I haven't done much with this blog, because, sad to say, I haven't been doing much of anything in regard to watching what I eat.
The past few days I have been sick with some kind of bug that kept me within a few steps of the bathroom. I had about 8 crackers and a few bites of applesauce for about a day and a half. Even water would set off a bathroom session.
Pretty miserable.
I had to learn that even though I craved something to eat or drink, it would have dire consequences and I'd better hold off.
If I could just get this lesson in everyday life: when I eat or drink the wrong things or too much of the good things, there may not be immediate consequences, but there are longer-term consequences.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
How to Say No, Chapter 13
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 13, Writing the Last Chapter
This chapter is titled thus because the last step is what we do with what we have learned. Lutzer suggests getting a notebook which will become a spiritual diary and including in it such things as letters to God about our failures, weaknesses, bad habits, desires, etc.; prayer requests and answers; strategies for our growth in grace (spending time in the Word, verses to memorize, etc.); anticipating ways Satan might try to trip us up and preparing for them; observations from Scripture; lessons learned.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 13, Writing the Last Chapter
This chapter is titled thus because the last step is what we do with what we have learned. Lutzer suggests getting a notebook which will become a spiritual diary and including in it such things as letters to God about our failures, weaknesses, bad habits, desires, etc.; prayer requests and answers; strategies for our growth in grace (spending time in the Word, verses to memorize, etc.); anticipating ways Satan might try to trip us up and preparing for them; observations from Scripture; lessons learned.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
How to say no, chapter 12
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 12, Trapped Again
Sometimes people are delivered from certain sins almost instantaneously at salvation (by delivered here I mean they never struggle with wanting to do it again: we're all delivered from the penalty of sin and receive forgiveness at salvation, and, in Christ, as discussed earlier, we have the freedom and the power to be delivered from sin having a rule over us. But working that out into our lives can take longer with some things than others.) I heard the testimony of one man once who said immediately when he was saved he was delivered from alcohol, but setting aside cigarettes took a lot longer.
And, anyone who has struggled with overcoming a certain sin or resisting a certain temptation knows what it is to have some success but then to fall prey to it again, along with feelings of discouragement and defeat. Some after a while figure deliverance isn't possible and give up.
Deliverance is possible: we just have to confess our sin to the Lord again and pick back up. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16).
Lutzer discusses in this chapter some of the issues involved in this cycle: sometimes there is a feeling of pride in having gained victory or resisted temptation; sometimes, after a numbers of victories a person feels they can "handle" getting close to the sin again or being in an environment of temptation.
Of course, we know that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). "Past victory [is] no guarantee for future conquests." It can be an encouragement; but it is not a guarantee. "We must learn that our most dangerous moment is when we think we have finally mastered our situation...Not one of us should ever say, 'This is one sin I have under control. I'll never commit it again.'"
"Even good works done in God's name are never the basis for God's acceptance of us...the basis of His acceptance is God's mercy alone."
God loathes self-righteousness and He "uses our sin to remind us of our weakness. " We need to let our weaknesses "crowd us to the cross," reminding us of just how much we need God's grace. I Peter 5:5-6: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
"Generally it's a slow leak and not a blowout that stops us." Some signs of impending trouble are a feeling of satisfaction or relief that that sin is under control (I Cor. 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."; making hidden provision for the sin (Romans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."); spiritual "coasting...crowding God and His Word to the circumference of our lives" rather than central place," letting other things get in the way; finally compromise -- tolerating a little of a sin or for a little while.
We need to keep "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
When we do fall we need not let guilt keep us from coming to God right away. "To think we must straighten up before we come back to Him betrays a misunderstanding of the cross. We are to come solely on the merit of the blood, not on the merit of an acceptable track record." We need to come back and to confess our sin to Him the very moment we're aware of it.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me (Micah 7:8).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 12, Trapped Again
Sometimes people are delivered from certain sins almost instantaneously at salvation (by delivered here I mean they never struggle with wanting to do it again: we're all delivered from the penalty of sin and receive forgiveness at salvation, and, in Christ, as discussed earlier, we have the freedom and the power to be delivered from sin having a rule over us. But working that out into our lives can take longer with some things than others.) I heard the testimony of one man once who said immediately when he was saved he was delivered from alcohol, but setting aside cigarettes took a lot longer.
And, anyone who has struggled with overcoming a certain sin or resisting a certain temptation knows what it is to have some success but then to fall prey to it again, along with feelings of discouragement and defeat. Some after a while figure deliverance isn't possible and give up.
Deliverance is possible: we just have to confess our sin to the Lord again and pick back up. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16).
Lutzer discusses in this chapter some of the issues involved in this cycle: sometimes there is a feeling of pride in having gained victory or resisted temptation; sometimes, after a numbers of victories a person feels they can "handle" getting close to the sin again or being in an environment of temptation.
