Did you ever watch "Extreme Makeover"? No, I'm not talking about Ty Pennington and the Home Makeover Team, although it's a good show, too. I'm referring to the show which chose several less-than-beautiful women willing to hand over their body to a panel of experts in plastic surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, diet and exercise, hair care, clothing, and makeup. There was a token psychologist, but it wasn't clear how involved the women were in personal counseling, which might explain the true shock on their face at their first "reveal."
What truly important thing about yourself would you like to change, that you would need God's help to accomplish? Perhaps additional questions to ask yourself would be, "How does God want to transform me? What change in my life would please Him?" Maybe you cannot move forward in your life mission, without this change. Whether you need courage to see a counselor, confidence to ask a friend for prayer, the self discipline to live a downsized life or stop abusing your finances, the determination to walk away from an unhealthy relationship, the submission to the nudge to quit rehearsing your past hurts so you can move forward into the present and the future, or the motivation to mind your own business, God can help you do what you cannot seem to do for yourself. Partner with Him, and the "caterpillar" in your life will become a "butterfly."
Romans 12:2
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will" (NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: Every person on the weight-loss surgery journey wants to end up a svelte/handsome woman/man. What we soon realize is that our surgeon operated on our stomach, not our mind. There is emotional surgery that must be performed, if we are to be successful long term. As daunting a task as that may seem, it's helpful and comforting to know that the One who created us is ready, willing, and able to transform us. Allow Him to renew your mind and heart, and you will see the changes, inside and out.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. When that happens, I'll be able to test and approve Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for my life. I don't want to live anymore in denial about what needs to change in me. I don't want to avoid doing the "hard thing" in that area of my life. I desire to be transformed, but it scares me. Today, I pray for the courage and strength to change the things that, with Your help, I can change, those truly important things that will please You and that will help me accomplish the life mission You have for me. I ask You to do the transformational work in me. Give me the courage, strength, and power to drop my resistance and quit making excuses. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, in the anticipatory joy of godly transformation.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #18 [on the QT]
This devotion is on the QT--Quiet Time, that is. How's your Quiet Time with the Lord, or do you even have one? A Quiet Time is just that, spending a few minutes of quiet with the Lord, in prayer, in the Word, writing in a journal, confessing sin, memorizing verses, singing, reading a devotion, enjoying God's creative Hand outside, and even just being silent before Him so that you can listen for and hear His Voice.
Has your Quiet Time become an obligation or merely a habit, or are you ecstatic to have the privilege of coming into the presence of Almighty God, to praise Him, learn about Him, hear from Him, and see what assignment He has for you? Is your heart cold or on fire?
Just as any lover (one who loves), God longs for you to seek Him out, to desire to speak to Him and spend time with Him, just listening. Begin your day with Him, and you will find that your day will be aglow with His presence.
Matthew 6:6 [Message]
"[Jesus said,] 'Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: Sometimes we forget that God is interested in every aspect of our life. While He loves you just as you are, no matter what you weigh, He desires for your life and body to be healthy. After all, your body is His temple, and doesn't He deserve to live in a healthy one? You have an Advocate in the Lord. Spending time with Him will empower you to resist the food issues, the unhealthy activities, that got you to the place of obesity in the first place. Go to Him for help.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know that You want me to find a quiet, secluded spot where no one but You is watching me, so I won't be tempted to pretend to be someone I'm not when I am with You. You just want me to be with You, simply and honestly. I want that, too, for I know that as I do that, the focus will shift from me to You, and I will begin to sense Your Grace. I pray that the time I spend with You today will be the most incredible time possible. Make me mindful always of the privilege of being in Your Presence, and help me to realize that I need to 'refuel' more often, so I won't 'run on empty.' I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, in the glow of an awesome Quiet Time.
Has your Quiet Time become an obligation or merely a habit, or are you ecstatic to have the privilege of coming into the presence of Almighty God, to praise Him, learn about Him, hear from Him, and see what assignment He has for you? Is your heart cold or on fire?
