Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Obese Bodies and Malnourished Souls

Could it be that we are suffering a malnourished soul while walking around in obese bodies? 

America has become so overwhelmed with an obesity epidemic, while slipping farther away from the "Christian Nation" we were once declared to be. 

How is that? 

We've taken to filling the void in our life's with whatever makes us feel good. Hobbies, relationships, food, busyness, money, shopping... Whatever instantly gratifies the flesh. 

In Matthew Chapter 19, Jesus instructed the rich young ruler to "go, sell all that you have and five to the poor, and come, follow me." Yet he couldn't. He allowed those things in his life to control Him. It had power over him. He couldn't bear to leave it. 

Is that how I am with my abundance of breads and sweets? My candy, cookies and cake? Can I not turn from them for my HEALTH sake? No, not to save my soul, per se, but what about to prevent health problems that I KNOW are hereditary, yet can be prevented with a good healthy diet? 

There IS something programmed in us that needs to be filled. A desire that is unquenchable with earthly goods. It's a craving programmed deep inside of us that can only be filled with a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

My prayer today, for us all, is as Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:17 
“[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him," 

Get a hunger for God. A craving for His Word. Don't look for cheap substitutes to fill our time and spend your energy. ❤️


Food Cannot Rule You!

You do not have to be ruled and governed by your shortcomings and failures. 

Psalms 139 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Regardless of our size, color, height or weight! Yes, I said it. Regardless of what we look like, God loves us... However, God didn't create us to be constant downtrodden or live in defeat. 

Do you feel defeated by your carnal cravings? Do you feel bound by your physical appetite? Are you allowing your life to be dictated by what you're going to eat? Are you allowing cravings to control your life? 

That's a problem. Ouch. How can we be victorious, if something as small as the tastebuds in our tongue actually governs our life?? 

Don't get me wrong- treats are great during time of celebration, but indulging is unrestrained action. 
Unrestrained. Without guide. 

When we turn to food during stressful times, we're looking for comfort. But the Bible tells us that God is our comfort! Salty cravings and cookies during sad times.... The Lord should be our Joy! 

Have we succumbed to putting our trust more in food than we have in God? Do we trust that brownie to make us feel good more than we trust God? Will that cake really solve the stressors of financial difficulties or the jumpy nerves from dealing with an ill-tempered child?? 

Gut check. Really. 

I want to seek GOD in all that I do, including what food I partake in. 

Does that mean never indulging? No. It means facing life prayerfully, and not turning to sweet and treats to solve my stress and worries. 

What about you? ❤️


Saturday, June 18, 2016

Made to Crave...What, Exactly?



We were created by God -- with an "empty space" in us -- an empty space that only God can fill. 

We were "Made to Crave" -- But what is it that will Satisfy our hearts and souls? 

So. Is it any wonder that in our mind & bodies, we... 
   *crave excitement? 
   *crave chocolate? 
   *crave comfort? 
   *crave comfort FOOD? 
   *crave the "feel good" feeling? 
   *crave love? 
   *crave acceptance? 
   *crave hobbies? 
   *crave something new? 
   *crave change? 

But that emptiness we try so desperately to fill can ----> ONLY be filled by God himself! 

We must get to a point in life that we recognize WHO we are, and WHOSE we are. Develop our relationship with God, fill our "empty" place with: 
  >His Joy
  >His Comfort
  >His Peace
  >His Love 
  >His Acceptance
  >His Endorsement... 

Quit looking to food to fill that void. 
Quit looking for comfort in stress eating. 
Quit trying to fill that void with every passing fad. 

God is Love. And Perfect Love [God] casts out all fear. Be at Peace with who you are and WHOSE you are-- and know without a doubt: 

YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH!