Category Archives: Temptations

Eating The Way God Instructed

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This week I decided to go back to eating the way God instructed me back in 2013-14 when I lost 91 pounds. . . Unfortunately, over time, I went back to my old bad habits and regined some back. Ugh.

(Picture by Deborah Crocker)

So, after looking at that horrible number on my scales, I asked God’s forgiveness for going my own way versus His instructions. Also, I asked for strength to return back to His instructions for my weight loss.

I let ya’ll know how it went for this past week at the end of this article. 

Thursday night, Hubby and I, along with his friends went to the Mission of Hope, a Christian drug rehab. Hubby and his friends played gospel bluegrass for them. Afterwards, we went to eat supper at Sonny’s Bar B Q. We ate around 8pm. 

Yes, I know it’s too late to eat supper. But we left for the Mission of Hope shortly after we got home from work. So it’s either eat late or none at all. Since Hubby’s friends were going, we went along.

Because it was so late, I choose to order only a sweet potato, not a whole meal. Hubby ordered the Chicken Wing basket. My sweet potato was so small and pitiful looking, Hubby gave me two of his chicken wings. He offered more, but I declined. 

But oh my, how I wanted more! So I asked God for strength. Then I ate nothing else that evening. Thank you Lord. For someone who struggles with a food addiction, this is a major victory.

Then today, while running errands, Hubby decides he wants Mexican food for lunch. That’s another major struggle for me. Those chips and salsa, oh no! Now that’s temptation. 

So I ordered my favorite, Victoria Bowl. But I asked them to leave out the rice. I don’t need rice. Maybe that’ll save a few calories. Also, I asked for guacamole on the side. I hate the stuff, but Hubby loves it. So I gave it to him. 

As for the chips, I only ate six. Twelve was considered one serving on a previous diet plan I tried long ago. So today, I’ll only eat six, but with lots of salsa. I love that stuff, don’t you?

{Picture by Deborah Crocker}

As a matter of fact I pour salsa on everything. I always ask for a second bottle just so I can pour it all over my food. The picture below is my half portion to take home later.

This gives a whole different meaning to the verse about “deny yourself”. Because it feels like exactly what I’m doing, denying myself. Sigh. But I’m seeking God’s help and direction. So I must follow how He leads. If I feel convicted about something, I stop and seek direction. 

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follw Me. Luke 9:23

          I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye. Psalms 32:8 

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Corinthians 9:27 

So far. I’ve lost 8 pounds this past week due to eating the way God instructed me. Thank you Lord for success and victory. It’s probably water weight, but I’m thrilled about it. Thank you Lord for victory.

(Picture by Deborah Crocker)

(Picture by Deborah Crocker)

If You Listen

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Child, if you listen and obey My instructions, then you will have success in your weight loss struggles. In fact, if you listen and follow My instructions, you will have victory in all areas of your life.
Today, with My help, My strength, and My power, you will gain your victory. After all with Me on your side, all things are possible.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Child of Mine, you can eat less. You can even fast according to My instructions for you. Child, if you listen and follow My instructions, today will be a day of victory. And you get to choose.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:7
Child, when the thought to overeat first comes, resist the devil and he will flee.
“For the Lord is a sun and a shield, the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11
Child, as long as you walk in My will I will be your shield. If you listen and follow My instructions, then I will provide to you all the strength you need to resist temptation.

With My power, you can resist the temptations of the devil and he will flee from you. Also, as you sing your praises unto Me, he will leave. He can’t stand to hear praises toward Me, so he leaves.
Resist the devil, and he will flee. You can win this battle for I am with you, and I am on your side. In fact I will guarantee your victory if you follow My instructions for I am on your side and I always win. Therefore, you win.
I guarantee you, if you listen and obey, you will have success. If you submit your food choices and your life choices too, then I will lead you to your life victory and success over defeat
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

(Picture by Deborah Crocker)

Sinkhole Of Defeat

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God will help you out of the sinkhole of defeat.

God will help you out of the sinkhole of defeat. (Picture by Deborah Crocker)

Here I am in a sinkhole of defeat. Lord, can you help me? Is there any more hope for me?

Child, I am your hope and your victory.  So follow My instructions in all things and in all your ways. Then you’ll be blessed and you will succeed in victory.

Lord, can You help me?

Yes My Child, watch and see what I will do. It’ll be surprising to you.

Lord, forgive my many failures. Overall I’ve failed You in so many ways, so many times. Help me follow Your will in all my ways, words, actions, what I eat, drink, and even what I think.

Furthermore, just renew my mind and make it Yours. Because I want to do right.

Child, I know. But you can do right. As you lean on Me, I’ll help you. It is in My power and My love that you will find strength. So, as you make Me a priority in your life, I will help you succeeed.