Of course, we know that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). "Past victory [is] no guarantee for future conquests." It can be an encouragement; but it is not a guarantee. "We must learn that our most dangerous moment is when we think we have finally mastered our situation...Not one of us should ever say, 'This is one sin I have under control. I'll never commit it again.'"
"Even good works done in God's name are never the basis for God's acceptance of us...the basis of His acceptance is God's mercy alone."
God loathes self-righteousness and He "uses our sin to remind us of our weakness. " We need to let our weaknesses "crowd us to the cross," reminding us of just how much we need God's grace. I Peter 5:5-6: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
"Generally it's a slow leak and not a blowout that stops us." Some signs of impending trouble are a feeling of satisfaction or relief that that sin is under control (I Cor. 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."; making hidden provision for the sin (Romans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."); spiritual "coasting...crowding God and His Word to the circumference of our lives" rather than central place," letting other things get in the way; finally compromise -- tolerating a little of a sin or for a little while.
We need to keep "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
When we do fall we need not let guilt keep us from coming to God right away. "To think we must straighten up before we come back to Him betrays a misunderstanding of the cross. We are to come solely on the merit of the blood, not on the merit of an acceptable track record." We need to come back and to confess our sin to Him the very moment we're aware of it.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me (Micah 7:8).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
How to say no, chapter 11
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 11, Resisting Satanic Activity
Though "the flesh" gives us plenty of trouble, Satan is also at work "undercover" in our everyday lives and struggles with sin (i.e., he tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie (Acts 5:3), can tempt people sexually (I Cor. 7:5) or in their standing up for Christ (Luke 22:31), can hinder people from doing God's will (I Thes. 2:18), blinds people's minds (II Cor. 4:4), "snatches" the Word from people's minds lest they be saved (Luke 8:12). He is not at work just when something bizarre or eerie is happening.
Satan's sphere of influence is the heart or mind, the inner, spiritual being (he put it in Judas' heart to deny Christ [John 13:2], tempted Ananias to lie, mentioned earlier). He is our " adversary ... a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8).
Yet, though he may tempt us, we're still responsible for our choices: Ananias and Sapphira died. "He may suggest any sin imaginable, but ultimately you make the choice. He cannot work independently of your cooperation."
We may be tempted to think that if we leave Satan alone, he'll leave us alone, but Lutzer tells such people, "You've just made peace with the enemy by refusing to do battle with him."
One of his most effective weapons is fear of what will happen if we do one thing or don't do another, but we have to remember he is a liar and that father of lies (John 8:44).
But we have the authority to resist and renounce his activity. The first thing to do is to check our spiritual armor (Eph 6:10-18) and see if anything is missing or not up to par. Lutzer then comments just on the "breastplate of righteousness." Any sin gives him a foothold, but that disappears once the sin is confessed and forsaken. Personal righteousness is a shield from demonic attack. "Satan's arrows are deflected when up against a conscience void of offense." If we're being troubled in any area, we need to check whether we've given Satan any ground or have some sin we've not taken care of by confessing or forsaking it. And so, too, with the other pieces of armor.
"Satan has no rights, but he won't admit it." "Christ's death and ascension to heaven won a legal victory over all satanic forces" (Col. 2:15, Eph. 1:20-23)) and therefore we can resist him (James 4:7, Eph. 4:26-27). Lutzer then reasons that "(1) Christ's ascension to heaven placed him above all rule, authority, power, and every name that is named, and (2), all things are under His feet -- no power exists in the universe without Christ's permission. [(3) we're] seated with Christ in heavenly places" according to Ephesians 2, so we have authority over Satan though we may feel weak and helpless.
We can confront wicked powers then by following the example of Christ in Matthew 4: tell them to be gone based on the promises of Scripture. "The power of the Word of God is unleashed when you bring yourself under its authority." The disciples could not cast out a demon due to unbelief (Luke 9:47-48).
I John 4:4: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 11, Resisting Satanic Activity
Though "the flesh" gives us plenty of trouble, Satan is also at work "undercover" in our everyday lives and struggles with sin (i.e., he tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie (Acts 5:3), can tempt people sexually (I Cor. 7:5) or in their standing up for Christ (Luke 22:31), can hinder people from doing God's will (I Thes. 2:18), blinds people's minds (II Cor. 4:4), "snatches" the Word from people's minds lest they be saved (Luke 8:12). He is not at work just when something bizarre or eerie is happening.
Satan's sphere of influence is the heart or mind, the inner, spiritual being (he put it in Judas' heart to deny Christ [John 13:2], tempted Ananias to lie, mentioned earlier). He is our " adversary ... a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8).
