Talking To My Weight Loss Counselor – God

Lord, I have many mountains in my life. One is to lose weight, but the biggest mountain I have is the prodigals I love and the heartache of their choices. Lord, how can I climb that mountain? How can I let them know of my disapproval of their choices, but yet, still reassure them of my love for them?

Better than that, how can I reassure them of Your love for them without making them feel condemned and judged? Lord, I  love my prodigals more than my own life. And I know You love them more than I do, but how can I help them see that?

What is your overwhelming mountain? You know, the one that seems so impossible. Is it weight struggles? Or is it a child or grandchild you love who is making horrible choices and you know these choices will result in heartache and pain both for them and you? Is there any hope at all? Yes, with God on your side all things are possible.

Oh, and it helps to have some friends pulling for you too. Last Sunday night, I went to choir fighting to hold back tears. It was just too much to talk about. It hurt. Thank you Lord for the choir member who looked at me and said, “I feel like I should pray with you.” How wonderful it was to have her pray for me. Let me be that aware to pray for others when they are hurting.

Last Sunday morning, the preacher told a story of a daughter’s love for her Dad. She had tried to witness to him many times, but he always rejected Christ. Then she got kicked in the face by a horse. This resulted in many surgeries, but today to look at her you’d never know of her injury.  After she had healed from her injury, she again shared with her Dad the story of God’s love for him. This time because of her injury, he listened and accepted Christ. Later she said, “If it took going through all that for my Dad to accept Christ, then it was worth it.”

The preacher then asked, “What are you were willing to go through for those you love to accept Christ?” He then told us to come to the altar and talk to God about it. I went to altar and told the Lord that I was willing to die for my prodigals, whatever it took.

(This may be a cop-out, because I’m looking forward to heaven. Can’t wait. So don’t get upset with me. It seems that living’s the hard part. But God is not calling me to die, instead He is calling me to live for Him.)

After I left the altar, He spoke to my heart and asked, “Are you willing to let them go? Do you trust Me?” Oh Lord, dying is easier.  Sigh. Yes Lord, I meant it when I said I would give up anything to see them come to know You. Sigh. I trust You.

Then right before evening choir, due to many words said by others and words said by me confirming to them my disapproval of their life choices, I now had the pleasure of picking up grandchildren from school taken away from me. This was my punishment for expressing my disapproval. That’s why I went to choir fighting tears. Picking up grandbabies from school is both a pleasure and a delight. Yes, it’s better than dessert.

Isn’t it  wonderful that the Lord cared enough to pre-warn me of this? Knowing that He knew before I did gave me peace. Knowing that He cared enough to forewarn me, gave me peace. Yes, God is in control. He does know all things. Yes, I will give them all up in order that they all, both grandbabies and the prodigals, may come to know Christ, the Lord.. Thank you Lord for the assurance of knowing You knew and You are there watching over these I love so much. Thank you Lord for Your love.

Prayer: Lord, do whatever it take to bring our prodigals home to You. Thank you for loving them more than we do.Therefore, we know we can thrust You to take care of them for You have plans for them, plans not to harm them, but to prosper them. You have plans for them a hope and a future. We know You are in control and we trust You. Amen.

Our church is forming a Saturday morning prayer meeting for the lost. I’m going to pray for my prodigals. We’re going to pray for all our prodigals. There is not one family that hasn’t experienced a touch of heartache in one form or another. Therefore we are joining together to bombard heaven in behalf of our prodigals and all the prodigals of our city.

If you have a prodigal you love, form a group with others who are concerned and heartbroken over their prodigals and bombard heaven. God hears our prayers and He is in control. We can trust Him. You will fight strength in praying with others. Pray until your mountains move.

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“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”  Matthew 18:20 

**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 19 & Day 20) is based on I Peter 1:16. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional. I didn’t write any of it, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

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I am NOT an affiliate of Amazon. com, but I plan on it. Just haven’t taken the time to figure it out.

That’s not whats important, our prodigals are what’s important. I highly recommend these two books. Check them out on Amazon.com.  My friend gave me the first one and I cried as I read it. It’s full of stories and prayers. The second one I’m still in the process of reading. Awesome.

Several of those I love have said to me, “Judge not, lest ye be judged,” especially when I questioned some of  their choices.  But I ask you, what about this?

 My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God. James 5:19 MSG

Lord, how can we share Your love with the unwise we love? They need to understand, “You are headed down the wrong road, the path of destruction?” How do we answer them when they say, “Judge not?”

One I love even informed me that in the Bible it says, “Judge not,” so I shouldn’t be judging. Then he pointed out how my own plate is not clean. Yes, it’s true, my plate is not clean.

One unwise I was especially concerned about said to me, when I questioned her choices, “I already know how you feel because of your Christian beliefs, so don’t go there with me.”

“Judge not,” they say to me. But yet, their choices mess up their lives and affect the lives of the Innocents. I’m brokenhearted, they’re so blind and don’t seem to realize consequences will come. Their choices affect the Innocents. And yet, they teach their Innocents that I’m judgmental due to my Christian beliefs.

Lord, what am I to do? What am I to say? I love them so much and yet I see how  their unwise choices are messing up their lives and the lives of the Innocents with them too.

I recently told a loved one, “Yes, when you sin and ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you. But you still have consequences. There will always be consequences. God grants forgiveness, but bad choices always seem to bring pain. If not to the one who made the choice, it’ll bring pain to all those who love them. Even the innocent will suffer consequences from the sins of the guilty.”

When I overeat in gluttony, bad choice, I do ask God to forgive me and He does. But when I stand on the scales, there are my consequences.

I’m accused of judging when I question their choices, They go forth doing what they want at that moment, justify it, and then go forth declaring their blessings. Lord, have mercy on them and the Innocents in their lives. Lead the Innocents to make different choices according to Your will. Cover the Innocents with Your mighty blood to protect them from the choices/decisions of the Unwise ahead of them.

Even though some of those I love have already made decisions not to live in accordance with Your laws, have mercy on them and the Innocents with them. Save the Innocents, don’t let them suffer the consequences of the Unwise. Have mercy on all these for I love all of  them. You love them too. This I know, for You willingly died for them all.

Lord, the Unwise say, “Judge not,” but I ask for mercy for them. After all, didn’t You say mercy triumphs over judgement? Lord, they no longer listen to me, so please send someone to talk to them about Your forgiveness that they will listen to. They’ve shut the door on me.

Their choices make me worry about them and the Innocents with them. You love all of them more than I. Please send someone to show them of Your mighty love and forgiveness for them. Open their eyes to see how much You love them. Open their ears to hear Your voice. Take out their heart of stone and replace it with a heart for You. Help them to realize that true love and peace can only come from You.

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Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time. James 2:13 MSG

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 NKJV

Remove their hardened heart of stone. Grant all of them a heart for You. I love them so much. It breaks my heart to watch them turn from You. I love them. Lord, do something. Please.

**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 15 & Day 16) is based on I Peter 1:16. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional.  I didn’t write any of it, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

You’ll also be connected to “Bible Gateway” if you click on the underlined scripture tab. This is a great source for locating Bible scriptures online.

#Holy30

Lord, am I an introvert? You know how much I enjoy being alone. Studying and writing are alone type activities and they’re so satisfying.

Lord, I read that introverts focus more on internal feelings rather than outside stimulation. Yep, I think that’s me. The article stated that introverts were more quiet, reserved, and introspective. It stated that introverts feel the need to “recharge” by spending time alone after being with a large group of people. That explains why, although I love Sundays at church, I look forward to Mondays, a day of rest after the busy weekend.

What about being a people pleaser? Yep, I could be one of those too. People pleasing is hard work because as someone said, “You can’t please all the people all the time. And it causes stress and frustration when you don’t please those you’re trying to please. I overeat when others are not pleased with me. No wonder, I lean toward being an introvert. Lord, could You help me Stop overeating due to my interactions. Could You help me interact with people better and have unity with others?

My goal should be to share Your love with others. Could You help me share Your love with others? Could You increase my social skills so I can work with others as a team to share Your love?

But Lord, even with my hang ups, I want to serve You. So lead me where You want me to serve You. Where do You want me to serve? Help me find the place of service that I can be part of a team of those working for You.

Also, Lord could the team You put me with actually like me?

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Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16

*Lord, what do I do today? What do I eat? Do I fast? I’ve been fasting all day and then in the evening I go crazy and eat everything. I’m gaining weight trying to fast. Guess I’m just not a good “faster”. (*Insert from below)

Lord, I’m sorry I ate all that last night. Help me focus on You. Direct my steps, words, actions, and my thoughts so that all I am and do is according to Your will today and everyday. Your will, not mine, be done.

Thank you for loving me. We both know I don’t deserve it. Forgive my sin of gluttony. Help me to turn away from this sin. And Lord, I want back in my clothes. You know, those size 10’s hanging in the closest.

Child, you don’t think of these things when you are reaching forth for more food to eat. 

Yes Sir, You’re right. It’s as though my mind goes blank, and I don’t think at all except for “What can I eat now?’

Lord, what do I do today? What do I eat? Do I fast? I’ve been fasting all day and then in the evening I go crazy and eat everything. I’m gaining weight trying to fast. guess I’m not a good “faster”.

Do I try to fast again today? Do I just eat soup, just soup today? Once I fasted for 40 days only eating soup and I lost 15 lbs. in one month.

Lord, it seems I’m so weak spiritually now. I’m unable to fast, just can’t succeed at it. I go crazy at the end of the day being a human vacuum cleaner. What can I do? What do You want me to do?

Child, today you wait until your stomach growls before you eat anything. That is your fasting for today. 

After your stomach growls, then come to Me and ask Me what to eat. I’ll tell you then what I want you to eat. What I do want, My child, is for you to look to Me for your guidance. You are being trained to look for My guidance in everything, even to what you eat. I want you to depend on Me for everything. 

The reason you didn’t succeed at following man-made rules for weight loss is because rules don’t change the heart. 

It is your heart that loves the food. Misplaced love. I desire for you to love Me above all else, especially your food. I want you to love Me with all your heart, soul, and mind first  above all else. 

Child, I gave you success before in weight loss and I will again. Only this time you are to never go back. Determine in your heart to seek My love first and above all. You know the sense of shame and failure that gluttony brings. Why would you go back?

Lord, I don’t know. Please don’t turn me over to a reprobate mind where I just eat and eat mindlessly.  And then I grow bigger and bigger until I blow up.

As long as you seek Me that will never happen. Don’t be afraid. Know I am with you and I will guide you each step, each day. But you must seek My will throughout your day, not just in the morning quiet time. 

Child, just as you eat three meals a day, spend quality time in My Presence three times a day. You should focus on spending time with me throughout your day. So this is  your “new diet plan”, spend time with Me at least at least three times a day.  

Lord, what do I do, carry a notebook with me everywhere I go?

If that is what it takes, then I say, “Go for it.” If that is what helps you focus on Me and My Presence versus your food, yes do it. You have a victory notebook. Use it.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NKJV

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].” ‭‭2 Corinthians 3:17‬ ‭AMP

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.             Romans 8:5-6 

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**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 13 and Day 14.) is based on  I Peter 1:16. It was published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner.  I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

Also if you click on the underlined scripture tab, you will be connected to Bible Gateway. This is a great source for locating Bible scriptures through the computer.

#Holy 30

Lord, the Gluttony Monster comes to my house at night. He doesn’t bother me during the day for the most part, but he shows up most every night to harass me. How can I fight him? He’s bigger and stronger than me. I’m such a weakling against him. He beats me up most every night.

He usually shows up every evening around suppertime, sometimes before supper, sometimes after. Then he hangs around for a late night snack, only it’s a buffet. Sometimes he rides in the car with me and forces me to turn my car into the fast food drive-up windows. What can I do?

I’m not supposed to have murder in my heart. This I know,  but I REALLY WANT TO KILL this Gluttony Monster. He’s taking control of my life and I’m sick of it. He torments me all the time. I feel so helpless and defeated by this enemy.

This past Wednesday night at church, the pastor said that you don’t have to give into sin and then say you can’t help it. He said  the only reason you can’t help it is that you’re not willing to yield yourself to the Holy Spirit’s control. Lord, is that true?

Yes, My child, it is true.

