New Years Resolution: Christ Lives in Me

NOTE: my laptop keyboard went wonky in the middle of typing up this post, so some of the punctuation just didn`t work properly.

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Once again I am hearing God speak to me through a variety of sources all at once, which I think is so much more then a coincidence:-) Praise Him!

First of all the thing that hit me in today's TLT reading (day 37) was the verse:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified. It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me. My old self is killed. My new self is Christ abiding in me.

Then I moved to my Breaking Free study, focussing on Isaiah 58:6-12.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

I remember studying this very passage in TLT on day 4. This is when I began to get the image of the well-watered garden. But I must take that portion of scripture a step further and see what precedes the well-watered garden image...

"If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed..." v. 9-10

I think I could sum up that portion saying that throwing off all hinderances (yokes of oppression) and becoming other-centered is the key to finding satisfaction in God and being like a well-watered garden.

Becoming other-centered... Something I have felt tugging at my heart the past couple weeks. Isn`t that what my reflection about being effective and productive and brotherly kindness and love being the key in 1 Peter 1:5-8 was all about just a week ago.

Beth Moore writes, based on this Isaiah 58 passage:

He promises that those who empty themselves of other pleasures will have themselves filled by something only He can give... If we pour out our lives to satisfy the needs of the oppressed, God will be faithful to satisfy our needs... Oh how I pray we will each discover glorious satisfaction in Christ; but when it's the real thing, we must find a place to pour the overflow of our lives. Captives truly set free are the most compassionate people in the world... A ministry to the truly oppressed helps purify our serving motives. You see, they don't have much to give back. Breaking Free workbook pg 215-216

Then I decided to continue doing a little reading from Philippians and what should I read but...

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:4-11

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

And then the passage moves into a description of Jesus' humility, obedience to God, sacrifice, other-centeredness.

After I finished my devotion time this morning I began mulling this all over in my head and the dots began to connect.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:4) The satisfied soul is never a more beautiful display of God's splendor than when willing to empty self for the lives of others. (Beth Moore) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (Gal. 2:20)

Be like Jesus. Be other-centered for the glory of God. And the key is CHRIST LIVES IN ME! I am a new creation. My old self is crucified.

So, time for application and reflection on these truths.

This past year has been a lot of hard work, digging down deep and uncovering many of the lies and muck and gunk of the habitual sin of overeating. In the process I have uncovered some of the ``spoils`` from the battles. I need to ``snatch the plunder`` as Beth Moore so wonderfully describes in another chapter of Breaking Free.

There are spoils to be taken. Beloved, have you got them. When you went into that terrible valley of suffering did you come out with spoils. When that injury struck you and you thought everything was gone, did you so trust in God that you came out richer than when you went in. To be more than conqueror is to take the spoils from the enemy and appopriate them to yourself. What he had arranged for your overthrow, take and appropriate for yourself. Mrs. Charles E. Cowman (as quoted in Breaking Free workbook pg 212)

I can see some of the `spoils`of the battle for me are a much greater understanding and application of the truth of Scripture. I can see that I have grown greatly over this past year as I have gone into battle head on. I can see that I have been equipped and prepared to be used by God for greater purposes. I have discovered a hunger and thirst for the Word of God that I have never experienced so intensely before. And I have noticed that I have had so many opportunities over the past few months where this knowledge of Scripture has began to be used for God`s glory.

I want to continue becoming more rooted in the Word of God and in my relationship with Him and effective at using and applying and being a doer of His Word.

I desire to bring God glory by encouraging believers with the word of God and by drawing unbelievers to Jesus with the Word of God.

I greatly value each of the ladies I journey with online. I have so much appreciated the sharpening of each other`s faith that has been mutual. I have been blessed greatly by many of you and want to do the same in return in the upcoming year.

I am embarking on leading a bible study with a group of ladies starting this upcoming month. This is definitely out of my comfort zone as I haven`t done this very often. But I`m so excited to see all that God has in store for this journey in the year ahead. I long to pour myself into others more effectively and frequently and be used by the Lord for His glory.

My heart`s desire is also to return to Mexico this summer and once again reach out to the oppressed and hungry and needy. Jon and I are talking and trying to figure out where God is leading us. We certainly have a better idea of how to reach out more effectively to the families and community we visitted last year. We continue praying on this front.

I have a heart for evangelism and outreach. I find it interesting to note the ladies that He has brought into my life this fall. Two muslim ladies have been on my heart this fall and I`ve had some powerful and lovely visits with them, often quoting Scripture as I have felt the Lord prompting. Isn`t God awesome! And there are so many other ladies in my community who need the Lord. I know I have limitted time and energy, but I pray that God continues directing me where He desires me to place my energies and then that His Holy Spirit would empower me to make the most of each of these opportunities for God`s glory.

I desire and long to be the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Cor. 2:15)

Be like Jesus. Be other-centered to the glory of God the Father. And the key is CHRIST LIVES IN ME! Now that is a poweful new year`s resolution!

HAPPY NEW YEARS to each and every one of you dear friends!

About Others

I'm just chuckling right now because what God impressed on me today in my devotions was to focus on others...and my last post was "about me"! Just kind of ironic:-) I don't feel bad for posting "about me" as I want to direct all glory to God for the changes He is working in me for His purposes. The title is the ironic part:-) I'll post more about this "other" focus a little later.

About Me

I decided to put the snapshot of me and my weight release journey at my old blog address here.

Counting My Blessings...

A Master in Heaven

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that
you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1

I am thankful for God, my Master in heaven. He is above all, sovereign, and the most loving, kind, right, fair, just, faithful, forgiving (and more!) Master ever.

(Explanation behind focussing on the names/titles/descriptions.)

Counting My Blessings...

A Glorious Crown

In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. Isaiah 28:5-6

"The Lord is our crown, our treasure, our everything... Jesus came at Christmas, took one look at our shabby lives, and decided to put a crown on our heads, His crown, His own royal nature... Jesus is our treasure, but Jesus the Treasure turns right around and makes us His Treasure. He has a royal crown, He’s the King of Kings as you’ll hear, but Jesus turns around and crowns us with His royalty, beauty, and holiness." Pastor Ben Squires blog (which I randomly came as I researched this verse.)

I'm not sure I've stumbled across this verse before. This is a neat image for me to dwell on. God is a Glorious Crown for His people.

Thanks Lord for crowning Your children with royalty, beauty and holiness. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our Glorious Crown. Amen.

(Explanation behind focussing on the names/titles/descriptions.)

Counting My Blessings...

A Fortress of Salvation


The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Psalm 28:8

A fortress according to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fortress is:

1. a large fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town; citadel.
2. any place of exceptional security; stronghold.