Yet, though he may tempt us, we're still responsible for our choices: Ananias and Sapphira died. "He may suggest any sin imaginable, but ultimately you make the choice. He cannot work independently of your cooperation."
We may be tempted to think that if we leave Satan alone, he'll leave us alone, but Lutzer tells such people, "You've just made peace with the enemy by refusing to do battle with him."
One of his most effective weapons is fear of what will happen if we do one thing or don't do another, but we have to remember he is a liar and that father of lies (John 8:44).
But we have the authority to resist and renounce his activity. The first thing to do is to check our spiritual armor (Eph 6:10-18) and see if anything is missing or not up to par. Lutzer then comments just on the "breastplate of righteousness." Any sin gives him a foothold, but that disappears once the sin is confessed and forsaken. Personal righteousness is a shield from demonic attack. "Satan's arrows are deflected when up against a conscience void of offense." If we're being troubled in any area, we need to check whether we've given Satan any ground or have some sin we've not taken care of by confessing or forsaking it. And so, too, with the other pieces of armor.
"Satan has no rights, but he won't admit it." "Christ's death and ascension to heaven won a legal victory over all satanic forces" (Col. 2:15, Eph. 1:20-23)) and therefore we can resist him (James 4:7, Eph. 4:26-27). Lutzer then reasons that "(1) Christ's ascension to heaven placed him above all rule, authority, power, and every name that is named, and (2), all things are under His feet -- no power exists in the universe without Christ's permission. [(3) we're] seated with Christ in heavenly places" according to Ephesians 2, so we have authority over Satan though we may feel weak and helpless.
We can confront wicked powers then by following the example of Christ in Matthew 4: tell them to be gone based on the promises of Scripture. "The power of the Word of God is unleashed when you bring yourself under its authority." The disciples could not cast out a demon due to unbelief (Luke 9:47-48).
I John 4:4: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Monday, June 2, 2008
How to say no, chapter 10
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 10, The Intercession of Christ and Believers
Christ told Peter, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31-32). Peter did deny Him, as predicted, but without Christ's intercession it could have been even worse or Peter might not have repented or recovered. Plus Christ has been human, felt human needs, been tempted and resisted, so He can empathize with us and in Him we can have victory. "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18). Plus, He is our advocate with the Father (I John 2:1).
Lutzer points out that we're not designed to live the Christian life independently. Various Scriptures (I Cor. 12, for one) illustrate the need for believers to interact with and support each other -- the passages about the church being a body, the promise of prayer where two or three are gathered together in His Name (Matt. 18:20). Though I see and agree with that, I am not so sure I agree with the idea of an "accountability partner." It seems to me that if I am only resisting or undertaking something because I am going to have to report to someone, I am not really doing it as unto the Lord, and it kind of feeds into the performing for the eyes and approval of man. I'd be interested in other thoughts on this.
Lutzer then discusses restoring a believer. When we see a fellow believer sin (not just do something not in line with our preferences, but a clear and actual sin), usually our first impulse is to talk with someone else about it (gossip) or just hope the person comes around, but it is our duty to confront them. According to Matt. 18:15-17 it is to be done privately first, and according to Galatians 6:1 it is to be done in meekness, not self-righteousness.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 10, The Intercession of Christ and Believers
Christ told Peter, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31-32). Peter did deny Him, as predicted, but without Christ's intercession it could have been even worse or Peter might not have repented or recovered. Plus Christ has been human, felt human needs, been tempted and resisted, so He can empathize with us and in Him we can have victory. "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18). Plus, He is our advocate with the Father (I John 2:1).
Lutzer points out that we're not designed to live the Christian life independently. Various Scriptures (I Cor. 12, for one) illustrate the need for believers to interact with and support each other -- the passages about the church being a body, the promise of prayer where two or three are gathered together in His Name (Matt. 18:20). Though I see and agree with that, I am not so sure I agree with the idea of an "accountability partner." It seems to me that if I am only resisting or undertaking something because I am going to have to report to someone, I am not really doing it as unto the Lord, and it kind of feeds into the performing for the eyes and approval of man. I'd be interested in other thoughts on this.
Lutzer then discusses restoring a believer. When we see a fellow believer sin (not just do something not in line with our preferences, but a clear and actual sin), usually our first impulse is to talk with someone else about it (gossip) or just hope the person comes around, but it is our duty to confront them. According to Matt. 18:15-17 it is to be done privately first, and according to Galatians 6:1 it is to be done in meekness, not self-righteousness.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
How to say no, chapter 9
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 9, The Taming of Your Will
Lutzer defines our will as our decision-making faculty, often caught between our thoughts and desires. "Your emotions express how you feel; your mind says what you know, but your will tells you what you want."
"God does not save you by circumventing your will. He works through it, giving you the ability to choose...Your will does not become passive when you yield to God. A surrendered will experiences struggle, as Christ's conflict in Gethsemane demonstrates."
Our will is influenced by our goals and priorities; i.e., we may not want to get up when the alarm clock goes off, but if we value our jobs, we will get up anyway. Short term goals can help give direction but they are not enough for "a meaningful and satisfying life...Only eternal values can give meaning to temporal ones."
Moses is one example of being motivated by eternal purposes: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:24-27). Christ is another: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38).
We also need to "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (I Cor. 4:18).
"Your goals are the foundation of your larger beliefs about life and about yourself. Within the framework of your ultimate you forumate your short-term goals.""Your momentary feelings are not a good guide toward fulfilling desirable goals. Paul had his body in control: 'But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.' (I Cor. 9:27)."
We have God's help to do His will, but often the very point of conflict is wanting our will instead of His. We think we need our wills to be stronger, but they are plenty strong enough! What we need is a surrendered will (Psalm 51:17). When we yield to Him, then we find the resources to do what He requires. "You can't say no to temptation unless you say yes to God."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 9, The Taming of Your Will
Lutzer defines our will as our decision-making faculty, often caught between our thoughts and desires. "Your emotions express how you feel; your mind says what you know, but your will tells you what you want."
"God does not save you by circumventing your will. He works through it, giving you the ability to choose...Your will does not become passive when you yield to God. A surrendered will experiences struggle, as Christ's conflict in Gethsemane demonstrates."
Our will is influenced by our goals and priorities; i.e., we may not want to get up when the alarm clock goes off, but if we value our jobs, we will get up anyway. Short term goals can help give direction but they are not enough for "a meaningful and satisfying life...Only eternal values can give meaning to temporal ones."
Moses is one example of being motivated by eternal purposes: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:24-27). Christ is another: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38).
We also need to "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (I Cor. 4:18).
"Your goals are the foundation of your larger beliefs about life and about yourself. Within the framework of your ultimate you forumate your short-term goals.""Your momentary feelings are not a good guide toward fulfilling desirable goals. Paul had his body in control: 'But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.' (I Cor. 9:27)."
We have God's help to do His will, but often the very point of conflict is wanting our will instead of His. We think we need our wills to be stronger, but they are plenty strong enough! What we need is a surrendered will (Psalm 51:17). When we yield to Him, then we find the resources to do what He requires. "You can't say no to temptation unless you say yes to God."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Friday, May 30, 2008
How to say no, chapter 8
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 8, Living With Your Feelings
This is the toughest area for me, because somehow I expect that when I surrender an area to God, my feelings will be different and I won't want to do that thing any more. But that's not the case.
Lutzer points out that Eve's first sin involved a choice to follow feelings and desire rather than God's command, and that feelings in themselves are God-created and not wrong, but they are not fully reliable, and must be kept in check.
He mentions specifically by way of illustration:
We need thought, will, feeling, spiritual perception, and physical activity all to work together under the authority of the Word of God (Matt. 4:4).
"Most sinful habits are developed by simply following the path of least resistance, by doing whatever you feel like doing." "Many people who think they cannot obey God's commands really don't feel like obeying...Our fallen human nature seldom feels like obedience; usually it wants to do its own thing...Satan suggests to us -- as he did to Eve -- that God has asked us to obey commands which we cannot or need not keep. If we think we must feel like it, before we obey God's Word, we will never get off the ground in our spiritual lives."
Another danger of living by feeling is substituting or mistaking it for doctrine. "If you believe God is with you just because "He feels so close, " you will also believe there are days when He forsakes you, because He feels so far away. The assurance of God's presence does not come by feelings, but by faith (Heb. 13:5). "You need not experience a steady stream of placid emotional feelings to walk with God." Even Christ struggled with the emotions of facing the cross (John 12:27-28, Matt. 26:38).
Another danger of living by feelings is procrastination -- putting things off until we feel ready and able to do them, then adding guilt feelings to the mix.
"The moment you declare war on your besetting sin, you will bump into your feelings, mostly negative ones," like helplessness (the sin of unbelief in a different form), discouragement, laziness.
The example of Christ in coping with feelings:
1. He admitted them (Matt. 26:38, John 12:27-28)
2. He requested the support of friends.
3. He knew His emotional suffering would not separate Him from the Father's love and approval.
4. He knew that blessing would follow obedience (Heb. 12:2).
"Faith often runs counter to feeling. Even the attempt to find victory in feelings is a sin in the life of a believer. In short, it is simply 'walking in the flesh.' We must repent of th sin of assessing the reality of the Christ0life on the basis of feeling." Henry Teichrob
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 8, Living With Your Feelings
This is the toughest area for me, because somehow I expect that when I surrender an area to God, my feelings will be different and I won't want to do that thing any more. But that's not the case.
