Temptation Zones

#1. LATE NIGHT POPCORN MUNCHIES
Popcorn munchies on weekends after the kids are in bed...a treat I always seem to gravitate towards. I usually cave in IMMEDIATELY to the craving. I don't even try to fight it. I get sucked into a TV show/movie and tune out the voice of the Holy Spirit.

In the future I can prepare for victory, aware that I'm going to fight this temptation by...

• SAVING my appetite for this popcorn treat (eating within 0-5)

or

• BATTLING this craving by first going to the bedroom and reading God's word/praying and then GETTING MY HANDS BUSY! Grab some laundry and fold it, work on a craft, write out some kind of organization list or do some music planning while watching the show, pull out some cards to write encouragement notes to friends, write a letter to a friend/family member from far away while watching the show.

#2. SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR...more more more....
Another time of temptation is the continued lust for more sugar. My body just doesn't want to stop. In the past I sometimes try to replace the urge with another substitute food...but in the end it becomes a long string of eating mess ups, which usually ends up still eating the food that was on my "no, no" list...and in the end overeating far too much. Sometimes I just go straight to binging on the sweets I'm craving.

In the future I can carve out a reasonable amount of dessert as a boundary line and stick to my guns with it - ex. 2 cookies, 1 cup ice cream, 1 piece cake etc. MODERATION! And if my craving continues, STOP and PRAY and FEAST on God's word. I can go to the bedroom and journal, pray, read, listen to a sermon on file etc.

#3. FOOD PLEASE PICK-ME-UP....I'm tired!
One more situation I struggle with is eating when I'm tired as a pick-me-up. I'm VERY vulnerable. I MUST realize that food does NOT give me the energy I'm seeking. It simply soothes my taste-buds and feels good temporarily.

Instead I must find a way to be truly revitalized. Lie down, close my eyes, pray, listen to music, relax, listen to a sermon...

REMEMBER:
No food will satisfy my heart nor fill the emptiness in my soul. That is what Jesus Christ is for. He is "real meat" and the "bread of life" and I am to feed on Him. (TLT pg 7)

Some verses that have been an encouragement to me the past day or so and which I have tucked away in memory now and want to continue chewing on and feasting on...

"Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

"I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12

God's Glory

I haven't made much use of my blog in quite some time. And, in all honesty, I'm not sure I am going to have the time to keep posting on a regular basis. But, this morning, I felt God beginning to tie a whole bunch of loose ends together for me.

I've really been struggling with surrendering my body to the Lord, particularly with regards to eating/exercise. My weight has climbed. I didn't step on the scale today so I don't know what the exact # is. But I do know I'm in the 160's.

On a positive note, I'm persevering, not stressing about what a # on a scale says, generally eating 0-5 (within hunger/satisfaction) for most eating ocassions and making myself accountable each and every day to some closer friends online.

On the flip side.... I've felt my heart captured by greed, particularily when it comes to sugary stuff. I rarely tackle battles, even when I know what the right thing to do is, even when I know what "truth" is. My heart just doesn't want to do the right thing enough, I guess. My relationship with God has been somewhat dry the past couple months, since we returned from Mexico. I am longing for that hunger/thirst for God that I experienced last year, when God was my alarm clock and I was hungry to dig into His word, into time of communion with Him, into memorizing His word. Oh how I long for that!

Yesterday was a completely greedy eating kind of day. I ate and ate sugar sugar sugar, the very thing I'd felt compelled to abstain from for a time. I ate outside of 0-5 for most of the day. And I felt sickened by how far I have strayed from God's will.

This morning I woke up with the resolve to actually follow "The Lord's Table" program. I think I may actually use the eating schedule this time, only as a way to discipline my heart to seek God first and foremost. Last time I worked through TLT I simply used TW 0-5 as my eating plan. But I think I may need a little bit of a "wake up" call right now. I need to seek God more than food is what it comes down to. That being said, I dug into day 1 of TLT and what was printed in those pages reflected much of what God has been speaking to me lately.

As I have been studying week 2 of "Secrets Jesus Shared" I felt God continually impressing on me the importance of my FOCUS to be on Him, not letting things (like TV/computer, busyness etc.) distract me from pursuing Him. As I dug back into re-memorizing some verses the one that had become my prayer just this past week was,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who EARNESTLY SEEK HIM." Hebrews 11:6 (emphasis mine)

At our small group meeting on Friday night, God spoke to my heart once again as the main point we zoned in on was the importance of PURSUING GOD.