Well then, Lord,. . .  I give myself to You right now. Place me under the control of Your Holy spirit. You take control of me. Anyway I’m not doing a very good job of self-control right now. As a matter of fact, it seems I’ve never done a good job of self-control. I give myself to You. Take me, use me, for I am Yours.

Help me kill this Gluttony monster? Help me! I hate being controlled by him.

Child of Mine, one way to defeat this Gluttony Monster is to quit feeding him. Feed your soul instead. 

Lord, how do I do that?

To begin with, feed your soul by reading My Word, The Bible. Reading your Bible instead of looking at that Facebook will make you stronger. You give medicine to your dog twice a day. When your Dad was recuperating at your house after his knee surgery, he took medicine twice a day. Now I’m giving you a spiritual prescription. Read My Word twice a day, morning and night. If you do this, you will grow stronger and defeat this Gluttony Monster, your enemy. 

That’s how I defeated My enemy. I had been in the Wilderness for 40 days and my enemy came with all his temptations, but I defeated him with the Word of God. I defeated him with, “It is written . . .”  

Once you become full of My Word, you can also tell your enemy, “It is written.” He can never go against My Word. I won’t even go against My Word. If it is written, then it is forever to be. 

You must feed on My solid food to defeat and destroy this Gluttony Monster. Now My child, get out your Bible and feed yourself My solid food. You aren’t a wimpy baby. ‘It is written’.  Now feed My Words to your mind and grow up.

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**This short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 11 & Day 12.) is based on I Peter 1:16. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional . Just to let you know, I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

In addition, if you would like more information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

#Holy30

Lord, we can understand to celebrate our blessings, but as compulsive over-eaters, this scripture encourages us to eat fat and drink sweet. (What about eating sweets?)  Isn’t this just waving a red flag in front of us? Are You giving us permission to overeat?

Lord, for me this is the most difficult devotional for one thing I’m struggling with compulsive overeating now, and the first thing I read is, “Go . . . eat. . .”

Child, food is not bad. It’s good to celebrate events by sharing a meal together in fellowship. I never said, “Eat until you’re bloated.” I was encouraging My people to celebrate with joy, not joy in the food, but joy in My Presence, and joy in My blessings, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. I am your strength. 

Turn your eyes from the food. Look for those who have none and share My blessings with one another. Be filled with My joy, not your abundant food. Celebrate My love. 

He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world, greater than the food in the kitchen, the drive-up, the snack machine, and the restaurant menu. he that is in you  is greater than all these. Look to Me for your strength.  Trust Me. 

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But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7

Lord, sometimes I feel like there is trouble everywhere I look.

My child, you worry too much. Remember “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Praise Me for your victory. 

But thanks be to Jesus Christ who has given us the victory. 1 Corinthians 15:57

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**This short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 7 & Day 8.) is based on I Peter 1:16. It was published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner.  I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

#Holy30

When I consider what was our hardest day, one day particularly stands out. It’s the day we signed a warrant of arrest for our son back in June of 2011.

Yes, that was the hardest day of our parenthood. There have been many days since that seemed hard at the time, but overall that was the hardest day ever. What a dark day that was, the darkest in our marriage, in my motherhood, and in my life. My husband will agree.

But then this is not so much a story of how horrible it was or even why we felt we had to do this. It’s not even a story about our hardest day. Instead, this is a story of how God loved on us in such a special way we knew we had been personally hugged by God.

The event that caused us to make this decision happened on a Saturday night, so early Sunday morning my husband and I drove to the city police department. I sat in the car, prayed and cried while my husband went inside to sign the papers.

We felt numb and overwhelmed with grief. Since we didn’t want to see anyone or make a public scene in our grief, going to church seemed out of question. Therefore we just rode and rode in the car in complete numbness and dead silence with no sense of direction.

After driving most of the day, we ended up in another county across the bay. Driving in silence we had passed several small fishing piers, so we decided just to get out and walk on one just  to look at the water. Water has a calming effect on the emotions.

We walked to the end of the pier, stood there looking at the sunset, and then hugged each other in consolation and grief. Suddenly a man took our picture. He asked permission to keep our picture because photography was his hobby. He said he was going to title the picture, “Lovers at Sunset.”