God willl deliver you out of the sinkhole of defeat

God willl deliver you out of the sinkhole of defeat. (Picture by Deborah Crocker)

Indeed, I’m going to start a new chapter in your life. Today, I’m going to refill you and refresh you with My Holy Spirit. In fact, it’s not a new church you need, it’s a new re-filling of My Holy Spirit you need.

Today is a new day, another new beginning. Child, I am here for you. With My help, you can do all things. Just focus on this one day. Walk in My instructions. Walk in My will for you today.

God will help yu out of the sinkhole of defeat.

God will help you out of the sinkhole of defeat. (Picture by Deborah Crocker)

Lord, help me.

Child, I will help you. In fact, I’m helping you now. I haven’t given up on you. So don’t you give up on you. As you look to Me, I will help you. As you obey My will for you, I will help you.

Lord, please don’t shut the door on me. Yesterday, I dreamed of a door shutting on me.

Child, when I shut a door, I always open a window. I have not shut the door on your dreams. But I have shut the door on your failures.

Now as you begin to walk in My will, you will walk in your victory today.
 In fact, those past failures are gone forever. As long as you keep your eyes on Me, you will walk in victory.

Lord, is this true?

Child, it is truth. As long as you look to Me, I’ll pull you out of this sinkhole of defeat you now find yourself in.

Look to Me for your victory. Because I hold both it and you in My hands. So look to Me. After all, My victory over the cross and death opens the road to your victory.

Yes Sir. Thank you Lord.

Child, never give up. Because I’ll never give up on you. So don’t you give up on you. After all I love you and I believe in you. Therefore, you can do this. Because with My help, you can do all things. So believe in Me and My power to save you from yourself.

Never Give up

Never Give Up – (Picture by Alexis Crocker)

Because I’m on your side, all things are possible, even your weight loss and a life of victory.

Yes Sir. Thank you Lord for not giving up on me.

Child, I never give up on Mine. Remember the story of the one lost lamb out of the ninety-nine. I’ll never give up. Because I will always look for and save those who realize they are lost and look for Me.

As they look for Me, I will be found by them and I will save them. Then I can pull them out of their sinkhole of defeat and misery too.

Thank you Lord.

Feed On This

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with
God; for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? . . . I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:4,7 

Insteaqd, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:23-24

(Picture by Deborah Crocker)

Deliverance

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“Deliverance is only as good as our obedience.” Lord, that’s in my Bible side notes. So now what? What do You want me to do?Trust Me.

Continue reading

Freedom And Deliverance

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Freedom and deliverance

Freedom and deliverance comes from God

Freedom and deliverance, salvation and righteousness. Child, I have already planned it all.  So come to Me for your freedom and deliverance, salvation and righteousness. I will set you free. 

Yes My child, I’ve already planned for your victory. So come to Me, Your freedom and deliverance is found in My Presence. And I will not let you go. So come to Me.

In fact, I created you for My plans and My glory. Therefore it’s My plan for you to have victory. And you will indeed. 

I’m going to put your food addiction, compulsion under your feet. For I have already won the victory. So come to Me and walk in your victory. 

Okay Lord, do I need to join a group for support me? If so, which one?

Do I need to go to a weight loss counselor? Again, I ask You, which one?

Child, I’ve told you before,  I’m your counselor. Come to Me.

So Lord, what do I do now? Help me. Because I can’t do this.

But Child, I can. Because of Me, you can do all things. As a matter of fact, I am the supply for all your needs, even strength to overcome. 

So trust Me and use these tools I freely give you.

  1. Command the addiction/compulsion to leave in the name of Jesus.                   
  2. Clear your mind by offering the sacrifice of praise, singing songs of “Victory in Jesus”.

FEED ON THIS

Look to the Lord, and His strength; seek His face always. Psalms 105:4 NIV

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms37:4 ESV

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1Corinthains 10:13 NKJV

Command This Compulsion

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Child, command this compulsion to get out by My name. Not only did My enemy send this compulsion to harass, defeat you, but he intends to destroy your victory too.  Command this compulsion.

Lord, I’m so overwhelmed by this compulsion to overeat. Can I do that? Will it work to break me free of this obsession?

So you’re telling me to command this compulsion to overeat to leave in the name of Jesus? And it will? Continue reading

Fighting This Battle

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I’m fighting this battle. Lord, help me.

Lord, I’m fighting this battle with food addiction and losing. So, if I have the Holy Spirit and the power of God within me, why am I so defeated by cookies, snacks, etc.? So why do I allow myself to become so defeated ? Why?

—But you will receive power when the Holy spirit comes upon you. Acts 1:8 NLT

If we are to have dominion over earth, (Genesis 1:28) then why am I so dominated by cookies, etc.?

Lord, I’ve been reading “The Art of War for Spiritual Battle” by Cindy Trim. So, am I fighting this battle correctly? Am I not praying enough over this food addiction issue?