And that brings me to today, as I studied TLT I read the following verses and began chewing on these words...

"but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact represenation fo His nature, and upholds all things by the word of his power. When He had made purification of sings, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they." Hebrews 1:1-4

As I went for a walk this morning I was struck by the fact that I've been approaching this eating surrender issue wrongly. Though I've been aiming to take thoughts captive and replace with truth - a right and noble endeavor - I've missed the most important point of all... IT'S ALL ABOUT THE HEART. I can't just snap my fingers and say, "Christina, time to replace that lie with truth." Though of course that is a good aim. Even praying a prayer in a certain way, going through systematic motions to "magically" say the right words isn't really the right way, though once again it is good to aim to pray about this issue.

Each of those things God had impressed on me in the "Secrets Jesus Shared" study, in my memorization of God's word and in small group began to come together today. I realized that it is not about following a system, a set of steps, putting on and off...though each and every one of these have a place and a time.

It's about GAZING at, SITTING in, ABSORBING the truth of His Glory, Jesus Himself the "radiance of His Glory."

Just being WITH God, in His presence, experiencing and seeing His glory, my HEART will begin to change and be transformed. And from a heart change comes a will change. And each of these other steps flows naturally as the Holy Spirit transforms - putting off the old self, putting on the new self, taking thoughts captive, my mind being renewed with God's truth, prayer of repentance etc.

It's time to stop going through the motions and trying to be the change agent...and instead just STOP and SIT at His feet and draw near to the Lord and let HIM, in His glory, change and transform me.

I feel hope welling up inside me once again.

Focus

Isn't this a freaky picture?!! I found it very hard to focus:-)

On Friday I was watching a christian TV talk show and one of the guests was a man named "The Diet Doc", Dr. Joe. I watched, curious to see what he would have to say and to hear a christian perspective to weight loss. I was so saddened as I watched the program unfold as they interviewed this fellow.

First and foremost nowhere did I hear that he is a believer (nor did I find it anywhere on his webpage that he is a christian)... I'm figuring he must be a christian if they are interviewing him on a christian program???

Secondly, everything was about following plans, rules, regulations, watching carbs, watching calories, watching what we eat....all focussed on FOOD! Nothing was addressed in regards to emotions, spiritual well being....focussing on God or His Word!

Then one of the talk show hosts continued to share how she had lost 60 lbs over the course of the past 10 years. And what followed was lots of congratulations and pats on the back, "Good job. What hard work. You did good. etc."~you get the idea. She looked very proud of herself...granted, I'm not going to judge her and her journey from that snapshot.

But the sad thing was that not ONCE was God glorified in the process...not once was any praise given to God for even something as simple as giving her a way out of temptation....not once was God given any air time. Oh how sad. I walked away quite shocked actually! The importance of THIS scripture was missed...

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the GLORY OF GOD. 1 Corinthians 10:31

God doesn't want us to keep Him out of this area of our life. I loved the way TLT (day 48) reflected that our need for food/physical nourishment is a shadow of the reality that we need spiritual food/nourishment. We NEED God MORE then we even need food! Imagine that! I know I certainly need Him every moment of every day!!! I am very weak and have many fleshly lusts that draw my focus away from my Greatest Treasure, Jesus Christ.

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit..." Romans 1:17

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:31-34

I choose to fix my eyes and FOCUS on Jesus! (Hebrews 12:2)

The Lord's Table~final review

Well, I have reached the conclussion of TLT workbook study. What an awesome study! (As noted before: I did not follow the eating schedule, but rather simply ate 0-5 within hunger/fullness boundaries.)

In regards to weight release...I started TLT back on November 23rd 2008 at 153 lbs....and I have ended TLT today, on January 21st and am 153 lbs, within my BMI range (on my scale at least:-)! I'm okay with that! I'm obviously in a bit of a maintenance mode phase right now and that is a good thing. That is a whole new lesson in and of itself for me!

I can hardly begin to express all that I have learned! As I look back it is such an incredible journey I've been on:-)

Here are the TOP TEN thing I've learned...