Thank you Lord for being my Savior and Strength and Fortress. Thank you for blessing me with security and rest in You! Thank you for keeping me safe, protected and secure in Your grip. Amen.

The Lord's Table~Day 27 to 34

I'm a little behind with these summaries because of Christmas! But I have continued doing the readings daily even during my travels. They have been a great source of encouragement and have definitely continued teaching me new things...

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Day 27~Walking in the Spirit

Isn't this interesting how the verses in Galatians 5, which highlight the importance of walking by the Spirit, were the main theme of my Saturday, December 20th reading! God has been highlighting this verse numerous times for me over the past couple weeks. This lesson continued as this verse was highlighted at the Christmas eve service I attended. God is speaking loud and clear!

Should we just give up and say that we will always have these intense temptations, these fiery darts from the enemy, and at timse we will have victory over them and at other times we will give in to them? Many people do just that. They are tired of fighting, tired of resolving to stop only to fall again, tired of the vicious cycle. But friend, this does not have to continue. Scripture makes a declarative statement:

Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

The above passage states that there is a way to keep from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. It is to walk by the Spirit. It is to be led by the Spirit. It to walk with the Spirit. So, our "fight" is not so much with not overeating, or not being greedy, selfish or divisive, it is with maintaining our walk with the Lord. For if we live by the Spirit, are led by the Spirit, and walk with the Spirit, the promise of Scripture is that we
will not gratify our flesh. We will not overeat. We will not be sexually immoral, etc. There is our answer! TLT workbook pg 87-88

I wrote a big "AHA!" by the point! I have known this truth, but the above paragraph really put it all in perspective with just the right words! I know the main point of this journey for me is to learn to walk by the Spirit at all times in all things, all for the glory of God!


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Day 28~New Creations in Christ

I did this reading last Sunday... "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away behold, new things have come" (2 Cor. 5:17) kept on turning over in my mind and heart OVER AND OVER again this whole entire week at my in-laws. I didn't even realize until this moment that this was a central part of my Sunday, December 21st reading! Go figure! My memory is obviously short...but the verse was obviously highlighted for a reason and did stick with me. I kept thinking, "Am I any different then last year in regards to my eating?" I can't say I felt much different, but certainly was seeking to abide in Christ and look to Him throughout this entire week. That's different. That's reflective of seeking to walk by the Spirit.

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I am reminded I must ABIDE in Christ! I am a new creature. I am being led, prompted, empowered by the Spirit.


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Day 29~Growing in Christ

This lesson dealt with three different groups that John addresses in 1 John 2:12-14: children, young men, fathers.

I know that I'm growing up. I can sense a change in me as I am applying, chewing on, praying and soaking up the Word of God more each day. This is incredibly exciting for me!

Thank you Lord for giving me a hunger and thirst for You and for Your Word. Thank you for revealing truth to me, being patient with me and teaching me. You are just awesome and incredible! Thank you!

I can also see myself being equipped and prepared to give an answer for the faith more often. I will explain that a little later...


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Day 30~The Discontented Heart

I was reminded that I need to be content with my portion. Don't go looking for contentment with more than I need else I be greedy. Fill up on God. He brings true contentment and satisfaction. More of Him. Less of me. This is my prayer.


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Day 31~Back to Basics

This lesson highlighted the point that Jesus' birth in a manger was a reminder for Him to be fed upon. I read this on Christmas eve which was quite meaningful to me. It once again felt like God was speaking with a loudspeaker to me! :-) This reminder also made Christmas that much more meaningful...

The main points of this lesson were:

1. Delight your soul.
2. Discipline your body.
3. Develop daily accountability.

These were all great reminders:-)


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Day 32~Freedom through Fellowship

The main point of this lesson was:

Truly stopping habits of overeating requires ongoing intimacy with God. TLT workbook pg101

And it all boils down to the John 15 portion of scripture which highlights over and over and over and over again that we must ABIDE IN HIM, staying close to Him spiritually! Then we will bear fruit! Praise God! Walk by the Spirit. Abide in Him. Bear fruit. I am reminded that I must fix my eyes on Jesus for He is the author and perfector of the faith. This is all very encouraging to me.


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Day 33~Exercise is a Must

Okay, gotta exercise! The main point of this lesson obviously! I am getting my butt in gear:-)

I don't tend to get too legalistic about exercise. I don't even see it as having anything to do with weight loss to be honest!

I tend to view it simply as being great for my muscles, for my heart, for my energy, for my endurance, for toning... I don't connect it very directly with losing or lack of losing weight. I DO view it as being important to make a priority though. My goal is once again 5x each week doing 20 minutes cardio (jumping rope is the best one during these cold winter months...and I have an eliptical machine on my bday wish list now:-) and then aim for 3x each week doing some kind of resistance/weight training. That's has been my goal in the past and continues to be:-) I'm already looking forward to spring when I can get out jogging again. I really enjoy getting the fresh air and time with the Lord as I get moving:-) But alas, I must wait a few months for that!!!


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Day 24~Enjoy the Feast

God's grace has been very evident in my life. I am thankful for a godly heritage and upbringing. I am thankful for a wonderful husband. I feel that could have gone quite wrong had not God been gracious! I was so young and we jumped into marriage quite quickly. I'm very thankful that Jon and I share the same values and faith. It is actually quite incredible how God, in His grace, brought us together. I also can see God's grace and provision evident in our lives with regards to jobs. And then of course I can see God's hand of grace in my life as I have struggled with weight-related issues for the past 20 years, since I turned 13 years old. God has been gracious and not given up on me but rather used this to draw me closer to Himself! What an awesome God!

This lesson asked the reader to soak in Psalm 103 and Ephesians 1 and note all the spiritual blessings that Christians have to feast upon... The list got pretty LONG!!! I would encourage everyone to take the time to do this exercise! It was pretty amazing to note all the blessings that God has for us!

I felt like this quote from a course member (Pastor Joe), summing up his weight related issues, corresponded quite closely to where I'm with my journey...

While I am still tempted and occassionaly fail, the pattern of my life now is walking in obedience to the Lord in this matter. I pray that He will do a complete work in me and I will bring glory to His name because of His grace working in me. TLT workbook pg110

Christmas Check-in

Christmas is here! I've had the image of Jesus being born in a manger sticking with me. Here's a quote from TLT which I just read yesterday...

Friend, you know that at Jesus' birth He was immediately placed into a manger, right? But do you know what a manger is? It is that which held the animal's food. Jesus Christ was placed into a feeding trough! His birth makes a statement that He came to be fed upon. TLT workbook pg 99

That's an awesome truth to chew on! Praise God for the gift of Jesus this Christmas!

