Life Plan Devotion #15 [The pearl]

Do you know how a pearl develops? It happens when a foreign substance slips into an oyster, between its mantle and shell. This irritates the oyster, and the oyster reacts by secreting layers of a natural substance, to cover and protect itself from the irritant, eventually forming a pearl.
How do you react to irritants, whether they be situations or people? They can be either a constant source of irritation or an opportunity to allow God's grace to cover it and you. The result just may be a jewel.

II Corinthians 12:9 [NIV]
"...'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'"

What this has to do with weight loss: There are many irritations that come with weight-loss surgery and the way of eating and drinking afterward, that are meant to lead to weight loss and maintenance. You can either react in frustration or you can submit to the process. God's grace will help you submit to the process, as you submit to Him.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, knowing Jesus, the Pearl of Great Price, is precious to me. I thank You for the Grace that flows down and covers me. Help me, today, to submit to You and to the process of being smoothed out by heavenly sandpaper, those situations and people who tend to irritate. Help me to see it all as You see it, an opportunity to develop godly character and live as one of Your jewels. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, covered by Grace.

Life Plan Devotion #10 [Self-sabotage]

Webster's defines "sabotage" as "any undermining of a cause, plan, or effort." In "self-sabotage," the saboteur is one's self, whether done consciously or subconsciously. It's a fight against success, for success means no more excuses for not showing up, not engaging in LIFE. For the believer, self-sabotage guarantees that no one will expect you to finish God's plan for your life. If there are no expectations, there will be no chance for failure.
Which one(s) of the following methods of self-sabotage do you identify with?

Self-sabotage--> Cause Effect/Result

• Don't exercise--> Health issues
• Addicted to carbs--> Tired and irritable
• Rash and impulsive--> Poor, irreversible decisions
• Compare self to others--> Feel inadequate
• Aim for perfection--> Leads to failure
• Temper rages--> Guilt and shame
• Harbor sense of entitlement--> Filled with pride
• Stay up too late--> Act like a grouch the next day
• Overeat at meals--> Depressed about weight gain

Now that you've identified the devious method(s) you tend to use, to sabotage your chance at success, what is the answer? No matter what the issue/problem/challenge, the answer is always Jesus. If you desire for there to be less of you (in whatever way), then there must be more of Jesus. Stop trying to be "right," for you can either be right or be healed.

Lamentations 3:40 [NIV] "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD."

What this has to do with weight loss: Instead of realizing that despite our best intentions to change, despite our resolve to lose weight, we end up doing the thing we say we want to avoid--overeat, and being discouraged or depressed about it, let's focus on what we are actually doing and the result. Figure out why you are sabotaging your chance at weight-loss success, and take it to the Lord, for He is the only one who can help you find true, lasting success, even in the area of weight loss.

Prayer for Today: "Heavenly Father, help me to examine my ways today and test them. I return to You, Lord, and I ask for your protection, that I will not try to derail myself from accomplishing my best for You. I ask You, specifically, Father, to keep me from my most ingenious, devious method of self-sabotage, which is __________. Give me the wisdom to stop it, I pray. In the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, and allow success to show up in your life.

Life Plan Devotion #8 [Need a Hero]

Do you have a hero or role model? Think about that person. Perhaps it's a parent or other family member, a teacher, pastor, counselor or coach. How has this person inspired you, been a beacon of hope for you? In what ways has he/she invested in your life? We all need someone we can look up to and learn from.
Yes, we all need a hero. Jesus can be, desires to be, your hero. Having a close relationship with Him will inspire you to be brave and bold, no matter what's going on in your life. When you focus on your relationship with Him, you will be changed in more awesome ways than you can count.

Hebrews 4:14 [NIV]
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."

What this has to do with weight loss: The support of a weight-loss role model is so valuable. Find the person who is willing to invest in your weight-loss journey, one who will inspire you not only to lose weight but to encourage you spiritually, as well. As you grow in all areas, seek to become someone else's hero. Remember, too, that Jesus is your ultimate hero, even in the area of weight loss, for He is the One who can change you from the inside out.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, since I have Jesus, Your Son, the great High Priest, who has gone through the heavens, may I hold firmly to the faith I profess. I desire to be wholly and passionately Yours, Jesus. Today, I ask You, Father, to help me always to be receptive to those You send to influence me, those who can guide me to a closer, bolder relationship with You. Reveal to me the person You would like for me to learn from during this season in my life. Send me heroes and role models who love You with all their heart. Thank You for those You have already used to shape and mold me. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, and KNOW Him so deeply that you can't tell where you end and He begins.