2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Wes looked at the sign on the refrigerator door: God is watching! What a thought! Everything he did was under God's watchful eye. A slight groan escaped his lips as he thought of the times he'd cheated through the week. He hoped it was worth it. Actually, Wes kind of liked the sign. It made him think, and once he got to thinking, his diet wasn't so bad. God had helped him avoid a lot of unnecessary snacks. There were worse things to have happen to you than to have God watching every move you made. Wes felt pretty confident. With God's help, he was really going to make it through this thing!
Today's thought: God's steering me clear of the fat traps!
Showing posts with label Diet Devotional. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diet Devotional. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Standing firm
1 Corinthians 10:12,13: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Just because you have resisted the temptation not to eat potato chips, beware just when you think you have overcome them and you'll never be tempted to indulge again, you may just find yourself in a situation where you are surrounded by bowls and bags of potato chips all your favorite flavor too! Be on guard, stay alert. 1 Peter 5:4 tells us - Be self controlled and alert the devil, your enemy is prowling around looking for someone to devour. If you are not careful and forewarned, they will trip you up. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials - now beware of the undercurrent. Keep your memory sharp before God. Unguarded strength is actually a doubled weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength.
1 Peter 1:5 ..."kept by the power of God " ...... that is your only safety net.
Just because you have resisted the temptation not to eat potato chips, beware just when you think you have overcome them and you'll never be tempted to indulge again, you may just find yourself in a situation where you are surrounded by bowls and bags of potato chips all your favorite flavor too! Be on guard, stay alert. 1 Peter 5:4 tells us - Be self controlled and alert the devil, your enemy is prowling around looking for someone to devour. If you are not careful and forewarned, they will trip you up. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials - now beware of the undercurrent. Keep your memory sharp before God. Unguarded strength is actually a doubled weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength.
1 Peter 1:5 ..."kept by the power of God " ...... that is your only safety net.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Weak
Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Mary blew it. She had been doing so well, then she gave in completely. In a week she gained back what had taken her a month to lose. Depressed, she called her mother for comfort. Mom was always good at that. If anyone could get her back on the right track, it was her mother. She could always trust her mother to give her sound, loving advice. God is like that. We can trust that He will guide us along good paths. When we need someone to comfort us without condemnation, God is always there for us. He will gather us to Himself and make us ready to go on.
Today's thought: I may be weak, but I'm strong enough to call on God's help!
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Mary blew it. She had been doing so well, then she gave in completely. In a week she gained back what had taken her a month to lose. Depressed, she called her mother for comfort. Mom was always good at that. If anyone could get her back on the right track, it was her mother. She could always trust her mother to give her sound, loving advice. God is like that. We can trust that He will guide us along good paths. When we need someone to comfort us without condemnation, God is always there for us. He will gather us to Himself and make us ready to go on.
Today's thought: I may be weak, but I'm strong enough to call on God's help!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Choices
Stay alert to who is around you. Choosing the right friends is one of the top lessons I've learned about staying true to my diet. It's amazing how a friend's suggestions or words can take you on a detour from where you want to be. Yet the right words and encouragement can bring joy and peace.
Keep focused on the road ahead. Knowing where I want to be spiritually is a big step in the right direction. When I have a vision of what a follower of Jesus looks like, I'm better able to follow through. And keeping my eye on my weight goal will help me keep focused.
Don't be overconfident. Overconfidence in my own power and abilities is very dangerous. Every time I think I've got a problem under control, I discover once again how much I need God. However, living daily with my desperate need for a Savior keeps me on the right path.
Keep focused on the road ahead. Knowing where I want to be spiritually is a big step in the right direction. When I have a vision of what a follower of Jesus looks like, I'm better able to follow through. And keeping my eye on my weight goal will help me keep focused.
Don't be overconfident. Overconfidence in my own power and abilities is very dangerous. Every time I think I've got a problem under control, I discover once again how much I need God. However, living daily with my desperate need for a Savior keeps me on the right path.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Not Alone
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
God often answers our prayers through the people He sends into our lives at key times. It is good to seek out the support of others who can relate to what we're going through. Pray that God will lead you to such people, so they might accompany you through the tough times.
