithfully fight the fright of fear of want or lack, and you will be able to say, like the Psalmist, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread" (Psalm 37:25).
Matthew 10:30-31
"Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, then."
What this has to do with weight loss: God knows every detail about you, even the number of hairs on your head. That's quite a feat, as many of us post-ops have experienced seeing more hair in our hairbrush or down the drain than on our head, or so it seemed. It is easy to fear going bald, but God knows, God cares, and God expects you to trust Him, even with your hair situation.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, it seems that everywhere I turn, the fear of want and lack stares me in the face. I know You don't want me to be fearful, and neither do I. You care about every detail of my life, and nothing is too difficult for You to work out. Help me to know what Your Word says about every situation I face, and give me the wisdom to trust You and speak Your Word into my life. I know that if I line myself up with Your Word, all my needs will be met. I pray in the Name of Jesus, with thanksgiving. Amen."
Go forth today, armed with the Sword of the Spirit, to slay the fear of want and lack.
The first of the 5 most common areas of fear, used by the enemy, is fear of want or lack. It's that fear that you will not have enough money to pay the bills, enough food to put on the table, that you will lose your job and your home. The state of today's economy sets the stage for that fear, and the daily news showcases the plight of millions of people who have seen their fears realized.
As a believer, you have the power of God's unfailing promises to cushion you from the fear of lack, but you must know and speak the Word. You must believe that Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who Provides, will provide for you. You must believe that the Word will work for you. If you do not, you will probably say one day, like Job, "That which I feared has come upon me" (Job 3:25).
Know the following points and the God-breathed Word behind them, and defeat the fear of lack. Look up each scripture reference, and commit them to memory.
1) God knows your every need. Don't worry about your needs; just pray and give them to God, trusting Him to provide. (Matthew 6:31-32; Luke 12:29; Philippians 4:6)
2) God wants you to prosper. Be a person He can bless. (Psalm 35:27; II Chronicles 26:5; Psalm 1:3; Psalm 37:3)
3) God expects you to be a giver. Be faithful to Him in your giving, and look for ways to help others. (Proverbs 3:9-10; Proverbs 11:25; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38)
Line yourself up with the Word of God, and you will be able to know, say, and see come to pass that "My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
Faithfully fight the fright of fear of want or lack, and you will be able to say, like the Psalmist, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread" (Psalm 37:25).
Matthew 10:30-31
"Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, then."
What this has to do with weight loss: God knows every detail about you, even the number of hairs on your head. That's quite a feat, as many of us post-ops have experienced seeing more hair in our hairbrush or down the drain than on our head, or so it seemed. It is easy to fear going bald, but God knows, God cares, and God expects you to trust Him, even with your hair situation.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, it seems that everywhere I turn, the fear of want and lack stares me in the face. I know You don't want me to be fearful, and neither do I. You care about every detail of my life, and nothing is too difficult for You to work out. Help me to know what Your Word says about every situation I face, and give me the wisdom to trust You and speak Your Word into my life. I know that if I line myself up with Your Word, all my needs will be met. I pray in the Name of Jesus, with thanksgiving. Amen."
Go forth today, armed with the Sword of the Spirit, to slay the fear of want and lack.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #87 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part V]
Last time, we looked at how the Accuser of the Brethren throws darts of doubt, in an attempt to cause the believer to question his/her salvation. The Helmet of Salvation is meant to remind the believer that he/she has access to grace and mercy.
The Helmet of Salvation is also meant to remind the believer that he/she can claim "deliverance from evil or danger" (2nd definition of "salvation" in Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary), but the believer must know and speak the promises of safety found in the Word of God. That is why Ephesians 6:17 directs us to "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" [emphasis mine]. It is the Word of God, our Sword of the Spirit, which will deal the death blow to our enemy who attempts to engage us in fights of fright.
Yes, fear is Satan's number one weapon. If he can get you to feel concerned, anxious, worried, or afraid, he knows he is getting the upper hand in the battle, and he will double his efforts to defeat you. Look at the area of life that gives you pause, recognize the one behind your fear (whether that fear seems benign or malignant), and lift up the Sword of the Spirit, which is "sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), to destroy the two-edged broad sword of doubt and fear wielded by Satan.
Next time, we will look at areas of fear and focus on specific promises you can use to combat the fear that the enemy would seek to use to bury you. Until then, ask yourself this question: What do I fear the most? Make a list, if you need to. You'll know the thing you fear the most by the feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach.
II Kings 6:16 [NIV]
"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet [Elisha] answered [his servant]. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'" [Note: Information added in brackets by author, to clarify meaning.]
What this has to do with weight loss: For most of us, it seems as if we're in one battle after another, either to lose weight or to keep it off. Whether it's battling insurance to obtain weight-loss surgery or the temptation to revert to old, unhealthy eating behaviors (which comes from a fear of failure or even from a fear of success), be assured that, just like Elisha knew, "those [heavenly helpers] who are with [you] are more than those [evil imps] who are with [the enemy]" (II Kings 6:16, author's paraphrase). Recognize and utilize the host of heavenly help at your disposal, and you will win the war.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to take a fearless look at that fear which I've given in to much too often. Help me to uncover every concern, analyze every anxious thought, wear down every worry, and fight every fear, and may I seek out Your Word for the power to do so. I pray in the Name of the One who, during the fiercest storm, is present and says, 'Take courage. It is I. Be not afraid' (Matthew 14:27). Amen."
Go forth today, and courageously name your fear.
The Helmet of Salvation is also meant to remind the believer that he/she can claim "deliverance from evil or danger" (2nd definition of "salvation" in Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary), but the believer must know and speak the promises of safety found in the Word of God. That is why Ephesians 6:17 directs us to "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" [emphasis mine]. It is the Word of God, our Sword of the Spirit, which will deal the death blow to our enemy who attempts to engage us in fights of fright.
Yes, fear is Satan's number one weapon. If he can get you to feel concerned, anxious, worried, or afraid, he knows he is getting the upper hand in the battle, and he will double his efforts to defeat you. Look at the area of life that gives you pause, recognize the one behind your fear (whether that fear seems benign or malignant), and lift up the Sword of the Spirit, which is "sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), to destroy the two-edged broad sword of doubt and fear wielded by Satan.
Next time, we will look at areas of fear and focus on specific promises you can use to combat the fear that the enemy would seek to use to bury you. Until then, ask yourself this question: What do I fear the most? Make a list, if you need to. You'll know the thing you fear the most by the feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach.
II Kings 6:16 [NIV]
"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet [Elisha] answered [his servant]. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'" [Note: Information added in brackets by author, to clarify meaning.]
