Have you ever tried to talk to someone, but you feel that person ignored you? It's frustrating. Sometimes it's just that the person has other things on his/her mind. Sometimes it's more deliberate--a refusal to listen. Either way, it's frustrating.
There are times when we fail to listen to God, even turn our back on Him. I wonder how that makes Him feel? I know He loves us unconditionally, yet surely He grieves for us, when we ignore Him and His Word, that we miss out on His wisdom, guidance, blessings.
Today, God wants to speak to you. Are you listening, or will you merely wait until you need Him?
Jeremiah 2:27 [NLT]
"'...They turn their backs on Me, but in times of trouble they cry out to Me, 'Come and save us!'"
What this has to do with weight loss: God can use people to speak to us. Even in weight-loss journey troubles, we can ask for advice and help from others. However, we must be prepared to listen, evaluate the advice, and then be willing to try the best suggestions. If we're unwilling to listen and try, we'll be headed for times of trouble.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I've failed to listen to You. I know You want to speak to me every day, so I can be prepared for the day, armed for victory. I grieve for the times that I ignored Your Word, even disobeyed it. The consequences have been hard. Thank You that today is a new day. I humble myself before You, to spend time with You, away from the distractions of life, reading Your Word, and listening for Your still, small voice. My heart is quiet, my spiritual ears are open, and I'm listening for Your voice. Change me, and make me more like You. I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be a listener.
Surgery prep Psalms for Surgery CD available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #32 [Attitude of gratitude]
Do you have an attitude of gratitude? I'm not talking about the things for which most of us are thankful: family, friends, food, clothing, shelter. A true attitude of gratitude sees and appreciates even the smallest joy in our past, present, and future. An attitude of gratitude takes nothing for granted.
Focus on being grateful/thankful today. Perhaps today will bring a challenge, and you will overcome it. Maybe you'll give or receive forgiveness today. Think of the many who are out of work today, and be thankful for your job. Appreciate your eyesight, even your hindsight. Whatever the weather today, be it sunshine, rain, or cold, be thankful for another day of life. Show gratitude to others, too, today, with a smile, a "thank you" or some words of encouragement. Be sure to give thanks to God for it all, for when you do that, you're ministering to Him.
Luke 17:15-17 [NLT]
"One of [the ten lepers], when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, 'Praise God!' He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking Him for what He had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, 'Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?'" [Note: plural pronoun replaced by specific information, in brackets, for clarity, by author]
What this has to do with weight loss: All too often, on our weight-loss journey, we focus on what's going wrong, instead of what's going right. It's when we focus on what's going right that we develop an attitude of gratitude, and that attitude of gratitude will positively affect what's going wrong. Give it a try, and you will see.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want to be the unexpected one, the one who comes to You, to give thanks. I want to be so grateful that I throw myself at Your feet and raise my voice in loud praise to You. Never do I want to hear You ask of me, 'Weren't you healed, too?' Father, You have saved me, cleansed me, blessed me, helped me, provided for me, and loved me unconditionally, and I thank You. Remind me constantly of the millions of other wonderful things, people, circumstances for which I should be grateful. More than anything, I want to say 'Thank You!' with my life. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, in an attitude of gratitude.
S.T.A.R.T. Program (Strategies To Achieve Recovery & Transformation), 2-CD set for the bariatric patient, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Focus on being grateful/thankful today. Perhaps today will bring a challenge, and you will overcome it. Maybe you'll give or receive forgiveness today. Think of the many who are out of work today, and be thankful for your job. Appreciate your eyesight, even your hindsight. Whatever the weather today, be it sunshine, rain, or cold, be thankful for another day of life. Show gratitude to others, too, today, with a smile, a "thank you" or some words of encouragement. Be sure to give thanks to God for it all, for when you do that, you're ministering to Him.
Luke 17:15-17 [NLT]
"One of [the ten lepers], when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, 'Praise God!' He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking Him for what He had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, 'Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?'" [Note: plural pronoun replaced by specific information, in brackets, for clarity, by author]
What this has to do with weight loss: All too often, on our weight-loss journey, we focus on what's going wrong, instead of what's going right. It's when we focus on what's going right that we develop an attitude of gratitude, and that attitude of gratitude will positively affect what's going wrong. Give it a try, and you will see.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want to be the unexpected one, the one who comes to You, to give thanks. I want to be so grateful that I throw myself at Your feet and raise my voice in loud praise to You. Never do I want to hear You ask of me, 'Weren't you healed, too?' Father, You have saved me, cleansed me, blessed me, helped me, provided for me, and loved me unconditionally, and I thank You. Remind me constantly of the millions of other wonderful things, people, circumstances for which I should be grateful. More than anything, I want to say 'Thank You!' with my life. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, in an attitude of gratitude.
S.T.A.R.T. Program (Strategies To Achieve Recovery & Transformation), 2-CD set for the bariatric patient, available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #31 [Stealing the glory]
It is a joy to write this daily devotion for others. I enjoy reading the replies I've received. As I finished responding to someone who had replied to a devotion, the Lord whispered a question to me, "Would you still write and post the devotion if no one replied?" Wow. I hadn't thought of that before. Yes, I would...I think I would...I hope I would.
When you do something that benefits someone else, what's your motivation? Is it because it's a joy to do it, or is it because you enjoy the thanks you get from doing it? As believers, everything we do should be for the glory of God, not for self-glory.
I challenge you to do something for someone, anonymously. Don't tell anyone what you did. If, after the anonymous good deed, you are tempted to tell even just one person what you did, chances are you may typically fall prey to the temptation to steal the glory from God and put it on yourself. It's a struggle, but the Holy Spirit can help you to yearn for God to get all the glory.
II Corinthians 3:18 [NIV]
"We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory..."
What this has to do with weight loss: What is your motivation to lose weight? For me, I wanted to be able to play with my grandchildren, be able to walk outside again, live longer and healthier, etc. Those are fine, but I realized that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and He deserves a healthy temple. I Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (NIV). Now that's the best motivation--for the glory of God.
Pray for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire to reflect Your glory in all that I do. I praise You that I am being transformed into Your likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from You, not me. I pray that I won't get in the way by calling attention to myself, by trying to steal Your glory. Lord, teach me to humbly bow to Your glory, and may everything I do today bring honor and glory to You. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and reflect God's glory.
Psalms for Surgery CD available at www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
When you do something that benefits someone else, what's your motivation? Is it because it's a joy to do it, or is it because you enjoy the thanks you get from doing it? As believers, everything we do should be for the glory of God, not for self-glory.
I challenge you to do something for someone, anonymously. Don't tell anyone what you did. If, after the anonymous good deed, you are tempted to tell even just one person what you did, chances are you may typically fall prey to the temptation to steal the glory from God and put it on yourself. It's a struggle, but the Holy Spirit can help you to yearn for God to get all the glory.
II Corinthians 3:18 [NIV]
"We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory..."
What this has to do with weight loss: What is your motivation to lose weight? For me, I wanted to be able to play with my grandchildren, be able to walk outside again, live longer and healthier, etc. Those are fine, but I realized that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and He deserves a healthy temple. I Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (NIV). Now that's the best motivation--for the glory of God.
Pray for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I desire to reflect Your glory in all that I do. I praise You that I am being transformed into Your likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from You, not me. I pray that I won't get in the way by calling attention to myself, by trying to steal Your glory. Lord, teach me to humbly bow to Your glory, and may everything I do today bring honor and glory to You. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and reflect God's glory.
Psalms for Surgery CD available at www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #30 [I give up!]
When I think of surrendering to God, I think of the saying, "He's God; I'm not." Surrendering to God is knowing who He is and trusting Him with every aspect of one's life. Surrendering is an act of humble submission. It's often the hardest thing to do, because we tend to hold on to things, people, and problems.
What do you have a tight grip on, today? Is it a worry, your past, a possession, a relationship, an addiction? Whatever you're holding on to today, give it to God. Turn it over to His care, and allow Him to be the Lord of every part of your life. You won't regret it, for when you can truly say, "All to Jesus I surrender," then "[you] will ever love and trust Him" and "in His presence [you'll] daily live" (from I Surrender All, hymn by Judson Van DeVenter, 1896; pronoun changes in brackets made by author, for sentence structure, flow, and clarity).
Luke 14:33 [NLT]
"[Jesus said,] 'You cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you own.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: I used to think that I could (and should) control everything about my weight loss, but it was a constant battle. As a believer, it felt like it should be a battle I could win. One day, I raised a white flag...not in surrender to the weight but in surrender to God. I gave up my pride, my wanting to manage and control this most unmanageable and uncontrollable part of my life, and I placed it at the Cross. I found that the moment I did that, things started changing. I wish I had done it sooner. Give God everything, even your weight-loss journey, knowing that He can be trusted to make your path straight.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want, more than anything, to be Your disciple, Your follower, and in order to be Your disciple, I must surrender everything I am, everything I have, everything I desire, to You. Help me to be willing to do that today. I ask for wisdom to know what I'm holding on to, then give me the strength to lay it down, to give it to You. I know that anything that's difficult for me to lay at the Cross is the thing that's better off in Your care and control, anyway. I don't know why it's so hard to do that, though, Lord. I guess it's pride. Give me the courage to do the hard thing, to give up my pride, to surrender all, so that I may truly be set free. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and surrender all.
