Relational Devotion #1

Hi, Everyone.
Today begins a new devotional series, based on the Book of John. I'm calling it a Relational Devotion, as it will focus on scripture that teaches us how to have a good relationship with the Lord and with each other. Along with the scripture, devotional comments, and daily challenge, I will seek to tie it in to weight loss and include a video song, if at all possible. As always, I encourage you to share what God is doing in your life.

John 1:1-5, 10-13
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extingui**** He came into the very world He created, but the world didn't recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn--not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." [NLT]

     The same Power that created the universe is available to create a new life within us, to create a new life from our shattered hopes and dreams. The Light of Life, that exposes and drives away the darkness of the human race is the same light that brightens the dark corners of our world, whatever those dark corners may be.
     Eternal life and renewed earthly life are ours when we believe what God says, renounce our tendency to do things our way, and receive the One whom God sent to help us. It is our personal decision to make, whether or not to receive the gift of salvation, to receive the gift of help.

What this has to do with weight loss:  Everyone who is trying to lose weight, pre- or post-op, needs support. Support can come from family, friends, the medical community, the internet community (like ObesityHelp.com), but the greatest help can be found on the spiritual level, in a day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest, acquainted with every sorrow, with every experience we could ever have [Hebrews 4:15; Isaiah 53:3b], and has promised to make a way out whenever we experience temptation [I Corinthians 10:13].

Today, if you've never received the gift of salvation and would like to, listen to the song "Prayer of Salvation," and pray the prayer with an open heart. If you have asked Jesus into your heart, previously, take the opportunity to remember the sweet moment you surrendered to Jesus and thank Him for the gift of salvation and the gift of help He gives you daily. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQF2Yf2D3fw

Blessings,
Mary