Today's thought: Help me remember that I'm not alone!
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
God often answers our prayers through the people He sends into our lives at key times. It is good to seek out the support of others who can relate to what we're going through. Pray that God will lead you to such people, so they might accompany you through the tough times.
Today's thought: Help me remember that I'm not alone!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Seems
1 Thessalonians 3:4
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
Why don't diets get any easier? Chocolate cake is just as tempting a month or two after you start dieting as it is the day after you start. Time doesn't heal the cravings that go along with diets. There is suffering in dieting. For that reason, a good attitude and strong state of mind are essential for a productive, long-lasting diet. God gives us strength of character and determination. There is no tribulation, even dieting, that God can't get us through. Diets may not ever get easy, but they do get manageable when we add God's strength and perseverance to our own.
Today's thought: What seems impossible, God makes possible!
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
Why don't diets get any easier? Chocolate cake is just as tempting a month or two after you start dieting as it is the day after you start. Time doesn't heal the cravings that go along with diets. There is suffering in dieting. For that reason, a good attitude and strong state of mind are essential for a productive, long-lasting diet. God gives us strength of character and determination. There is no tribulation, even dieting, that God can't get us through. Diets may not ever get easy, but they do get manageable when we add God's strength and perseverance to our own.
Today's thought: What seems impossible, God makes possible!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Much honey
Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.
The average person consumes about 175 pounds of sugar every year. That is more than the body weight of an average American, so it's no wonder that so many adults and children are unhealthy. Proverbs 25 tells us that eating too much honey (or sugar) can be detrimental to our health. Controlling the amount of sugar you eat is a simple and healthy principle that can add years to your life and health to your years. Live wisely and safely within the bounds that God has given you in His Word. Enjoy life and have fun, but follow the rules that God gives you to be healthy, wealthy and wise!
The average person consumes about 175 pounds of sugar every year. That is more than the body weight of an average American, so it's no wonder that so many adults and children are unhealthy. Proverbs 25 tells us that eating too much honey (or sugar) can be detrimental to our health. Controlling the amount of sugar you eat is a simple and healthy principle that can add years to your life and health to your years. Live wisely and safely within the bounds that God has given you in His Word. Enjoy life and have fun, but follow the rules that God gives you to be healthy, wealthy and wise!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Romans 8:18
For I reckon that sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.
Jimmy was fascinated by the cocoon. He watched the caterpillar work on its new home for hours. Everyday he came in to look at the cocoon. When the monarch butterfly finally emerged, Jimmy was delighted. God works some amazing miracles in nature. It shouldn't be so hard to believe that He will work such miracles in the lives of His people. Losing weight might not seem like a miracle, but for those who struggle with their weight, it often feels as if only a miracle will suffice. If God can transform a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, He certainly can help us when all we want is to lose weight.
Today's thought: I am one of God's miracles, and He will help me be my best!
For I reckon that sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.
Jimmy was fascinated by the cocoon. He watched the caterpillar work on its new home for hours. Everyday he came in to look at the cocoon. When the monarch butterfly finally emerged, Jimmy was delighted. God works some amazing miracles in nature. It shouldn't be so hard to believe that He will work such miracles in the lives of His people. Losing weight might not seem like a miracle, but for those who struggle with their weight, it often feels as if only a miracle will suffice. If God can transform a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, He certainly can help us when all we want is to lose weight.
Today's thought: I am one of God's miracles, and He will help me be my best!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Believe in Yourself
Set your standards high
You deserve the best.
Try for what you want
And never settle for less.
Believe in yourself
No matter what you choose.
Keep a winning attitude
And you can never lose.
Think about your destination
But don't worry if you stray
Because the most important thing
Is what you've learned along the way.
Take all that you've become
To be all that you can be.
Soar above the clouds
And let your dreams set you free.
Luke 1:37 For Nothing is impossible with God.
Set your standards high
You deserve the best.