Lutzer points out that Eve's first sin involved a choice to follow feelings and desire rather than God's command, and that feelings in themselves are God-created and not wrong, but they are not fully reliable, and must be kept in check.
He mentions specifically by way of illustration:
The feeling of hunger is given by God to keep you alive: without it you would starve. But your craving for food must be kept in check, or else you will probably become gluttonous. Feelings of hunger must be restrained for the total good of the body.What he specifically means by "feelings" here are "inclinations, passing preferences, momentray urges," not "the deep currents of emotion which are part of the unity of your person."
The same can be said for sexual feeling and even feelings of anger and love. Your will must provide a check on the stream of emotions that ebb and flow through your being. If you follow your feelings wherever they may lead, you will be fulfilling virtually every wanton desire.
We need thought, will, feeling, spiritual perception, and physical activity all to work together under the authority of the Word of God (Matt. 4:4).
"Most sinful habits are developed by simply following the path of least resistance, by doing whatever you feel like doing." "Many people who think they cannot obey God's commands really don't feel like obeying...Our fallen human nature seldom feels like obedience; usually it wants to do its own thing...Satan suggests to us -- as he did to Eve -- that God has asked us to obey commands which we cannot or need not keep. If we think we must feel like it, before we obey God's Word, we will never get off the ground in our spiritual lives."
Another danger of living by feeling is substituting or mistaking it for doctrine. "If you believe God is with you just because "He feels so close, " you will also believe there are days when He forsakes you, because He feels so far away. The assurance of God's presence does not come by feelings, but by faith (Heb. 13:5). "You need not experience a steady stream of placid emotional feelings to walk with God." Even Christ struggled with the emotions of facing the cross (John 12:27-28, Matt. 26:38).
Another danger of living by feelings is procrastination -- putting things off until we feel ready and able to do them, then adding guilt feelings to the mix.
"The moment you declare war on your besetting sin, you will bump into your feelings, mostly negative ones," like helplessness (the sin of unbelief in a different form), discouragement, laziness.
The example of Christ in coping with feelings:
1. He admitted them (Matt. 26:38, John 12:27-28)
2. He requested the support of friends.
3. He knew His emotional suffering would not separate Him from the Father's love and approval.
4. He knew that blessing would follow obedience (Heb. 12:2).
"Faith often runs counter to feeling. Even the attempt to find victory in feelings is a sin in the life of a believer. In short, it is simply 'walking in the flesh.' We must repent of th sin of assessing the reality of the Christ0life on the basis of feeling." Henry Teichrob
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
How to say no, chapter 7
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 7, The Renewing of Your Mind
The theme sentence of this chapter is, "Sinful habits cannot be broken without replacing them with righteous ones." Renouncing them is a good first step, but unless we fill the gap, they'll come right back.
In fact, when we try not to think of something, that's when we can't get our minds off of it. "Freedom comes from filling your mind with God's thoughts."
Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." "The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind."
II Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This is a spiritual battle.
1. Identify the specific thoughts you want to replace.
2. Be prepared for the discipline of spiritual warfare.
3. Be prepared to memorize the Word of God, especially those dealing with your problem. (Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.")
Begin the day dwelling on God's promises. Decide beforehand how you will respond when temptation strikes. "Obey the first promptings of the Holy Spirit." Then learn to switch topics of thought -- use the temptation as an alarm system to praise God," pray, sing a hymn, meditate on Scripture.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 7, The Renewing of Your Mind
The theme sentence of this chapter is, "Sinful habits cannot be broken without replacing them with righteous ones." Renouncing them is a good first step, but unless we fill the gap, they'll come right back.
In fact, when we try not to think of something, that's when we can't get our minds off of it. "Freedom comes from filling your mind with God's thoughts."
Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." "The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind."
II Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This is a spiritual battle.
1. Identify the specific thoughts you want to replace.
2. Be prepared for the discipline of spiritual warfare.
3. Be prepared to memorize the Word of God, especially those dealing with your problem. (Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.")
Begin the day dwelling on God's promises. Decide beforehand how you will respond when temptation strikes. "Obey the first promptings of the Holy Spirit." Then learn to switch topics of thought -- use the temptation as an alarm system to praise God," pray, sing a hymn, meditate on Scripture.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
How to say no, chapter 6
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 6, The Power of the Holy Spirit
John 7: 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
I used to be confused by the statement that the Holy Spirit could not be given til Jesus was glorified: at first I though, if they are both omniscient, why can't they both be in the same place at the same time? But the issue was the order of things: Christ's glorification had to come first. Lutzer points out that "the basis of the gift of the Spirit was the glorification of Christ," just as the basis of our forgiveness is Christ's death on the cross. Both must be received by faith, not by agonizing or fasting.
