Talking To My Weight Loss Counselor – God

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

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Lord, right now I need a new food plan especially since I gained some weight. One of my friends lost weight by counting calories. On the other hand my sister  lost weight by avoiding mostly all carbs.  Assuming I could stick to it, which diet would work for me? Since I need to get back in those size 10 pants immediately, which food plan would bring the quickest weight loss?

Before when I lost 90 pounds, You instructed me to eat only three meals a day, half portions, and no snacks. At that time, you said it didn’t matter what I ate. Just remember to follow these basic instructions. At that time not only did I gain self-control, but I also lost 90 pounds as a result.

But now it’s a different story. Presently I’m struggling with everything, eating only three meals a day, eating half portions, and the part about no snacks. I blew that one for sure, for months now. What seemed easy before now seems so hard. It feels impossible. For the most part I’m not having success with any food plan. I had success back then, why not now? What can I do?

I think maybe this time I might actually need some kind of diet, rather a food plan. Would You give me a food plan? You created my body and You know what is best for it. So could You give me a food plan?

Child, ask and ye shall receive. 

Thanks Lord, I need some kind of rules to follow especially since I’m not succeeding at all in my eating. Okay Lord, what are the rules for now? What is the new food plan?

Ask Me first, eat later.and then ye shall receive weight loss.

Lord, I need the rules.

The Pharisees had many rules, but they failed. You are My child, a child of the King. You don’t need rules, You have Me. 

What? How am I to eat? How am I to lose this extra regained weight?

Ask and ye shall receive.

Lord, I’m asking. What is my new food plan?

There will be no diet rules. For now, you can no longer eat until you ask Me first. You can no longer choose your food until you consult Me first. As you seek My advice, then I will answer you. 

What? . . . Lord, this is too hard. I need rules. Rules are easy to follow. What you’re asking me to do seems too simple, yet at the same time too hard.

Child, the Pharisees had plenty of rules and look how they succeeded. You asked and I answered. Now you can no longer eat anything and expect to lose weight unless you ask Me first and then eat later. 

How simple can this be? When you ask, ye shall receive. I will give you success when you ask. Trust Me. 

(Gritting my teeth.) Okay Lord, today.  Just for today, I will try this and we will see how well this works. For today, I will try.

My child, if you ask for My wisdom, then I will grant you wisdom. Now watch and see what I will do. Oh, and ask about what you are to drink too.

What? (Gritting my teeth even more.)

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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

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

 

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? I Corinthians 6:19

Lord, is there any hope for me? I must confess, but You saw what I did and You know. Yesterday, I got plastered, yes plastered, by my drug of choice- food. (*See note at end.)

I choose to be a vegetable yesterday, not eat vegetables, but BE a vegetable. I sat in my chair all day, watched movies , grazed in the kitchen (or my chair), and got plastered on everything I could find to eat. It’s a good thing I was too lazy to go to the store for more. Otherwise, it would have been worse.

Lord, I was so bummed out over this dog situation. I’m never praying for You to send a dog again.

Yes, be careful what you pray for. Sometimes I do give you exactly what you ask for even though it’s not the best for you, just to let you learn what is not best for you. 

You asked for a dog that your husband would like. I sent you a manly dog, tough and macho. Your husband liked him, but you always had that underlying slight fear, especially when you read those bad reports about this breed. 

You feared for your grandchildren feeding this dog while you were gone on your trip, which I orchestrated by the way. But I told you then, that I had shut the mouth of a lion. Then I asked did you not think I could shut the mouth of a dog too?

Yes, that gave you peace, but you can’t deny the relief you felt when you returned and saw all was safe. This dog is leaving your home because I will not have My children living in fear, no matter how unwarranted it is. Child, sometimes fear is a good thing if it is wisdom disguised as fear. But sometimes fear is sent to distract My children from My will and My love for them. Then they take their eyes off of Me and get their eyes focused on their fear instead. Didn’t one of your Presidents say these words? “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” 

Yes, I’m giving this dog a new home, rest assured. Then you can focus on what’s left, your husband, your family, your home, the “grand-dog”, and your new assignment.

Yes, I did lead your friend to send you a text of encouragement about her earning four stars in four days, a star for each day of eating in submission to My will. Do you remember how I led you to write that?

Yes Sir.

