(spiritual) Devotion #18

Hi, Everyone.
This is part of an email I received from the OH Staff, so I will post this devotional on the Main and Christianity forums, as well as my profile blog.
"We posted the sticky post for the newer members that may not know about other forums and just wanted to bring it to their attention. We are in no way saying you can not post on the main forum."
After three weeks on Nana duty, I just got my 8-year-old grandson out the door, to school. I love him to pieces, but I'm glad to have a quiet day ahead of me. So...if you're hearing an echo of The Hallelujah Chorus, that's me!
Today's devotion is from my private journal dated April 26, 2007.

     This morning I was singing, and part of a chorus really struck me, "Free, I long to be free, I long to die to myself, entrust my life to Someone Else..." and that's what drew me to the topic of freedom.
     The Lord led me to John 8:31-32, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
     I remember how a food image would lodge in my brain. I could try to ignore it, but it kept after me until I would give in and obey the demands to indulge. Then I'd feel bad and ask for God's forgiveness, but soon that scenario would play itself out again. That is slavery!
     Now, I have hope, because I've asked Jesus to free me from this bondage, not through my willpower but through God power! God will enable me to say no.
     It is the truth that sets me free. If I am a slave to sin, I am deceived. I have believed a lie. I've believed that overeating will satisfy me, or will relieve stress, and other lies. I must examine every temptation and ask, "Is this true?" Only when I continue to embrace truth will I be able to leave overeating behind. Since Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life," I must embrace Him.
     In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus gives His mission, to release men and women from their chains of captivity. He said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel..., to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed..."  Jesus breaks the power of sin and releases me from the prison of sin. Oh, how I praise Him for that!
     Living in the freedom that knowing Jesus gives is a choice. Just as I have the freedom to turn my back on Jesus, I have the freedom to choose to yield to Him. Just as I have the freedom to overeat, I have the freedom to choose to eat only until satisfied. Just as I have the freedom to indulge my flesh, I have the freedom to choose to crucify my flesh. Just as I have the freedom to carry pounds of excess flesh, I have the freedom to choose the disciplined eating and exercise habits which will cause my body to release the excess weight.
     Freedom from the domination of flesh is possible. Freedom from satisfying every craving is possible. Freedom from overeating is possible. Freedom to have a body that is honoring to the Lord is possible. Jesus will set me free, as I yield to Him and His Word, and "[she] whom the Son sets free is free indeed"!

Today, consider how well you're yielding to and choosing the freedom that Jesus gives, especially in the area of your eating and exercise habits.

I love hearing from you, as you share what God is doing in your life.
Blessings,
Mary

Hi Mary!
today is the first day I read your post!  I hesitate sometimes because some of the spiritual postings are not "Christian" spiritual readings.  I always enjoy coffee talk with Randall.
I also enjoyed yours!  Thank you for posting.
I heard the hallelujah chorus playing for you!  I homeschool my kids, so I never get to hear that song! 
Have a great day!
God bless
Christy

Hi, Christy.
I'm so excited to hear that someone new has read my post! I post it pretty early, around 7:00 Kansas time, so today I decided to post it several times, just to see if I get any new readers.
I love homeschool moms! It's a calling, definitely. I don't think I could have done that. I distinctly remember standing in the middle of my living room, one summer's day, when all four of my children were pre-school age and yelling, "This is why mother animals eat their young!" Yep, had to repent of that one!
God bless you today!
Mary

Oh Mary, that is so funny!  I can definitely associate with that!  It is fairly easy for me because I only have 2 boys and they are 4 years apart. 
I will try to catch your post every day now, that can be my devotions!
Thanks again! 
God bless!
Christy

Thanks, Christy. I look forward to hearing more from you, as I know God will teach you and you can teach me. If you'd like to read the previous 17 devotions, they are on my profile blog.
Blessings,
Mary

I am at work and don't have time to write the whole thing down as to what God has done in my life, it would take more time. I am truly a blessed woman. He has turned things around, including loosing 100 pounds. I was a victim of domestic violence and now I am working with attorneys, have a new home, lost 100 pounds and I am in school and happily divoriced. This year I will be blessed financially and with a mate that God will pick out and he will have a heart for God. Thank you Jesus.

How wonderful! Check my profile story, when you have time. I love do-overs, and I know God does too, as He sure helps make them happen! I agree with your future, as seen through your eyes of faith, too.
Blessings,
Mary