Boundaries - Ach!

But I also gave part of Gilead to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The area I gave them extended from the middle of the Arnon Gorge in the south to the Jabbok River on the Ammonite frontier. Deuteronomy 3:16 

The above verse is found where the Israelites are getting ready to finally leave the dessert (after 40 years of wandering) and cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The Israelites had conquered land where they were and Moses divided the lands they’d taken between some of the tribes. The boundaries were clear and detailed. And they had a purpose.

While this might seem as far as we can get from food and eating issues, the truth is boundaries are talked about consistently throughout scripture and we can learn from them, even when they’re talking about land.

God always gives us boundaries for our good and His glory.

In the case of the Israelites, God gave them boundaries so each of the tribes would have their own space and be able to live freely to worship Him and be able to grow and prosper.

In the case of putting boundaries around our eating, we have the opportunity to live free of negative consequences of bad eating and be blessed with energy and strength to grow and prosper – emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.

I was talking to a friend yesterday about a time when I could eat anything I wanted and was losing weight. That’s really what my flesh wants – to have what I want when I want and still look how I want. The problem was what was happening on the inside during this time. My pancreas had shut down and while I might have looked good, by body wasn’t able to use what I was giving it and was slowly being destroyed. That is not worth being the size I’d prefer to be.

Once we figured out what was going on and I was put on insulin, I gained weight and had to put some fairly strict boundaries around my eating, but I felt a world better!

Our health is never a sacrifice worth making. The costs to every area of our lives are too high.

But that knowledge doesn’t always make staying within our boundaries easy. That’s because boundaries aren’t easy. They are difficult, just as most things with a reward are. Sticking with a diet can work for a while, but we generally have a “short-term sacrifice” mindset. This will only give up short-term results.

A lifetime of appropriate boundaries is the only thing that will give us lifetime results.

What boundaries do you need in eating? Have you prayed about it? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to heal the parts of you that turn to food instead of Him for comfort, rejuvenation, relaxation, and/or fulfillment? Have you asked God for strength to live within your boundaries so you have the physical wherewithal to live abundantly for Him?

These are decisions and prayers that would benefit us, and sometimes are necessary every day. I’m not sure how often I’ve made a commitment to do better, to live better, to be successful this time. Usually in my own strength. But today (and maybe tomorrow, and the next day and the next) I’m asking for God-centered boundaries and God-infused strength on this food journey. Won’t you join me?

The Key to Better Choices

So Moses registered them in obedience to the LORD as he had been commanded. Numbers 3:16

I would love to be obedient to God all the time. I mean, my spirit would. My flesh, on the other hand, usually wants to go its own way.

And all too often I give in to my flesh.

Chores waiting to be done around the house? I too often choose to chill out, relax, and/or play.

Work needing to be done? I frequently put it off until the last minute.

Quiet time with God? If I can actually drag myself out of bed in time, I will.

Eating what’s healthy and nutritious? Maybe. Sometimes. But so many other foods attract my attention.

I wonder, do some people just have what it takes to be obedient? To make the right choice most of the time?

But then I remember, there are times when I’m able to exercise self-control and my spirit (or The Spirit) overrules my flesh and I am obedient.

So why am I not all the time?

Because it’s easier to do what feels good, is effortless, or more fun. In other words, I often trade off the long-term reward for the short-term payoff.

But I don’t have to. And neither do you.

There’s no magic to it, no trick to make better choices. It’s just a matter of determining to do so and then acting on that decision one choice at a time.

Burning Fat

Then the priest will burn the food on the altar, as a fire offering for a pleasing aroma. “All fat belongs to the LORD….” Leviticus 3:16

         

Oh, my goodness. Did you read that last line? In case you missed it, let me write it again:

“All fat belongs to the Lord.”

The next verse is even more interesting: “This is a permanent stature throughout your generations, wherever you live: you must not eat any fat or any blood.”

