(spiritual) Thoughtful Thurs. Devotion #1

Hi, Everyone. I feel impressed to post a daily rather than weekly devotional, so the thread of thought won't be lost (hopefully). Is that okay with you all? When you read these, keep in mind that they are from my journal, beginning April 9, 2007, For me, this was a great adventure and one that has changed my life in many ways. I believe that you will find that the Lord will speak to you, not necessarily in the same way as He spoke to me, but in a way that will be just for you. He's great like that! Oh...since I'll be posting daily, let's call these "(spiritual) Devotion #__." Today I was reviewing the lesson before tomorrow's small group Beth Moore Bible Study session of the Fruit of the Spirit and the quality of self-control. It was the last lesson and one that I had dreaded, for I recognize that I seldom exhibit self-control in my eating habits. I read one of the key verses, "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31). I had read that verse before, even memorized it, but the phrase "all to the glory of God" jumped out at me. Was that my motivation for all that I did--for God's glory? I began to pray, and God challenged me to list what my motivations have been in the area of weight loss. This is what I wrote: --To look better --Reduce pain in my body (stress on my back, knees, legs, and feet) --To "get around" better, to walk easier and longer --To be an active Nana (be able to get on the floor, to play) When I finished, the Lord asked, "Is there any motivation listed there that is for My glory?" I looked at the list again. The motivations were all valid, but, no, none of them spoke of bringing glory to God. It took me to my knees, in repentance. I confessed that nothing I'd done before was for the right reasons--to bring honor and glory to Him. I repented, asked for and received forgiveness. Right at that moment, I determined that whether I eat or drink, whatever I do, all of it will be for the glory of God. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I'm confident that God will teach me. With no self-condemnation, thoughtfully consider your motivations for all that you do. Ask God to show you the areas where you can give Him the glory, in all that you think, say, and do. Blessings, Mary

Thanks for the challenge. Too often my motivations are purely selfish, in all that I do, not just my weight loss. Thanks for reminding me to check my motivation. Hugs, Trish

Mary, Thank you for posting this, God is starting to teach me about this as well and I am finding that the more I do thoughtfully for His glory the more I receive peace and happiness in my life. I know that the Lord has granted me a 2nd chance at life so that I can have an able body to carry His message to those who are in need and I am determined not to mess it up this time! I am very excited to have a daily devotional! God Bless! Nicole

Thank you Mary. I have just found this Board today and will read it and post frequently. Your insights were very helpful to me today. I am 9 yrs. out this week, losing all my weight the first year. Maintaining has been pretty easy when keeping aware and doing what I know to do. I have done really well for most of the time, but have gained 25 lbs from my lowest and would like to lose 20 pounds. I am an emotional eater and my Mom lives with us now. The poor dear has alzheimers. I have been struggling for the past 2 years, even though I know what to do and where my "help" comes from. I am so glad God directed me to this Christian Board. I look forward to meeting many who will challenge and encourage me to get back on track. Blessings!

I love Beth Moore BTW-I bet it is a great study!! My decision to embark upon the journey of WLS was largely due to God's call on my life and the fact that I simply could not work with kids well at 422lbs. That was not my only motivation, but this whole thing was a God thing. Living it daily and not eating the bad stuff or (even harder) not drinking soda is much more difficult. In other areas I find it challanging as well. I hate cleaning my house. I just do. I think I was meant to be rich and hire someone and bless both of us.(LOL). I have to ask myself-literally-how I would clean it if I knew Jesus was coming over for dinner. Mowing the lawn is also a dreaded chore(but one I can do now-Praise God!!), but I try to sing songs of praise as I do it. It is so hard some days to put the flesh under and all of its wants and desires and live a life lead by the Spirit, but we must do our best. I'm just glad that Jesus loves me enough that even if my best is not perfect, He accepts and loves be just because I'm His.