Since the time of the book of Acts, very believer receives the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" but full control is not automatic.
Some people feel they are not "good enough" for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them and they should do more first, but that's like thinking you need to get better before taking medicine. Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," not "quit walking in the flesh and then receive the Spirit."
Eph 5:18 says, ” And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” If someone is drunk, they are being controlled by the alcohol. If we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re yielding to His control.
How is one filled with the Spirit? First confess any known sin. Ask God to search you and show you any that you might be missing. Then just ask in faith to be filled with His Spirit, just like you asked in faith to be saved. Erwin Lutzer says on p.75:
"You will be greatly helped in accepting the Spirit's control if you learn the power of praise." Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." "Thankfulness, like forgiveness, is not an emotion. Thankfulness is an intelligent response of gratitude to God, based on Hos Word. It is your determination to be obedient."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 6, The Power of the Holy Spirit
John 7: 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
I used to be confused by the statement that the Holy Spirit could not be given til Jesus was glorified: at first I though, if they are both omniscient, why can't they both be in the same place at the same time? But the issue was the order of things: Christ's glorification had to come first. Lutzer points out that "the basis of the gift of the Spirit was the glorification of Christ," just as the basis of our forgiveness is Christ's death on the cross. Both must be received by faith, not by agonizing or fasting.
Since the time of the book of Acts, very believer receives the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" but full control is not automatic.
Some people feel they are not "good enough" for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them and they should do more first, but that's like thinking you need to get better before taking medicine. Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," not "quit walking in the flesh and then receive the Spirit."
Eph 5:18 says, ” And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” If someone is drunk, they are being controlled by the alcohol. If we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re yielding to His control.
How is one filled with the Spirit? First confess any known sin. Ask God to search you and show you any that you might be missing. Then just ask in faith to be filled with His Spirit, just like you asked in faith to be saved. Erwin Lutzer says on p.75:
How were you saved? By depending on the death of Christ. How do you receive Christ? By depending on the ascension of Christ. Both come by faith. That’s why Paul wrote, “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col. 2:6).
You receive the Spirit’s filling by faith, not by having a particular feeling. Some Christians wrongly believe that the filling of the Spirit is a sensation. They expect waves of love, or an overwhelming sense of peace, or speaking in strange languages. Theirs is a fleshly desire to walk by sight, not by faith. We find it difficult to take God at His Word…and we ask for a sign that we might believe.
God, however, delights when you believe in Him without demanding emotional crutches. Just as a new believer needs to receive God’s promises — apart from feelings — so you daily need to receive the power of the Holy Spirit — apart from feelings
"You will be greatly helped in accepting the Spirit's control if you learn the power of praise." Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." "Thankfulness, like forgiveness, is not an emotion. Thankfulness is an intelligent response of gratitude to God, based on Hos Word. It is your determination to be obedient."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
How to say no, chapter 5
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 5: The Freedom of Living at the Cross
Often it is not until we try to break sinful habits that we realize just how strong they are.
"All sins originate from the corruption of our rebellious sinful nature" which NT writers refer to as "the flesh." Lutzer defines the flesh as "a compulsive inner force inhereited from man's fall which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God...often called self; the incurable desire to put our interests above God's."
He then goes through several "Traits of the Self-Life" which are quite convicting -- I have found several variations online: one is here.
He then discusses what in means to be "in Adam" -- a descendant of the human race which cannot help but sin -- and "in Christ" -- bought with the price of Christ's death, given "a new nature and the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit so that we can say no to our old self-nature."
He compares it to being adopted into a new family with all its new rights and responsibilities, or moving into a new home with a new landlord: though the old landlord may still come around and demand payment, we don't owe him anything any more. Our "authority to say no [to sin] is God-given:" "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11.)
How can we apply this knowledge to our sinful habit?
1. Realize "in Christ you are already dead to your sinful passions." We don't have to become dead to it become crucified to our flesh. This is hard because it doesn't feel that way, but we must take it by faith. "Just because you get talked into obeying your old landlord doesn't change that fact of new management. It does mean that you forgot you could confidently say no to his extortion schemes."
2. Admit the need for faith in daily life. "When we shift our attention to the completed work of the cross and insist on our privileges, our old self surrenders to God's authority." Though we're positionally complete in Christ, freedom from sin and spiritual maturity aren't automatic: it's contested and requires time with God and Hos Word, faith, and obedience.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 5: The Freedom of Living at the Cross
Often it is not until we try to break sinful habits that we realize just how strong they are.
"All sins originate from the corruption of our rebellious sinful nature" which NT writers refer to as "the flesh." Lutzer defines the flesh as "a compulsive inner force inhereited from man's fall which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God...often called self; the incurable desire to put our interests above God's."
