If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ will be manifested, [who is] your life, then you will also be manifested with him in glory. Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: fornication, impurity, immoral sexual passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry;
(Col 3:1-5)
There is an awful temptation as I put forth more effort than I have in a long time, toward losing weight that I will simply trade one bad habit for another. Greed for too much food exchanged for an unhealthy obsession with looks and a continued focus on food! The enemy is very crafty in this. On the outside you start looking better and feeling better, but on the inside, you are no closer to God, no more focused on Him. You've just traded one idol for another. The world applauds you and it's easier to fool them that you've now got it all together, since they cannot see your heart. You may end up even worse off in the end, puffed up with pride and flattery, and now just worshiping healthy food, or exercise, or cute clothes, rather than overeating.
Father, As I and anyone else out there who is trying to lose weight, continue to follow this new way of eating/living, and the pounds start to fall off, I pray it will be because our devotion to food is being replaced by greater devotion to You, and it is that which has caused us to be obedient and follow the plan. Protect us from the temptation to worship clothes, or the praise of others, or muscles and bones that begin to appear as the body slims down. Oh Lord, if that is the end result it has all been for nothing. What good is it to gain this good health if it does not cause us to bring glory to You, to draw nearer to You? What good is it to gain a few more years of longevity if only to live them lost in vanity and self-centeredness. Lord, make us conscious each day of the enemy's efforts to lead us down that path. To know that he doesn't care whether we are fat or skinny, only that our eyes are NOT on Jesus. Help us Lord to worship ONLY You, to give our thanks and praise constantly to YOU alone, to maintain humility and realize each day it is only by Your grace and Your loving-kindness that we continue to breathe another day.
It's not about reaching that ideal weight on the scale. (That will only be a very nice side blessing!) It is soooo much more, for a lifetime struggler like me. It's about changing my heart, renewing this heart, finally taking the focus off of me and what I want, to You and what You want. Help us Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.
P.S. Lord, Thank you soooo much for my fellow buddies who have revealed their own struggles and who are praying with me and for me. You know it's not easy to bear our vulnerabilities and shortcomings. I pray you bless each of them and give them victory after victory in this area of eating and caring for our bodies. Increase our faith and witness and effectiveness in every other area of our lives as we allow You to tear down this stronghold.
Pro 27:17 Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens the countenance of his fellow man.
Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
(Gal 6:2)
(Col 3:1-5)
There is an awful temptation as I put forth more effort than I have in a long time, toward losing weight that I will simply trade one bad habit for another. Greed for too much food exchanged for an unhealthy obsession with looks and a continued focus on food! The enemy is very crafty in this. On the outside you start looking better and feeling better, but on the inside, you are no closer to God, no more focused on Him. You've just traded one idol for another. The world applauds you and it's easier to fool them that you've now got it all together, since they cannot see your heart. You may end up even worse off in the end, puffed up with pride and flattery, and now just worshiping healthy food, or exercise, or cute clothes, rather than overeating.
Father, As I and anyone else out there who is trying to lose weight, continue to follow this new way of eating/living, and the pounds start to fall off, I pray it will be because our devotion to food is being replaced by greater devotion to You, and it is that which has caused us to be obedient and follow the plan. Protect us from the temptation to worship clothes, or the praise of others, or muscles and bones that begin to appear as the body slims down. Oh Lord, if that is the end result it has all been for nothing. What good is it to gain this good health if it does not cause us to bring glory to You, to draw nearer to You? What good is it to gain a few more years of longevity if only to live them lost in vanity and self-centeredness. Lord, make us conscious each day of the enemy's efforts to lead us down that path. To know that he doesn't care whether we are fat or skinny, only that our eyes are NOT on Jesus. Help us Lord to worship ONLY You, to give our thanks and praise constantly to YOU alone, to maintain humility and realize each day it is only by Your grace and Your loving-kindness that we continue to breathe another day.
It's not about reaching that ideal weight on the scale. (That will only be a very nice side blessing!) It is soooo much more, for a lifetime struggler like me. It's about changing my heart, renewing this heart, finally taking the focus off of me and what I want, to You and what You want. Help us Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.
P.S. Lord, Thank you soooo much for my fellow buddies who have revealed their own struggles and who are praying with me and for me. You know it's not easy to bear our vulnerabilities and shortcomings. I pray you bless each of them and give them victory after victory in this area of eating and caring for our bodies. Increase our faith and witness and effectiveness in every other area of our lives as we allow You to tear down this stronghold.
Pro 27:17 Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens the countenance of his fellow man.
Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
(Gal 6:2)