Child, you do pray over your meals. But how many times have you prayed to seek My will over what you are to eat? 

Uh, not many. In fact, I have to admit there’s been times I started eating first before remembering to stop and thank you for my meal.

Oh, I see. So what does that tell you? 

It tells me I’m more into my food than Your Presence.

Hmm, I see. And how can you change this? 

With Your help Lord, I can do all things.

Hmmm. I see. Do you really believe that? 

Yes Sir.

So today, this is your assignment. Stop before you eat anything . Stop and talk to Me about it . Ask My advice. Ask for My wisdom. Let go of your head knowledge of what is good to eat and what is not. 

Seek My knowledge first. Then wait. Don’t start eating until you receive My directions. Then proceed. Hint: Don’t eat broccoli or green beans just because you know they are low calorie. Seek My will first. You may be surprised.

What if those green beans or broccoli are not My will for you at that moment? What if My will for you at that time is something sweet?  Now wouldn’t that surprise you? 

Yes Sir. It most certainly would.

So Child, that’s My point. I want you to seek My guidance first before putting anything in your mouth. Seek Me first and I guarantee you will have your victory. 

Yes Sir. Thank you Lord for guiding me. Help me to seek You first.

Child, as you seek Me, I will lead you. 

But Lord, I’m such a wimp.

But Child, if you listen to Me, I will make you into a warrior. After all, I did it with Gideon and I can do it with you too. 

Feed On This

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalms 32:8 NLT

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 1Timothy 6:12 NLT

And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for. 1John 5:14-15 NLT

. . . “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Corinthians 2: 9 NLT

Fighting this battle

I’m fighting this battle by reading God’s Word twice a day, instead of eating snacks.

Victory Over Binges

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vvv

Seeking victory over binges.

Expect victory over binges.

Lord, I need victory over binges. I need Your help. I’m caught in a trap, a trap of my own making. Now it seems I can’t get out. Oh why do I go insane at night, especially when I’m tired?

Child, that’s when Satan knows it’s the best time to harass you, when you are tired. Tonight, when you get tired, just go to bed and rest. 

Habits need changing. And Child of Mine, this stronghold on you is so strong that you need My power to resist the temptation. Child, I can help you. 

But Lord, how? We’ve talked about this many times before. And I’m still trapped, unable to set myself free.

But Child, I can set you free. 

But Lord, how? You’ve suggested many things to me before. Then I get so encouraged and start out in victory. Then later, I fall right back into this trap of defeat.

Child, I will lift you out of this despair, this trap, this self-inflicted bondage. I will lift you out and set you free.

But Lord, how?

Child, just call My name.

Lord, when the thought comes to overeat, I don’t think. My mind is blank. All I focus on is what to eat. What do I want to eat?

Child, only I can fill this void you have. It is I who you need to fill you up. 

Lord, how?

Call on My name, Jesus. 

God will give you victory over binges.

Lord, could You give me a scripture from Your Word besides those I already know? I have head knowledge, but I just can’t seem to get myself out of this self-inflicted trap. I’ve dug this hole and jumped in for the pleasures within. Now I’m trapped and I can’t get myself out.

Child, I can get you out. 

But Lord, how?

Call on My Name. Ask for your deliverance in My name, the name of Jesus.  

— I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to Me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. Hosea 2:15 NLT  

Child, you are now trapped in the Valley of Trouble and defeat. But I am your hope and you will sing of “Victory in Jesus”. And you will gain your victory just as you did many years ago.

Feed on My Word for there is where you will find your strength. You search My word each morning, but then zone out on your social media at night to relax. That’s why your mind goes blank. You have zoned out to relax. 

Now I command you – no more zoning out on social media at night for you must be alert and focused. You want success and victory. Therefore feed on My Word each night and it will renew your mind. 

Why did you think I told Joshua to mediate on it day and night? Weakness results from physical exhaustion.  And I want to build you up in your faith and your power to resist temptation. I want to make you strong.

So, to renew your mind and make you strong, feed on My Word day and night. Take it as medicine for your soul and your mind.

—- Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT

Through My Word, I will increase your self-control, self- discipline, and renew your mind. Then you’ll be feeding your mind wisdom and strength, faith and power. As you feed on My Word to build your spiritual muscles, it will make you strong indeed. You will emerge undefeated and victorious. 

Now here’s your challenge: Feed on My word for 40 days and nights. See how that works for you. 

Victory Over Night-Time Binges

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I want victory over those night-time binges. Don’t you? Night-time binges are the worst. So here’s 10 ways to help overcome those night-time binges that may defeat you.

1. Chew sugar- free gum. You might go broke buying gum, but it helps.  I buy a lot and keep it with me. As a matter of fact, I’m chewing some now, that’s why it’s listed first.