What do you have a tight grip on, today? Is it a worry, your past, a possession, a relationship, an addiction? Whatever you're holding on to today, give it to God. Turn it over to His care, and allow Him to be the Lord of every part of your life. You won't regret it, for when you can truly say, "All to Jesus I surrender," then "[you] will ever love and trust Him" and "in His presence [you'll] daily live" (from I Surrender All, hymn by Judson Van DeVenter, 1896; pronoun changes in brackets made by author, for sentence structure, flow, and clarity).
Luke 14:33 [NLT]
"[Jesus said,] 'You cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you own.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: I used to think that I could (and should) control everything about my weight loss, but it was a constant battle. As a believer, it felt like it should be a battle I could win. One day, I raised a white flag...not in surrender to the weight but in surrender to God. I gave up my pride, my wanting to manage and control this most unmanageable and uncontrollable part of my life, and I placed it at the Cross. I found that the moment I did that, things started changing. I wish I had done it sooner. Give God everything, even your weight-loss journey, knowing that He can be trusted to make your path straight.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I want, more than anything, to be Your disciple, Your follower, and in order to be Your disciple, I must surrender everything I am, everything I have, everything I desire, to You. Help me to be willing to do that today. I ask for wisdom to know what I'm holding on to, then give me the strength to lay it down, to give it to You. I know that anything that's difficult for me to lay at the Cross is the thing that's better off in Your care and control, anyway. I don't know why it's so hard to do that, though, Lord. I guess it's pride. Give me the courage to do the hard thing, to give up my pride, to surrender all, so that I may truly be set free. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and surrender all.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #29 [One Week]
What if you knew you had just one week left to live? What would you do? Where would you go? What would you say? To whom would you say it? Would you right some wrongs? Would you say “I love you,” even when it had previously been difficult? Would the upsets that you’ve held on to for so many years suddenly seem insignificant? Would reconciliation become more important than resolution?
What if you lived every day as if it were your last? Living with a positive sense of urgency, to squeeze every bit of purpose out of life, would revolutionize your world. Value each new day as a gift from God, for that’s what it is. It’s a day to live, laugh, and love, and once it’s gone, it can never be reclaimed. Spend it wisely.
Isaiah 38:1-5 [NLT]
“…[The prophet Isaiah] gave the king [Hezekiah] this message: ‘This is what the LORD says: Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.’ When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, ‘Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to You and have served You single-mindedly, always doing what pleases You.’ Then he broke down and wept bitterly. Then this message came to Isaiah from the LORD: ‘Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, This is what the LORD the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life.’”
What this has to do with weight loss: What if you knew you had one year, and one year only, to lose your weight but that what you lost in that year would never be regained. You’d be motivated to make each day count, in the weight-loss journey. No doubt, you’d choose your food carefully, for quality as well as quantity. You’d exercise, and you’d be excited to do it. How can you change how you look at today, to make it the most rewarding day? Change how you think, and you just may change what you do. Change what you do, and you’ll change what you get.
Prayer for Today:
“Heavenly Father, You have gifted me with today. Help me to see it that way. Help me to take advantage of every moment I’m awake today, to live life with love and laughter, to give to others, and to be kind to myself. Give me a godly perspective about the temporal and the eternal. Set my feet in motion as if it were my last week on earth, so that I can affect lives for You. May I be grateful for every day You give me, for each one is a priceless gift. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Go forth today, and live as if you were dying.
S.T.A.R.T. Program (Strategies To Achieve Recovery & Transformation), 2-CD set for the bariatric patient, available at www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
What if you lived every day as if it were your last? Living with a positive sense of urgency, to squeeze every bit of purpose out of life, would revolutionize your world. Value each new day as a gift from God, for that’s what it is. It’s a day to live, laugh, and love, and once it’s gone, it can never be reclaimed. Spend it wisely.
Isaiah 38:1-5 [NLT]
“…[The prophet Isaiah] gave the king [Hezekiah] this message: ‘This is what the LORD says: Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.’ When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, ‘Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to You and have served You single-mindedly, always doing what pleases You.’ Then he broke down and wept bitterly. Then this message came to Isaiah from the LORD: ‘Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, This is what the LORD the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life.’”
What this has to do with weight loss: What if you knew you had one year, and one year only, to lose your weight but that what you lost in that year would never be regained. You’d be motivated to make each day count, in the weight-loss journey. No doubt, you’d choose your food carefully, for quality as well as quantity. You’d exercise, and you’d be excited to do it. How can you change how you look at today, to make it the most rewarding day? Change how you think, and you just may change what you do. Change what you do, and you’ll change what you get.
Prayer for Today:
“Heavenly Father, You have gifted me with today. Help me to see it that way. Help me to take advantage of every moment I’m awake today, to live life with love and laughter, to give to others, and to be kind to myself. Give me a godly perspective about the temporal and the eternal. Set my feet in motion as if it were my last week on earth, so that I can affect lives for You. May I be grateful for every day You give me, for each one is a priceless gift. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Go forth today, and live as if you were dying.