First, I’d like to say that I know that we are not bound to the law of the Old Testament. Jesus came to fulfill the law and show us the full light, of which the Old Testament was a shadow presentation for God’s people. However, I don’t believe God ever set arbitrary boundaries. People do, but God has a reason for everything He’s ever told us to do or not do.

Now, that doesn’t mean this verse doesn’t make me cringe. Almost hurt, actually. Because honestly, the little bit of fat on a steak or rib or in a hamburger makes it better. Juicy, moist, and absolutely delicious. But, should I reevaluate how important fat might be?

I’m not even getting into other fats – butter, oils, avocadoes, etc. I’m just talking about the fat from meat. After all, that’s the only fat these verses are talking about.

I am not an Old Testament expert, or a Jewish heritage expert. Nor do I think we need to allow ourselves to look at verses like this and slip into legalism.

But I strive to know God and understand His Word. And I wonder what would happen if we were willing to offer all fat to the Lord as an offering.

And not just the fat in our eating. But the fat in our lives. You know, those excess things that distract us, weigh us down, and are unhealthy. The fat of guilt, the fat of wasting time, the fat of hurt, the fat of regrets, the fat of toxic relationships. What would happen if we burnt those things as an offering to the Lord? Truly giving it up permanently.

Because when it’s burned, we can’t pick it up again. We can’t gravitate towards that item again, pulling us away from being fully devoted to the Lord.

I wonder, what fat would He want me to lay on the alter as a burnt offering? Hopefully I won’t forget the question before I can carve out some quite time to seek His will here. Because I’m sure when I do, it will be a pleasing aroma to Him and I will be able to draw closer to Him and fill up to overflowing with His perfect gifts and blessings.

Tracy Wainwright

One Destination, Multiple Journeys

“This Jesus is: the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.” Acts 4:11-12

While there are many who would argue this point, scripture is very clear that there is only one path, one way to arrive at the final destination of spending eternity in heaven with God: repentance from our sin and faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. That’s it. There are no b, c, or d options.

However, the journey on that path looks very different for people. For one it may be a life steeped in sin for decades before coming to Christ. For another it may begin in childhood and consist of fairly consistent growth and obedience. Yet someone else may struggle with faith, and/or have periods of great growth and other times that seem more dormant.

For one person, God may call them to leave everything known and comfortable and live a life on a foreign mission field. Some are called to be pastors, teachers, worship leaders, children’s ministry directors, youth leaders, or women’s ministry chairs. Others are called to speak, write, start ministries, support ministries, own businesses, be faithful employees, or stay at home full time. The goal, though, is the same – a life submitted to Christ while waiting on the promise.

But the journeys can look very different.

The same is true for the journey to good health. For one, they may feel led to run, join a dance class, buy a bike, attend water aerobics, or use a storehouse of exercise videos. We’re not all called to run a marathon. (Thank goodness!) Someone may feel led to cut out sugar or all carbs, while another’s goal may be to eliminate anything not organic, processed foods, or meats. The journey to health could be the one of Paleo, Maker’s, Trim Healthy Mama, Weight Watchers, vegan, vegetarian, or any other assortment of healthy eating options available.

It’s between you and God what your journey looks like. And it’s between everyone else and God what their journey looks like.

Just because something works for you doesn’t mean it’s the way everyone else should do it.

We have to remember, in this journey of all-out pursuit of God and striving to live healthier, there are many variations in how that looks. And each person deserves respect on theirs.

No one should ever walk away from a healthy lifestyle conversation feeling bombarded, criticized, or condemned for their choices. The goals should always be to share, encourage, and uplift.

We should all be careful of this. I’m sure we’re all guilty, even me. We love to share what works for us or information we’ve attained that we feel like everyone should know. But, we want to do so in loving ways, recognizing that another may not feel led to make those same choices.