I've been struggling to apply what God spoke to me about (as described in last post) to be other centered this Christmas. I know that God spoke this message very specifically to me at this time.

And once again the Lord spoke a reminder to me as I attended a lovely christmas eve service at my in-law's church. One verse that jumped out at me was the Galatians verse about walking in step with the Spirit. I needed that reminder as I long for the fruits of the spirit to be evident in my life at this time.

Yet I'm still failing. I'm receiving the prompting of the Holy Spirit but I'm not moving forward in step with Him and refusing to gratify the desires of my flesh.

Eating has been out of control today in particular. One thing I'm thankful for is my sister-in-law's boyfriend who truly exemplifies a naturally thin eater. I hope and pray that will be me next Christmas in the Lord's strength and power as He continues changing me.

I'm so thankful for Jesus' birth and the gift of salvation. I'm thankful that He doesn't leave us to our own fleshly impulses, in the muck and the mire, with a lack of power and self-control. He gives us His Spirit! He empowers and equips us each step of the way as we abide in Him. Thank you, Lord!

Happy Birthday Jesus! I pray that You would be glorified. Amen.

Effective and Productive

Okay, I'm back:-) I'm at my in-laws but we're all pretty lazy so far and just hanging around and we have our laptop with us....and so it goes:-) Here's something I journalled this morning in some devotion time that I made sure to prioritize....because I desparately am needing it this week!

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:5-8

I stumbled across this passage during our 9 hour drive to my in-laws yesterday. It grabbed my attention. If I work through these qualities step by step here is what I see…

1. We start with faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Goodness is our faith moving into action, living a life pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Next we move to a deeper understanding of God and His Word…knowledge. (which I'm working on applying more effectively lately with the "lining the walls of my mind" posts)

4. From this knowledge we move to self-control. It appears to be a key step towards self-control.

5. From self-control we move into needing to persevere. This suggests to me that we will all slip and stumble but the key is to keep on keeping on!

6. From perseverance we will begin to show the fruit of godliness. My NIV notes state:

Godliness: a genuine reverance toward God that governs one's attitude toward every aspect of life.

What is so interesting is what comes next! Brotherly kindness and then love! Interesting! The goal appears to be loving others, setting others interests above our own! I was not expecting that. I thought godliness would be the end goal in and of itself. But if I think about this, we are right back to square one (mature & equipped this time) to put our faith in action more effectively.

Applying this to my struggle with overeating… I see my end goal should not be simply self-control and perseverance (which have been my current goals) but add to that godliness and brotherly kindness and love… Become OTHER centered rather than SELF centered.

What could this look like when applying to eating…
* caring more about conversation and connecting in social settings and less about eating. (THIS is what I'm feeling convicted about applying this week)
* phoning a friend or writing a note to a friend at times when I am feeling tempted to eat or bored etc.
* begin to make more sacrifices to give to the poor and needy, those who are REALLY hungry.

Overall it means I want to love my brother as Christ first loved me (1 John 4:19). This is a good challenge! Loving with actions and truth (1 John 3:18).

And as I begin to possess these qualities of faith, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love in INCREASING measure, I will be EFFECTIVE and PRODUCTIVE in my knowledge of Christ.

The most important lesson I think God is wanting to teach me this week, as I struggle this Christmas with eating in social situations, is that I need to focus on loving others~being OTHER centered. I need to bring this to the Lord in prayer constantly and capture each thought making it obedient to Christ as I struggle to be loving and kind and OTHER centered. And if I take this lesson to heart I am sure that I will not struggle with greed for food, because I will be focussed on the Lord and others, not letting the spotlight rest on my wants and greedy/gluttonous desires. This is my prayer.

Out for awhile...Merry Christmas!

I'm not sure how much I'll be posting in the next week as we are travelling out of town for christmas. Probably is a good idea to give the blog a bit of a break anyways, LOL, as I've been "bogging the blog" a little bit lately with an overload of posts (long ones at that)! LOL



Merry Christmas everyone! I pray that we all have wonderful times with family and friends and celebrating the Lord's birth:-)

Counting My Blessings...

God just being so AWESOME AND GREAT!
I don't know what else to say! In church, yesterday, I was so blown away by the greatness of God as we sang together.

Family.
We celebrated our own personal family Christmas Saturday morning. We started out with a special "christmas" breakfast of crepes, strawberries, whip cream, bacon and egg nog:-) Yum:-) Then we read the christmas story, my 9 year old played the piano and led us in some christmas carols and then we opened gifts. It was a good time together. In the evening we went to my parent's place and celebrated christmas with my parents/brother&wife/nephews. Another great time together.

Thank you Lord for family. Amen.

Counting My Blessings...

A forgiving God.

They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them. Nehemiah 9:17

O LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. Psalm 99:8

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; Daniel 9:9

I am exceedingly thankful that God continues forgiving me as I call out to Him. I know that I, like Israel, often do things *my* way and rebel against His ways.

Thanks Lord for Your forgiveness, grace, compassion, patience and abounding love. Amen.

(Names/titles/descriptions of God listed in the appendix of "Knowing and Doing the Will of God" by Henry Blackaby.)

Auto-Pilot Mode lined up with God's Truth

Another thought that lines the walls of my mind is...

When I'm in auto pilot mode with overeating or am tempted to eat outside 0-5 I am thinking...


1.) Quick, quick! Do it quickly before you have time to think or second guess. Don't even think about praying right now. Just eat it quick!

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Prov. 6:27

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. Psalm 90:8

For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. Matthew 13:15

but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

Shoving that food into my mouth as quick as I can is like scooping fire into my lap! I'll be burnt! I may be able to keep my overeating a secret from my friends and family...but not from God. No matter how quickly I shove food into my mouth He is always All-Knowing (and as I noted before, my sin grieves Him). May my heart not become calloused and closed. I desire God's healing touch. And once again by allowing my evil desire (thoughts/lies planted in my mind by Satan) to drag me away and entice me (it truly only takes a few split seconds!) I need to remember that this evil desire gives birth to sin. And once again I'm giving the devil a foothold by allowing my sinful desires to give birth to sin.



2.) It tastes so good. More WILL satisfy me more.

If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit. Proverbs 25:16

I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10

Taste and see that the LORD is good; Psalm 34:8

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:5

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16

That first verse about honey is great! What a practical wise word! I mean I haven't actually ever vomitted from overeating... However, the whole point of that verse is that we need to adhere to moderation in our eating! Overeating doesn't make my body feel good! That's pretty straight forward! I need to get that through my head...to my taste-buds and down to my stomach! God has so much more in store for me then some extra brownies or a massive bowl of ice cream!!! I've been gathering that from the various studies I've been working through over the past year, in particular The Lord's Table. I'm to feast at His table, on HIM!

3.) I'm at the counter munching. This doesn't really "count."
and

4.) I'm just "extending" my lunch/supper meal a little longer. What's the harm in that?

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28

With lack of self-control and vigilance (stopping when I'm satisfied and practicing moderation) my overeating actually allows the enemy an opening in the wall, similar idea as the foothold imagery.

One verse that was hitting me last night as I was reading in Ephesians was:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

I can't "work" my way out of gluttony...no matter how many LISTS I create!!! (boy do I ever have a lot of those!) It is God's grace that saves me. I need to remember this as I become more "introspective" and examine the walls of my mind. There is no magic formula in recognizing the lies or even coming up with truth statements. What is important is that GOD cleanses, heals, restores, saves and transforms me from the inside out BY THE GIFT OF HIS GRACE! It is so freeing and encouraging to know that it is God's grace that is the KEY!

Thank you Lord for your grace and continued healing. Amen.

Counting My Blessings...

A faithful God who does no wrong.

I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Deuteronomy 32:3,4

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:8,9

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24

In thy steadfast love spare my life, that I may keep the testimonies of thy mouth. For ever, O LORD, thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Thy faithfulness endures to all generations; thou hast established the earth, and it stands fast. Psalm 119:88-90

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100:4-5

I'm thankful for God the Father's faithfulness and sinlessness. What an awesome God He is, most worthy to be praised!

Thank you, Lord, for being faithful and perfect. Thank you for your enduring faithfulness even through all generations. Thank you for santifying me. I enter your courts with praise and thanksgiving! I praise Your name! amen.

(Names/titles/descriptions of God listed in the appendix of "Knowing and Doing the Will of God" by Henry Blackaby.)

Greatness of God

Another plan of action I have is to focus on the greatness of God and the names, titles and descriptions of God. I'm going to aim to DAILY focus and meditate on a different attribute/name, as listed in the appendix of Henry Blackby's "Knowing and Doing the Will of God" workbook study. I will post all this at my Counting my Blessings blogspot. I have listed a link to this blog in the right hand column.

Willful Rebellion lined up with God's Truth

Day 14 of Thin Within is called "Choosing to Build on Truth." Here's a quote from Thin Within on pg 148:

The next time you face the pantry, refrigerator, or cookie jar, and you're really not hungry, ask yourself what you believe about your quest to become a vibrant, healthy temple of God. Ask yourself (and the Lord) what actions would follow if you were to believe what God's Word of truth says about you? God has promised to empower you so that your actions reap results that give glory to Him and an abiding joy within.

The Thin Within book has an exercise on pg 148 where you list your belief, what actions follow and then what the results are. I've done this exercise before and found it quite powerful. That being said, it's time to pick apart some of the thoughts that I noticed line the walls of my mind in certain times of temptations and then find scriptures to line up my thinking with the mind of Christ, keeping in mind that I am under the canopy of God's grace. So here goes... When I'm willfully rebellious I am thinking...and Scripture says...


1.) I (SELF) am the most important. My desires are the most important. I want what I want when I want it...and I get what I want.

Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. Psalm 97:9

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5

everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:7

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

God is above all. I am His creation. My job is to glorify Him in all I do, trusting Him and loving Him with my heart, soul, mind and strength. It is NOT glorifying to Him when I gratify the desires of my flesh.


2.) I've tried calling out to God in the midst of temptation before and it hasn't worked, so why bother trying?

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1
Corinthians 10:13

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; James 1:2-7

Why bother??? Because God promises that perseverance is developped and perseverance must finish its work so that I may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Plus I am being called to press on, forgetting what is behind (all those past failures) so that I may win the prize (eternal life). That's worth it! God promises a way out of temptation, an escape route. I need to keep pressing on and looking for that way out and praying that promise. And then of course there is the truth recalled in the previous point...my greatest purpose in life is to glorify God in all I do.


3.) It will make me feel so much better (to eat that ice cream etc)--more energy, more enjoyment etc.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. Eph 4:19

Taste and see that the LORD is good; Psalm 34:8

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:5

Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Isaiah 55:2

It may make me feel better temporarily, but ultimately I will have a continual lust for more, food will never truly satisfy and it will lead to continued captivity. God promises to satisfy me more then even the richest foods. HE will fill me up.


4.) Just get it done and over with. I can't resist. Why bother?

"everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:7

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal. 5:1

and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27

Why bother??? Because God created me for His glory and I am to glorify Him in ALL I do, even my eating and drinking. Because, once again perseverance must finish its work so that I may be complete and mature spiritually, not lacking anything. God desires me to be FREE, not a captive! "Don't give the devil a foothold!" has been resonating with me today.


5.) God doesn't care about this one time, does He? He'd forgive me anyways, right?

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Eph 4:30

Of course He cares about this one time! One time piles on top of another time on top of another time which becomes a mountain eventually! God is saddened by my sin. He wants me to hate what is evil and cling to what is good and never give the devil a foothold.


6.) I sin. God forgives. I can count on that!

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:1-4

What a rotten attitude I have! God forgives me. I certainly can count on that. But it is “greasy grace” to think that this is license to continue sinning with no concern for true repentance. If I love God with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength I will NOT want to grieve Him and I will want to turn to Him to satisfy me and fill me up. I will want to move far away from sin and ever so much closer to Him!



This willful rebellion is just one of the temptation points, triggers (fat/flesh machinery), that I face on a regular basis. My prayer is, "Keep your servant, Christina, also from willful sins; may they not rule over me." (Psalm 19:13)

My next step is to formulate a plan in the midst of willful rebellion.

So, what is my plan of action, breaking a link in the chain??? I guess I need to apply these truths of Scripture to these moments now. It's test time! I need to be a "doer" of God's Word, not just a hearer.

Today I was standing at the counter and was wanting to reach for some sweet treats and the verse that popped into my head was "don't give the devil a foothold." I think that may be one of the truths I will have near and dear to my heart for awhile. Because that is what I'm doing when I give in with those small little temptations. It may seem insignificant and small, but in all honesty, my willful rebellion in those moments are giving a foothold (which I liken to a rung on a ladder) to Satan. And I want no part in that!!!

I plan to get a small spiral bound notebook and write some of the Scriptures that seem most benenficial down on these pages, and attach it to a necklace of some sort so I can wear it around the kitchen! That's when I'm most tempted so I thought that may be a good reminder for me to really apply these truths. I'll get that notebook asap. Just have to get to the store. The first verse I'm going to print out is "and do not give the devil a foothold." I will aim to memorize whichever scriptures are in this little notebook.

And I will also continue watching and praying, putting up that "keep away" sign, saying aloud as Jesus did "Get away Satan, for it is written..." and praying the promises of the Lord.