Now I want you to return back to your starting mark again, specifically the START OVER mark. Return back to My Presence and start over again. You will return to eating food that is beneficial to your body and turn away from this useless, unnecessary food. You will also learn a new way of cooking to benefit your husband. He will lose weight too. Oh, and the grand-dog, Willow, will lose weight as well. Remember how the vet told you that the best thing you can do for this dog is to stop feeding him.

I say stop over feeding him, your husband, your family, and especially yourself. Extra food is not your friend. No, it is your enemy. Extra food steals your victory and leaves you defeated and discouraged. So why do you run to food for comfort?

Now today is a new day. No longer will you say, “I got plastered.” No longer will you turn to food for comfort. Now walk in the path I have prepared for you, which by the way does not include your television. 

Note: This post was written earlier this week. For more information, see the previous post. This post is part two of that story.

At this time life is so much better. Eating is under God’s control now. He is a good God and patient too.

The pit bull was adopted by some relatives of one of our friends. They have 3 acres of land for him to run in. We only have a small suburban yard. His new family stays in contact with me about how’s he doing. They even sent me pictures. It seems all is happy especially the dog.

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Holy 30 Devotional

**This short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 29 & Day 30) 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. These are the last two entries of 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 pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

This is the last of the Holy 30 devotional.

Be blessed My Friend,

Lord, thank you the pitbull dog didn’t bite anyone while we were on our trip, especially the grandchildren who fed both dogs while we were gone. Later we found out the pitbull dog threatened our elderly neighbor.  I’m grateful the dog didn’t get through the old semi-rotten privacy fence. Thank you Lord for watching over all and keeping them safe.

Also, thank you  for our travel safety as we retreated for a rest and to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary.Thank you for Your wonderful mercy Lord. The weather was beautiful and so were the mountains.

We were on the way home from our anniversary trip at Gatlinburg, Tennessee when our elderly neighbor called. He was very upset and complaining because our pitbull dog  had terrified him by growling and jumping up on the privacy fence. Also the dog had  pushed one of the fence boards loose and now had our elderly neighbor terrified.  He was afraid the dog was going to come through the fence and attack him. Because of that, now the neighbor won’t even go into his own backyard due to being afraid of our pitbull dog.

This dog was a stray that just showed up. We fed him and he stayed, but now due to our neighbor’s extreme fear Hubby says this pitbull needs to go. I agree. I have to admit I’ve become a little leary myself.

Also Lord, I’m ashamed to say I gluttonized last night. After determining not to overeat during our trip and struggling to maintain food sanity throughout, I get home and gluttonize like a crazy person. Guess I was tired from the trip and bummed out over this pitbull dog situation. What are we going to do?

Lord, I know I don’t deserve Your help, but could You help us with this pitbull situation? Could You help us find him a good home?

Child, I am helping you. Now rejoice in this, for I am in charge. Trust. I have already picked out a new home for him. Now, about you . . . 

Do You think I should make another Facebook post about someone else adopting the dog?

Child, I want to talk about you now. . . Do you know how much I love you?

Sir, I can only imagine.

Right. What did I do for you?. . . Just for you?

Uh. . . You died for me.

Child, you must die to all that is “self” for Me. I can only trust those who are completely yielded to Me, just as you can only trust a dog who is submissive to you. If you desire to be used by Me and you say you do, then you must be totally yielded to Me. You must die to all that is “self”.

But Lord, how? I haven’t succeeded in total victory yet, only partially, only sometimes. So how can I die to self? I struggled against this overwhelming urge to overeat throughout our entire trip only to get home and eat until I was bloated. Yes, we ate “high on the hog” celebrating our 45th anniversary throughout this trip. We shared dessert most every meal. But I did keep it in control, portion wise and I ate no snacks at all.

Then after we got back home, around 7pm, I stood on the scales before eating supper. I should have known better. The scales showed a three pound gain. I know nighttime is not the best time to weigh myself, but I did it anyway.

And what were your thoughts before getting on those scales?

Uh, . . . I thought, “I don’t care what they say. I’m still going to eat all those leftovers.”

Child, that was your first mistake. You declared you were going to eat all the leftovers no matter what the scales said. Did you think to ask Me what I thought? Did you seek My will concerning your food?

No Sir.

I see. Child, it was your “self” that wanted it all. You weren’t even hungry. You just wanted to eat due to stress. Am I right?

Yes Sir.

What should you do next time?