What this has to do with weight loss: For most of us, it seems as if we're in one battle after another, either to lose weight or to keep it off. Whether it's battling insurance to obtain weight-loss surgery or the temptation to revert to old, unhealthy eating behaviors (which comes from a fear of failure or even from a fear of success), be assured that, just like Elisha knew, "those [heavenly helpers] who are with [you] are more than those [evil imps] who are with [the enemy]" (II Kings 6:16, author's paraphrase). Recognize and utilize the host of heavenly help at your disposal, and you will win the war.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to take a fearless look at that fear which I've given in to much too often. Help me to uncover every concern, analyze every anxious thought, wear down every worry, and fight every fear, and may I seek out Your Word for the power to do so. I pray in the Name of the One who, during the fiercest storm, is present and says, 'Take courage. It is I. Be not afraid' (Matthew 14:27). Amen."
Go forth today, and courageously name your fear.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #86 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part IV]
The Helmet of Salvation, of Ephesians 6:17, is meant to equip you for deliverance. When we come to Christ, we are saved, delivered from the punishment of sin. However, we still live in a body bent toward sin, and that "bent" is the gauntlet that gets thrown down, an invitation to battle. The Helmet of Salvation is meant to remind us that we have been redeemed, and, as true believers, have the Holy Spirit resident within. If we yield to Him, if we "clothe [ourselves] with the Lord Jesus Christ," we will "not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Romans 13:14).
We have an enemy who is called the "accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10), and true to his name, he will whisper doubts to a believer who is battling his/her fleshly nature. He will ask, "Are you sure you're saved? If you were really saved, you wouldn't be thinking those thoughts [or doing those things]!" His purpose is to try to steal away the joy of your salvation. The Helmet of Salvation is meant to remind you that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set [you] free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2).
The Helmet of Salvation gives you access to grace and mercy. Grace is God giving you what you do not deserve, and mercy is God not giving you what you do deserve. Allow the assurance of grace and mercy to defeat every mind maneuver of the enemy.
Psalm 13:5-6 [NIV]
"I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me."
What this has to do with weight loss: When you're going through a difficult place on the weight-loss path (a stall, for example), it is very tempting to give in to discouragement. It is helpful to remind yourself that you can trust in God's unfailing love for you, and make the decision to rejoice, for He will deliver you. The Lord has been good to you. Let that heart song come up and out, and see how your body reacts.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I have a sinful nature, and it and I do battle on a daily basis, it seems. Satan uses it to accuse me, but I don't have to let him. I have the power of the Cross that shouts him down every time! I thank You for Grace and Mercy...Grace that says "yes" to deliverance and Mercy that says "no" to defeat. I rejoice in them, in You, today. Amen."
Go forth today with joy, celebrating your Helmet of Salvation, full of grace, mercy, and power to silence every accusation of the enemy.
We have an enemy who is called the "accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10), and true to his name, he will whisper doubts to a believer who is battling his/her fleshly nature. He will ask, "Are you sure you're saved? If you were really saved, you wouldn't be thinking those thoughts [or doing those things]!" His purpose is to try to steal away the joy of your salvation. The Helmet of Salvation is meant to remind you that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set [you] free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2).
The Helmet of Salvation gives you access to grace and mercy. Grace is God giving you what you do not deserve, and mercy is God not giving you what you do deserve. Allow the assurance of grace and mercy to defeat every mind maneuver of the enemy.
Psalm 13:5-6 [NIV]
"I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me."
What this has to do with weight loss: When you're going through a difficult place on the weight-loss path (a stall, for example), it is very tempting to give in to discouragement. It is helpful to remind yourself that you can trust in God's unfailing love for you, and make the decision to rejoice, for He will deliver you. The Lord has been good to you. Let that heart song come up and out, and see how your body reacts.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I have a sinful nature, and it and I do battle on a daily basis, it seems. Satan uses it to accuse me, but I don't have to let him. I have the power of the Cross that shouts him down every time! I thank You for Grace and Mercy...Grace that says "yes" to deliverance and Mercy that says "no" to defeat. I rejoice in them, in You, today. Amen."
Go forth today with joy, celebrating your Helmet of Salvation, full of grace, mercy, and power to silence every accusation of the enemy.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #85 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part III]
We have begun to look at the Helmet of Salvation, which we are to take (Ephesians 6:17) and which is given to us by God the moment we are saved through grace, by faith. We see that, just like the Roman soldier's critical piece of armor, the Helmet of Salvation is meant to protect our mind from Satan's mind games. The Helmet of Salvation is knowing who you are and what you have in Jesus Christ. Let us now enter the battle, with confidence.
There's a big difference between wearing a helmet and just owning one. You can be saved, but if you aren't actively in the Word and allowing it to be used in your daily spiritual battles, you will experience much defeat, as well as frustration, as a Christian. The Helmet of Salvation is absolutely crucial, if you want to be protected from the schemes of the devil, but you have to make the daily decision to wear it, to yield to it, to actively put into place that which you know about your salvation.
Each day, realize that you have been redeemed, bought with a great price, all because of love (John 3:16). Put on your Helmet. Protect your thoughts by realizing who you are in the One who shed His blood for you. As a true believer, you have eternal life to look forward to, and no one can take that away from you. Satan's fiercest dart of destruction (eternal damnation) cannot pierce you. No, you are an overcomer! [Romans 8:35, 37]
Read God's Word daily. Get it into your eyes and ears, and down into your heart and spirit. It lines your Helmet. The protection of your Helmet of Salvation grows, as you take God's Word and apply it to your life, as you use it to combat the enemy in every spiritual battle. The more you believe in the promises of God, the more you claim them [speak them and line yourself up with the requirements of each one, and believe they apply to you], the greater your faith will be to believe that God will bring the promised provision to that area of your life. That is a tangible expression of your "hope of salvation" (I Thessalonians 5:8).
Understanding and applying God's Word to every spiritual battle gives you hope, defined as unfailing expectation (not wishful thinking) in the ability of your God to fulfill His Word. With it, "nothing shall by any means harm you" (Luke 10:19).
I Corinthians 6:20 [Amplified]
"You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body."
What this has to do with weight loss: Your body was created to be a vessel of honor. Have you, like all who are or have been obese, forgotten that or acted like it wasn't true? Do you see your body as a vessel of honor, bought by the precious blood of Jesus? Do you "honor God and bring glory to Him in your body"? Have you reclaimed your body as the temple it was created to be, a holy, fit house for the Holy Spirit? If not, make the decision right now (and then the moment-by-moment decision) to live honorably, with your body in motion toward health and fitness.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I praise You that I not only own but wear the Helmet of Salvation provided for me at the moment of salvation. May I wear it in such a way that it protects my mind; indeed, my whole body. May my Helmet be so lined by Your Word, that I stand tall and confident in its power. I pray in the Name of the One who bought me...Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, with God's Word lining your Helmet of Salvation and protecting your mind and body.
There's a big difference between wearing a helmet and just owning one. You can be saved, but if you aren't actively in the Word and allowing it to be used in your daily spiritual battles, you will experience much defeat, as well as frustration, as a Christian. The Helmet of Salvation is absolutely crucial, if you want to be protected from the schemes of the devil, but you have to make the daily decision to wear it, to yield to it, to actively put into place that which you know about your salvation.