Just as any lover (one who loves), God longs for you to seek Him out, to desire to speak to Him and spend time with Him, just listening. Begin your day with Him, and you will find that your day will be aglow with His presence.
Matthew 6:6 [Message]
"[Jesus said,] 'Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: Sometimes we forget that God is interested in every aspect of our life. While He loves you just as you are, no matter what you weigh, He desires for your life and body to be healthy. After all, your body is His temple, and doesn't He deserve to live in a healthy one? You have an Advocate in the Lord. Spending time with Him will empower you to resist the food issues, the unhealthy activities, that got you to the place of obesity in the first place. Go to Him for help.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know that You want me to find a quiet, secluded spot where no one but You is watching me, so I won't be tempted to pretend to be someone I'm not when I am with You. You just want me to be with You, simply and honestly. I want that, too, for I know that as I do that, the focus will shift from me to You, and I will begin to sense Your Grace. I pray that the time I spend with You today will be the most incredible time possible. Make me mindful always of the privilege of being in Your Presence, and help me to realize that I need to 'refuel' more often, so I won't 'run on empty.' I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, in the glow of an awesome Quiet Time.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #17 [Strengths & Weaknesses]
In thinking about the topic of today's devotion, I realized two things. 1) With attention, a weakness can become a strength. 2) With inattention, a strength can become a weakness. The second thing can happen, even before you realize it.
Good looks can lead to pride. Excessive privilege can invite hardheartedness. Leadership can turn into control or manipulation. Generosity can lead to overspending on others, in an attempt to buy love or friendship. Friendliness can turn into inappropriate flirtation. Obsessive planning can destroy spontaneity or cause one to be inflexible. Caring and compassion can become a failure to set healthy boundaries, and the result can be that one feels used and unsure of how to lovingly correct the situation.
There is the danger that we will become self-sufficient or abuse our strengths, using them in ways God does not intend. Our strengths become our comfort zones, and we can refuse to allow God to stretch us beyond those areas that make us feel secure. Sometimes He forces us out of our comfort zones, away from our strengths, so we can learn, in new ways, to depend on Him.
Isaiah 31:1 (NIV, with author's addition in brackets)
"Woe to those who go down to Egypt [place of bondage] for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the LORD."
What this has to do with weight loss: Think of the weaknesses that led to your weight issue. Think of the attention you're giving to them and how you can see that they are becoming strengths. For example, perhaps you were an emotional eater, and, with attention to that, you are finding that you can deal with your emotions in a healthy manner, that does not involve eating. Conversely, think of a strength that, with inattention, could become a weakness. For example, perhaps you are at goal and maintaining, but, with inattention, you may find that you assume those pounds are "gone for good," only to find that the number on the scale begins to creep upward. With being mindful of your strengths and weaknesses, and with God's help, you can attend to them in ways that will benefit your weight-loss journey and give glory to God.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I don't want to go to any place of bondage, for help. I don't want to rely on anyone else but You. I don't want to trust in numbers or the great strength of anything else. I want to look to You, Holy One of Israel, only You. Today, help me to give attention to my every weakness so that they can become strengths, and help me to avoid inattention to my strengths, which could cause them to become weaknesses. Help me to be intensely aware of my responsibility to use my strengths wisely and to devote them wholly to Your glory. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, and attend to your strengths and weaknesses.
Good looks can lead to pride. Excessive privilege can invite hardheartedness. Leadership can turn into control or manipulation. Generosity can lead to overspending on others, in an attempt to buy love or friendship. Friendliness can turn into inappropriate flirtation. Obsessive planning can destroy spontaneity or cause one to be inflexible. Caring and compassion can become a failure to set healthy boundaries, and the result can be that one feels used and unsure of how to lovingly correct the situation.