S.T.A.R.T. Program (Strategies To Achieve Recovery & Transformation), 2-CD set for the bariatric patient, available at www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #28 [Blessing]
As believers, sometimes we're faithful to God and His Word/principles, sometimes we're not. When we disregard God's principles, we're tempted to worship idols (anything that is seen as a replacement for Him). While He still loves us and continues to want the best for us, God will remove His blessing on our lives. It's a very loving act, for He knows that removal of blessings will encourage us to move closer to Him.
God has a purpose for blessing you. He delights to meet your needs, allowing you to prosper and enjoy abundant life. However, He wants you to know that you are blessed to be a blessing. Whatever time, talents, and treasures that God has bestowed on you, be willing to bestow on others. What you will find is that as you are blessed and, in turn, seek to be a blessing, the cycle of blessing will continue and grow.
Zechariah 8:13 [NIV]
"As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong."
What this has to do with weight loss: How many blessings have you experienced on your weight-loss journey? How many times have others been there for you, to encourage you, share their ideas with you, perhaps even chastised you when you needed some tough love? Have you given back? Are you a blessing to others? Seek to bless someone today. Write a note or sent a card, share a recipe, send an email, make a phone call, and pray for your friends. You are blessed to be a blessing. Bless someone today.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have given me so many blessings. Your blessings, like Your mercies, are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Thank You for blessing me. I commit my time, talents, and treasures to You. Today, Lord, show me how I can bless someone else, and help me to follow through. May I impact a life for You, today. I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be a blessing.
Psalms for Surgery CD available at www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. It's amazing!
God has a purpose for blessing you. He delights to meet your needs, allowing you to prosper and enjoy abundant life. However, He wants you to know that you are blessed to be a blessing. Whatever time, talents, and treasures that God has bestowed on you, be willing to bestow on others. What you will find is that as you are blessed and, in turn, seek to be a blessing, the cycle of blessing will continue and grow.
Zechariah 8:13 [NIV]
"As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong."
What this has to do with weight loss: How many blessings have you experienced on your weight-loss journey? How many times have others been there for you, to encourage you, share their ideas with you, perhaps even chastised you when you needed some tough love? Have you given back? Are you a blessing to others? Seek to bless someone today. Write a note or sent a card, share a recipe, send an email, make a phone call, and pray for your friends. You are blessed to be a blessing. Bless someone today.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have given me so many blessings. Your blessings, like Your mercies, are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Thank You for blessing me. I commit my time, talents, and treasures to You. Today, Lord, show me how I can bless someone else, and help me to follow through. May I impact a life for You, today. I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be a blessing.
Psalms for Surgery CD available at www.cdeanhall.com/products.html. It's amazing!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #27 [Light]
I've been thinking about light and darkness, and I realized something. While light can be used to make darkness less dark, darkness can never be used to make light darker. Light makes a difference. If you are a believer, you have the Light of Jesus within you, and you are meant to carry that Light into a dark world. By the very nature of light, your Light will make a difference.
Light changes everything--our emotions, attitudes, and perceptions. Without the Light of Jesus, there is spiritual darkness. God calls each of us "out of the darkness into His wonderful light." We are called to shine that light and be a blessing to others (I Peter 2:9). As a believer, you have the Light that someone needs. Make sure to let your Light shine.
Matthew 5:14-16 [NLT]
"[Jesus said,] 'You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is a life journey, and, as such, there are many joys and concerns attached to it. There are hurting people on that journey, and they need Light brought into their world. Take your Light into someone's world today. Deal with others with faith, hope, and love, for that will truly help each person and will bring glory to the Father.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have said that I am light in my world. I am meant to shine, to do good deeds, so that others will praise You. Father, I want You to shine Your Light through me today. Help me to be a bold witness for You. Use me to impact others with and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray in the Name of Jesus, who is the 'true light' (John 1:9). Amen."
Go forth today, and let your Light shine.
Light changes everything--our emotions, attitudes, and perceptions. Without the Light of Jesus, there is spiritual darkness. God calls each of us "out of the darkness into His wonderful light." We are called to shine that light and be a blessing to others (I Peter 2:9). As a believer, you have the Light that someone needs. Make sure to let your Light shine.
Matthew 5:14-16 [NLT]
"[Jesus said,] 'You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is a life journey, and, as such, there are many joys and concerns attached to it. There are hurting people on that journey, and they need Light brought into their world. Take your Light into someone's world today. Deal with others with faith, hope, and love, for that will truly help each person and will bring glory to the Father.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have said that I am light in my world. I am meant to shine, to do good deeds, so that others will praise You. Father, I want You to shine Your Light through me today. Help me to be a bold witness for You. Use me to impact others with and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray in the Name of Jesus, who is the 'true light' (John 1:9). Amen."
Go forth today, and let your Light shine.
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