Jesus Calling prayer - April 30

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 29

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 28

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 27

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 26

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Victory Journal - Day 6

This is my attempt  at not such a dark version of Proverbs 23:2.  I like this better than "put a knife to your throat."

After reading several versions and different translations of the Bible, in context, I believe the focus here is on moderation, politeness and alertness.

  

It was raining when we woke up, but that doesn't stop me from exercising in the gazebo. Thank You, Jesus.  33,33 minutes.

Would you believe that Todd Smith of Selah exercises just like I do, minus the Bass Pro exercise gear!

Breakfast:

one scrambled egg

one piece of sausage pattie

1/2 cup of tomato juice

Snacks:

20 raw almonds

12 roasted cashews

Late lunch:

2 oz. beef ribs

1/4 cup mashed potatoes

1/8 cup pinto beans

1 cup green beens

I am not so much focused on calories, just eating right, simply, and honoring God with what I eat and the way I eat. So far, I have been amazed at how little I even want to eat. There's no place in this body for the demon Gluttony. I belong to Jesus Christ.

It doesn't nearly as much food to live and function as I have been acting like.

Jesus Calling prayer - April 25

Victory Journal - Day 5

It's our Date Day.  Friday is typically Date Day for us, so Don has plans for going car shopping (our anniversary is less than two weeks away!) and then dinner out.

I prepared our breakfast. One egg and two pieces of  turkey bacon with a small glass of tomato juice for me.

Next, five straight days of exercising for 33:33 minutes out in the gazebo!! Praise the Lord for all He is doing for me! With the further surrender of "all of me" to Him, He is doing amazing things.  My feet are not hurting like they have been for a long time when I walk. I have had no temptations to eat anything I shouldn't. I meet those thoughts head on and take them captive with God's Word.

Today, I thought I would investigate some definitions of "gluttony."

I found this webpage:

What is the Sin of Gluttony

For me, gluttony looked like a person out of control where food was concerned. On a regular basis. I would seem to forget any and all self-control and felt like I could not, should not, would not leave a single morsel on my plate and would often help Don with any french fries he didn't eat on his plate. My post meal thoughts were usually something like, "What just happened to me???"

I went brain dead and started shoveling. Fast.

It may sound like I am really beating myself up over my gluttony, but for me, I find that the sooner I take ownership of my sin, the sooner I can bring it out into the Light.  You know, darkness disappears when the Light is turned on. 

It's always good to remind myself that I am a "new creation" in Christ Jesus.

God is not playing around here, but it's not because He's the big, bad Boss who is waiting to slap my hand. He is teaching me how serious gluttony is, because He Loves Me and He knows what is best for me.  

He's right.

He also does not mean that I should kill myself, but He is saying that I would be better off dead than in bondage to food and the desires of my palate.

Jesus Calling prayer - April 24

Jesus Calling prayer - April 23

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Victory Journal - Day 4

Fourth day of exercising for 33:33 minutes and eating right. Just between you and me, I am really sore after adding two pound weight balls to part of my walking time.  I got really hot today and it took awhile to cool down. Old woman.

Still thinking a lot about that "stoning thing" from yesterday's verses: Deuteronomy 21:20-21

I'm not overlooking or glazing over that stubborn and rebellious part, either.  Done my share of that and repenting there, also.  

I'm trying to feel good about: one out of four ain't too bad.  Is it?  I have gotten drunk. I can not lie. But it's been years ago, and I'm over that. I am not a drunk. I'm also not patting myself on the back and I have ask God to forgive me for getting drunk ever in my life.

I think I'm finally getting the seriousness of this "demon" called Gluttony.  No, that's not true. I've known how serious it is for a long time, I just could not get to that place of victory over it.  Let me just tell you.... it involves more than will power. 

It involves coming face to face with Gluttony, calling it what it is, admitting it's control and taking it to the Cross.  Leave it there. 

Leave Gluttony at the Cross.

Shut the door, because it will try to get back in and each time it comes back.... it's stronger than before.

It means calling it what it is....

I am so grateful that Jesus Christ paid for my sins and I won't be stoned.

My Victory Journal - Day 3

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 22

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

My Victory Journey - Day two

Day two of exercising for 33.33 minutes and I'm still feeling better and more energized.  Eating correctly is also helping me not feel so sluggish.

My meditation focus today is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

It is very important and empowering to agree with scripture in regard to my body.  If I disagree with God in anyway, I leave the door open for the enemy to enter my life and begin it's controlling ways.  

Jesus Christ has done EVERYTHING for me and I want to always honor Him with my body.  I want everything, that takes up space that belongs to the Holy Spirit, to be removed from my body.

Spirit of Gluttony, you have been called out before the Light and commanded to leave my body, mind and soul. You have been defeated and God is active and alert, watching over His word to perform it.

LORD Jesus, I know that the Holy Spirit dwells in my body and that fact alone should determine how I think about my body, how I treat my body and how I take care of this temple of the Holy Spirit, my body.

I love a clean house and I show respect and honor for my guest with a clean house.  I know that I have been purchased by Your precious blood and victorious resurrection, therefore, it is my will, my desire and my choice to honor and glorify God in and with my body.  I need Your help and I praise and thank You for Your Holy Spirit who lives in me.

Amen.

Jesus Calling prayer - April 21

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 20

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

IT'S WHAT YOU SCATTER

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes .. . I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. 

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me. 

'Hello Barry, how are you today?' 

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good'  

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'   
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'   
'Good. Anything I can help you with?'   
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'   
'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.  

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'
'Is that right? Let me see it', said Miller. 

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'  

'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked. 

'Not zackley but almost.'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.' 


Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. 

With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. 

When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'  

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.  

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one.  Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. 

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts .. .all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.  

Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.  

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. 

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.

They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size .. .. they came to pay their debt.' 

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho .. .'  

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. 

The Moral: 
We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself .. . 

An unexpected phone call from an old friend .. .. Green stoplights on your way to work .. .. 

The fastest line at the grocery store .. ..  

A good sing-along song on the radio ..  

Your keys found right where you left them. 

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.  

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED! 

My Victory Journey - Day One

I have had a revelation.  It isn't pleasant and it's for me.  I will be journaling my journey, for me. If it helps you, well, praise God, but this is for me.

After watching two videos by Pastor Robert Morris, the Holy Spirit seemed to be waiting for me to bring my demon of gluttony to the Light, thereby freeing me of the control that gluttony has in my life.  I much prefer the descriptive term, food-aholic, but I'm calling it what it is: gluttony and it is a SIN!

So, today, I am meditating on the 1 Cor 6:12-20

The Voice translation of the Bible reads:

12 I can hear some of you saying, “For me, all things are permitted.” But face the facts: all things are not beneficial. So you say, “For me, all things are permitted.” Here’s my response: I will not allow anything to control me.

Amen.

I will not allow anything to control me.

Amen.

Glorify God In Your Body

Taking Care of the Temple - Pastor Robert Morris

It is Monday, April 20, 2015, the beginning of my Victory Journey. 

Today, I did my own variation of  "Walk Away the Pounds" to Christian music for 33.33 minutes. I was amazed at how much better I felt the rest of the day.

Putting action to my commitment to the Lord to take care of  His Temple, my body, I ate moderately, healthy and simply.

Sunday's Coming prayer - April 19

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 18

Adapted from Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young.

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - April 17

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).