Lord, should I share with the others on that Pittbull Facebook group about the fence board being loose and let them know the pitbull dog acted like he was going to get into the neighbor’s yard? The neighbor was afraid the pitbull dog was going to attack him.? Some of those people on that FB group said I should get rid of the neighbor and not the dog. What???

Child, . . . don’t change the subject. What should you do next time?

Uh, . . . first of all I shouldn’t have weighed myself after a 10 hour ride in the car. Then I shouldn’t have determined to eat all the leftover pasta from the night before. I should have asked You first Lord about what I should eat?

Child, I blessed you with many blessings throughout your trip. You won many food battles. I gave you victory throughout. Then you get home stressed over this dog issue and proceed to calm yourself with food. Did this help your situation?

No Sir.

Know this child of MIne, I am working out this dog issue for your good. I shut the mouth of a lion and I shut the mouth of this dog. Now I’m giving you an open door to provide a better home for him. Yes, I said a better home for him. I’m relieving you of this stress, worry, and even your fears concerning this dog. Watch and see what I will do. Trust Me. You don’t handle it, I will. I will send him to a new home and you will feel good about it.

Now yield yourself to Me so I can set you free from your self-inflicted chains of bondage to compulsive overeating. 

Ok Lord, here I am. Do with me as You wish. I am Yours.

By the way, those size 10 pants are already yours now. I’ve already planned it. 

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Note: On Friday, a family came to meet our pitbull dog. They said they already had a pitbull and love them. They said they have three acres of fenced land for him to run.

When they got here, they played with this pitbull in ways we never have. He was so excited he was jumping up and down like a rabbit. Overall he immediately took to them and they seemed thrilled with him.

When they were ready to leave he hopped in their car so happy to go. Not only did he act so happy to be with them, but also he never even told us bye. He was so excited to be with them that he never even looked back.

Lord, I praise You for answering our prayers. Since I now get daily messages from the new owners with updates of all he is doing and how happy he is, I can see how You answered this need of a good home for this dog.

Thank you Lord!

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The Lord your God is merciful and compassionate. He won’t withdraw His Presence from you if you return to Him. 2 Chronicles 30:9

. . . Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Isaiah 55:2

If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23–24

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

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Holy 30 Devotional

**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 27 & Day 28) 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.

(Lord above all, show me how to reach them with Your love. )

(Lord, not only could You show me how, what, and with whom I can share Your love with, but also could You open my eyes to see those around me with needs  that I don’t see now. In addition, open my eyes, ears, and heart to each of those You have given to me. Finally,  help me minister Your love to them in such a way so that it will cause them to seek Your love for themselves.)

Lord, I’ve backslidden and gained some weight.  I may as well be honest with You and everyone else.. . . . I’ve fell off the wagon. . . .Could You have mercy on me? (At this time I’ve gained approx. 30 lbs. throughout 2017, but lost 4 lbs. this week. Thank you Jesus.)

How did this happen? When did it happen? I remember last February on our trip to Israel, I wore size 10 jeans with tights under them due to the cold. Now I can’t get into those size 10 pants. And all my skirts are way too tight. Lord, . . . what happened? When did this happen? How could I do this? I’m so ashamed.

Let’s see. . .  as I look back over last years’s datebook I see I had gained 10 pounds by last April, then another 10 by July, and then another 10 by October. In my datebook I kept documentation of my weight as it slowly went up and down, but mostly up. How could I go backwards? I’ve lost my testimony of Your delivering power.

I can just hear Satan snickering now as he asks You, “Have You noticed Your servant, Deborah? Getting a little plump around the middle, don’t You think?” Then he laughs in Your face. . . Lord, . . . (hanging my head in shame) please forgive me for embarrassing You.

Help me find my way back to victory again. Is it possible? Or have I gone too far backwards? Lord, I don’t want to weigh over 240 again. And for another thing, I want my beautiful size 10 clothes back. Is there any hope for me?

Child, you didn’t fall off a wagon. No, you fell out of My will. You chose your will for instant gratification, not Mine. Yes, I will forgive you I will help you. But you will choose how long this process takes. It depends on your willingness to trust Me and follow My directions. My child, all things are possible.

Between last Saturday and today, Monday, I’ve gained  5 pounds. How did this happen? I had made such good progress. It took all week to lose that 5 pounds and now I’ve gained it back in two days.  Two days?

My father-in-law (97 yrs.) passed away last week and his funeral was last Saturday. Here in the South, we feed the grieving.  Lord, even though I ate a little dessert, I thought I ate in submission to Your instructions at the funeral meal. I know I said I was going to give up desserts until I got back into my size 10 pants, but it was just a bite of cake and a half cookie.

Then on the same day, Saturday evening, my sister’s grandchild got married. A wedding and a funeral on the same day. I’m so tired. Can I do this? It was a beautiful wedding. But while there, I ate the appetizers, including the chocolate covered strawberries. By then I had lost control and went back for more. Thank you Lord, there were none left.  Why didn’t I just drink coffee or lemonade without eating? Those appetizers were my third meal of the day.

Then after we returned home, one of the church members brought by some homemade taco soup. More “feed the grieving”. Thank you Lord, I’m so tired and  there is no way I could cook supper. It was so good, I wanted more, but ate chocolate sugar free popsicles instead. But then before bed, I was eating the cold taco soup with a spoon right out of the refrigerator followed by chunks of sweet rolls too. Backslidden into gluttony.

Lord, will I ever be free of this compulsion to overeat?

Yes child, you will. You broke free once before and you will again. With My power you can achieve anything. You can defeat your enemies. You can overcome. Your victory is assured, for I have won the victory over all. 

Lord, why do I do this? How can I destroy this compulsive pattern of compulsive overeating?

Child, I have already destroyed it. 

Then why am I so easily defeated? Lord, I’ve backslidden into gluttony. Why?

Because you haven’t accepted My victory. You expect to fail. You have given the food power by your expectation of defeat. Now expect victory. Praise Me for your victory, for I am your victory. Sing “Victory in Jesus”. 

Child, you will succeed again. It will not be through your work, but it will be through My already won victory. 

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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. I Peter 5: 8-9

With God, everything is possible. Matthew 19:26

You are truly My disciples if you live as I tell you to, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32

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Remember, I did not write these devotionals, but this sounds like me.

**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 25 & Day 26) 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.

Inconsistent, hmmm . . . . My middle name should be “Inconsistent”. Let me explain. First, I’m inconsistent  with my writing. second, I’m inconsistent in keeping my house clean, and finally, I inconsistent with handling my money. You know, keeping the checkbook up to date and paying bills when due. Yes, I’m certainly inconsistent there.

I dream of projects to create a side business, so I spend money collecting all the supplies necessary. Then said projects just sit there for weeks, or months because my interest became focused on other things. This explains why I have a huge collection of lace, material, and crochet dollies. I had dreamed of making vintage aprons and selling them for profit. But one day I’d sew some on an apron, then for several days I’d lay it aside. Inconsistent, I’d say. Yep.

There’s is one thing I do consistently. That’s crying out to the Lord. It seems that I cry out to Him about everything. It’s wonderful how He is always there ready to listen.

But sometimes I don’t listen to His instructions. Uh-oh. Free will, anyone?  I need to listen more, trust more, and obey more. Listen, trust, and obey. Yea, that’s it.

For instance, see those plastic containers. I’d made a Facebook post to give these away for free. Stated that if no one wanted them, in the garbage they would go.

Just yesterday, garbage day, I gathered them up to throw away. But on the way to the garbage can, it came to me, “Just hold them a little longer. Friday is the next garbage day. Wait until then.”

My logic side (Yes, it shows up sometimes, though rarely.) said, “No, I said if no one claimed them, they were going to the garbage.” So I put them in the garbage can and walked back in  the house.

Later in the evening, a lady contacted me saying that her church could use these containers. Oh no . . . , they were already gone. Garbageman already took them. Oh no! How I wished I had listened to God’s Holy Spirit guiding me.

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Lord, I’m so sorry I didn’t follow Your leading. I was so busy completing my plans that I didn’t pay attention to Your guidance. I’m just sick about this. A church could have used these. Please forgive me and help me to listen. Open my ears to her Your voice and pay attention. Then help me to obey Your leading.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 

 

      Have I not commanded you? 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 the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.               Psalm 33:4-5 NKJV

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**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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Below are two books I love. They emphasize listening to God’s voice. They help me during those times when I’m crying out.

You can find both books on amazon.com. No, I’m not an affiliate for Amazon.com. I keep telling myself I’m going to, just never do. Guess that’s something else I’m inconsistent with or could that just be an old fashioned case of procrastination? Sigh

Since I’m so far behind and I know at least one if you want this, I just posting for you.

Enjoy-

May God richly bless you, Deb

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.

_____________________________

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