Well, that's enough from me today. I appologize to those of you who read my blog, for being so long winded. I guess this blog is just my way of processing everything (essentially my journal) and it all spews out here, each and every thought that runs through my head and heart!!!

The Lord's Table~Day 24, 25, 26

Day 24~Vigilance

"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray. Watch and pray. Watch and pray.

How many times do I need to say that to get that through my head????!!!

The following question is asked: What are some specific areas of temptation that you need to be watchful and pray about?

That question sure sounds a lot like the Thin Within term "fat or flesh machinery" (what causes me to turn to food when I'm not hungry).

My usual (!) answers: tiredness, social occasions, evening munchies, taste testing etc...

Here's a great verse to add to the "watch and pray" advisory that Jesus gives...

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

The magnetic pull of food is a reflection of the power of Satan's lies and what lines the walls of my mind. Yet how encouraging it is to know that he CANNOT make me do anything. As the Beth Moore "Breaking Free" study highlights...

"Satan does not have the power or authority to lock believers in a prison of oppression. He works overtime to talk us into staying because he lacks the power to keep us there. Satan can presume no authority over Christians. He only has authority by invitation. He woos us into prison cells, but he cannot make us enter nor force us to stay. Unfortunately, Satan doesn't require a written invitation. Failure to post a "keep away" sign through Bible study and prayer can be invitation by default. Do not misunderstand me to say that Satan can inhabit the mind of a believer. Most definitely he cannot. The Word suggests, however, that he can strongly encourage ideas, doubts and thoughts into our minds.... Why does Satan have to use lies? Because he is a totally defeated foe... Lies are all Satan has. That's why he has to be so adept at using them." Breaking Free workbook by Beth Moore pg 192, 193

I'm sensing a theme here! Be vigilant (watch and pray) about what lines the walls of my mind. This is my "keep away" sign!

Application:
Some things that I can do to "drag every known sin, and temptation into the light" and be vigilant are...

• truth journalling, noting what is lining the walls of my mind and applying the truth of Scripture to each and every thought and taking it captive for Christ
  

• continued bible reading/prayer (especially early morning)~be saturated
  

• memorization (I still haven't applied this, but really want to)

• pre-plan for trials

• focus on conscious eating

Can you tell I'm a list-maker??? I'm the person who actually makes a rough copy and GOOD copy of my shopping lists!!!! I know I'm crazy! It's just the way I function best:-)


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Day 25~The Greatness of God

This lesson focuses on, of course, the greatness of God:-)

"Those who do not see the greatness of God become great in their own eyes." TLT workbook pg 81

I LOVE Isaiah 40. It is a wonderful description of God. Here are a few things I higlighted about Who God is as I read through this chapter...

• Shepherd (cares, leads, tends, nurtures)

• Creator

• All-knowing

• All-wise

• Big

• Great

• Nothing/No one can compare

• King (enthroned above all)

• Above all in authority

• No equal

• He lifts us up

• He gives us strength and hope

I am left wondering if I have a false view of God when I am being gluttonous. Two lies that came to mind were:
God doesn't care about just this one time.
Calling out to God in the midst of temptation doesn't work. He doesn't answer.

Both of those are lies which I will tackle in my next post.


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Day 26~Break the Chain

What an awesome lesson this was. It's amazing how God ties a whole bunch of teaching together to speak to me.

Day 14 of Thin Within is entitled "Choosing to Build on Truth." It emphasizes how beliefs lead to action which lead to results. Are my beliefs grounded in the Truth of God's Word?

Sounds a bit like what God has been unpacking for me in the Breaking Free study, doesn't it?! The walls of our minds are never bare. So, what lines the walls of my mind? Satan's lies or God's truth? I must examine what lines the walls of my mind (recognize the captor), stand in agreement with God, tear down the lies, put of the truth of God's Word, and thought must bow to the Truth.

And this sounds quite similar to what I've read about the concept of "truth journalling." I know Heidi has mentioned it a number of times in her blog. What I gather is that I am to write out my thoughts/feelings, discern whether it is a lie or a truth and then apply the truth of Scripture to each statement.

Today's TLT lesson is right in line with all these teachings.

You and I have had a problem with overeating. And if we examine times of failure we will always find a chain of events that lead up to the "crash." TLT workbook pg 83

Here's a destructive chain that was described in Genesis 13:8-13 and the points that Mike Cleveland notes...

1. Separate from fellowship
2. See something sinful and focus on it
3. Set out toward it
4. Pitch our tent near it and live in it
5. Taken captive by it

I am learning to notice when links in an accident chain are developing and to break at least one link to prevent an overeating accident. TLT workbook pg 84

I can relate this to the TW chapter 14 exercise...
Break the chain under the canopy of God's grace by lining up my beliefs with the truth of God's Word which leads to actions (obedience) which leads to results (holy living).

Relating this same teaching from TLT to the Breaking Free emphasis on asking the question of what lines the walls of our minds...
Break the chain by tearing down lies and replacing them with the truth of God's Word.

I can also relate this same teaching to the the concept of "truth journalling" by Barb Raveling.
Beliefs lead to feelings which lead to actions.
My understanding is the premise is to line up beliefs with truth.


Hmmm.... Do you sense a theme here??? God is definitely speaking pretty loud and clear it seems:-)

Onto my "assignment" from God! Tearing down the lies of Satan (breaking a link in the chain) and replace with the Truth of God's Word! This may take some time. I got a bit of a head start today (and will post that tomorrow!) but I can see it's going to be a lot of work! But I trust it will be well worth the effort!

Lord, please help me as I search Your Word for truth. Please guide me to Scripture that speaks to each and every one of Satan's lies that I have allowed to line the walls of my mind. Give me discernment and understanding. Help me see how GREAT You are! I pray that I would begin to have the mind of Christ and experience the freedom that You desire for each of Your children. In Jesus name, amen.

What lines the walls of my mind?

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5

This verse is the central portion of scripture that is unpacked in week 9 of the Breaking Free study by Beth Moore. What an INCREDIBLE week of lessons this has been! I hardly know where to begin. But for now, I'll just unpack a few things that God has been unveiling to me in the past couple days.

"Give this next statement your full attention the walls of your mind will never stay bare. Never. Let's face it. Our minds work even when we sleep. Once we tear down lies, we have to re-wallpaper with truth or the enemy will happily supply a new roll of wallpaper. Different pattern maybe--a more updated look--but the same deceptive manufacturer." Breaking Free workbook by Beth Moore pg 195

The walls of my mind never stay bare.

That has been resonating in my mind.

