ObesityHelp

Hi, Everyone.
It's a wonderful Wednesday, here in Kansas...a beautiful, warm, sunny day, with a slight breeze. I wish you could come over. We could sit on my back porch swing, and chat.
Please pray for those having surgery today and those recovering from surgery. I'm praying for each of you, as we have this new day before us. 
Blessings,
Mary 

Life Plan Devotion #241 [Abide in New Clothing]

Philippians 3:9 "[That I, Paul, may] be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" (NIV).

     The word "abide" comes from the Greek word “mĕnō,” and it means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation, or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for) thine own" (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance). Abiding in Christ, as we learned last time, begins with being in Christ, and that comes from a true salvation experience.
     There are many results of abiding in Christ, and today we look at the first one. At the moment of salvation, we are given everything we need, although we may not realize it, and we may not fully appropriate all that we're given. At the moment we say "yes" to Jesus, when we ask for (and receive) the gift of forgiveness of sins, we are clothed in a robe of righteousness.
     Paul speaks of two types of righteousness, in Philippians 3:9. One type of righteousness is that which could be earned by keeping the Old Testament law. It was imperfect, in that a human cannot earn true and permanent "right standing with God," which is what the word "righteousness" means. God, in His mercy, set in place animal sacrifice, as a way to have one's sins excused. It was part of the old covenant.
     When Christ came, however, He cut the new covenant, with His own blood. Because of that, no longer are our sins merely excused; they are expunged, wiped away, as if they never happened. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). What the law could not do--clothe us in righteousness--the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, once, and for all, accomplished.
     Abiding in Christ presents us sinless, before God. That is how He sees us, because He sees us through the Cross, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The truly saved have shed their tattered rags of self-righteousness, and are clothed in the perfect robe of righteousness.
     The challenge is to realize that we're clothed in righteousness, and to allow that to affect our thinking and our actions. It is not a license to sin. No, because to do that which is counter to "right standing with God" tramples the grace of God, and causes much misery. We believers have done that, at one time or another, and we know the sorrow it causes, the pain, until we get things right with the Lord.
     That precious robe of righteousness, bought and paid for by Jesus Christ, gives the believer justification (that status of "just as if I'd never sinned"). As we abide in Him, as we stand and continue in His presence, we humbly appreciate and treasure our new clothing, our robe of righteousness, gifted to us through faith.

What this has to do with weight loss: When a believer meditates on their state of "right standing with God," even before sitting down to a meal, there will be a strong sense of "fullness." When the spirit is satiated, it does not take much for the body to reach satiety, as well. Try it, and you will see it is so.

Prayer for Today: "Heavenly Father, I am humbled by Your gift of righteousness, through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. I often close my eyes and think about that moment when my tattered rags of self-righteousness and sin disappeared, as You clothed me in a new robe of righteousness. I think of how that cold feeling of sin and despair was replaced by a warm feeling of perfection and forgiveness. It felt so right. For the first time, I felt truly good, whole and well. In You, I have everything I need and all that I want. There are no words to thank You for what You have done for me, for what You continue to do for me. May I show my thanks by wearing the robe of righteousness well, so that others will see Jesus in me. That will happen, as I continue to abide in You. It's the right place to be. Amen."   

Hi, Everyone.
I'm excited about the new theme for the Life Plan Devotion. It feels a bit overwhelming, but it always does, mainly because I know that, on my own, I cannot write, but that only makes me realize all the more that this is God's project, and He is faithful. He will give me each day's writing. Please join me by praying for me, that I will listen carefully to His voice, and join by reading and responding to each devotion, if you're willing.
Let's pray for those having surgery today, as well as those recovering from surgery, and please pray for those who cannot see themselves in today's devotion, as they decide whether or not to find new life, in which to abide.
Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone.
Blessings,
Mary

Life Plan Devotion #240 [Abide in New Life]

II Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (NIV). 