1.) My motivation for losing weight needs to be for the glory of God alone.

2.) As I open wide my mouth, that I'm actually opening my ears and listening to His Word. As I pray and read the bible and listen to the Lord He fills me up! Him fillings me up truly meets the desires of my heart! Jesus and His words are the Living Water. I want to drink of the pure, refreshing source rather then a mucky mud puddle!

3.) Broken, helpless and contrite before the Lord is a good place to be, because I will depend on God so much more, and He will lift me up out of the muck and the mire and set my feet on solid ground! I can in no way claim glory for myself when I am depending on Him!

4.) Over the past two months, I have been "putting on" reading God's word, spending time with Him, praising Him, getting back to the basics of 0-5 eating. I'm still working on the "putting off" area!

5.) I've been reminded of the importance of the concept of confession and repentance and have come to truly appreciate the Thin Within concept of observation and correction. I want to do much much more of that!

6.) Just as the Israelites were ready for flight when they were leaving Egypt...so do I! I need to remember to fill up on God's word and spend time in prayer and praise prior to battle! And for me there are countless battles...some so small and some large! Battles all the same! I need to remember prayer and praise precede victory!

7.) I was reminded of the value of being intentional and pre-planning for trials. I must watch and pray as Jesus commanded. There are many links in the chain that leads to sin. Another way of putting it is there are many rungs to the ladder...I must not let Satan get even one foothold! I need to watch out for those steps, those links in the chain and break them as I drag every known sin into the Light!

8.) This study also reminded me how I must make my body a slave to Christ--my thoughts, my eating, my exercise, my words, my actions....

9.) Another key truth that has been hitting me over these months as I did this study are lining up my thoughts with God's word. Combatting a known beilef/lie/trigger with what God says. Then present it to God so the thoughts are in submission to God and His word. I must meditate on His word, fill up on good and excellent things and do His will.

10.) It is so important to stick close to Jesus, sitting at His feet and abiding in Him, fixing my eyes on Him alone. When I focus on Jesus I am sitting at His feet, abiding in Him, listening to him, humbly receiving His words, not pridefully harboring sin, but rather humble. When I fix my eyes on Jesus I'm focussing on seeking first His kingdom not on sin and my selfish wants and desires and fleshly lusts. When I fix my eyes on Jesus lies are automatically lined up with the His truth! He forgives. He loves. He frees. He teaches. He equips. He gives us His promises. He makes me into a new creation.

In conclussion the changes that have taken place in my heart and life are that I'm hungry for God's Word---REALLY hungry! That is a huge answer to prayer and I pray this continues! I can see how important it is to sit at Jesus' feet and fix my eyes on Him and fill up on Him and His Word. What a joy this has been! All praise and glory to God for the good work He has been doing in my life...

The Lord's Table~Day 55 through 60

Day 55~All Food is Acceptable

I think the title of this lesson is self-explanatory!

"Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.") He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' " Mark 7:18-23

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Let us be people who eat whatever we want with rejoicing and thanksgiving, worshipping God in our hearts, remembering to be moderate in the amount that we eat. This is what honors the Lord and provides spiritual and physical health. TLT workbook pg180


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Day 56~How to Lose Weight...Worship

Though we will never hear this from the world, becoming free from overeating is a matter of learning how to enjoy the Lord. Freedom comes from learning how to drink Him in, how to quench our thirst in Him, how to feast our souls on Him. It is impossible to enjoy sin and enjoy teh Lrod at the same time, and those who are learning to nourish their souls and quench their thirst in Jesus are done with overeating. TLT workbook pg182

Joe writes: "The result of pursing food was weight gain, the result of pursing God is gaining a relationship with Him and learning to rely on Him." TLT workbook pg182

The four principles unpacked in this lesson are:

1. Focus: fix my eyes on Christ
2. Bow: surrender and submit to His Lordship
3. Offer: give myself to Him as a living sacrifice.
4. Enjoy: take pleasure in God and His Word.

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Day 57~Losing Weight By Delighting in the Lord

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

God will give us the desires of our heart because He will be the desire of our hearts. TLT workbook pg184

The whole key is to find ways in which our hearts rejoice in the Lord, and then explore new methods of making ourselves happy in Him. TLT workbook pg185

I desire to dwell on God's word and grow deep roots to feed upon His Word, just like I wrote about in my last post. I will delight in the Lord and find my Greatest Treasure as I return to God and turn away from sin.

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Day 58~Praise Brings Victory

An interesting story from 2 Chronicles was unpacked in this lesson. The Israelites were in battle. Jehoshaphat was the leader of God's people. And as he sought the Lord for help in the battle this is what is written...

This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20:15

After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." 2 Chronicles 20:21

Did you notice the singers were teh ones who led the way?! I thought that was such a cool observation that was noted in the TLT study.

Focussing on God, His strength and power, His purposes, His sovereignty...rather then myself...reflects SURRENDER to Him! It also reflects trust and dependance on Him.

Here are some ideas on how to put this into practice (a brief summary of what was noted on pg 189 of the workbook)

• Create and seek to get away to a secret place of devotion with the Lord....make your heart glad in Him.
• Using a hymnal or praise song book read the words and sing the songs.
• Learn to use every temptation from the evil one as a stimulus to turn your heart toward praising God.
• Let it become an automatic response, over time, that when you receive bad news, you instantly worship the Lord.
• Learn to know when you fail the most, and prepare in advance to praise the Lrod instead of gratifying your flesh...preplan your victory... So we must learn to recognize the usual times when we fail, and replace them with pre-scheduled praising of the Lord.
• Count your blessings.
• Listen to music that lifts your heart in praise to God.

I loved all of the above ideas. I personally would like to carve out more times to play the piano and sing in worship to the Lord. It fills the sails of my heart as I praise the Lord:-)

Later in this lesson it was noted how prayer and praise preceded victory and freedom for Paul and Silas when they were supernaturally released from prison.

Here's a worthy goal that Mona writes about on pg 190: "Instead of eating out of habit, I will replace that with praising Him out of habit."

Day 59 & 60 were review days.... I'll write a bit about that in the next post.

The Lord's Table~Day 49 to 54

It's hard to believe that I'm nearing the end of TLT study! It's been such an awesome journey! I highly recommend the workbook to anyone and everyone....though am not too comfortable advocating the eating/exercise expectations that they line up for the 60 days. Ultimately the goal of the book is for everyone to essentially be a 0-5 eater (in TW terminology), no longer being gluttonous and greedy for food, but rather just eating when hungry and stopping when satisfied. The strong point of this book is it's incredible studies that point the reader straight to filling up on God's Word. I really and truly didn't expect to learn and grow the way I have! So, PRAISE GOD!

So here's my latest summary of my readings.


Day 49~How To Feast at the Lord's Table

This lesson had such a great overview of George Mueller's approach to reading God's word and prayer. Mr. Mueller used to start his mornings in prayer, but then he began to change his approach. Here's a snapshot glance of what Mr. Mueller was writing about:

The first thing I did, after having asked in a few words the Lord's blessing upon His precious Word, was to begin to meditate on the Word of God; searching, as it were, into every verse, to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word; not for the sake of preaching on what I had meditated upon; but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul. The result I have found to be almost invariably this, that after a very few minutes my soul has been led to confession, or to thanksgiving, or to intercession, or to supplication; so that though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer... It is plain to me as anything, that the first thing the child of God has to do morning by morning is to obtain food for his inner man. TLT workbook pg 157-158

I thought this was such an interesting perspective. As we read, confession, intercession, thanksgiving and supplication all flow naturally as led by the Lord's word. We are drawn into prayer in the process of reading. I appreciated this perspective.

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Day 50~Be a Doer of the Word

I think I summed up this lesson and my response to it here.


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Day 51~Gluttony and Laziness

Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe one with rags. Prov. 23: 20, 21

I definitely don't struggle with drinking as I don't even drink alcohol. I really don't like the stuff.

Yet I definitely have my ups and downs in struggling with gluttony and laziness. I'm beginning to experience more victory with regards to gluttony. Laziness (lack of exercise) feels like a challenge for me right now. I need to get moving. I still haven't gotten consistent with that. In all honesty it takes some motivation to get moving with the kind of temperatures we have here during the winter! I'm looking forward to spring and jogging again:-) In the meantime I do find skipping rope a reasonable exercise routine for me in the winter months in particular.

