Brushing Out the Tangles

Her soft snores punctuated the stillness. At first, I couldn't make sense of the sound. But a quick glance in the direction of the living room confirmed my suspicions. My cat, Courtney, lay curled up on one of the chairs, fast asleep, gray fur sticking up in all directions.

Most cats enjoy being groomed. Not Courtney. She's quick to jump up on the couch to share some family time, and just as quick to jump down if I try to get in a few strokes with her brush. Oddly enough, when I attempt to hold her still and do a more thorough job, she actually purrs. Done regularly, the frequent brushings keep the mats in her fur to a minimum, and I can groom Courtney quickly. It seems that although she's not crazy about the process, she feels better once she's brushed.

Reminds me of the often painful refining process the Lord applies in my life. I long to be the type of vessel  the Lord can use, yet I'm not quite as eager to sign up for the furnace experiences that help me become that useful, highly polished tool. Much like Courtney, I'm not keen on things that cause discomfort or pain - although I recognize the value of the experiences once I'm on the other side.

Case in point. The flight where I was given the opportunity to share Christ with a fellow passenger. I had a list of things to keep me busy for quite some time. In fact, I was actually looking forward to the down time to get some things done. But then the gentleman across from me started a conversation. It would have been easy to give a brief answer and turn back to my work.

The truth was, I had prayed that very morning to be used as a witness. Did I really mean what I said? Or had it just been a routine prayer? It wasn't comfortable to give up my free time, but I knew the Lord had orchestrated the opportunity. As I spoke with the man, I could almost feel the Lord scouring the selfishness from me.

God's Word is full of truths that, when applied, act as cleansing agents. Powerful purifiers that remove  the things from my life that make me rough around the edges. The Apostle Paul describes it accurately, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," (Hebrews 4:12; KJV).

But one trip to the Master Refiner is not enough. Just like Courtney needs a daily brushing, I need daily refining. I know that the process is difficult, but the end result will be a clear reflection of my Master.

Is the Lord refining you? How will you cooperate with Him in this process today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me enough to scour the rough edges from me. Help me to 'hold still' and let You accomplish Your work in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!


A re-post from 11/2011

Protecting What's Important

It seemed he was taunting me. Every time I looked out the window, the stealthy squirrel was making his way off the deck, clutching a round prize in his paws. I didn't see him snap the tomatoes off the vines - I merely witnessed the aftereffects.   Although, once, he did stop on the stairs, grace me with his best profile and promptly take a bite of the stolen fruit.

Within two days, the squirrels had stripped my four plants of their ripening tomatoes. I was dumbfounded and at a loss as to how to prevent their aggravating thievery. Guns, traps, and cages came to mind - but there were no longer any tomatoes to protect.

Satan's tricks can be just as subtle as those of the bushy-tailed squirrels. As I read and listen to God's Word:

*a seed of truth takes root

*the Holy Spirit provides favorable conditions for the seed to sprout

*the sprout begins to grow

The enemy isn't pleased. Distractions come with the ability to stunt the growth that's taking place. Jesus warns us of the enemy's plan, "The sower soweth the word...And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful," (Mark 4:14,18-19; KJV).

If I don't heed Jesus' counsel, my life can become as empty as my tomato plants - with no evidence that I'm a child of the King. So how do I protect the seeds of truth God has planted in my heart?

*submit myself to the Lord

*resist Satan's distractions

*confess my sin

*draw near to God

The apostle James, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, put it this way, "Submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded," (James 4:7-8).

Remember my tomato plants? My husband ended up moving them onto our front porch - where they get plenty of sunlight and the squirrels can't reach them. And I can say with a smile, more tomatoes are starting to grow.

Do you feel you've been distracted by the tricks of the enemy? What step will you take today to protect the precious seeds of biblical truth in your life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the warning given in Your Word about the tricks of the enemy. Help me to submit to Your will, resist the devil, confess my sin, and draw near to You. I desire to produce 'fruit' in my life that will bring You honor and glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Fear of Rejection

I've been out of my teens now for many years. But I admit there are still days when I feel like the proverbial teenager buckling under peer pressure. Sometimes I find myself shying away from controversial topics - remaining silent when given the opportunity to speak. Why?

Fear

of

rejection

Remember Pilate? In Jesus' day, Pilate was the Roman governor of Judaea and Samaria. A prestigious position. One he wanted to keep. Of Pilate's many responsibilities, one was to maintain peace in his region. Imagine his uneasiness when a crowd of Jewish leaders approached him with a major concern. They had a problem with Jesus, "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that himself is Christ a King," (Luke 23:2; KJV).

After an initial questioning, Pilate returned his verdict, "...I find no fault in this man," (Luke 23:4b). The Jews rejected his judgment, fiercely stating that Jesus was purposely causing dissent among the people with His teachings.

Since Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate saw an opportunity to pass the decision-making responsibility on to Herod - the ruler of that region. Pilate's judgment would no longer matter, the Jews would be appeased, and Herod would serve as the scapegoat. Brilliant plan! But it didn't work.

Following the trial with Herod, the chief priests and rulers of the people once again stood before Pilate. His response? "Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him," (Luke 23:14-16).

The Jews wouldn't listen to Pilate's decree, and insisted he release Barabbas, a man who had led a rebellion and was a murderer, instead. What was going on? Pilate tried to get them to see reason - to no avail. By now, the Jews were furious. They demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but something the Jews had said made his blood run cold, "If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar," (John 19:12).

If reports of an uprising in Pilate's region made it to Caesar, not only would he lose his job, he may even lose his life. The cries for Jesus' crucifixion intensified. Pilate gave in to the crowd. Jesus was led away to be crucified.

I can relate to Pilate. Oftentimes I give in to peer pressure in order to protect myself - and end up making poor choices. It's important to remember that God is my ultimate Protector, and  the power of the Holy Spirit can help me stand for the truth.

Are you affected by peer pressure? What step will you take today to speak up for the truth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I struggle with the fear of rejection. When I'm faced with peer pressure, help me to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to speak up for the truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.  

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

A Big Mess

It was worse than I thought. The torrential downpour had made a mess of our creek and pond. It wasn't unusual for debris from upstream to clog the pipes draining into our pond. But this time, hundreds of tree limbs and logs filled the creek, forming an impenetrable dam. Where to begin the clean up process?

The more limbs and leaf debris I removed, the angrier I became. Clearly, someone who lived upstream had put their 'junk' pile too close to the creek and the heavy rain had carried it into the water and swept it downstream to end up on our property. Ugh! What a big mess! The kind of mess that would take all day to clean up.

The process was painfully slow. Remove all the debris from the creek, load it into a cart on our lawn mower, and finally dispose of the leaf litter, limbs, and logs on the other side of our property. I had plenty of time to think. Time to reflect on how grateful I am that the Lord cleans up my 'messes.'

You know the kind I'm talking about.

That critical spirit. 

The selfish attitude. 

The feelings of pride. 

All 'messes' that need attention. 'Messes' that I'm often oblivious to. But when the storms of life come, my 'messes' come to the surface, and I realize I'm in need of help.

As I humble myself and turn to my Heavenly Father, He's faithful to use His Word to clean up each 'mess' I offer Him. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9; KJV). Now that's a comforting promise!

His Word has much to say about my critical spirit.  "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye," (Matthew 7:3-5). As I agree with the truth of God's Word, and submit to Him, He enables me to examine my life and helps me take care of my shortcomings, rather than being critical of others.

What about selfishness? God's Word deals with this topic as well, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others," (Philippians 2:3-4). When this truth makes it to my heart, I can focus on the needs of others.

The Lord hates pride. When I give the Lord His proper place in my life, I view things the way He does, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate," (Proverbs 8:13). I can see the destructive nature of pride and the mess it creates, "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom," (Proverbs 13:10). I understand what happens when I give in to pride, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall," (Proverbs 16:18).

It doesn't matter what my 'mess' is, when I recognize it and relinquish it to my Father, He cleans me up and restores me!

Are you dealing with a 'mess'? Confess your sin, and allow the Lord to clean you up today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your willingness to forgive my sins. Help me identify the 'messes' in my life that need to be turned over to You. Forgive me for being critical, selfish, and prideful. Thank You for the truth of Your powerful Word that is able to keep me clean. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

What Are You Wearing?

I completed the dreaded task a couple of weeks ago. You know, making the BIG switch. Swapping the winter clothes out of my closet, for those that make the summer heat more bearable. It's quite a job and I put it off as long as possible.

Reality set in the next day when I realized a few things from my summer wardrobe were a little on the tight side. Something had happened since the last time I'd worn these clothes...you guessed it, I'd added a couple of pounds. Nothing too serious, but serious enough to cause some discomfort. Time to get a bit more disciplined about my eating and exercise.

As I increased the time and intensity of my workout this morning, I thought about clothing. Although I may not be able to wear some of the clothes in my closet, the wardrobe that God provides for me, will always fit. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel shoes, and the helmet of salvation - each article of spiritual clothing, designed by the master Tailor in just the right size.

How relieving to know that I can never outgrow God's truth. The 'belt' He provides is up to any challenge I might encounter. Battling the lie that you just can't handle life's stress anymore? The belt of truth overcomes this falsehood: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor. 12:9; KJV).  Feeling challenged to forgive someone? Look to the truth: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye" (Col. 3:13). Whatever stage in life; youth, teen, adult, the belt of truth that God provides for me will always fit. I need only to put it on! The truth of His Word is guaranteed to make me free (John 8:32).

The breastplate of righteousness is neither too tight nor too loose. When I live in a way that's consistent with my Father's instruction manual, the Bible, this breastplate is extremely comfortable. Putting God first, treating others with kindness and respect, helping those in need, and following His will for my life keep me living right, and put me in the position to be blessed by my loving, Heavenly Father. The book of Matthew reminds us, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (6:33).

I've got some shoes that pinch my toes, causing blisters. Another pair that painfully squeeze the back of my heel . Then there are those shoes that are so comfortable, I barely notice I've got them on. God's gospel shoes fit like a dream, and give me the motivation to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those He brings across my path. Satan wants me to think that others aren't interested in hearing the plan of salvation, so he seeks to rough up my terrain and cause my 'feet' discomfort. But the truth is, everyone needs to hear about the Savior. And He is more powerful than our enemy: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

I'm not much of a hat person, but I understand that a hat can provide protection. Have you ever allowed a thought to drift through your mind, causing you to doubt God? Without the helmet of salvation firmly in place, those thoughts will go unchecked, playing directly into the hand of the enemy. Beware! As much as the enemy wants us to doubt our salvation, the Lord wants us to be assured of our salvation. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13; emphasis added mine).

So what are you wearing? If you're in need of a wardrobe makeover, may I recommend the master Tailor? Jesus Christ. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel shoes, and helmet of salvation will look good on you! And they're perfect all year round! 

*A re-post from April 2010.   

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

A Day at the Spa

It's time. Time for our Golden Retriever, Precious, to spend a day at the spa. You know - the doggie day spa. Following a long winter, her fur is thick and shaggy and in need of skilled hands to transform her tangles into a soft, sleek coat.

Precious loves an adventure. Her excitement is barely contained when she realizes she's in for a car ride. Nothing gets her more wound up then backing the car out of the garage and lifting the hatch. For Precious, this combination serves as an irresistible invitation to defy the invisible fence and make a flying leap into the car. And surprisingly, for an eighty-something pound retriever, she makes it look easy!

Precious doesn't mind going into the vet's office where the groomer has her business. She doesn't even mind stepping on the scale. In fact, everyone within licking distance is sure to know Precious is there. She truly lives up to the breed's sweet-natured, friendliness. But the tail wagging and cooperation stop there.

I'd have to say Precious merely tolerates the fur trimming and thinning process. She begins to show some annoyance when the groomer begins cleaning her ears. And following her bath, the high-pitched whine of the blow-dryer sends her darting into the nearest corner. But the results are amazing.

Clean, soft fur feels like silk under our fingers. Tangled hair no longer forms mats under her ears. Her newly thinned coat and trimmed leg fringes remind us that she's a Golden, and not a wooly mammoth. The shampoo has left her smelling fresh and her toenails are neatly clipped. What a transformation! And in spite of her objections, Precious is clearly much cooler and more energetic as a result of her new 'do.'

My Heavenly Father periodically schedules trips to the 'spiritual' day spa for me. His goal is for me to be an accurate reflection of Him, and for my life to draw others to Him. At first, my prayer echoes that of the Psalmist David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," (Psalm 139:23-24; KJV). When His finger rests on an attitude or action that's displeasing to Him, I begin to squirm.

As the Master Gardener, He begins reshaping the areas that need to be changed. Some cuts are made here. A little trimming done there. The process is painful. I protest, hoping it will be over soon. His word reminds me of the truth - pruning helps me bear more fruit. My job is to abide in Him. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing...Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples," (John 15:5,8).

When I cooperate with the Lord in the reshaping process, the results are amazing. I more accurately reflect my Heavenly Father. The transformation has begun. As I grow to understand that my Savior desires truth in the depth of my being, and that He always has my best interests at heart, I can look forward with eager anticipation to another day at the 'spiritual' day spa!

What about you? Is there something the Father has a finger on in your life? Will you allow the Lord to begin the reshaping process?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your patience with me. Help me to identify and eliminate those things You're displeased with in my life. I know transformation is a life-long process. Thank You that You give me the opportunity to bear much fruit for You. Help me be obedient to You in the reshaping process. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*A re-post from 4/2010

Pass the Salt

Smoking. Not the kind that is hazardous to your health. But the kind that involves cooking meat low and slow. Loosely defined, that’s cooking at a low temperature for several hours. A few months ago, my husband, Steve, purchased a Weber smoker because he enjoys all things barbecue. Big on research, Steve had studied out the smoking process and was ready to test out his knowledge on a pork shoulder.

That first pork shoulder couldn’t have been more delicious. My husband had added the perfect combination of spices to create a mouth-watering rub. The smoker had rendered the meat so tender that the pulling process was a breeze. Pulled pork that should have lasted for several days was devoured within two days. The proper combination of tantalizing spices along with the appropriate amount of cook time, yielded the perfect product. We were eager to eat the pork and boy, was it satisfying!

We’re a little like that perfectly seasoned ‘pork shoulder.’ Sounds a bit crazy, right? Maybe not so crazy when you think about it in light of the gospel of Matthew. Jesus challenges us with these words, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted” (Matthew 5:13; KJV)? See the connection?

Just like the affect of the smoke on the meat during the extended cooking time, when we’ve spent time with the Master in Bible study and prayer, our hearts begin to change, the tenderizing process has begun, and we begin to reflect His light and His aroma to those around us. Salt acts as a preservative on meat. When we’re ‘spiced’ by the Truth, we can share the ultimate ‘preservative’ that has the ability to maintain, protect and prevent spiritual decay.

What a precious commodity we’ve been given! Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word. Will I be faithful with what I’ve been given and remain ‘salty’ in order to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15a)? Or will I keep the ‘salt’ to myself? Christ desires to use me.

With the proper combination of spending time with Him and allowing myself to be the saltshaker, others will ultimately be pointed to and satisfied by my loving Heavenly Father. My prayer is to bear the sweet aroma of my Savior and to ‘pass the salt.’

Are you willing to share the Savior today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me the opportunity to share Your gospel with others. Give me the courage and boldness I need to share the truth in love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Need Help?

I'm not sure how it happened. We were preparing to film another episode for Life Lessons, and I had run upstairs to get a towel to block some unwanted sunlight. I wasn't paying attention as I hurried back downstairs, and before I knew it, I was on the floor - with my right foot bent underneath me. Somehow, I had miscalculated how many stairs I'd come down, and stepped out thinking I was at the bottom of the staircase. With nothing but air to greet my extended leg, I pitched forward, landing on the top of my foot. Needless to say, nothing was filmed that day!

Remember the classic fainting spells on your favorite cartoons? I have to admit, they're pretty accurate. As I sat on the floor, propped up against the wall, I did indeed see stars and it was difficult to hear over the roaring noise that had taken up residence in my ears. Whatever I had done to my foot couldn't be good.

My husband, Steve, to the rescue! Although he didn't SEE me fall, he HEARD it. As I struggled to remain conscious, he was convinced that a trip to the doctor would be a good thing. I was in full agreement - I knew I needed help. Steve's calm demeanor helped me stay focused. Within just a couple of minutes, he had grabbed my purse and shoes and was ready to carry me out to the car.

   

I've battled weak ankles all my life. The good news? The x-rays showed no broken bones. I had only sprained my ankle. Armed with crutches and the determination to be more alert in the future, we made the drive back home.

There's a bigger truth here. Each one of us goes through life focused on our own plans. At some point, something happens and we're faced with the truth: life isn't all about me, and my life won't last forever. We realize we're NOT in control, and in fact, we need help. God's Word sheds light on our condition, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23; KJV).

A decision needs to be made. Will we admit our sinful condition and our need for the Savior? Or will we stubbornly insist on doing things our own way, denying any need for help? The choice is ours. Will we put our faith in ourselves or in the Savior?

Jesus already died on the cross to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He's finished the work that allows you to be reconciled to a holy God. Will you have faith in His atoning work? "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation," (Romans 10:9-10).

When I hurt my ankle, I knew I couldn't make it to the doctor on my own. I was grateful my husband was able to help me. If you're on life's proverbial 'floor,' and you don't know Jesus, are you willing to trust in Him today? He'll give you a life full of meaning and purpose as you serve Him, and an eternal home in heaven.

If you already know Jesus as your Savior, will you share Him with someone today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. Thank You for giving me Your Word that shows me the truth - I'm a sinner. How wonderful to know that You love me, and paid my sin debt, so I can be reconciled to God. Help me share You with others today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Clever Trick

I was excited. There, in the back of my freezer was an apple pie I had forgotten all about. The perfect complement to the chicken and dumplings, and fruit salad I had prepared for dinner. The pie would be even better with a scoop of ice cream, I reasoned. I pulled on my coat and dashed to the car in the pouring rain. I left the store with not one, but two containers of ice cream. A logical decision since there was a special - two for five dollars. Good deal, right?

After dinner, I thought about my day. Not as productive as I would have liked it to be. I was stressed knowing I'd added more work to the remainder of the week. Frustration set in about mid-afternoon, and I recognized a familiar pattern. I began grazing - you know, a few chips here, a handful of trail mix there, and the piece de resistance, a peanut butter snack bar. All to be followed by dinner and apple pie al a mode - with two flavors of ice cream. I was more than full, and still just as stressed.

Funny to think that Satan tempted Eve with food. What a clever trick used by the enemy. Distracting Eve, so she would not focus on the truth. Look at the serpent's deceptive scheme, "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1; KJV). Casting doubt, was followed by a lie, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil," (Genesis 3:5).

A familiar story. Eve thought about what the serpent said. It sounded like the truth - God probably WAS trying to prevent them from enjoying this fruit. It sure looked good! What would be the harm of just taking a bite? Eve made her choice. And Adam followed close behind.

The enemy has tripped me up using this same pattern. The reality of the other day serves as a good reminder. Because I had scheduled my day loosely, I got distracted by news and websites that became counterproductive. I lost track of time and realized there was no way I could catch up without taking away from family time. I could feel the tension mounting as I looked at the rest of the week, realizing I'd most likely have to table some things till the next week. Stress kicked the door open a crack. The enemy saw his opportunity, and made his move.

Feeling disappointed and frustrated, I reached for what I thought would make me feel better - food. Unfortunately, after grazing and then eating dinner, the truth was that I felt worse. I still had all the same things to accomplish, and now I had to work out harder because of my poor choices. I had never thought of myself as an emotional eater. The truth stung.

Refreshing myself with the truth goes a long way toward keeping me on track. The Apostle Paul shares wise counsel, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God," (Romans 12:2).

Can you imagine Jesus being tempted with food? Remember when He was in the wilderness and the devil tempted Him there? Jesus had just come off a forty day fast and was hungry. The enemy was there to greet Him. "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread," (Matthew 4:3).  Jesus shares a wonderful truth, "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, " (Matthew 4:4).

A revolutionary truth to set me free from emotional eating! Identify why I feel compelled to eat, and take that emotion to the Lord. Realize food only offers a distraction and doesn't solve the problem. Discover what His Word has to say about it and begin living victoriously.

Are you an emotional eater? Can you identify the emotion that turns you to food most often (anger, stress, boredom, guilt, etc.)? Will you allow God and His Word to minister true healing to you today?

Prayer - Heavenly Father, Thank You for the truth of Your Word. It's quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. When emotions get the better of me, help me to be quick to turn to You and Your Word for lasting answers - rather than turning to food. Thank You for Your victorious example. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*A re-post from 2/3/2011

A Clever Trick

I was excited. There, in the back of my freezer was an apple pie I had forgotten all about. The perfect complement to the chicken and dumplings, and fruit salad I had prepared for dinner. The pie would be even better with a scoop of ice cream, I reasoned. I pulled on my coat and dashed to the car in the pouring rain. I left the store with not one, but two containers of ice cream. A logical decision since there was a special - two for five dollars. Good deal, right?

After dinner, I thought about my day. Not as productive as I would have liked it to be. I was stressed knowing I'd added more work to the remainder of the week. Frustration set in about mid-afternoon, and I recognized a familiar pattern. I began grazing - you know, a few chips here, a handful of trail mix there, and the piece de resistance, a peanut butter snack bar. All to be followed by dinner and apple pie al a mode - with two flavors of ice cream. I was more than full, and still just as stressed.

Funny to think that Satan tempted Eve with food. What a clever trick used by the enemy. Distracting Eve, so she would not focus on the truth. Look at the serpent's deceptive scheme, "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1; KJV). Casting doubt, was followed by a lie, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil," (Genesis 3:5).

A familiar story. Eve thought about what the serpent said. It sounded like the truth - God probably WAS trying to prevent them from enjoying this fruit. It sure looked good! What would be the harm of just taking a bite? Eve made her choice. And Adam followed close behind.

The enemy has tripped me up using this same pattern. The reality of the other day serves as a good reminder. Because I had scheduled my day loosely, I got distracted by news and websites that became counterproductive. I lost track of time and realized there was no way I could catch up without taking away from family time. I could feel the tension mounting as I looked at the rest of the week, realizing I'd most likely have to table some things till the next week. Stress kicked the door open a crack. The enemy saw his opportunity, and made his move.

Feeling disappointed and frustrated, I reached for what I thought would make me feel better - food. Unfortunately, after grazing and then eating dinner, the truth was that I felt worse. I still had all the same things to accomplish, and now I had to work out harder because of my poor choices. I had never thought of myself as an emotional eater. The truth stung.

Refreshing myself with the truth goes a long way toward keeping me on track. The Apostle Paul shares wise counsel, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God," (Romans 12:2).

Can you imagine Jesus being tempted with food? Remember when He was in the wilderness and the devil tempted Him there? Jesus had just come off a forty day fast and was hungry. The enemy was there to greet Him. "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread," (Matthew 4:3). Jesus shares a wonderful truth, "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, " (Matthew 4:4). A revolutionary truth to set me free from emotional eating! Identify why I feel compelled to eat, and take that emotion to the Lord. Realize food only offers a distraction and doesn't solve the problem. Discover what His Word has to say about it and begin living victoriously.

Are you an emotional eater? Can you identify the emotion that turns you to food most often (anger, stress, boredom, guilt, etc.)? Will you allow God and His Word to minister true healing to you today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the truth of Your Word. It's quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. When emotions get the better of me, help me to be quick to turn to You and Your Word for lasting answers - rather than turning to food. Thank You for Your victorious example. In Jesus' name, Amen.