Try for what you want
And never settle for less.
Believe in yourself
No matter what you choose.
Keep a winning attitude
And you can never lose.
Think about your destination
But don't worry if you stray
Because the most important thing
Is what you've learned along the way.
Take all that you've become
To be all that you can be.
Soar above the clouds
And let your dreams set you free.
Luke 1:37 For Nothing is impossible with God.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Giving
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Tim always said that God really didn't help him much. The trouble was, Tim never did much for God, either. He rarely prayed, hardly went to church, and didn't even own a Bible. When someone suggested that Tim might go on a diet, he said dieting didn't do any good. Tim pursued a diet about as apathetically as he pursued God. We will never succeed in anything unless we dedicate ourselves-body, mind, and soul-to achieving our goal. A deep and driving faith can be the perfect model for our diets. If we will strive to lose weight as much as we strive after God, He will bless our effort.
Today's thought: I'm giving everything I've got to losing weight!
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Tim always said that God really didn't help him much. The trouble was, Tim never did much for God, either. He rarely prayed, hardly went to church, and didn't even own a Bible. When someone suggested that Tim might go on a diet, he said dieting didn't do any good. Tim pursued a diet about as apathetically as he pursued God. We will never succeed in anything unless we dedicate ourselves-body, mind, and soul-to achieving our goal. A deep and driving faith can be the perfect model for our diets. If we will strive to lose weight as much as we strive after God, He will bless our effort.
Today's thought: I'm giving everything I've got to losing weight!
Monday, July 6, 2009
God knows
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Janet was tired of dieting. She had been at it for almost six months. She looked better, and knew that she was doing the right thing. Taking the pounds off had been hard, but sometimes Janet felt that keeping them off was even harder. Thin people didn't understand that dieting wasn't just something to do to lose weight. For a person with weight problems, it had to be a way of life. God knows that dieting is hard. He knows dieting can be a bore. More than that, He knows we need help to diet. Rely on God. He won't let you down.
Today's thought: I will take dieting one day at a time, one pound at a time!
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Janet was tired of dieting. She had been at it for almost six months. She looked better, and knew that she was doing the right thing. Taking the pounds off had been hard, but sometimes Janet felt that keeping them off was even harder. Thin people didn't understand that dieting wasn't just something to do to lose weight. For a person with weight problems, it had to be a way of life. God knows that dieting is hard. He knows dieting can be a bore. More than that, He knows we need help to diet. Rely on God. He won't let you down.
Today's thought: I will take dieting one day at a time, one pound at a time!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Matthew 10:22
'And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.'
Christ has a powerful lesson for those who choose to diet. Dieting makes us different, and it is never easy to be different. Being Christians made the disciples different, and they had to suffer many things for their difference. People who are different are often excluded by others. Sometimes they are even abused and persecuted for their differences. There was only one reason the disciples were able to persevere in their faith, and that was the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. That same Spirit can give us the power to be different and the strength to persevere, even through a tough diet.
Today's thought: Christ helps those who choose to be different!
'And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.'
Christ has a powerful lesson for those who choose to diet. Dieting makes us different, and it is never easy to be different. Being Christians made the disciples different, and they had to suffer many things for their difference. People who are different are often excluded by others. Sometimes they are even abused and persecuted for their differences. There was only one reason the disciples were able to persevere in their faith, and that was the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. That same Spirit can give us the power to be different and the strength to persevere, even through a tough diet.
Today's thought: Christ helps those who choose to be different!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Decide
Luke 21:19
'In your patience possess ye your souls.'
Arlene asked the Lord for just a little more patience. She looked at the clock. She had eaten lunch just three hours before, and now her stomach was telling her to eat again. She knew she really couldn't need food again so soon. She concentrated all her attention on the project she was working on and repeated again and again that she wasn't hungry. Before she knew it, she was finishing the project, her hunger had died down, and it was almost five o'clock. Quickly, Arlene thanked God for helping her hang on awhile. It wasn't nearly as hard to get by with God giving her strength and support.
Today's thought: Decide to control your stomach instead of letting it control you!
'In your patience possess ye your souls.'
Arlene asked the Lord for just a little more patience. She looked at the clock. She had eaten lunch just three hours before, and now her stomach was telling her to eat again. She knew she really couldn't need food again so soon. She concentrated all her attention on the project she was working on and repeated again and again that she wasn't hungry. Before she knew it, she was finishing the project, her hunger had died down, and it was almost five o'clock. Quickly, Arlene thanked God for helping her hang on awhile. It wasn't nearly as hard to get by with God giving her strength and support.
Today's thought: Decide to control your stomach instead of letting it control you!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
weary
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gwen hadn't seen Ed in almost five years. When they had last been together, she had been very overweight. She had struggled and fought to lose over the years, and she was quite proud of what she had accomplished. She could hardly wait to see his reaction. That was one of the best things about losing weight: seeing the faces of old friends who could hardly recognize you. The looks she got made the fight worthwhile. Their disbelief made Gwen feel she had performed a miracle. Good things truly did come to those who waited and stuck to their hope. God had blessed her a hundredfold.
Today's thought: What I lose today in weight will be gain in other ways tomorrow!
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gwen hadn't seen Ed in almost five years. When they had last been together, she had been very overweight. She had struggled and fought to lose over the years, and she was quite proud of what she had accomplished. She could hardly wait to see his reaction. That was one of the best things about losing weight: seeing the faces of old friends who could hardly recognize you. The looks she got made the fight worthwhile. Their disbelief made Gwen feel she had performed a miracle. Good things truly did come to those who waited and stuck to their hope. God had blessed her a hundredfold.
Today's thought: What I lose today in weight will be gain in other ways tomorrow!
Friday, June 26, 2009
1 Timothy 4:4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.
Greg tried not to get discouraged, even though he gained back most of the weight he'd lost. This time it would be easier. He'd done it once; he could do it again. The first time had been so hard because he had such a low opinion of himself. His self-image had improved immensely, and he had the confidence he needed to know he could lose weight. Greg knew he was made in God's image, even if that image got hidden a little now and then. Know-ing that he was loved made losing weight much easier. Greg was thankful that God loved him so. He could conquer anything with God's help.
Today's thought: Good things come to those who believe they will!
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.
Greg tried not to get discouraged, even though he gained back most of the weight he'd lost. This time it would be easier. He'd done it once; he could do it again. The first time had been so hard because he had such a low opinion of himself. His self-image had improved immensely, and he had the confidence he needed to know he could lose weight. Greg knew he was made in God's image, even if that image got hidden a little now and then. Know-ing that he was loved made losing weight much easier. Greg was thankful that God loved him so. He could conquer anything with God's help.
Today's thought: Good things come to those who believe they will!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Joy
Psalm 92:4
For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Brent never knew how happy he would be when he lost weight. All his life he had toyed with the idea, but the costs always seemed much greater than the benefits. It wasn't until the weight came off that he truly realized how great being thinner really was. He felt better, he looked better, and he enjoyed life in general so much more. He could do things he'd never dreamed of before. Even picking things up off the floor without panting and groaning gave him special pleasure. Brent couldn't thank God enough for helping him find a new life. It was great to be alive!
Today's thought: God makes the joy greater than any amount of sacrifice!
For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Brent never knew how happy he would be when he lost weight. All his life he had toyed with the idea, but the costs always seemed much greater than the benefits. It wasn't until the weight came off that he truly realized how great being thinner really was. He felt better, he looked better, and he enjoyed life in general so much more. He could do things he'd never dreamed of before. Even picking things up off the floor without panting and groaning gave him special pleasure. Brent couldn't thank God enough for helping him find a new life. It was great to be alive!
Today's thought: God makes the joy greater than any amount of sacrifice!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Watching
Mark 13:35
'Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning.'
Diets need to be taken one day at a time. Each new day means a new diet. If yesterday's diet didn't work, it doesn't really matter. Whether we diet tomorrow or not doesn't matter, either. What does matter is today. Too often we get caught up thinking about all the things we haven't done or dreaming of all the things we ought to do, and we have no time to actually do the things we have set before us right now. God's people live in the present. They learn from the past and hope for the future, but they make the most of every single moment of every day. Live for today and see the miracles begin.
Today's thought: Today's diet will be a success!
'Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning.'
Diets need to be taken one day at a time. Each new day means a new diet. If yesterday's diet didn't work, it doesn't really matter. Whether we diet tomorrow or not doesn't matter, either. What does matter is today. Too often we get caught up thinking about all the things we haven't done or dreaming of all the things we ought to do, and we have no time to actually do the things we have set before us right now. God's people live in the present. They learn from the past and hope for the future, but they make the most of every single moment of every day. Live for today and see the miracles begin.
Today's thought: Today's diet will be a success!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
suffered
Hebrews 2:18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
When we get particularly low during our dieting times, we feel so alone and alienated. People pat us on the back and tell us they know how we feel, but we know they really don't. There are times we feel certain that no one knows how we feel. Rest assured, though, that Jesus knows how hard it is, and He wants to comfort us, especially when the going gets the toughest. If we turn to Him He will give us comfort and strength in the darkest times. He's been there before us, and He is willing to walk our path with us. When we welcome Him in, He will grant us comfort.
Today's thought: No matter how lonely I might feel, Jesus is right beside me!
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
When we get particularly low during our dieting times, we feel so alone and alienated. People pat us on the back and tell us they know how we feel, but we know they really don't. There are times we feel certain that no one knows how we feel. Rest assured, though, that Jesus knows how hard it is, and He wants to comfort us, especially when the going gets the toughest. If we turn to Him He will give us comfort and strength in the darkest times. He's been there before us, and He is willing to walk our path with us. When we welcome Him in, He will grant us comfort.
Today's thought: No matter how lonely I might feel, Jesus is right beside me!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Helmet
1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
In battle, the helmet is one of the most important protections. Head wounds can be fatal, and so the helmet must be strong. No soldier would think of entering the fray without proper head protection. Thessalonians says that our Christian helmet is the hope of salvation. Christ gives us that helmet. Through the hope we have in Christ, we are protected and prepared to meet the challenges of our lives. Dieting is just one of those challenges, and without hope of success and completion, we are ill-equipped to meet that challenge. The greater our hope, the better our chance to lose weight.
Today's thought: Lord, give me a helmet which covers my mouth, too!
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
In battle, the helmet is one of the most important protections. Head wounds can be fatal, and so the helmet must be strong. No soldier would think of entering the fray without proper head protection. Thessalonians says that our Christian helmet is the hope of salvation. Christ gives us that helmet. Through the hope we have in Christ, we are protected and prepared to meet the challenges of our lives. Dieting is just one of those challenges, and without hope of success and completion, we are ill-equipped to meet that challenge. The greater our hope, the better our chance to lose weight.
Today's thought: Lord, give me a helmet which covers my mouth, too!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The corner
1 Peter 1:8
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
When it's all over, we can hardly belive we struggled so much. The reward of losing weight is so great that it wipes out all the bad memories along the way. We experience such a sense of triumph and joy, accomplishment and goodwill. We feel a power from within that helps us believe that anything is possible to us, if we will only have patience, courage, and commitment. God has made us conquerors, and He empowers us to do those things which we set our minds and hearts too. When we live life in hope of glories to come and pursue those glories with everything we have, the Lord will reward us and bless us richly.
Today's thought: I may not see it yet, but a new me is right around the corner!
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
When it's all over, we can hardly belive we struggled so much. The reward of losing weight is so great that it wipes out all the bad memories along the way. We experience such a sense of triumph and joy, accomplishment and goodwill. We feel a power from within that helps us believe that anything is possible to us, if we will only have patience, courage, and commitment. God has made us conquerors, and He empowers us to do those things which we set our minds and hearts too. When we live life in hope of glories to come and pursue those glories with everything we have, the Lord will reward us and bless us richly.
Today's thought: I may not see it yet, but a new me is right around the corner!
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