Each day, realize that you have been redeemed, bought with a great price, all because of love (John 3:16). Put on your Helmet. Protect your thoughts by realizing who you are in the One who shed His blood for you. As a true believer, you have eternal life to look forward to, and no one can take that away from you. Satan's fiercest dart of destruction (eternal damnation) cannot pierce you. No, you are an overcomer! [Romans 8:35, 37]
Read God's Word daily. Get it into your eyes and ears, and down into your heart and spirit. It lines your Helmet. The protection of your Helmet of Salvation grows, as you take God's Word and apply it to your life, as you use it to combat the enemy in every spiritual battle. The more you believe in the promises of God, the more you claim them [speak them and line yourself up with the requirements of each one, and believe they apply to you], the greater your faith will be to believe that God will bring the promised provision to that area of your life. That is a tangible expression of your "hope of salvation" (I Thessalonians 5:8).
Understanding and applying God's Word to every spiritual battle gives you hope, defined as unfailing expectation (not wishful thinking) in the ability of your God to fulfill His Word. With it, "nothing shall by any means harm you" (Luke 10:19).
I Corinthians 6:20 [Amplified]
"You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body."
What this has to do with weight loss: Your body was created to be a vessel of honor. Have you, like all who are or have been obese, forgotten that or acted like it wasn't true? Do you see your body as a vessel of honor, bought by the precious blood of Jesus? Do you "honor God and bring glory to Him in your body"? Have you reclaimed your body as the temple it was created to be, a holy, fit house for the Holy Spirit? If not, make the decision right now (and then the moment-by-moment decision) to live honorably, with your body in motion toward health and fitness.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I praise You that I not only own but wear the Helmet of Salvation provided for me at the moment of salvation. May I wear it in such a way that it protects my mind; indeed, my whole body. May my Helmet be so lined by Your Word, that I stand tall and confident in its power. I pray in the Name of the One who bought me...Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, with God's Word lining your Helmet of Salvation and protecting your mind and body.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #84 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part II]
Yesterday, we began looking at the Helmet of Salvation, the fifth piece in the Armor of God, which the apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:17, encourages us to "take." We looked at salvation, given by Grace, through the Cross. Salvation provides the Helmet of Salvation, and the Helmet of Salvation provides protection in the present and hope for the future.
The Roman soldier's helmet was made of metal, designed to protect the head, face, and neck, while allowing the soldier to see the enemy. The helmet was crucial protection against an opponent's blow.
The Helmet of Salvation covers your mind, if you are a true believer, and the mind is the location of fierce spiritual battles. Satan knows that if he can mess with your mind, he can cause you great misery. The Helmet of Salvation, however, can remind you of who you are and what you have in Christ. With that Helmet firmly fitting your head, you can charge into battle with confidence.
I Thessalonians 5:8 [NIRV]
"We belong to the day. So let us control ourselves. Let us put the armor of faith and love on our chest. Let us put on the hope of salvation like a helmet."
What this has to do with weight loss: As a believer, you belong to the Light. You have God control, which can manifest as self-control. The enemy wants you to think that, in your weight-loss journey, food has control over you. Let your Helmet of Salvation remind you (and the enemy) that you can do all things through Christ, who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13), and that includes controlling what goes into your mouth.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful for the Helmet of Salvation and how it protects my mind and gives me confidence in battle. May I keep that helmet firmly in place. Because I know You, Lord, may I allow You to strengthen me and help me prepare for battle. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, wearing the Helmet of Salvation with confidence, knowing who you are and what you have in Christ.
The Roman soldier's helmet was made of metal, designed to protect the head, face, and neck, while allowing the soldier to see the enemy. The helmet was crucial protection against an opponent's blow.
The Helmet of Salvation covers your mind, if you are a true believer, and the mind is the location of fierce spiritual battles. Satan knows that if he can mess with your mind, he can cause you great misery. The Helmet of Salvation, however, can remind you of who you are and what you have in Christ. With that Helmet firmly fitting your head, you can charge into battle with confidence.
I Thessalonians 5:8 [NIRV]
"We belong to the day. So let us control ourselves. Let us put the armor of faith and love on our chest. Let us put on the hope of salvation like a helmet."
What this has to do with weight loss: As a believer, you belong to the Light. You have God control, which can manifest as self-control. The enemy wants you to think that, in your weight-loss journey, food has control over you. Let your Helmet of Salvation remind you (and the enemy) that you can do all things through Christ, who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13), and that includes controlling what goes into your mouth.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful for the Helmet of Salvation and how it protects my mind and gives me confidence in battle. May I keep that helmet firmly in place. Because I know You, Lord, may I allow You to strengthen me and help me prepare for battle. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, wearing the Helmet of Salvation with confidence, knowing who you are and what you have in Christ.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #83 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part I]
Ephesians 6:11 tells us the purpose of "the full armor of God," which is "so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." We have looked at these pieces of holy armor: 1) the Belt of Truth, 2) the Breastplate of Righteousness, 3) the Gospel of Peace Shoes, and 4) the Shield of Faith. Today, let's begin to look at the fifth piece of God-gifted armor, the Helmet of Salvation.
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary defines "salvation" several ways. No doubt, when you hear/read the word "salvation," you think of something like this definition: "In the New Testament, [salvation] is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin, wrought by Jesus Christ, 'the great salvation' (Hebrews 2:3)."
While the redemptive and regenerative aspects of salvation is not the total meaning of the Helmet of Salvation, it is what makes one a soldier of Christ and the reason one is given the Armor of God. Salvation is a most important topic, and your answer to the question, "What will I do with Jesus?" will affect your life, both now and for all eternity.
Salvation, in regard to the verses we will look at today, comes from the Greek soteria, while means "to rescue, deliver, save." Luke 19:10 tells us that Jesus "came to seek and to save what was lost" [you and me]. Acts 4:12 says that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Jesus came to earth for the express purpose of dying for the sins (past, present, and future) of all mankind. You will know where you are, concerning salvation, based on your reaction to the gospel, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (I Corinthians 1:18).
There are two basic, true markers of one who has said "yes" to salvation. First of all, one believes with one's heart. Secondly, one confesses one's salvation (Romans 10:10). One is saved by grace, through faith, not from works, although good works should follow (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Salvation is a gift of God's mercy (Titus 3:5), but one must receive it. It is a gift that is meant to be given away, as well. The message of salvation must be shared with others. It's the believer's responsibility and carries great blessing, both for the one who shares and for the one who hears the message. James 5:20 tells us that "Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins."
Salvation qualifies you for the Helmet of Salvation, along with every other piece of the Armor of God. Have you been saved? You're not promised tomorrow. Have you put the Helmet on? You need its protection. Have you passed along the good news of salvation? You may be the last person to speak to someone, before he/she enters eternity. Don't miss the opportunity.
II Corinthians 7:10 [NIV]
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..."
What this has to do with weight loss: There is a difference between "sorrow" and "godly sorrow," not only with respect to salvation but also with one's weight-loss journey. If you are merely "sorry" for allowing yourself to become obese, you haven't gotten to the place of "godly sorrow," which leads to true repentance. How will you know you've reached the latter stage? You'll not just be sorry, you will be different.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, my decision to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus is most important, with eternal consequences. May I allow it to change me and never take it for granted. May I share its news with others. Thank You for the Helmet of Salvation, which comes to me the moment I say "yes" to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, receiving the Helmet of Salvation based on salvation.
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary defines "salvation" several ways. No doubt, when you hear/read the word "salvation," you think of something like this definition: "In the New Testament, [salvation] is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin, wrought by Jesus Christ, 'the great salvation' (Hebrews 2:3)."
While the redemptive and regenerative aspects of salvation is not the total meaning of the Helmet of Salvation, it is what makes one a soldier of Christ and the reason one is given the Armor of God. Salvation is a most important topic, and your answer to the question, "What will I do with Jesus?" will affect your life, both now and for all eternity.
Salvation, in regard to the verses we will look at today, comes from the Greek soteria, while means "to rescue, deliver, save." Luke 19:10 tells us that Jesus "came to seek and to save what was lost" [you and me]. Acts 4:12 says that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Jesus came to earth for the express purpose of dying for the sins (past, present, and future) of all mankind. You will know where you are, concerning salvation, based on your reaction to the gospel, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (I Corinthians 1:18).
There are two basic, true markers of one who has said "yes" to salvation. First of all, one believes with one's heart. Secondly, one confesses one's salvation (Romans 10:10). One is saved by grace, through faith, not from works, although good works should follow (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Salvation is a gift of God's mercy (Titus 3:5), but one must receive it. It is a gift that is meant to be given away, as well. The message of salvation must be shared with others. It's the believer's responsibility and carries great blessing, both for the one who shares and for the one who hears the message. James 5:20 tells us that "Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins."
Salvation qualifies you for the Helmet of Salvation, along with every other piece of the Armor of God. Have you been saved? You're not promised tomorrow. Have you put the Helmet on? You need its protection. Have you passed along the good news of salvation? You may be the last person to speak to someone, before he/she enters eternity. Don't miss the opportunity.
II Corinthians 7:10 [NIV]
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..."
What this has to do with weight loss: There is a difference between "sorrow" and "godly sorrow," not only with respect to salvation but also with one's weight-loss journey. If you are merely "sorry" for allowing yourself to become obese, you haven't gotten to the place of "godly sorrow," which leads to true repentance. How will you know you've reached the latter stage? You'll not just be sorry, you will be different.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, my decision to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus is most important, with eternal consequences. May I allow it to change me and never take it for granted. May I share its news with others. Thank You for the Helmet of Salvation, which comes to me the moment I say "yes" to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, receiving the Helmet of Salvation based on salvation.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #82 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part X]
We have looked at 3 of the 4 practical ways to guarantee that you can extinguish every flaming weapon of Satan: 1) Think faith, 2) Speak faith, and 3) Pray faith. Today, let's look at the fourth way to "hold up the shield of faith, to stop the fiery arrows of the devil" (Ephesians 6:16).
To extinguish every dart, you must live faith. Living faith is powerful, so powerful that the Word says we can look back on the life of the one who lived faith to see that "By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight" (Hebrews 11:33-34).
If you want to live a life that pleases God, live faith (Hebrews 11:6). If you want to be healed, live faith (Matthew 9:29). If you want every promise of God's Word manifested in your life, live faith (Hebrews 10:23). If you want to be an overcomer in this world, live faith (I John 5:4).
Living faith means that your life is impacted by faith, for "faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless" (James 2:17). Good deeds won't get you to heaven, but they should be a natural, outward manifestation of the inward work of faith.
If you want to "fight the good fight of faith" (I Timothy 6:12), heed the words of Paul in I Timothy 1:19, "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked." Know that you are not alone. The very God of the universe is with you and has promised that, as His servant, "No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you" (Joshua 1:5). Lift up your Shield of Faith--think it, talk it, pray it, and walk it, and you will defeat every dart of doubt, discouragement, and depression (and anything else the enemy tries to throw at you)!
II Timothy 2:3-5
"Endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules" (NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is a part of your life. As such, there will be hardships connected with it. Endure them. Your challenge will be not to get so entangled in those hardships that you lose focus and go from being "a good soldier of Christ Jesus" to merely a civilian, leaving out of your journey the wonderful weapon of faith. If you want to win the weight-loss marathon, run by the rules of faith. If you don't know what to do, keep your eyes upon the Lord (II Chronicles 20:12), and know that if you truly believe in Jesus, He has promised that you "will do the same works [He did], and even greater works" (John 14:12). Live like you believe it!
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget what a powerful weapon faith is, and when I do, I fail to think it, talk it, pray it, and walk it. That leaves me open to the darts, arrows, and missiles of the enemy. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy. Help me to take advantage of the life of faith, so that I can see Your every promise manifested in my life and so I can experience the 'victory that overcomes the world.' In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, living faith and overcoming every dart of the enemy (doubt, discouragement, depression, and more).
To extinguish every dart, you must live faith. Living faith is powerful, so powerful that the Word says we can look back on the life of the one who lived faith to see that "By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight" (Hebrews 11:33-34).
If you want to live a life that pleases God, live faith (Hebrews 11:6). If you want to be healed, live faith (Matthew 9:29). If you want every promise of God's Word manifested in your life, live faith (Hebrews 10:23). If you want to be an overcomer in this world, live faith (I John 5:4).
Living faith means that your life is impacted by faith, for "faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless" (James 2:17). Good deeds won't get you to heaven, but they should be a natural, outward manifestation of the inward work of faith.
If you want to "fight the good fight of faith" (I Timothy 6:12), heed the words of Paul in I Timothy 1:19, "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked." Know that you are not alone. The very God of the universe is with you and has promised that, as His servant, "No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you" (Joshua 1:5). Lift up your Shield of Faith--think it, talk it, pray it, and walk it, and you will defeat every dart of doubt, discouragement, and depression (and anything else the enemy tries to throw at you)!
II Timothy 2:3-5
"Endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules" (NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is a part of your life. As such, there will be hardships connected with it. Endure them. Your challenge will be not to get so entangled in those hardships that you lose focus and go from being "a good soldier of Christ Jesus" to merely a civilian, leaving out of your journey the wonderful weapon of faith. If you want to win the weight-loss marathon, run by the rules of faith. If you don't know what to do, keep your eyes upon the Lord (II Chronicles 20:12), and know that if you truly believe in Jesus, He has promised that you "will do the same works [He did], and even greater works" (John 14:12). Live like you believe it!
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget what a powerful weapon faith is, and when I do, I fail to think it, talk it, pray it, and walk it. That leaves me open to the darts, arrows, and missiles of the enemy. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy. Help me to take advantage of the life of faith, so that I can see Your every promise manifested in my life and so I can experience the 'victory that overcomes the world.' In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, living faith and overcoming every dart of the enemy (doubt, discouragement, depression, and more).
Monday, September 7, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #81 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part IX]
We have looked at 2 of 4 practical ways to guarantee that you can extinguish every flaming weapon of Satan: 1) Think faith, and 2) Speak faith. Today, let's look at the third way to "hold up the shield of faith, to stop the fiery arrows of the devil" (Ephesians 6:16).
To extinguish every dart, you must pray faith. Prayer is powerful, so powerful that when coupled with faith and a true relationship with Jesus, we have the promise of John 15:7, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you."
If you want to be able to stop the enemy's fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, you must pray in faith, for strength and to call upon the power of Almighty God. The prayer of faith can heal the sick (James 5:15), raise the dead (Acts 9:40), and open prison doors (Acts 16:25-26). When you pray God's Word and pray in the Name of Jesus, there is nothing Satan can do to harm you (I Peter 3:12-13; Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:19).
In my quiet time, I was reading through the Book of Exodus. One day, I read Exodus chapter 20, and as I read about the 10 Commandments, I paused at verse 7, "You shall not take the Name of the LORD your God in vain." Now, I know that means that we should not use God's Name in a flippant manner (i.e., say, "Oh, my God") or in a derogatory manner (i.e., say His Name as a swear word), but I just felt there was something more to taking His Name "in vain."
I went to Him in prayer, to ask God what He meant. I prayed, "Father, what do You mean when You say we should not take Your Name in vain?" As I got quiet before Him, to listen for that "still, small voice," I "heard" Him say, "When my children pray in My Name but do not believe I will answer, they take My Name in vain."
Whether you're praying for help in any area of life or praying for power to tackle the enemy, if you do not believe that God will come through for you, your prayer will fall on deaf ears. Oh, but when you pray in faith, God says, "When [you] call on Me, I will answer; I will be with [you] in trouble. I will rescue and honor [you]" (Psalm 91:15).
Matthew 21:22 [Amplified]
"And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive."
What this has to do with weight loss: When the enemy comes at you, throwing darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression about your ability to release excess weight and keep it off, you can pray for a different outcome. However, you must pray in faith, believing, to receive.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I thank You for the power of prayer. I thank You that when I call upon You in faith that You hear me and will answer me. May I never pray in Your Name but doubt that You will come through for me. May my prayers be strengthened by the power of Your Word, as I pray a promise or a precedence from Your Word, and may every dart of the devil be deflected by my prayers of faith. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, praying powerful prayers of faith, to defeat the enemy's intentional darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
To extinguish every dart, you must pray faith. Prayer is powerful, so powerful that when coupled with faith and a true relationship with Jesus, we have the promise of John 15:7, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you."
If you want to be able to stop the enemy's fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, you must pray in faith, for strength and to call upon the power of Almighty God. The prayer of faith can heal the sick (James 5:15), raise the dead (Acts 9:40), and open prison doors (Acts 16:25-26). When you pray God's Word and pray in the Name of Jesus, there is nothing Satan can do to harm you (I Peter 3:12-13; Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:19).
In my quiet time, I was reading through the Book of Exodus. One day, I read Exodus chapter 20, and as I read about the 10 Commandments, I paused at verse 7, "You shall not take the Name of the LORD your God in vain." Now, I know that means that we should not use God's Name in a flippant manner (i.e., say, "Oh, my God") or in a derogatory manner (i.e., say His Name as a swear word), but I just felt there was something more to taking His Name "in vain."
I went to Him in prayer, to ask God what He meant. I prayed, "Father, what do You mean when You say we should not take Your Name in vain?" As I got quiet before Him, to listen for that "still, small voice," I "heard" Him say, "When my children pray in My Name but do not believe I will answer, they take My Name in vain."
Whether you're praying for help in any area of life or praying for power to tackle the enemy, if you do not believe that God will come through for you, your prayer will fall on deaf ears. Oh, but when you pray in faith, God says, "When [you] call on Me, I will answer; I will be with [you] in trouble. I will rescue and honor [you]" (Psalm 91:15).
Matthew 21:22 [Amplified]
"And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive."
What this has to do with weight loss: When the enemy comes at you, throwing darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression about your ability to release excess weight and keep it off, you can pray for a different outcome. However, you must pray in faith, believing, to receive.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I thank You for the power of prayer. I thank You that when I call upon You in faith that You hear me and will answer me. May I never pray in Your Name but doubt that You will come through for me. May my prayers be strengthened by the power of Your Word, as I pray a promise or a precedence from Your Word, and may every dart of the devil be deflected by my prayers of faith. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, praying powerful prayers of faith, to defeat the enemy's intentional darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #80 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part VIII]
Last time, we looked at the first of 4 practical ways to guarantee that you can extinguish every flaming weapon of Satan, by thinking thoughts of faith. Today, let's look at the second way to "hold up the shield of faith, to stop the fiery arrows of the devil" (Ephesians 6:16).
To extinguish every dart, you must speak faith. Words are powerful, so powerful that the Word says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV). With faith words, Jesus said we could move a mountain (Matthew 17:20).
If you want to be able to stop the enemy's fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, you must use the Word of God to do so. Jesus Himself used God's Word to counter every temptation of the devil (Matthew 4:1-11), and you'd be wise to do the same. In the heat of battle, you won't have time to grab your Bible and Concordance, so you must prepare by hiding God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). If you do that, you will have the mightiest weapon of warfare on the tip of your tongue, and you will pull down every stronghold (II Corinthians 10:4).
Revelation 12:11 [Amplified]
"They overcame him [the accuser of the brethren, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..."
What this has to do with weight loss: You will be on the receiving end of Satan's whispers of doubt, discouragement, and depression, even in the area of weight issues, and he will seek to hear you repeat them. If you desire to defeat his words, speak God's words of faith, hope, and love, even about your body and its ability to release weight. Which words will you speak today?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, Your Words are 'light to all who find them, and health to all their flesh' (Proverbs 4:22). I need that light and health today, Lord. I know that Your Word is 'alive and powerful' (Hebrews 4:12), and with it, I will defeat every dart of the devil. May Your faith-filled Word be in my mouth and on my tongue throughout this day. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking words of faith, to defeat words of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
To extinguish every dart, you must speak faith. Words are powerful, so powerful that the Word says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV). With faith words, Jesus said we could move a mountain (Matthew 17:20).
If you want to be able to stop the enemy's fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, you must use the Word of God to do so. Jesus Himself used God's Word to counter every temptation of the devil (Matthew 4:1-11), and you'd be wise to do the same. In the heat of battle, you won't have time to grab your Bible and Concordance, so you must prepare by hiding God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). If you do that, you will have the mightiest weapon of warfare on the tip of your tongue, and you will pull down every stronghold (II Corinthians 10:4).
Revelation 12:11 [Amplified]
"They overcame him [the accuser of the brethren, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..."
What this has to do with weight loss: You will be on the receiving end of Satan's whispers of doubt, discouragement, and depression, even in the area of weight issues, and he will seek to hear you repeat them. If you desire to defeat his words, speak God's words of faith, hope, and love, even about your body and its ability to release weight. Which words will you speak today?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, Your Words are 'light to all who find them, and health to all their flesh' (Proverbs 4:22). I need that light and health today, Lord. I know that Your Word is 'alive and powerful' (Hebrews 4:12), and with it, I will defeat every dart of the devil. May Your faith-filled Word be in my mouth and on my tongue throughout this day. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, speaking words of faith, to defeat words of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #79 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part VII]
Last time, we looked at the 3 most commonly used "darts of the evil one" (doubt, discouragement, and depression). Today, let's look at the first of 4 practical ways to guarantee that you can extinguish every flaming weapon of Satan. How do you "hold up the shield of faith, to stop the fiery arrows of the devil" (Ephesians 6:16)?
To extinguish every dart, you must think faith. You must "take every thought captive to the mind of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). The enemy will try to whisper thoughts that are counter to the Word of God, because if he can plant a seed of doubt, discouragement, or depression in your mind, he knows that thought can become a feeling, that feeling can become an action, that action can become a habit, and that habit can shape your character (who you are) and your life (what you experience).
To take every thought captive, you must think the thoughts of Jesus, and those thoughts are contained in the Word of God. Spend time in the Word, and be "washed by the cleansing of God's Word" (Ephesians 5:26). Do that, and you will think faith and be able to extinguish every flaming weapon of Satan.
Philippians 4:8 [NLT]
"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
What this has to do with weight loss: Every pound of excess weight is gained or lost in the mind first. Follow the trail from the scale to the mind and you will see that is so. The enemy wants you to think thoughts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, even about your weight. The Lord wants you to think thoughts of faith, hope, and love, even about your body and its ability to release weight. Which thoughts will you attend to today?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know it is crucial that I think faith, that I wash my mind in the water of Your Word. Help me to do that today, Lord, so that every thought I think this day will bring honor to You and victory to me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and think the thoughts of faith, to defeat the thoughts of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
To extinguish every dart, you must think faith. You must "take every thought captive to the mind of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). The enemy will try to whisper thoughts that are counter to the Word of God, because if he can plant a seed of doubt, discouragement, or depression in your mind, he knows that thought can become a feeling, that feeling can become an action, that action can become a habit, and that habit can shape your character (who you are) and your life (what you experience).
To take every thought captive, you must think the thoughts of Jesus, and those thoughts are contained in the Word of God. Spend time in the Word, and be "washed by the cleansing of God's Word" (Ephesians 5:26). Do that, and you will think faith and be able to extinguish every flaming weapon of Satan.
Philippians 4:8 [NLT]
"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
What this has to do with weight loss: Every pound of excess weight is gained or lost in the mind first. Follow the trail from the scale to the mind and you will see that is so. The enemy wants you to think thoughts of doubt, discouragement, and depression, even about your weight. The Lord wants you to think thoughts of faith, hope, and love, even about your body and its ability to release weight. Which thoughts will you attend to today?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know it is crucial that I think faith, that I wash my mind in the water of Your Word. Help me to do that today, Lord, so that every thought I think this day will bring honor to You and victory to me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and think the thoughts of faith, to defeat the thoughts of doubt, discouragement, and depression.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #78 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part VI]
Last time, we looked at what the Shield of Faith does. Today, let's look at Satan's "darts." In the verse, "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16), the Greek word for "dart" is belos, and it means "a missile, i.e. spear or arrow." That tells me that it doesn't matter the size or type of weapon the enemy throws at us, with the Shield of Faith we will be able to stop every potentially harmful weapon.
In thinking of my own life and that of other believers that I know, the 3 most commonly used "darts of the evil one" (NKJV) are: 1) doubt, 2) discouragement, and 3) depression. Each flaming dart, arrow, or missile will come with a temptation, and the intention will be your defeat. Don't be afraid, just be aware.
The devil's first dart is doubt. The first words we hear from him, in the Garden of Eden, are "Did God really say...?" (Genesis 3:1, NLT). The enemy will whisper words to you, to tempt you to either distrust or disbelieve God. Every word of the Evil One is a lie, but if your Shield of Faith isn't up and plastered with the truth of God's Word, you'll fall for those lies.
The second dart of the devil is discouragement, and it is a fiery arrow. No matter how hard he tries, the Wicked One knows he cannot snatch you (a true believer) from the Father's Hand (John 10:29, NLT), so he will settle for the dis-ease of discouragement. The Adversary will orchestrate annoying occurrences on a daily basis, if he can get away with it. With your Shield of Faith, cushioned by the Word of God, nothing Satan brings to you will harm you.
The third dart of the devil is depression, and it is definitely a flaming missile. This is the weapon he uses even with unbelievers. Satan hates every person. Why? Because each of us is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), so no matter whom he looks at, he sees God. The Enemy's hatred is compounded, though, when a true believer is involved, and if he cannot steal your assurance of salvation and eternal future, he'll settle for stealing your present joy. With your Shield of Faith lifted up, fortified by every God-breathed Word that tells you who you are in Christ and every promise at your disposal, depression cannot enter your spirit (mind, will, and emotions).
Satan's number one priority is to keep unbelievers in spiritual blindness and to make believers as miserable as possible. With faith, applying God's Word and under-girded with God's Grace, Satan will be the one taking the hit.
Isaiah 54:17
"'In that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from Me. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" [NLT]
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is fraught with thoughts of doubt and times of discouragement, but for the true believer, it doesn't have to be that way. If you are a "servant of the LORD," you can claim the "benefits" of seeing that "no weapon turned against you will succeed" (i.e., no temptation will get you to succumb to it), "you will silence every voice raised up to accuse you" (i.e., you will quickly tell those nagging thoughts of doubt to BE QUIET!), and your "vindication will come" (i.e., you will be cleared from every accusation from the Accuser, and victory will be yours). God has spoken it. Do you believe it to be true for you?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the realization that I don't have to put up with the darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression that Satan tries to throw at me. I have the power of Your promises and Your presence to stop every arrow and quench every flame. I have all the FAITH I need for that, because For All I Trust Him. I trust You, Father, and Your Word. Help me to show that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and deflect every dart of the enemy with your Shield of Faith.
In thinking of my own life and that of other believers that I know, the 3 most commonly used "darts of the evil one" (NKJV) are: 1) doubt, 2) discouragement, and 3) depression. Each flaming dart, arrow, or missile will come with a temptation, and the intention will be your defeat. Don't be afraid, just be aware.
The devil's first dart is doubt. The first words we hear from him, in the Garden of Eden, are "Did God really say...?" (Genesis 3:1, NLT). The enemy will whisper words to you, to tempt you to either distrust or disbelieve God. Every word of the Evil One is a lie, but if your Shield of Faith isn't up and plastered with the truth of God's Word, you'll fall for those lies.
The second dart of the devil is discouragement, and it is a fiery arrow. No matter how hard he tries, the Wicked One knows he cannot snatch you (a true believer) from the Father's Hand (John 10:29, NLT), so he will settle for the dis-ease of discouragement. The Adversary will orchestrate annoying occurrences on a daily basis, if he can get away with it. With your Shield of Faith, cushioned by the Word of God, nothing Satan brings to you will harm you.
The third dart of the devil is depression, and it is definitely a flaming missile. This is the weapon he uses even with unbelievers. Satan hates every person. Why? Because each of us is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), so no matter whom he looks at, he sees God. The Enemy's hatred is compounded, though, when a true believer is involved, and if he cannot steal your assurance of salvation and eternal future, he'll settle for stealing your present joy. With your Shield of Faith lifted up, fortified by every God-breathed Word that tells you who you are in Christ and every promise at your disposal, depression cannot enter your spirit (mind, will, and emotions).
Satan's number one priority is to keep unbelievers in spiritual blindness and to make believers as miserable as possible. With faith, applying God's Word and under-girded with God's Grace, Satan will be the one taking the hit.
Isaiah 54:17
"'In that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from Me. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" [NLT]
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is fraught with thoughts of doubt and times of discouragement, but for the true believer, it doesn't have to be that way. If you are a "servant of the LORD," you can claim the "benefits" of seeing that "no weapon turned against you will succeed" (i.e., no temptation will get you to succumb to it), "you will silence every voice raised up to accuse you" (i.e., you will quickly tell those nagging thoughts of doubt to BE QUIET!), and your "vindication will come" (i.e., you will be cleared from every accusation from the Accuser, and victory will be yours). God has spoken it. Do you believe it to be true for you?
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the realization that I don't have to put up with the darts of doubt, discouragement, and depression that Satan tries to throw at me. I have the power of Your promises and Your presence to stop every arrow and quench every flame. I have all the FAITH I need for that, because For All I Trust Him. I trust You, Father, and Your Word. Help me to show that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and deflect every dart of the enemy with your Shield of Faith.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #77 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part V]
Last time, we reflected on what the Shield of Faith looks like. Today, let's look at what it does. Ephesians 6:16 says, "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." We'll look at those "fiery darts" tomorrow.
Faith is being sure that God will keep His promises. The Shield of Faith in God protects you when you are tempted to doubt. Psalm 125:1 says that 'Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever." Do you trust in God, completely? Do you believe that nothing can defeat you?
Your toughest battles will concern matters of faith--times when you'll be tempted to think God's Word and His ways won't work for you, that He has abandoned you, let you down, or failed to come through for you. If Satan can get you to drop your Shield of Faith, he knows you won't remain standing for very long.
When your defensive Shield of Faith is down, every gate into your "palace" is wide open, unguarded. Satan's forces can walk right in and take whatever they want, without having to put up a fight. Doubting God and His Word causes your Shield of Faith to clatter to the ground, but you might not even hear a sound.
Be careful. Be vigilant. Plaster your Shield of Faith with God's Word, and then hold it up, believing and affirming that 1) God is who He says He is, 2) God can do what He says He can do, 3) I am who God says I am, 4) I can do all things through Christ, and 5) God's Word is alive and active in me! [5-point Shield of Faith by Beth Moore]
I Peter 5:8-9 [NLT]
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."
What this has to do with weight loss: I Peter 5:8-9 gives a whole new meaning to the saying, "It's not what you're eating; it's what's eating you." When you know you're being obedient in matters of food and exercise, take a look at the possibility that the enemy may be devouring you, so that you are experiencing a stall or other forms of weight-loss defeat. Trust me, he'll do what he can, he'll use what he can to cause you to stumble and fall. The Shield of Faith in God and His Word, if you keep it raised high, will defeat your enemy, and you'll see victory in your life and body.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I wonder how many times I've allowed my Shield of Faith to lower and even clatter to the ground. I wonder how many bouts of sickness, how many 'upsets' and even crises Satan has been able to bring to me because I did not wield my Shield. I can't go back and change any of that, Lord, but right here, right now, I say to the enemy, 'NO MORE!' I'm keeping my Shield up, in front of me, with all the power of Your Word behind what I know to be true! In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and wield the Shield of Faith.
Faith is being sure that God will keep His promises. The Shield of Faith in God protects you when you are tempted to doubt. Psalm 125:1 says that 'Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever." Do you trust in God, completely? Do you believe that nothing can defeat you?
Your toughest battles will concern matters of faith--times when you'll be tempted to think God's Word and His ways won't work for you, that He has abandoned you, let you down, or failed to come through for you. If Satan can get you to drop your Shield of Faith, he knows you won't remain standing for very long.
When your defensive Shield of Faith is down, every gate into your "palace" is wide open, unguarded. Satan's forces can walk right in and take whatever they want, without having to put up a fight. Doubting God and His Word causes your Shield of Faith to clatter to the ground, but you might not even hear a sound.
Be careful. Be vigilant. Plaster your Shield of Faith with God's Word, and then hold it up, believing and affirming that 1) God is who He says He is, 2) God can do what He says He can do, 3) I am who God says I am, 4) I can do all things through Christ, and 5) God's Word is alive and active in me! [5-point Shield of Faith by Beth Moore]
I Peter 5:8-9 [NLT]
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."
What this has to do with weight loss: I Peter 5:8-9 gives a whole new meaning to the saying, "It's not what you're eating; it's what's eating you." When you know you're being obedient in matters of food and exercise, take a look at the possibility that the enemy may be devouring you, so that you are experiencing a stall or other forms of weight-loss defeat. Trust me, he'll do what he can, he'll use what he can to cause you to stumble and fall. The Shield of Faith in God and His Word, if you keep it raised high, will defeat your enemy, and you'll see victory in your life and body.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I wonder how many times I've allowed my Shield of Faith to lower and even clatter to the ground. I wonder how many bouts of sickness, how many 'upsets' and even crises Satan has been able to bring to me because I did not wield my Shield. I can't go back and change any of that, Lord, but right here, right now, I say to the enemy, 'NO MORE!' I'm keeping my Shield up, in front of me, with all the power of Your Word behind what I know to be true! In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and wield the Shield of Faith.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #76 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part IV]
Last time, we looked at the phrase "taking the shield of faith" as found in Ephesians 6:16, "Above all, taking the shield of faith..."[New King James Version]. Today, let's see what the Shield of Faith looks like. Tomorrow, we'll look more closely at what it does.
The Greek/Roman soldier's oblong, curved 4' x 2' shield was, both individually and collectively, their most important defensive weapon. Soldiers could join their shields together, in front or overhead, placing themselves behind a fortified wall. Their wooden shields, covered in thick leather, protected them well. The Shield of Faith is meant to be as valuable a weapon in spiritual warfare.
According to Romans 12:3, "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" [King James Version]. That tells me that God has placed in every person the same amount of what I like to call "faith potential." That makes sense, since "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). It is up to each of us, whether or not we yield to faith and whether or not we yield to the Shield.
The believer has the potential for great faith, the faith shown by all those pointed out in Hebrews chapter 11, the Hall of Faith chapter. When you read that chapter, you will see that many of these precious believers suffered great persecution, but they never lost their confidence in the Lord. Today, most of us don't suffer persecution like that, thankfully, but we do have an enemy who would like to defeat us, and if he can't steal our salvation, he'll certainly try to steal our joy, on a daily basis.
When we look at our own life, as a believer, and perhaps that of others we know, it certainly seems as if there are various sizes of shields of faith. Some hold up a very small shield, and others hold up a very large shield, and that, my friends, is why some experience defeat and others, while still in the fight, experience ultimate victory.
In the Shield of Faith, size matters. Your challenge is to increase your faith. Don't wait for God to do it, because He's already given you everything you need. Experience will teach you that the more you use it, the more you'll see it works, and the more it works, the more you'll use it. Now, it's up to you. You've got to yield to the Shield!
Revelation 2:13 [NLT]
[Jesus speaks to the church at Pergamum words He wants to say to us today] "'I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to Me...'"
What this has to do with weight loss: When you recognize that Satan will use even your weight-loss journey to try to defeat you, you know that you can use your Shield of Faith to protect yourself. It's available to you, and as you yield to the Shield, you will hear the words, "You have remained loyal to Me." Victory is assured, when that happens.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful for the measure of faith You've given to me. My desire is to increase it and to yield to the Shield of Faith, every moment of every day. I want victory, and nothing less will do! The Shield of Faith works. Help me to work it, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and yield to the Shield of Faith.
The Greek/Roman soldier's oblong, curved 4' x 2' shield was, both individually and collectively, their most important defensive weapon. Soldiers could join their shields together, in front or overhead, placing themselves behind a fortified wall. Their wooden shields, covered in thick leather, protected them well. The Shield of Faith is meant to be as valuable a weapon in spiritual warfare.
According to Romans 12:3, "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" [King James Version]. That tells me that God has placed in every person the same amount of what I like to call "faith potential." That makes sense, since "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). It is up to each of us, whether or not we yield to faith and whether or not we yield to the Shield.
The believer has the potential for great faith, the faith shown by all those pointed out in Hebrews chapter 11, the Hall of Faith chapter. When you read that chapter, you will see that many of these precious believers suffered great persecution, but they never lost their confidence in the Lord. Today, most of us don't suffer persecution like that, thankfully, but we do have an enemy who would like to defeat us, and if he can't steal our salvation, he'll certainly try to steal our joy, on a daily basis.
When we look at our own life, as a believer, and perhaps that of others we know, it certainly seems as if there are various sizes of shields of faith. Some hold up a very small shield, and others hold up a very large shield, and that, my friends, is why some experience defeat and others, while still in the fight, experience ultimate victory.
In the Shield of Faith, size matters. Your challenge is to increase your faith. Don't wait for God to do it, because He's already given you everything you need. Experience will teach you that the more you use it, the more you'll see it works, and the more it works, the more you'll use it. Now, it's up to you. You've got to yield to the Shield!
Revelation 2:13 [NLT]
[Jesus speaks to the church at Pergamum words He wants to say to us today] "'I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to Me...'"
What this has to do with weight loss: When you recognize that Satan will use even your weight-loss journey to try to defeat you, you know that you can use your Shield of Faith to protect yourself. It's available to you, and as you yield to the Shield, you will hear the words, "You have remained loyal to Me." Victory is assured, when that happens.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful for the measure of faith You've given to me. My desire is to increase it and to yield to the Shield of Faith, every moment of every day. I want victory, and nothing less will do! The Shield of Faith works. Help me to work it, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and yield to the Shield of Faith.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #75 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part III]
Last time we looked at the phrase "Above all," found in Ephesians 6:16. Today, let's look at the next phrase in "Above all, taking the shield of faith..." [New King James Version]. Again, let's look at that from various Bible translations.
The New International Version says that we should "take up the shield of faith." The Message advises us to "Take all the help you can get." The Amplified Version directs us to "Lift up over all the [covering] shield." The New Living Translation tells us to "hold up the shield of faith." The New Century Version simply says to "use the shield of faith." My favorite way of putting this key phrase is found in the Contemporary English Version, which says to "Let your faith be like a shield."
Brothers and sisters in Christ, decide today to "let your faith be like a shield." Faith is of little value if you don't know how to walk it out from day to day. Your Shield of Faith will not help you, if you leave it at church or at home. You will not be victorious if you forget to lift up and use your Shield of Faith. Without it, you're fair game to the enemy.
I Corinthians 16:13 [NLT]
"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong."
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey requires the 4 things mentioned in I Corinthians 16:13, and if you follow it, you will be successful. So, be on your guard, against all forms of temptation that would seek to cause you defeat. Stand firm in your faith. You must believe that you can victorious in weight-loss issues, and you would be wise to depend on your faith in the Lord to get there. Be courageous. It takes much courage to follow through, to do what you know you should do, day after day. Finally, be strong. Courage and strength go together. You are stronger than you think you are, and you have all strength in Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have given me, as a believer, the Shield of Faith, but I know I must decide to take it up, to use it each day. It won't do me any good, otherwise. I don't want to be a sitting duck for the one who seeks to 'steal, kill, and destroy' (John 10:10). Help me to allow my faith to shield and protect me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to take up your Shield of Faith.
The New International Version says that we should "take up the shield of faith." The Message advises us to "Take all the help you can get." The Amplified Version directs us to "Lift up over all the [covering] shield." The New Living Translation tells us to "hold up the shield of faith." The New Century Version simply says to "use the shield of faith." My favorite way of putting this key phrase is found in the Contemporary English Version, which says to "Let your faith be like a shield."
Brothers and sisters in Christ, decide today to "let your faith be like a shield." Faith is of little value if you don't know how to walk it out from day to day. Your Shield of Faith will not help you, if you leave it at church or at home. You will not be victorious if you forget to lift up and use your Shield of Faith. Without it, you're fair game to the enemy.
I Corinthians 16:13 [NLT]
"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong."
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey requires the 4 things mentioned in I Corinthians 16:13, and if you follow it, you will be successful. So, be on your guard, against all forms of temptation that would seek to cause you defeat. Stand firm in your faith. You must believe that you can victorious in weight-loss issues, and you would be wise to depend on your faith in the Lord to get there. Be courageous. It takes much courage to follow through, to do what you know you should do, day after day. Finally, be strong. Courage and strength go together. You are stronger than you think you are, and you have all strength in Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have given me, as a believer, the Shield of Faith, but I know I must decide to take it up, to use it each day. It won't do me any good, otherwise. I don't want to be a sitting duck for the one who seeks to 'steal, kill, and destroy' (John 10:10). Help me to allow my faith to shield and protect me. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to take up your Shield of Faith.
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