"The question becomes, then, how do we re-wallpaper our minds with truth? First, be understanding the goal. What does God want to accomplish in our minds? We possess the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16), but we still have the full capacity to think with the mind of the flesh. We are MENTALLY BILINGUAL you might say. My older daughter is almost fluent in Spanish, but she still thinks mostly in English because she practices it more. The same concept is true of you and me. We will think with the mental language we practice most." Breaking Free workbook by Beth Moore pg 195

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. Romans 7:21-23

"We will not be free until we adopt the mind of Christ." Breaking Free workbook by Beth Moore pg 195

So, one question that has kept on turning over in my mind over and over again is "Which mental language am I practicing most?"

The truth began to become evident as I began to examine what lines the walls of my mind... I gotta tell you it felt like a HUGE surprise to me, when I got down to the nitty gritty, how many lies and deceptions of the devil I have allowed to line the walls of my mind. I feel led to share what I began to uncover... Welcome to the hidden corners, the secret places, of my mind...

When I'm willfully rebellious I am thinking...

1. I (SELF) am the most important. My desires are the most important. I want what I want when I want it...and I get what I want.
2. I've tried calling out to God in the midst of temptation before and it hasn't worked, so why bother?
3. It will make me feel so much better (to eat that ice cream etc)--more energy, more enjoyment etc.
4. Just get it done and over with. I can't resist. Why bother?
5. God doesn't care about this one time, does He? He'd forgive me anyways, right?
6. I sin. God forgives. I can count on that!

When I'm in auto pilot mode with overeating or am tempted to eat outside 0-5 I am thinking...

1. Quick, quick! Do it quickly before you have time to think or second guess. Don't even think about praying right now. Just eat it quick!
   
2. It tastes so good. More WILL satisfy me more.
3. I'm at the counter munching. This doesn't really "count."
4. I'm just "extending" my lunch/supper meal a little longer. What's the harm in that?

When I'm tired and am tempted to eat I'm thinking...

1. I need a quick pick-me-up.
2. I don't want to battle anything right now. I'm too tired. Just give me food.
   
3. Food will give me energy and give me the pick-me-up I need. Nothing else can fill that spot like food.
4. I'll deal with the guilt tomorrow. New start tomorrow.

When I'm tempted to overeat in social situations I'm thinking...

1. I don't want to insult the hostess by not eating anything (or not cleaning my plate).
2. Eat, eat, eat all the good food. This is your chance!
3. Others are eating more then me, so I am entitled to eat more.

When I'm tempted to taste test something despite not being hungry I'm thinking...

1. I gotta know how it tastes!
2. Everybody does it once in awhile!
3. Just a small bite which of course leads to...
4. Okay, since I started this cookie, I may as well eat the whole cookie. I've already fallen (slipped), why fight the urge?
5. How can I give this away if I don't know how it tastes?
6. It always tastes best when it is fresh. I don't want to miss out on that!

When sugary treats tempt me I'm thinking...

1. More of it will definitely satsify me more!
2. I can't go without something sweet in the day.
3. I NEED dessert after supper...and LOTS of it since I was "good" all day!
4. I can't resist. It feels magnetic.
5. I don't want to give this up to God. This is my special treat.
6. I want to eat this in moderation but I'm still not quite satisfied so I will eat more...
   

Out of whack shedules often get me feeling tempted and thinking...

1. Eat now. I don't want to be out (away from food) and hungry.
2. At my in-laws--this is THE mealtime. It's time to eat. Don't make a scene.
3. Hunger is somthing that MUST be fed immediately! So to be caught off guard with hunger is scary. Must meet the need IMMEDIATELY! NEED food NOW!

When I'm tempted to do some "tourist nibbling" I'm thinking...

1. Gotta eat as much of it as possible NOW because I won't get this opportunity again (or for quite awhile).
2. Taste buds are alive! My stomach feels full. Ignore the signals.
3. It's Christmas. This kind of food/baking only comes once a year!

I am in utter amazement at all the thoughts that line the walls of my mind in regards to eating. If I was to apply this exercise to other sins boy those walls are cluttered! Unbelievable! It is time to tear down the lies of Satan with the truth of God's Word. I don't want to be so mentally BILINGUAL! I truly desire to be thinking in only ONE language...with the MIND OF CHRIST. It's time to "starve the flesh and feed the spirit" (BF pg199).

Lord, help me line the walls of my mind with Your truth and may my thoughts be taken captive by You and bow down to You. I pray that You would begin to transform the walls of my mind and make me more like You each and every moment of each and every day. Please help me be victorious Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

I've been processing some of this already with truth statements and scriptures... I still have more work to do, more processing to do. I'll follow this post up later with what God reveals to me.

Counting My Blessings...

Great school Christmas program.
I felt so honored to see my 6 year old daughter front and center on the stage, singing the only solo of the program. She did so awesome and was so brave. I was so proud of her. I'm very thankful she had the opportunity to perform this part. I know these are shaping moments. The whole christmas program was very cute and special. It was a joy to watch all the kids perform. They are all so full of energy and life. And our school's music teacher sure is one talented lady!

Frigid COLD weather!
Yes, you read that right! I am thankful for the past number of days of -49 F/-45 C weather (accounting for windchill). And the reason is...
Because today, with the temp. at -13 F/-25 C.....IT ACTUALLY FEELS "WARM"! Go figure! It is just a gorgeous, sunny, calm winter day. And it was a joy to go for a little walk:-) So, thanks God for cold weather:-) (And also for the warmer temps too)

Promises of God

I was reading in Galatians just yesterday. Galatians 5:16-26 really spoke to me. In particular...

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16

Wow! That's quite a truth statement to meditate on and aspire towards.

Then it moves into the description of the fruits of the Spirit. And it talks about crucifying the sinful nature with its passions and desires if we belong to Christ.

Then...

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (v. 25)

I need to follow and obey.

I must LIVE BY THE SPIRIT.

My NIV study notes for Gal. 5:16 states:
"Living by the prompting and power of the Spirit is the key to conquering sinful desires."

So as I take every thought captive for Christ (by surrendering and being dependent on Him as noted in my last post) that means I am doing this through the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit.

HE WILL EQUIP.

Then an encouraging verse popped up, which has spoken to me many other times in the past speaking to other circumstances...

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Reap a harvest (Gal. 6:9)! Tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things (Josh. 3:5)! Bring it to completion in Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6)! Awesome promises! God just keeps moulding me. I am being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:18) I keep on keeping on:-) I cling to the promises of God! I cling to His truth and seek to demolish Satan's lies. I praise Him for His faithfulness and patience with me.

The Lord's Table~Day 22, 23

Day 22~Ongoing Freedom

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 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. Romans 12:1-2

This is my prayer...
Lord, my body and mind and soul is yours. You created me. You are my Lord and Master. I want YOU to have every part of me. I don't want to hold ANYTHING back from you. I surrender to You. Amen.

This lesson moves onto "renewing your mind" by the grace of God. Basically, in TW terminology, a lot of it comes down to the tool of "planning for trials." The author, Mike Cleveland, describes how he wakes up in the morning and spends time with the Lord, presenting his body to the Lord as a living sacrifice, reading and meditating on scripture, looking for Christ and specific ways he can apply what he is studying. (TLT workbook pg 72)

This whole lesson lined up perfectly, and on the same day as (!), my Betho Moore "Breaking Free" lesson on taking captive every thought for Christ! Coincidence???? I think NOT!!! I find it very neat how God works:-)

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHRIST." 2 Corinthians 10:5

Here is a quote in regards to "making it obedient to Christ" from the Breaking Free study that resonated with me...

God wants us to be victors. We don't become victors by conquering the enemy. We become victors through surrender to Christ. We don't become victors by our independence from the enemy. We become victors by our dependence on God. Victorious lives flow from victorious thoughts. Thinking victorious thoughts comes from setting our focus on a victorious God.... Remember, this war is for freedom and the battlefield is the mind...

'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.' Joshua 3:5

The wonders God wants to do in all our tomorrows are prepared for in our todays.
Beth Moore's Breaking Free study workbook pg 187

Thank you Lord that you have amazing things planned. Please renew my mind. Demolish the lies of Satan. Make Your truth very evident to me. I desire to fully surrender to you and be dependent upon you. Thank you for being the Victorious One! Thank you for Your patience and mercy and faithfulness. Thank you for keeping your promises. Thank you for the promise that You have amazing things planned. In Jesus name, amen.


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Day 23~Exclusive Drinking

In a nutshell this lesson is all about reading and APPLYING God's word, taking it to heart, becoming a "doer" of God's word and finding satisfaction in Him alone. Scripture continues to pop up with the water and fruit imagery. It sure is encouraging to know that God offers the most satisfying food and drink which leads to the fruits of the Spirit flourishing in the Believer's life.

Thanks God:-)

Counting My Blessings...

Friends who support and encourage.
Last night I had a good talk with my friend, Karen, about the stronghold of gluttony. We both share this struggle. It has been wonderful to be able to talk openly about this with another believer. We both knew that after our small group meeting we were going to face temptation. I knew instinctively that I would be tempted to eat a piece of leftover cake when I got home, late at night. And she knew that she would be tempted to taste-test some cookies she was baking late that night. So we "pinky promised" we wouldn't give in to the temptation! We promised to hold each other accountable. So I remembered her in prayer in the evening. And we both held to our "deal"! It was such an encouragement to have a friend who could understand and wanted to support. I thank God for her friendship.

The Lord's Table~Day 18,19,20,21

Day 18~Setting Captives Free I

Slaves are not free people, but rather they have a master and must do his bidding. I remember how a food image would lodge in my brain, and I could try to pray it away, ignore it, or read the Bible, but it kept after me until I would eventually give in and obey the demands to indulge. Then I would feel bad and ask for God's forgiveness, but soon after I would be indulging again over a different food thought, over and over. This is slavery to sin. Have you had this type of "slavery" experience? TLT workbook pg 57

YES! YES! YES! I can completely relate to this description.

This lesson highlights the following verses...

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:31-36

It is the TRUTH, Jesus Christ, Who sets us free!

So this lesson asks the question: What are some lies you have believed in your overeating?

Lies...

• If I don't eat it now it will continue tempting me.

• Eating MORE of something will somehow be MORE satisfying.

• I'm tired and eating will bring enjoyment and relaxation.

Truth...

• Eating it NOW does temporarily remove the temptation... But too often another temptation is lying in wait! It doesn't solve the dilemma!
• Eating MORE of something definitely is NOT more satisfying. Rather it brings me a sore belly and feelings of shame and condemnation.
• Eating when I'm tired DOES bring me a degree of enjoyment and relaxation. But ultimately it also brings with it the baggage of guilt and condemnation as I know it is not the best choice at this time. God has many more provisions that I can enjoy and be refreshed by in those moments. Food is not the wisest choice.
  

I really appreciated this scripture as well...

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jeremiah 29:12-14

I need to keep calling on God, seeking Him, praying to Him WITH ALL MY HEART. He WILL answer. He WILL reveal truth. He WILL restore me.


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Day 19~Setting Captives Free II--From Prison to Praise

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom
and broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron. Psalm 107:13-16

The above passage shows that God responds to His people crying out to Him by:

• humbling their hearts
  

• saving them

• bringing them out of darkness
  

• breaking their chains

• breaking down gates of bronze and cutting bars of iron

I'm so weak. I get so mad at myself. It seems I start the day with such resolve (and prayer may I add) but then somehow this resolve just keeps weakening as the day goes by, especially the instant I'm hungry, the instant sugar is in front of me, the instant a thought/lust for eating enters my mind.

I keep calling and calling out to the Lord. I know lessons are being learned through this. It is not for nothing. I'm enslaved to my sinful lusts. I'm still trying to be the lord of my life in this area. I'm still doing things MY way. I'm in a prison right now. I need God to set me free. I need a true humble, contrite, repentant heart. I need to take each thought captive for Christ.

He WILL humble and save me. He WILL bring me out of this darkness. He WILL break the bands apart. He WILL shatter the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I trust God CAN and WILL do this.


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Day 20~Setting Captives Free III

"Now you shall eat in this manner: with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste--it is the LORD'S Passover." Exodus 12:11

This verse highlights how the Israelites were to be ready for flight, ready to escape slavery. They were to be ready to move AWAY from Egypt.

So how do I "eat my way out of slavery?" Answer: Feed on the Word of God! The way that you and I today, "eat the Lamb," is to take Scripture and chew on it, and apply it to our lives... Freedom follows fullness... We can't "try" our hardest not to overeat and be successful; we will always fail. But we can "eat" our way out of slavery. TLT workbook pg65

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:2-3

What an awesome verse! I need to be hooked up to the true water source. Then I will yield fruit and prosper. This is all about walking with God moment by moment, capturing each and every thought for Christ, and saying "Get away satan, for it is written..."

God impressed the following thoughts on my heart this day...

Why do I leave this time, first thing in the morning, as the main time I feed on His word...yet I physically eat a breakfast, lunch and a supper and sometimes even a snack in between. I feel challenged to have a spiritual breakfast, lunch and supper, filling up on His word throughout the day to keep me going. Maybe my spiritual supper should be one of my biggest meals, just as it is physically for me. For the evening is the time I feel most tempted.

I've been trying to follow through with this the past two days and it has been wonderfully satisfying to fill up on God's word more frequently.

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Day 21~Focus

This lesson is all about fixing my eyes on Jesus. If I focus on the pull of the sin then I'm pulled under. I need focus on Christ. He will help me rise above.

Application for me would be...

• capturing each thought for Christ (surrendering each and every thought to Him)

• spiritual breakfast, lunch and supper

• constant prayer, spending time with God moment by moment

Over the past few days I have felt a little dragged down as I studied the TLT materials. It emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. TW, in contrast, emphasizes the grace of God in the face of our failures and sins and the need to observe and correct rather then beat ourselves up with the club of condemnation. I find TW is quite motivating in its approach. Yet I also know I have needed this TLT material to highlight the ugliness of my sin and to highlight my need for further surrender and turning to the Lord. So I continue to pray for a truly repentant heart. And I need to remember to focus on the TW tool of observation and correction as this has really helped me in the past. I've been completely bypassing that tool lately!

Counting My Blessings...

God has been an awesome "alarm clock."

I'm thankful that God has been waking me up each and every morning at such a perfect time. Somehow it seems much less tortuous to get up and out of bed when it is the Lord calling me versus the physical alarm clock blasting out that awful beeping sound! I've had some wonderful times with the Lord first thing in the morning, before the family is up, over the past two weeks. I just think it is neat how He keeps on waking me up...and even more amazing, He keeps bringing me JOY to wake up so early!!!! That's a miracle!

Christmas shopping is DONE!
Woohoo! It feels so good to have got that all finished up:-) I knew I wasn't going to even think about it until this week and was getting a little nervous about that! But, praise God, it got done without a hitch! I'm glad I didn't spend time consumed and stressed about this aspect of Christmas.

Great drama performances last weekend.

The kids did awesome. The message pointed straight to Jesus! And we all had a blast! Praise God for that!

The Lord's Table~Day 14, 15, 16, 17

Day 14~Put Off and Put On

I think this lesson went in one ear and out the other after studying it! As I look back over it I can see there is much I need to remember!

Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:21-24

We must put off overeating and put on feasting in God's Word.
TLT workbook pg 45

Here is a list of some of my bad habits with regard to eating that need to be "put off" that came to mind:

• Snacking at the kitchen counter.
• Eating in the evening when not hungry.
• Eating when tired, often after hosting guests for a dinner or an event.

Here are some good habits that I would like to "put on" and begin forming with regard to eating:

• Increase my intake of God's Word and time in prayer.
• Exercise 4-5x each week.
• Plan for trials/challenges.
• Apply conscious eating in present time.

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Day 15~Accountability

Here's a good quote:

A log that rolls off the fire cools down and eventually the fire will go
out unless it is placed back with the other logs. TLT workbook pg49

I consider this blog a form of accountability for me. I also have friends (in person and online) who I discuss these kinds of matters with. My husband is a good support as he is very inclined towards conscious eating. And I also have some naturally thin friends who are a good support and example to me.


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Day 16~Temptation

This was a great lesson. Just a couple days ago I had purposely gone to read the account of Jesus being tempted by Satan. I learned much from the insights of this TLT lesson.

We are most easily tempted during the following times:

1. After a high spiritual experience.
2. At a time of physical weakness.
3. When we are alone.

I can most relate to the the latter two. The two points I will definitely be applying from Jesus`example of dealing with temptation are:

• Say "Get away Satan!"
• And using scripture say "It is written..."

I think this will stick with me!


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Day 17-Brokenness: Key to Victory

The point of this lesson is that God must break us.

"Repentance elsewhere is remorse, which clings to the sin and only dreads the punishment. Let us then seek, under God, to have a hatred of sin caused by a sight of Christ`s love."
Charles Spurgeon (as quoted in TLT pg55)

I think I`ve been experiencing remorse but not true repentance oft times. I know one of the punishments of the sin of gluttony is extra weight on my body. Hence I dread the punishment! But I need to actually instead have a hatred of this sin with my eye on Christ.

Brokenness of heart and soul make way for entrance of God`s Holy Spirit, even as the farmer must first break up the ground before planting the seed that produces life. TLT workbook pg56

This analogy of the breaking up of the ground to plant the seed actually continued to fit with this well-watered garden imagery quite well. I find it interesting how God keeps on speaking to me through that image.

I am praying and pleading and crying out for brokenness and a hatred of the sin of gluttony in my heart. I don`t want simply remorse. I want repentance-true and real and contrite and broken.

Accountability

I said I'd give account for the weekend... So here goes.

It didn't end up being quite as on track as I would have liked...or as the Lord would have liked is more like it! But I'm not beating myself up over it. I'm living and learning.

Thursday ended up being quite an on-track day, PTL!

Friday went smoothly until evening, even with a buffet dinner! Then when I got home I was getting the munchies and grabbed a handful of pretzels. I wanted to go much further then just a handful of pretzels let me tell you! I wanted to dig into chocolates and actually was picturing dipping pretzels into melted chocolate... And then the next image that came to mind and tempted me was a piece of hot toasted homeade bread (which i have on my counter). I knew God was calling me to leave it though and so I went down to the TV, took Vanilla my guinea pig in my lap and petted her for awhile. Made it, praise God.

I'm thankful I made it through the buffet meal victoriously, eating to a comfortable #5. I've decided I need to listen to the one body signal that i've noticed really happens frequently when I'm comfortably full--a nice little burp. I've tried to ignore it and just keep eating many times and know that is the signal that my body has enough and i need to stop *now*! So I'm planning being more vigilant in that regard.

Saturday I started out with good intentions and presented my plea for help before the Lord. I was calling out to Him. I was hungry in the morning... But then wasn't hungry before I headed to the church for play dress rehearsal and performance. So I ate at 11:30 and then the eating just seemed to go downhill from there. In the evening I ate more sugary treats then I should have after I returned from the drama performance.

On the positive note, the drama performance went AWESOME! The content of it went along the lines of a lot of content from Case for Faith and Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. My daughter was the main character, an investigative reporter, who was investigating the mystery of the manger. Her name was "Jane Blonde" playing on the James Bond character. Music would play everytime her name was said. It was a lot of fun and a really powerful script.

Sunday was so-so. I ended up getting a little overdosed on sugary stuff, despite hunger, after lunch when I was making some chocolate dipped pretzels and brownies. Too much chocolate and sugar for me. I decided to skip supper and ended up eating later after the Sunday evening drama performance when I got a little hungry.

Monday has been going well so far, praise God! Seriously! I am just so thankful for a new day and a new start:-) I have been enjoying more veggies and fruits today so far, which feels really good:-)

So, that's the rundown so far. I've gotta run though as I have to get this house back in order. My heart is praising God for helping me through some tempting moments and for constantly being near me. What an awesome God!