We were stunned, being lovers was the last thing on our minds. Before we could respond, his cell phone rang. Instead of a regular sounding ring, it played Christian music for the phone ring. We felt a sense of bond with this man for he was a Christian too. So we explained to him we weren’t hugging in a moment of passion, instead our hug was one of consolation and grief. We shared with him about our son and what we had done, the hardest thing any parent could do. Talk about “tough love”, this was killing us.

The man listened as we poured our hearts out, then he reached out for our hands and prayed both for us and with us for our son. We both cried, but felt reassured that God was listening. We felt assured that God would take care of our son and eventually restoration would come.

When my husband and I got back in the car, I said, “Do you know what just happened? God hugged on us, that’s what just happened.” My husband nodded his head in agreement. We left that place knowing God loved us, God loved our son, and God is in control even when we mess up.

I know of many who are going through darkness now with cancer, facing the loss of death of a loved one , or dealing with the heartache of wayward children. Our story may seem minor to others, but at the time it was the hardest day of our life.

And just to let you know,  both we and our son are in the process of restoration and healing in our relationships with one  another. We still have bumps in the road and moments of confusion. All of us have had tears since, but we can now express love one for another. My heart feels  joy each time he tells me, “I love you too, Mom.”

God is in the healing business.

Addendum: When we visited the Garden of Gethsemane last February, the Lord spoke to my heart saying, “No longer call him your wayward son, from now on call him your youngest son.”

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And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:6

 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Corinthians  13:4-10

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**This short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 7 & Day 8.) is based on I Peter 1:16. It was published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner.  I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

Also if you click on the underlined scripture tab, you’ll be connected to Bible Gateway. This is a great source for locating Bible scriptures through the computer.

#Holy30

Child, you aren’t perfect. You know that. I know that. But the one thing you do that breaks My heart and grieves My Holy Spirit is your self-condemnation. 

(After I read Day 6 from the Holy 30 Devotional,** published by my church, the Lord spoke these words to my heart. As you read them, allow the Lord to speak to your heart likewise and realize how great His love is for you. In fact, He loves you with all His heart, yes you, the reader. To begin with, know that you don’t have to earn His love, for He freely gives it to all and none of us deserve it. Therefore allow the Lord to love on you as you read these words. Afterwards feel free to let me know how He spoke to you.)

Lord, what is it about me that You hate?

Child, you aren’t perfect. You know that and I know that. But the one thing you do that breaks My heart and grieves My Holy Spirit is your constant self-condemnation. 

Yes, you have areas of flaws to work on, all humans do in one form or another. No one has achieved perfection through their works of self-improvement. Only My Blood can cleanse one to perfection. 

Yet the one major flaw you have, My child, that breaks My heart in your continuous self-condemnation. You judge yourself as inferior because you are unable to maintain perfection in your behavior or attitudes of the heart. 

You strive to love others but yet all you can see in yourself are flaws and failures. Know ye not that I love you just as you are even with your faults and failures?

How can you truly love others as I wish, “Love others as you love yourself” if you don’t love yourself? If all you look at is your own failures, how can you see beauty in others? When your eyes only focus on failures, you are unable to see My love. Know I love you. I died for you, yes for you. 

So do you think if I was willing to die for you, just you, do you think you are worthy  of My love? 

No Lord, we both know I’m not worthy.

My child, I love you, so I want you to love you. Look at yourself through My eyes. I gave all I had just for you. I suffered intensely. You are unable to comprehend the level of My suffering because of My love for you. Yes, you.

Now if I freely was willing to suffer and give My life for you, do you think I saw potential for worthiness in My eyes? Yes, I saw you inside and out. I knew in advance all your failures. Yet I freely gave Myself as a sacrifice for you. Yes, for you I did this. 

When I look at you I see perfection, but not because of anything you did. No, My love cannot be earned. It can only be accepted as I freely give it to you. Your perfection can only be because of My Blood. It is the covering of My Blood that cleanses you and makes you worthy, not your works or your striving for perfection. 