He then goes through several "Traits of the Self-Life" which are quite convicting -- I have found several variations online: one is here.
He then discusses what in means to be "in Adam" -- a descendant of the human race which cannot help but sin -- and "in Christ" -- bought with the price of Christ's death, given "a new nature and the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit so that we can say no to our old self-nature."
He compares it to being adopted into a new family with all its new rights and responsibilities, or moving into a new home with a new landlord: though the old landlord may still come around and demand payment, we don't owe him anything any more. Our "authority to say no [to sin] is God-given:" "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11.)
How can we apply this knowledge to our sinful habit?
1. Realize "in Christ you are already dead to your sinful passions." We don't have to become dead to it become crucified to our flesh. This is hard because it doesn't feel that way, but we must take it by faith. "Just because you get talked into obeying your old landlord doesn't change that fact of new management. It does mean that you forgot you could confidently say no to his extortion schemes."
2. Admit the need for faith in daily life. "When we shift our attention to the completed work of the cross and insist on our privileges, our old self surrenders to God's authority." Though we're positionally complete in Christ, freedom from sin and spiritual maturity aren't automatic: it's contested and requires time with God and Hos Word, faith, and obedience.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Monday, May 26, 2008
How to say no, chapter 4
My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 4: Getting God's Perspective
Lutzer suggests taking time to do an inventory of our lives, jotting down areas that need work, defining our attitudes, identifying what's really going on in our hearts. Then give ourselves and our problems over to Him, letting go of our perceived "rights." We have to realize that our ultimate goal is not just victory over sin, but coming to know and love God will all our hearts, soul, mind and strength..
It's a stunning thought to me that every time I choose my way instead of God, I am not loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 4: Getting God's Perspective
"One reason why...people reverted back to their old behavior patterns is they misunderstood the full extent of their problem. True, they wanted victory, but they didn't understand how or why God would bring it about. They, like most of us, wanted to overcome a specific habit -- for their own benefit. They wanted to be free of the symptoms of their problem, but did not want a thorough examination that would reveal deeper problems in their lives which they were unwilling to face. The habits themselves were like the tip of the iceberg."
"Sinful habits are usually indicative of unresolved conflicts. we must always seek underlying causes rather than treating the symptoms. God uses our struggle with sin to diagnose our true condition. Temptation is His X-ray machine, discovering the hidden conflicts that need attention."
"The deeper issue we often avoid is our rebellion against God."
"To confess your sins means that you agree with God that you have sinned: it also means that you agree that the sin must be forsaken. Those who confess their sins, intending to repeat the same actions, are only partially repentant. Such incomplete repentance leads to a downward spiral of repeated failure. Confession means that you admit your sin and give God permission to remove it from your life. Of course, I am not saying that you will never commit the same sin again -- if so. none of us could claim forgiveness. But their needs to be a willingness to part with the sin, and a submission to God's verdict on the matter. Apart from such acknowledgment, your intentions are self-centered. You are inquiring how forgiveness will benefit you instead of considering how you have offended God."
"Temptation...gives you a clear-cut opportunity to declare your allegiance to Jesus Christ."
Lutzer suggests taking time to do an inventory of our lives, jotting down areas that need work, defining our attitudes, identifying what's really going on in our hearts. Then give ourselves and our problems over to Him, letting go of our perceived "rights." We have to realize that our ultimate goal is not just victory over sin, but coming to know and love God will all our hearts, soul, mind and strength..
It's a stunning thought to me that every time I choose my way instead of God, I am not loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
How to say no, chapter 3
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 3: Putting You Past Behind You
Satan likes to use illegitimate guilt to make us feel that a new beginning is impossible. Or he wants us to think that "we've gone too far...since the past can't be reclaimed we might as well give up." Plus sinful habits have a "domino effect," making them easier to commit the next time. Once guard has been let down it is easy to let it down again.
True, actions have consequences that sometimes cannot be changed. But God offers genuine forgiveness and a break in the cycle, a new beginning.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18.
Guilt can cause physical illness, depression, lack of faith (I John 3:21). It can cause people to punish themselves or to do good works to compensate. Good works can't erase guilt.
To deal with guilt:
1. Identify the cause. Sometimes we can be plagued by false guilt.
2. Realize that God's remedy for sin is complete (I John 1:9). To help stop the cycle of confessing the same sin over and over, begin to thank God for His forgiveness each time you fell guilty.
3. "As far as possible, experience the healing of all personal relationships."
My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.
Chapter 3: Putting You Past Behind You
"The sin that troubles you today sank its roots into your life yesterday. You can't break your sinful habits until you have a new beginning."