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Day 52~Take Every Thought Captive

Of course this is based on 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

This whole concept has been BIG for me over the past couple months as I contemplated what lined the walls of my mind. I'd say TW was my introduction to really and truly examining my thoughts and beliefs more closely and getting into the practice and discipline of lining up with God's Word. Breaking Free touched on that further. And then this TLT study has further pushed me to use the Bible as my foundation for life.

If I fail to take every thought captive for Christ, *I* would be the one in bondage! But God wants it to be the other way around-the lies of Satan are to bound and taken captive and God's truth replace the lies! How awesome!

Here was a fantastic illustration from Max Lucado that I can't skip posting because it really is very good. It's lengthy, but a very worthwhile read!

...Your heart is a fertile greenhouse ready to produce good fruit. Your mind is the doorway to your heart-the strategic place where you determine which seeds are sown and which seeds are discarded. The Holy Spirit is ready to help you manage and filter the thoughts that try to enter. He can help you guard your heart. He stands with you ont he threshold. A thought approaches, a questionable thought. Do you throw open the door and let it enter? Of course not. You "fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5 Phillips Translation). You don't leave the door unguarded. You stand equipped with handcuffs and leg irons, ready to capture any thought not fit to enter. For the sake of dicussion, let's say a thought regarding your personal value approaches. With all the cockiness of a neighbourhood bully, the thought swaggers up to the door and says, "You're a loser. All your life you've been a loser. You've blown relationships and jobs and ambitions. you might as well write the word bum on your resume, for that
is what you are."

The ordinary person would throw open the door and let the thought in. Like a seed from a weed, it would find fertile soil and take root and bear thorns of inferiority. The average person would say, "You're right, I'm a bum. Come on in." But as a Christian, you aern't your verage person. You are led by the Spirit. So, rather than let the thought in, you take it captive. You handcuff it and march it down the street to the courthouse where you present the thought before the judgement seat of
Christ.

"'Jesus," this thoughts say, 'I'm a bum and a loser and I'll never amount to anything.' What do you think?" See what you are doing? You are submitting the thought to the authority of Jesus. If Jesus agrees with the thought, then let it in. If not, kick it out. In this case Jesus diagrees.

How do you know if Jesus agrees or disagrees? You open your Bible. What does God think about you? Eph. 2:10 is a good place to check: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (NIV). Or how about Romans 8:1: "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"? Obviously any thought that says you are inferior or insignificant does not pass the test-and does not gain entrance. you have the right to give the bully a firm kick in the pants and watch him run.

Let's take another example. The first thought was a bully; this next thougth is a groupie. She comes not to tell you how bad you are, but how good you are. She rushes to the doorway and gushes, "You are so good. You are so wonderful. The world is so lucky to have you," and on and on the groupie grovels.

Typically this is the type of thought you'd welcome. But you don't do things the typical way. You guard your heart. You walk in the Spirit. And you take every thought captive. So once again you go to Jesus. You submit this thought to the authority of Christ. As you unsheathe the sword of the Spirit, his Word, you learn that pride doesn't please God.

"Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance" (romans 12:3 Phillips). "The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging" (Gal. 6:14). As much as you'd like to welceom this thought of conceit into the greenhouse, you can't. You only allow what Christ allows.

One more example. This time the thought is not one of criticsm or flattery but one of temptation. If you're a fellow the thought is dressed in flashy red. If you're a female, the thought is the hunk you've always wanted. There is the brush of the hand, the fragrance in teh air, and invitation. "Come on, it's all right. We're consenting
adults."

What do you do? Wel, if you aren't under the authority of Christ, you throw open the door. But if you have the mind of Christ, you step back and say, "Not so fast. You'll have to get permission from big brother." So you take this teamy act before Jesus and ask, "Yes or no?" nowhere does he answer more clearly than in 1 Cor. 6 and 7: "we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids committment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than every... Is it a good thing to have sexual relations? Certainly--but only within a certain context. It's good for a man to have a wife, and for
a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them" (6:18; 7:1-2, MSG). Now armed with opinion of Christ and the sword of the Spirit, what do you do? Well, if the tempter is not your spouse, close the door. If the invitation is from your spouse then HUBBA, HUBBA, HUBBA.

The point is this. Guard the doorway of your heart. Submit your thoughts to the authority of Christ. The more selective you are about seeds, the more delighted you will be with the crop. Max Lucado "Just Like Jesus" as quoted in TLT workbook pg 168-169

Isn't that an amazing illustration?! I thought it was a great way of looking at taking each thought captive and making obedient to Christ.

I should finish my homework that I assigned myself way back here... I think I'll put together a whole new post for this.

The next amazing poing that Mike Cleveland pulls out is:

So we reject sinful thoughts, but here is the next step; we must also embrace good and godly thoughts. It's not enough to reject sinful thoughts, we must go on to fill our minds with good things. Notice this passage: "Finally bretheren, whatever i true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (Philippians 4:8). TLT workbook pg 169

So, my battle plan for actively thinking on Christ and the things that are good, right, noble and pure is: wake up with God as my alarm clock and spend time in His word and in prayer, read, pray, fellowship, play the piano and sing praise and worship to my Lord, memorize scripture... Those are a few things that came to mind.

So, here's a summary of what this lesson laid out...

1. Take our thoughts captive to Christ.
2. Meditate on what is good and right.
3. Practise these things.

That last step is key. I need to apply and look into the mirror of God's word and not just ignore it, but actually be a doer of His word. I must BE living God's truth and DO His will.


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Day 53~Change Comes Through Seeing Jesus

Basically I must fix my eyes on Jesus. Don't let anything hinder me from doing this. God reveals Himself to me through the Bible, prayer, fellowship, music, books and His creation.

Looking to Jesus has filled me with things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Looking to Jesus has freed me to see who I truly am~sinful and powerless in my flesh. Looking to Jesus has allowed me to humbly depend on Him and His power, to be transformed into His image each day. Looking to Jesus has been realizing that CHRIST LIVES IN ME! That's powerful! I may be a weak and powerless clay vessel, but I have the Greatest Treasure that dwells inside me~Christ Jesus!! That's powerful! Looking to Jesus has equipped, inspired and empowered me. Looking to Jesus has taken my focus off self and deepened my love for God.

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Day 54~Psalm 23 and The Lord's Table

This lesson unpacked this psalm so beautifully. One quote that I really appreciated was, "We are not valley dwellers, but valley walkers." (Karen Wilkinson, TLT workbook pg 176)

I don't think I could ever do justice to this lesson in a snapshot! I just know there is so much meat in this one short passage that I could dwell on for a long time and keep learning from!

The Lord's Table~Day 43 to 48

Day 43~One Thing Necessary

Studying the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) the following point was made...

The first priority necessary in the Christian life is sitting at the feet of Jesus! TLT workbook pg 137

Here are the six teachings drawn out from that image of Mary sitting at Jesus' feet. Sitting at Jesus' feet indicates:

1. humility.
2. submission.
3. learning.
4. faith.
5. holding to His teaching.
6. that she (Mary) loved Jesus.

If I'm humble, I'll be repentant, broken, contrite and willing. If I'm submissive I'll surrender. If I'm learning, I'll soak up His word. If I'm holding to the faith, I'll trust and hold onto the promises of His Word. If I'm holding to His teaching, I'll be a doer and do His will. If I love Jesus, He will be my #1 priority.

When I think of sitting at Jesus' feet I have the image of prayer~quietly meditating on His words, worshipping Him, expressing gratitude to Him, listening to what He speaks to my heart, and humbly presenting my requests/concerns to Him. This is a lesson I need to apply. I know I need to sit at His feet in prayer more often.


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Day 44~Ministry Mindset

As God has worked in my heart and life and released me from the chains of sin He
has turned my focus upward and outward. TLT workbook pg 140

So, to summarize today's teaching, there is an importance in the Christian life to begin shifting away from self-centeredness and inward focus, to ministering to others. We need to cultivate a ministry mindset. Jesus told us that unless we follow Him to the place of death to self we will "remain alone" and be fruitless (John 12:23-25). TLT workbook pg 142

God has deeply, specifically and clearly impressed on my heart the various ways He desires me to be looking upward and outward. I always find that very exciting:-)

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Day 45~Freedom brings Spiritual Health

The one who turns from God to pursue satisfaction in something/someone else
goes into a spiritual famine. The soul becomes parched, malnourished, dehydrated and to use a medical term, it "fails to thrive." TLT workbook pg 143

I know I've never been so aware of the practicality of needing to fill up on God's Word as I am now. It was an aim of mine before, but not a priority. I now can sense a HUGE difference in myself when I'm feeding on His word and when I'm not.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD and in his law he meditates day and night. Ps. 1:2

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does he prospers. Ps. 1:3

When I overeat I feel ashamed, angry at myself, overwhelmed, feel like giving up and giving in.