Notice I didn’t say convicted to make the same choices. Because, in most instances, we’re not talking about sin here. We’re talking about good, better, and best choices. Food only becomes a sin when we idolize it above God. It in itself, I do not believe, is sinful. Even if it’s packed with fat, sugar, and artificially produced items. (And yes, I know there are some who’d argue with me on this point.)

So, as you continue on your journey, I hope you will join with others with a mind of sensitivity, gentleness, and a heart full of praise for the Lord.

God knows

Go and assemble the elders of Israel and say to them: Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to me and said: I have paid close attention to you and to what has been done to you in Egypt. Exodus 3:16

Did you catch that? God pays attention to us and what has been done to us. Think this doesn't apply to you? God knows. He knows your struggles, your hurts, your disappointments, your confusion, and your suffering. He knows.

And He cares.

Now, before we fly by this concept, realize that this revelation and rescue from God came after 400 years of suffering. Not one of us has suffered that long.

But that doesn't mean our pain isn't just as real and just as hard to cope with. It's just a good reminder that when we cry out to the Lord, truly seek His face in our suffering, He hears us and is concerned about our suffering (Exodus 3:7.) 

We shouldn't ever be afraid to be real with God. To cry out in our struggles. To pour out our hurts. To scream about our disappointments. To question in our confusion. To plead for rescue in our suffering. He knows it all. And I believe He is sometimes waiting for us to come to the end of ourselves to draw us out. The end of us trying to figure it out, muster up the energy and/or do it all on our own.

God wants us to dump our burdens on Him. Jesus is wiling, able, and glad to take it all. It's not like He doesn't know it anyway. He's just waiting for us to cry out and surrender it to Him. Are you ready to give it up today?

Thanksgiving for Victory

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.
Let Israel say, “His faithful love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say, “His faithful love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say, “His faithful love endures forever.”

I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me
and put me in a spacious place. The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?
The Lord is my helper, Therefore, I will look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in nobles.

All the nations surrounded me; in the name of Yahweh I destroyed them.
They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; in the name of Yahweh I destroyed them.
They surrounded me like bees; they were extinguished like a fire among thorns;
in the name of Yahweh I destroyed them.
You pushed me hard to make me fall, but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.

There are shouts of joy and victory in the tents of the righteous:

“The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!
The Lord’s right hand is raised.
The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!”
I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the Lord has done.
The Lord disciplined me severely but did not give me over to death.

Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it.
I will give thanks to You because You have answered me and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
This came from the Lord; it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Lord, save us! Lord, please grant us success!
He who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God and has given us light.
Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give You thanks.
You are my God; I will exalt You.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 118

Superlative!

FreeDictionary.com defines masterpiece as
1. An outstanding work of art or craft.
2. The greatest work, as of an artist.
3. Something superlative of its kind.

God calls us His masterpiece. So what does that mean?

We are Outstanding. We are God’s Greatest Work. We are Superlative.

Hmmm…I like that. Now why don’t I believe it? Oh I want to believe it. I want to receive it, claim it, accept it as the truth. I so desperately want to look at myself and see a masterpiece. Instead most days I see ordinary.

That’s like visiting all the museums in the world and looking at the sculptures and paintings of the world’s greatest artists and saying, “Ih, they’re okay.” It’s like visiting the Sistine Chapel and looking up at Michelangelo’s painting and thinking, “Whatever.” It’s like looking at the beautiful sunrises and extraordinary sunsets and turning away unimpressed.

God, the world’s greatest artist who designed the heavens and the earth, which to me are breathtaking and worthy of praise, also created me, you, us and declares us as very good, as His masterpiece.

And we look at ourselves and say, “Ih, whatever.”

But we are not whatever, we are wonderful! In Psalms 139 it is written that we are beautifully and wonderfully made. God watched as we were being formed inside our mothers. He rejoiced as we were designed knowing the amazing life He had planned for us. And He looks at us now and delights in His masterpiece.

Imagine how our lives would change if we looked at ourselves in wonder. Not in a haughty or prideful way, but in the way we would look at a work of art. We would delight in the masterpiece; we would admire the Artist; we would walk away amazed at the beauty and it would change how we see the world.

God designed us. Christ makes us priceless. Let’s live a life that honors our Artist and worship the One who bought us with His life.

Heidi Dittmar

http://definedbygrace.net/

I had a dream last night...I dreamed about food. I am an emotional eater.

We (I) eat when we are sad (a breakup, hurt feelings and at funerals), we eat when we are happy (like weddings, when we lose a pound, someone has a baby), we eat when we hurt (nothing like a chocolate chip cookie to dry up tears from a booboo), we eat when we are bored (because we think there is nothing else to do), we eat at certain times of the day (breakfast lunch dinner), We overeat at church and call it fellowship, We eat because it is that time of the month, I eat when I have a headache, I have even eaten when I am not hungry "because I will be hungry later."

WHAT? - I need some serious help. I am glad that we have each other and the Word of God to help us out. I am tired of comparing myself to what the world says I should look like and even what I should eat. I am so ready for this.

I have struggled with my weight (or at least my thinking I am overweight) since my early teens.  My mom and my grandmother were overweight with so many health problems.  My brother and his children are overweight.  I am considered overweight according to a doctor’s chart. 

Once a Sunday school teacher told me if I wanted to see what I’d be like when I grew up, just look at my mother.  Honestly, that horrified me!  She weighed over 200 pounds, did not exercise, was a smoker, worked long hard hours, overdrew her bank account frequently and was divorced.  I vowed then I was not going to be that way.  So I didn’t eat enough, causing headaches (stupid idea).  Now headaches are a food trigger for me.

Words are powerful but now that she is gone, I desire to be exactly like her.  Now I can see the love she poured into our family.  Her love for us knew no boundaries.  She was caring, giving sacrificially for her children and others she came in contact with.  She loved me and I loved her, no matter what her condition on the inside or what she looked like on the outside. This Sunday, March 23^rd, will be the 15^th anniversary of her going home to be in the arms of Jesus.  I thank God for the lessons she taught me and that I continue to learn drawing from her strength and love she gave me.

~Thank you God for giving me the years to look back on and know what not to do anymore. Thank you for your Word that is full of truth, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Thank you for eyes to see, ears to hear, and friends to receive wise council. In Jesus Name AMEN.~

Leigh Anne

Getting Started

As the blog description says, this blog is meant to be a place of encouragement as women strive to grow closer to the Lord while struggling with food issues. 

Each week, we will offer scripture, personal stories and struggles, and lessons learned along the way. We recognize that each of us are on different places on our journey and could benefit from many different resources. If you have one, feel free to let us know!

At the beginning of each week, there will be a devotion based on one of the 3:16 scriptures. It will surprise you what some of these say, but hopefully they will spur you on in your journey towards surrendered living.

This week's focus verse: 

He said to the woman: I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children in anguish. Your desire will be for your husband, yet he will rule over you, 
Genesis 3:16

There are consequences for disobedience to the Lord! We know this in our minds and our hearts, but do we recognize it in our actions? I so often don't. I can literally being telling myself in my head the right thing to do while my hands (or mouth, or both) are doing the exact opposite. 

The first sin began with an act of eating something that was forbidden. It wasn't about the fruit, however, it was about disobedience. And while I believe all food (that God created) is free for us to eat (Mark 7:19), and everything is permissible, it is not beneficial! (1 Corinthians 6:12 & 10:23.) God loves us enough to give us the freedom to choose - choose Him, choose obedience, choose health. He also gives us guides and helps when we ask for them. 

This first verse in the 3:16 series it to remind us of the consequences (often graver than we'd imagine) are real. A good question to keep in mind: to be the best, healthiest, most energetic I can be in service for the Lord, is this thing beneficial and or constructive? A hard question, but it might just kick off the start of permanent change.

Tracy Wainwright