Or you could eat a dill pickle. Very little calories or carbs, but the sour taste kills a desire for something sweet. At least it does me.

Victory over night-time binges

Use these to help gain victory over night-time binges.

2. Also you could drink a cup of hot tea or coffee. It’s warm, it fills you up, and you can hold it in your hands. Henceforth, keeping them out of the cookie jar. Consequently don’t drink too much or you’ll wake up in the middle of the night- just saying.

3. Read your Bible. Then meditate on those beneficial encouraging scriptures. Memorize them. At least it gives you something to think about instead the food in the kitchen. Also you can even read scripture from your cell phone. Check out this link. You Verse Bible

Use God's Word for victory over night-time binges.

Use God’s Word for victory over night-time binges.

4. Above all, you can pray — God promises to give you wisdom and strength if you ask. It’s not wise to eat a bucket of ice cream. You already know this, but sometimes you need the power of God to resist the night time binges. This I know.

-If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 — (Gateway Bible Link )

5. Make a phone call. Connect with a friend or a family member. Keep relationships with those you love. In addition, call a co-dieting buddy. Talk about how you can achieve victory over night-time binges. Encourage one another.

6. Pray with your buddy. Use the power of agreement to defeat those night time binges. Consequently this will help both of you achieve victory. But don’t use you phone call to gossip. That’s not nice.

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19–20

6. In the meantime you can try on those “goal” clothes in your closet. Who knows, maybe you’ll get those pants on this time. Then you can celebrate by dancing in joy. If the pants still don’t fit, that’s good motivation to not eat.

7. Watch an intense suspenseful movie. Hubby’s watching one now and I had to stop writing to watch. I can’t eat when I’m memorized, can you? Also, some of the stuff he watches makes me too sick to eat. Ugh! One day, during our meal, he watched this ant eat its supper. Gross!

8. Make your own list of ways to resist night time binges. It helped me not eat tonight as I write this. Maybe it’ll help you as you create your list.

9. Mop your kitchen floor. I’m racking my brain to come up with ten ways to overcome night time binges. I know I can’t eat and mop the floor at the same time. So this way will keep your floors spotless. That’s a good side benefit.

10. Finally, for the best ultimate best of all way. Totally surrender it to Christ. Give it all to Him. Talk to Him about your food. He’ll listen. He loves you and He’s concerned about you. You are worthy to Him. He really cares. Give it to Him. That’s the real key to victory- surrender.

Surrender to God's guidance brings victory over night-time binges

Key to victory over night-time binges: -Surrender to God’s guidance.

Deliver Me From Myself

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Deliver me from myself.

Deliver me from myself.

Lord, deliver me from myself and my stupid ways. Sometimes I’m my own worst enemy.

I will teach you, Child, how to be a successful overcomer, and how to achieve your personal victory. But first, focus on your submission, for submission is your key to victory and success. 

Lord, help me to turn completely to You in all my ways, with a yielded heart before You. Fill me with an increased desire for more of You, the sweetness and the glory of Your Presence.

Lord, I want to be able to stand, or rather kneel, before you with a clean heart and a yielded submissive spirit before You. Renew my mind so that it seeks Your will in all my ways, actions, and words, even to what I eat.

In fact, deliver me from myself, full and bloated with my selfishness.

Lord, I ask for a new heart and a new spirit. I can accomplish nothing in my own power. Therefore I ask for more of Your Holy Spirit and Your power to resist temptations that come before me.

Lord, forgive me for I am a sinner. Help me to turn away from my wicked, selfish sins. Then help me to turn to You with a yielded heart and spirit.

Renew my mind and fill me with a desire for more of You and Your Word.

Child, My Word is how your mind gets renewed. It is My Word that destroys the power of the enemy, even your enemies of selfishness and pride, especially pride in your self-sufficiently.

You can never win over self. But I can help you win.

Come to Me and I will help you cross the finish line to your victory. I am the winner and I always win. Because I am Victory.

So come to Me, into My Presence with a yielded heart. And I will grant you a new heart, a clean heart, and a renewed mind.

Do you not think I can cleanse your mind from all the lies of the mind blinding spirit? The  truth, My truth, My Word will set you free, not the words of others, but My Word. So Seek My Word for your truth.

Yes Sir. Help me to do so.

Child, come to Me and into My Presence. Then I will give unto you all the strength and power you need to become an overcomer who walks and breathes in total victory. For I AM  total victory.

Thank you Sir. Here I am before You. Deliver me from myself. Cleanse me, make me into what You desire for me to be.

FEED ON THIS

With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.        Psalms 108:13  (Even ourselves, if we are our own worst enemies.) 

Therefore I will judge each of you, . . . repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you. Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. . . Ezekiel 18: 30-31 NLT

The Lord is my strength and song, He has given me victory. . . Exodus 15:2 NLT

God is awesome in His sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God! Psalms 68:35 NLT