     In praying about the next step to take in the Life Plan Devotion, the next verse or theme, the Lord spoke three words, "Abide in Me." I believe that the Lord would have us to consider what it means to abide in Christ. What does that look like? How will you know if you are abiding in Him?
     Webster's defines "abide" in 7 ways, as quoted below:
     --v.i. (intransitive verb)
          1. to remain; continue; stay: Abide with me.
          2. to have one's abode; dwell; reside.
          3. to continue in a particular condition; last; endure.
     --v.t. (transitive verb)
          4. to put up with; tolerate; stand: I can't abide dishonesty!
          5. to endure or withstand without yielding: to abide a vigorous onslaught.
          6. to wait for; await: to abide the coming of the Lord.
          7. to accept without opposition or question: to abide the verdict of the judge.
     If one desires to abide in Christ, it cannot happen unless one is "in Christ." There must be a true salvation experience, and nothing less (not any ritual--like dedication, baptism, confirmation, or partaking of communion, etc.) will do.
     I had attended church for many years, but I did not have a personal encounter with Christ until July 13, 1969, at the age of thirteen. Before that, I had head knowledge of Christianity; after that, I had heart knowledge of Christ. There is a big difference between the two.
     The moment I said "yes" to Jesus, I became a "new creation," but it took many years for me to truly understand what that meant. The "old" was "gone," but not forgotten. Like many believers, I found myself clinging to the "old," and, eventually, I experienced the battle that is waged within when the "old" is not allowed to leave.
     The "new" was amazing, though. I felt different. I saw the world differently. I had an instant love for people--all people. I saw the Creator in His creation, and all of it looked so beautiful and vibrant. It took my breath away. He took my breath away. It was the beginning of abiding, of new life in Christ.

What this has to do with weight loss: Having an unhealthy lifestyle, living in an obese body, is a result of not abiding in Christ, of not recognizing that "you are not your own; you were bought at a price" (I Corinthians 6:19c-20a). Whatever you keep from Him will deteriorate, because He is life. When you realize that Jesus paid the price for your body, and you invite Him to move in, to abide in that area of your life, you will submit to the command, "Therefore honor God with your body" (I Corinthians 6:20b). You submit, and God will do the rest, helping you to honor Him in your body.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, You gave me new life. I have not always submitted to that new life, and where I have not done so, what a mess it has turned out to be! I desire to abide in You, to learn what that means, and to learn what that means for me. Show me any area of my life (my mind, my will, my emotions, and my body) where I am not truly abiding, and help me to understand what I need to do to get to the place where new life is invited in, where, with Your help, I honor You with my mind, will, emotions, and body. I pray in Jesus' Name, and with anticipatory joy in truly abiding. Amen."  

Hi, Everyone.
Today, we complete the miniseries on grace. As I finished the prayer at the end, saved the devotion, and waited for it to print, I thought that if the Life Plan Devotion ever gets published, as a yearly devotional book for those on the weight-loss journey, I'd put the series on grace at the end of the book, because it would make a great ending. What do you think? It doesn't matter if it gets published or not. I've had a blast bringing it to you, my OH friends. 
Let's pray for those having surgery today and those recovering from surgery. Please pray for me, as I seek God's direction on where we should go from here, with the Life Plan Devotion. It's always a bit nerve wracking, but fun, to wait on the Lord, to hear His voice, to receive His guidance. This is His project, and He is faithful. 
Have a marvelous Monday.
Blessings,
Mary 

Life Plan Devotion #239 [And Grace Will Lead]

II Timothy 2:1 "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (NIV).

     Grace, the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God, is seen in the gifts of salvation, godly instruction, and divine strength. Grace is what brought Jesus to us, and it is grace that helps us to follow Him. Grace is available, to help the believer be transformed rather than conformed, and grace can make the difference between a life overpowered by weakness and a life empowered by Jesus Christ. It is by grace, found in Jesus, that gives the believer, who receives, the strength to handle whatever comes his/her way.
     At my age, I have more years behind me than ahead of me. There is peace in admitting that, and that peace comes from knowing Jesus, from being confident in my salvation, and years of experience that has taught me that nothing is a surprise to the Father, and I am never alone. It reminds me of the old song that says, "The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows. The more that I love Him, more love He bestows. Each day is like Heaven, my heart overflows. The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows" (The Longer I Serve Him, by William J. Gaither, 1965).
     It is getting more difficult to live as a believer. It is politically incorrect to bash a religion...except Christianity, that is. Just a few days ago, I received the latest issue of a magazine that keeps believers updated on the latest imprisonment of Christians or even the most recent story of martyrdom, around the world. Since the early church, believers have been thrown to the lions, literally and figuratively. What do we do? We must remain strong, strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
     The grace that is found in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is what will give each of us strength. It is that grace that enables each believer to rise and greet the day with confidence, knowing that whatever comes, the Lord will enable and empower. Spending the first few moments of every day with Jesus is like drinking Living Water, and reading God's Word is like partaking of the Bread of Life. There is absolutely nothing that compares with walking the way with the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
     The Bible has much to say about the end times, and it appears that we are in it. I don't know if I will live long enough to see Jesus split the sky wide open and return for His children, but I sure would love to. I long to hear that trumpet sound and the Hallelujah call. Life has given me some difficult moments; I'm sure you can say the same, but one day, "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase, so bravely run the race, 'til we see Christ" (When We See Christ, by Esther Kerr Rusthoi). Until then, I echo the last words of the Bible, Revelation 22:21, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