There is the danger that we will become self-sufficient or abuse our strengths, using them in ways God does not intend. Our strengths become our comfort zones, and we can refuse to allow God to stretch us beyond those areas that make us feel secure. Sometimes He forces us out of our comfort zones, away from our strengths, so we can learn, in new ways, to depend on Him.
Isaiah 31:1 (NIV, with author's addition in brackets)
"Woe to those who go down to Egypt [place of bondage] for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the LORD."
What this has to do with weight loss: Think of the weaknesses that led to your weight issue. Think of the attention you're giving to them and how you can see that they are becoming strengths. For example, perhaps you were an emotional eater, and, with attention to that, you are finding that you can deal with your emotions in a healthy manner, that does not involve eating. Conversely, think of a strength that, with inattention, could become a weakness. For example, perhaps you are at goal and maintaining, but, with inattention, you may find that you assume those pounds are "gone for good," only to find that the number on the scale begins to creep upward. With being mindful of your strengths and weaknesses, and with God's help, you can attend to them in ways that will benefit your weight-loss journey and give glory to God.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I don't want to go to any place of bondage, for help. I don't want to rely on anyone else but You. I don't want to trust in numbers or the great strength of anything else. I want to look to You, Holy One of Israel, only You. Today, help me to give attention to my every weakness so that they can become strengths, and help me to avoid inattention to my strengths, which could cause them to become weaknesses. Help me to be intensely aware of my responsibility to use my strengths wisely and to devote them wholly to Your glory. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Go forth today, and attend to your strengths and weaknesses.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #16 [Power]
When have you witnessed God's power in your life? Perhaps you've seen Him walk on water to get to you in time of distress. Maybe He's calmed a storm in your life or multiplied loaves for you. Recall a moment when God's power was evident to you. Remembering the miracles in your life will help you to live with gratitude and ready your heart to serve God more faithfully.
One of the manifestations of God's power that is most precious to me is His resurrection power. Whether it's a relationship or a life, God can bring it from death to life. I love the story of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). Not even death is more powerful than God! Do you need something raised from the dead? Trust the power of God to do a resurrection in your life.
Colossians 1:11 [NLT]
"That you will be strengthened with His glorious power so you will have all the patience and endurance you need."
What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us has a weak spot, when it comes to the weight-loss journey. Perhaps it's a certain food or an issue with exercise. Whatever that weak spot is for you, maybe you are apt to say, "I can't," and perhaps you're right. You can't, but God, through you, can! Depend on His strength and power to see you through.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You are Omnipotent God, and nothing is too hard for You. Today, I humbly thank You for the power You have poured into my life in the past, and I pray expectantly to see evidence of Your power in my life today and in the future. I invite You to display Your majesty through my smallness. Remember me, Your humble servant, who willingly bows to You and loves to brag about all You have done for me. You are awesome, and I worship You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, and experience God's strength and resurrecting power.
One of the manifestations of God's power that is most precious to me is His resurrection power. Whether it's a relationship or a life, God can bring it from death to life. I love the story of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). Not even death is more powerful than God! Do you need something raised from the dead? Trust the power of God to do a resurrection in your life.
Colossians 1:11 [NLT]
"That you will be strengthened with His glorious power so you will have all the patience and endurance you need."
What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us has a weak spot, when it comes to the weight-loss journey. Perhaps it's a certain food or an issue with exercise. Whatever that weak spot is for you, maybe you are apt to say, "I can't," and perhaps you're right. You can't, but God, through you, can! Depend on His strength and power to see you through.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You are Omnipotent God, and nothing is too hard for You. Today, I humbly thank You for the power You have poured into my life in the past, and I pray expectantly to see evidence of Your power in my life today and in the future. I invite You to display Your majesty through my smallness. Remember me, Your humble servant, who willingly bows to You and loves to brag about all You have done for me. You are awesome, and I worship You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, and experience God's strength and resurrecting power.
Friday, July 3, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #14 [Character]
Personal Note: My 7th grandbaby, Solomon Michael, was born yesterday, weighing in at 7 lbs. 11 ounces. Praise God for a safe delivery. Daughter-in-love, son, baby, and 3 brothers are all doing well.
Daily, each of us is given opportunities to build our character, to act and react in godly ways. Think about it...if you tend to be impatient, you will have opportunity after opportunity to exhibit patience or impatience. Either one is your choice.
Desire to exhibit the character of God, and since "God is love" (I John 4:8), love should be the foundation of our character. What would that look like? How do you measure up against the love yardstick today?
I Corinthians 13:4-8 [in list form, from NIV]
"Love is patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud, not rude or self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, always protects, trusts, hope, perseveres. Love never fails."
What this has to do with weight loss: Any time we lack in the love department, within ourselves, we will try to fill that void with something, and for most of us, that something is food. However, since food is fuel and cannot meet any emotional need, the results are greater dependence upon food and weight gain. If you lack love, go to the One who is love.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire to exhibit godly character today. You are love, and I want to be like You. Help me, today, to be patient and kind to all I meet. Help me to empty myself of self. Help me to live with joy, because I rejoice in the truth. May I be faithful to be true to You and true to love. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be loving.
Daily, each of us is given opportunities to build our character, to act and react in godly ways. Think about it...if you tend to be impatient, you will have opportunity after opportunity to exhibit patience or impatience. Either one is your choice.
Desire to exhibit the character of God, and since "God is love" (I John 4:8), love should be the foundation of our character. What would that look like? How do you measure up against the love yardstick today?
I Corinthians 13:4-8 [in list form, from NIV]
"Love is patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud, not rude or self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, always protects, trusts, hope, perseveres. Love never fails."
What this has to do with weight loss: Any time we lack in the love department, within ourselves, we will try to fill that void with something, and for most of us, that something is food. However, since food is fuel and cannot meet any emotional need, the results are greater dependence upon food and weight gain. If you lack love, go to the One who is love.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire to exhibit godly character today. You are love, and I want to be like You. Help me, today, to be patient and kind to all I meet. Help me to empty myself of self. Help me to live with joy, because I rejoice in the truth. May I be faithful to be true to You and true to love. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be loving.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #13 [Life message]
Everyone is born with a talent or gift. Everyone is born with something they are meant to do. Everyone is born with some life message to share with the world. I believe those things are true. Not everyone submits to their gifting, their life work, or their message, but what an awesome thing when a person does!
What is your life message? Have you ever thought about that? It will be an encouraging comment that comes out of your heart and mouth, probably quite often. It's something that, if given permission, you would shout it from the mountaintop! Whatever life message God has given you to share, realize there is responsibility as well as privilege attached to it, and share your life message with passion.
Acts 20:24 [NIV]
"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is a race. Determine to run it well, and be a trophy of God's grace. Testify that salvation power gives you the ability to conquer the challenges of the race, and don't forget to encourage the other runners.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, my life is worthwhile only if I finish the race and complete the task You have given me--that of testifying to the gospel of Your grace. Help me to know the message I was sent into the world to carry. Once I know my life message, help me to deliver that message with passion. What an awesome privilege to be Your trusted messenger. May I take the responsibility seriously. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and speak your life message to your world.
What is your life message? Have you ever thought about that? It will be an encouraging comment that comes out of your heart and mouth, probably quite often. It's something that, if given permission, you would shout it from the mountaintop! Whatever life message God has given you to share, realize there is responsibility as well as privilege attached to it, and share your life message with passion.
Acts 20:24 [NIV]
"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is a race. Determine to run it well, and be a trophy of God's grace. Testify that salvation power gives you the ability to conquer the challenges of the race, and don't forget to encourage the other runners.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, my life is worthwhile only if I finish the race and complete the task You have given me--that of testifying to the gospel of Your grace. Help me to know the message I was sent into the world to carry. Once I know my life message, help me to deliver that message with passion. What an awesome privilege to be Your trusted messenger. May I take the responsibility seriously. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and speak your life message to your world.
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