As I feed on God's word and am in relationship wtih Him moment by moment I begin to experience victory, a renewing of the mind and these feelings dissapear and are replaced with joy, contentment, peace, excitement, anticipation, praise, gratitude and a deeper more intimate relationship with the Lord.

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Day 46~Key to Victory-Ongoing Humility

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10

When I fix my eyes on Him and His greatness I am humbled by the reality of His greatness and of my complete need for Him and dependance on Him for existence.

I desire to pray the following prayer (or something like it) prior to eating...

Dear Lord, thank you for this food. You are truly a giver of good gifts. I pray that you would make me content with my portion. I pray your Holy Spirit would remind me and prompt me when to stop. Please make my spirit and flesh willing. Thank you Lord. Amen.

I also desire to constantly offer thanks while enjoying the blessing of the food He has provided.

He truly is a great God! I AM COMPLETELY DEPENDANT ON HIM FOR EVERYTHING, even when I think I've got things under control! Gratitude to the Lord is key to true humility.

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Day 47~Running to Win

The main gist of this lesson was that you can't run as fast or as far with extra weight. It will tire you out. Hebrews 12:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 were unpacked.

My main thoughts are that I need to be intentional and alert. I need to get rid of distractions. Keep my focus on Jesus. Seek Him. Tell my body what to do by setting goals and be intentional about my eating and exercise so I'm not being waved back and forth by my feelings of laziness/lack of self control and emotions. Ex. "It's time to go and jump rope, go for a walk etc." "No more sweets. I've had enough." Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ, lining the walls of my mind with truths from God's word.

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Day 48~Shadows and Reality

I thought this lesson was so thought-provoking and interesting. The scripture that this lesson drew from was:

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Colossians 2:13-17

The author presented a few different OT and NT images/stories to reflect on shadows and reality parallels: Moses hitting the rock and water gushing out paralleled with Jesus being our spiritual rock (Exodus 17:6 and 1 Cor. 10:1-4), the provision of manna to the Israelites in the desert parallels Jesus being the living bread out of heaven (Exodus 16:4 and John 6:47-51), Noah's ark being their safety in the midst of the flood paralleled with Jesus being our savior in the flood of sin (Gen. 6:17-18 and 1 Peter 3:18-21).

I know there are many many other shadows and realities in scripture that could be dug into! I think this would make a fantastic sermon series:-) I may just present this idea to my pastor:-)

Now when I eat I let the food point me to Jesus. As I savor a bite of food I think of how we are to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8) When I am nourished by a delightful meal I recall taht we are to truly feast on the forgiveness Jesus gave us at the cross (Hebrews 13:10). When I'm hot and take a drink of cool water I'm reminded that if I drink of Jesus as the Living Water I will never thirst for sinful things again. Food and drink are "shadows" that point us to the reality which is Christ. TLT workbook pg 134

I find this point very interesting. I definitely need to change my perspective of food. Everytime my tastebuds explode with enjoyment as something tastes amazing I need to remember this is a shadow of Christ, that HE tastes ever so much better! Everytime my belly is satisfied I need to remember this is a shadow of the satisfaction that God brings. Everytime I gain energy and strength from the food I need to remember that God provides much more!

The Lord's Table~Day 35 to 42

It's been quite awhile since I posted my quick recaps of these lessons! But I continue doing one daily and always come away refreshed and challenged. I know it's not all that much fun reading lengthy posts about a study you're not even studying, so please know that the main reason I'm posting these recaps are for my own benefit, to have a quick snapshot of each lesson and lessons I've learned along the way. I have done the same with the "Thin Within" book a couple times.

That being said, here is my catch-up recap...

Day 35~Perseverance

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

Perseverance develops character.

Character develops hope.

Hope doesn't disappoint.

Mike Cleveland writes:

If we study the life of Abraham we can see that he was simply a "faithful plodder." How about you? Are you in this lifestyle change as a sprinter or a marathon runner? What are your thoughts?

My answer is: A faithful plodder for the most part! It feels like it's taking a long time to experience full victory in the area of overeating. But I keep plodding along! I keep on keeping on. I keep pressing on.

And here is one of my personal favorite verses that wasn't mentioned in this lesson but speaks of perseverance...

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. James 1:2-4

I cling to that promise.

Perseverance must finish its work so that I may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

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Day 36~God Nourishes His People

Christ Himself is the Bread of Life and He is "The Lord's Table" and is given to us for our nourishment. We begin to grow spiritually as we feed on Christ and do His will. As we grow we begin living in a self-controlled manner, and we develop habits of righteousness. These habits can last a lifetime and will mean permanent weight loss for us. The good news for us is that God nourishes His people. He causes us to grow. TLT workbook pg 117

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Day 37~Such Were Some of You

If we are sinners who are trying to be good we will inevitably fall. But if we are saints, who occasionally stumble and sin, then our nature is such that we hate sin, and our habitual pattern of life will be to walk in righteousness. TLT workbook pg 119

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Day 38~Food For the Soul

This lesson touches on the scripture I had discovered on our christmas travels: 2 Peter 1:5-8

Once again here is the chain...

1. Faith
2. Goodness
3. Knowledge
4. Self-control
5. Perseverance
6. Godliness
7. Brotherly kindness
8. Love

One thing that I took away from this lesson is to remember to focus on the fruits of the spirit. These are the new "clothes" of the new creation that I am in Christ. When Christ lives in me then I will bear fruit of the Spirit. Keep fixing my eyes on Christ. Let go of all sin that entangles. Nothing but Him satisfies fully so why would I even try to seek substitutes or have one foot on each side of the fence, serving two masters?


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Day 39~Live For Pleasure

The key is that we are to be a people who live for pleasure in God! TLT workbook pg 125

Ways I can do this are look to God for instruction, read and meditate on His Word, do His will, listen to praise music, pray and worship Him, read things that draw my eyes to Him, reach out and share His love and the gospel with others...and probably so much more!


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Day 40~Called to Suffer

I'm not sure about the premise of this lesson in regards to weight loss methods. I am not sure sure about needing to suffer to lose weight. I believe in "suffering" when denying fleshly lusts, but not necessarily "suffering" by denying hunger... Does that make sense? I think that our hunger and fullness are designed by God to help us take care of our bodies and we should be listening to our body's signals.

However this statement I do agree with...

The point is that God is glorified in our becoming free from sin, and there will be inevitable suffering in the flesh that comes as we are seeking to be free from sin. TLT workbook pg 129

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23

Deny myself.

Take up his cross.

This is a key verse I think. So often I do as I feel entitled, focussing on self. But my old self is crucified and I must deny self.

I must "die" daily to: greed, grumpiness, selfishness, anger, covetness, laziness, loose tongue.

As a new creation, as Christ lives in me I must "live" each and every day to: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I must do daily housecleaning of my heart.


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Day 41~We Must Master Sin

Lessons learned fro 1 Peter 5:8-11...

Be self-controlled and alert. Resist the devil. Stand firm in the faith. Remember others are suffering the same. Remember Christ will give victory and will perfect me one day.

The biggest thing I need to do right now is to get intentional again and pre-plan more. This is being ALERT. I will continue feasting on the Lord which is standing FIRM IN THE FAITH. I need to use the sword of the Spirit (His Word) to RESIST Satan. I began to take action here.


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Day 42~Seek First The Kingdom of God

If I am seeking Christ first I will eat in a careful manner, so that I enjoy my food as a gift of God and so that I do not overeat. TLT workbook pg 134

Food is a gift from God. This is a good reminder. I must be a good steward of this gift. When greed is present it is NOT glorifying to God.

Looking to Matthew 6:25-34 I am reminded that because God knows our needs I can trust Him to meet those needs. My job is to SEEK HIM and the rest will fall into place in God's own special way.

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!

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

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.

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:-)

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!

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.