What this has to do with weight loss: When a believer turns to the Lord for help on his/her weight-loss journey and then gives God all the glory for his/her weight loss, there will be those who mock and ridicule. It takes courage to bear the jeers, but that courage can be found in grace. Who cares what anyone thinks, anyway. The only opinion that really matters is God's, and if you are looking to Him and living for Him, even with your body, He is pleased. Walk the weight-loss way with courage, strength, confidence, and grace.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, how precious it is to walk this day with You, to know that You have all the grace I need, the courage I need, the fortitude, the love, the provision--everything. No matter what may come my way today, I know that You are with me. I pray that I will be faithful, like You; loving, like You; and empowered, like You. Thank You for Your grace that has brought me safe this far, and I know that Your grace will lead me Home. I love You, Lord, and I love your awesome, abundant, amazing grace. Amen."

Take a final listen to our theme song, Were It Not For Grace, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-X7FoXIuu4&feature=related and then the wonderful old hymn Amazing Grace, written by John Newton, who ran a slave trade ship until he found Jesus, here sung by 10-year-old Melissa, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkiGDUfizb0&feature=related. 

  Hi, Everyone. Today's devotion is from my personal journal dated June 3, 2007. May it strengthen you. Lord willing, the Life Plan Devotion will return on Monday. Have a great weekend, and do spend time with the Lord and in fellowship with other believers.
Blessings,
Mary  

Flashback Friday Devotion #56 [Strength]


     Early this morning, I sat down at my desk. I looked over at the picture of my mother hugging me. She moved to Heaven on November 9, 2001, and I miss her. The picture sits on a base that contains a recording of my mom reciting her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (NKJV).
     I reached over, pressed the button on the base of the picture, closed my eyes, and soaked in my mother's sweet voice. My mom knew the Lord's strength, and, as such, she was able to encourage and strengthen others. How we all need His strength.
     When my precious pastor used this same verse, Philippians 4:13, in his sermon this morning, I knew this was what the Lord wanted me to focus on today.
     I like the Amplified Version of Philippians 4:13, which says, "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." Isn't that awesome!
     Everyday, there are battles, yet "God has girded me with strength to battle" (II Samuel 22:40). When I am so weary I can hardly stand, I know that if I "wait upon the Lord, He will renew [my] strength; [I] will mount up with wings as eagles; [I] will run and not be weary; and [I] will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). God says to me, "I am with you...I will strengthen you...I will help you;...I will uphold you" (Isaiah 41:10).
     Even in the body of Christ (the true church), there can be times of weariness. The Word says that "the people who know their God will be strong and do exploits" (Daniel 11:21). I want that for my church!
     God loves me [and you], unconditionally. He encourages me, by telling me that I am "more than a conqueror, through Christ." When I am weary, He tells me to "Come," so He can give me rest. Whatever I am facing, whatever is to come, I have strength for it all, through Christ Who strengthens me, Who empowers me. He will enable me, if I let Him. Yes, there is strength for the journey.
     When I weighed today and had stayed the same for the week, I refused to be discouraged. God has a plan for me, and it is good. I leave the results and timing up to Him. He has called me to honor Him in my body, and whenever He calls, He also enables.

Today, wherever you are on your journey (weight-loss journey or life journey), remind yourself that you are "ready for anything and equal to anything" and you are "self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency." Listen to Selah singing "You Raise Me Up." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lK8KLDgoCA&feature=related