Now, My child, let go of your measuring stick. You know,that standard stick, the one you measure both yourself and others with. You know, the one you constantly beat yourself over the head with. Give it to Me, for I am the Standard. My love is the standard. 

Give Me the measuring stick. Your success is measured by My love, not your works of striving for perfection. Only I am perfect. There is no way you can achieve perfection. It is only My Blood covering that makes you perfect. 

What I want for you is to bask in My love. Enjoy My Presence. Sing. Smile. Open your eyes to see the good both in yourself and others. I am success. I am victory. It is only through Me that you can have these in your life. 

Now come here. Come to ME. Allow Me to love you just as you are, flaws, failures, and all. Rejoice in My love for you, not that you’re great, but that I AM great. Know that you are loved by the Almighty King for it is My love that makes you good enough and not you of yourself. No, it is not you, but it is My Spirit within you. 

Henceforth allow Me to have My way with you and fill you with My love. I am the perfect love and there is no other, only I. Now bask in My love for you. Know I have plans for you, plans for a hope and a future. Relax from your self striving for perfection for you will never achieve it. Allow Me to have control. Trust Me. Give yourself to Me. Then watch and see what I will do. 

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**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 6.)) is based on I Peter 1:16. It was published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner.  I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

Also if you click on the underlined scripture tab, you will be connected to Bible Gateway. This is a great source for locating Bible scriptures through the computer.

#Holy30

This is a continuation (Day 4*) of a 30 day devotional written and published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner. It’s based on I Peter 1:16.

I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I have permission from my church to share it with you. If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ .

Following each page of the devotional, I’ll share some of my personal notes. Hopefully together, you and I can help one another.

DAY 4:

Lord, I realize this self-indulgence needs to come off. Oh, and self-gratification too. Are they twins? What about pride? The loudest is murmuring. Today, we call that complaining. Oh Lord, help me. That’s what kept the Israelites in the dessert for 40 years. Lord, I can’t remove these extra heavy coverings from myself. Could You help me?

Yesterday I had extra layers of patience. Thank you. They were evident when we went to pay the phone bill. I stood in line and there was a table nearby with stools around it. So while I waited my turn, one grandchild sat on a stool and twirled herself around and around as fast as she could. At first the other grandchild played on her phone, then she began to protest. “Meemaw, make her stop. she’s going to hit somebody with her feet.”

Meanwhile I’m still waiting in line. The lady ahead of me is having difficulty with the payment machine. the first grandchild continues twirling and twirling with a grin of joy and delight. The older grandchild continues her protest, “She’s making the table shake. Make her stop.”The lady ahead had to ask for assistance with the machine. This process is going to take longer.

I smiled at the children, “Honey, make sure you keep your feet down. Don’t hit anybody.” She puts her feet down. The lady ahead finishes and I get my turn, pay the bill, and we leave.

Thank goodness. In the old days, instead of smiling, I would have fussed loudly at both children. Lord, thank you for that blessing of extra patience when I needed it. My reward was a hug later from the twirling grandchild. Thank you for the gift of that hug.

Lord, concerning clothes, I sure would like to get back in those size 10 pants. Do You think it’s possible?

My child, all things are possible if you seek, listen, and follow My guidance.

*My apologies for being late in posting this. Time is an issue with visiting grandchildren (5) and now out of town company. But having family is wonderful. Someone did suggest that I needed to retire from retirement.

God’s Love to you all, Debbie

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.          Psalm 51:10

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

Renew and Improve Your Mind With God’s Word

Thank you Lord for Your Word. Not only does it minsters to our hearts and souls, but it also improves and renews our minds.

Alzheimer’s has claimed most all of my Mother’s side of the family. I’ve heard that to keep your mind sharp, you must exercise it by continuously reading and  learning. What better way to renew your mind than reading and learning from God’s Word.

Encouragement comes from Your Word when I need it. Your Word says, “With God, all things are possible.” Your Word says, “Fear not for I am with you” when I need courage. When I’m unlovable, Your word says, “I love you.” Your Word says, “I will give you victory” every time I feel like a failure. The Bible, Your Word has all the answers.

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Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 NKJV

. . .  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.          1 Corinthians 15:57

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*Note: The picture above is from a short devotional based on I Peter 1:16. I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastor.