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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.