Satan likes to use illegitimate guilt to make us feel that a new beginning is impossible. Or he wants us to think that "we've gone too far...since the past can't be reclaimed we might as well give up." Plus sinful habits have a "domino effect," making them easier to commit the next time. Once guard has been let down it is easy to let it down again.
True, actions have consequences that sometimes cannot be changed. But God offers genuine forgiveness and a break in the cycle, a new beginning.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18.
Guilt can cause physical illness, depression, lack of faith (I John 3:21). It can cause people to punish themselves or to do good works to compensate. Good works can't erase guilt.
To deal with guilt:
1. Identify the cause. Sometimes we can be plagued by false guilt.
2. Realize that God's remedy for sin is complete (I John 1:9). To help stop the cycle of confessing the same sin over and over, begin to thank God for His forgiveness each time you fell guilty.
3. "As far as possible, experience the healing of all personal relationships."
My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Excess
I came across this verse while studying something else:
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Matthew 23:25
One of the sins of the Pharisees was that they were "full of excess." How convicting to one with a lot of excess weight!
Yet it is helpful, too. One of my struggles is that, unlike a smoker or alcoholic, we can't just put away what we indulge in. We do have to eat. And it depresses me to think of never eating a cookie or burger again. But if I keep in mind that excessiveness, either of the amounts or the wrong types of foods, is the problem, I think that helps me get my mind around handling it.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Matthew 23:25
One of the sins of the Pharisees was that they were "full of excess." How convicting to one with a lot of excess weight!
Yet it is helpful, too. One of my struggles is that, unlike a smoker or alcoholic, we can't just put away what we indulge in. We do have to eat. And it depresses me to think of never eating a cookie or burger again. But if I keep in mind that excessiveness, either of the amounts or the wrong types of foods, is the problem, I think that helps me get my mind around handling it.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
How to say no, chapter 2
I want to continue to make notes for myself from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer. This isn't meant to be a full outline -- just an exercise to help me learn and internalize the truths I have read. I'd highly recommend the book, retitled now Winning the Inner War.
Chapter 2 is "The Ground Rules." Dr. Lutzer assrts that before we can change, we must accept three principles:
1. God is good.
Satan's implication in the first temptation of Eve was that God was withholding something from her and therefore didn't have her best interests at heart. Dr. Lutzer then lists several examples of how temptations arise for us in the same way. The focus on what we can't have robs us of the blessing of all that we can. If we question whether God's way is the best, we won't be motivated to change.
We have to remember that "No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you." When we cling to our pleasures rather than God's will, we're not on;y displeasing God, we're destroying ourselves. I did a study on "my own way" from Scripture once and posted the results on my main blog here. I need to review that often when I am so tempted to cling to my own way and desires or when I think they are not so very bad.
On the other hand, Dr. Lutzer says, when we accept that God is good, we can more easily surrender to Him, knowing His way is perfect, and we're more willing to cooperate with Him.
2. We are fully responsible for our behavior.
Ever since Adam and Eve, people tend to place blame for their own actions on others, their circumstances, genes, even God. Though we may be affected by each of those, ultimately we are responsible for our choices. "Behavioral patterns are not caused by your circumstances but rather by your response to your circumstances."
Those this may be depressing to accept, "when you call something sin, there is the possibility of deliverance -- for Christ came to call sinners to repentance."
3. Deliverance is possible.
I Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Hebrews 3:12: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Chapter 2 is "The Ground Rules." Dr. Lutzer assrts that before we can change, we must accept three principles:
1. God is good.
Satan's implication in the first temptation of Eve was that God was withholding something from her and therefore didn't have her best interests at heart. Dr. Lutzer then lists several examples of how temptations arise for us in the same way. The focus on what we can't have robs us of the blessing of all that we can. If we question whether God's way is the best, we won't be motivated to change.
We have to remember that "No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you." When we cling to our pleasures rather than God's will, we're not on;y displeasing God, we're destroying ourselves. I did a study on "my own way" from Scripture once and posted the results on my main blog here. I need to review that often when I am so tempted to cling to my own way and desires or when I think they are not so very bad.
On the other hand, Dr. Lutzer says, when we accept that God is good, we can more easily surrender to Him, knowing His way is perfect, and we're more willing to cooperate with Him.
2. We are fully responsible for our behavior.
Ever since Adam and Eve, people tend to place blame for their own actions on others, their circumstances, genes, even God. Though we may be affected by each of those, ultimately we are responsible for our choices. "Behavioral patterns are not caused by your circumstances but rather by your response to your circumstances."
Those this may be depressing to accept, "when you call something sin, there is the possibility of deliverance -- for Christ came to call sinners to repentance."
3. Deliverance is possible.
I Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Hebrews 3:12: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Learning...
Since I haven't seemed to be able to get myself mentally into what I need to do, I decided to pick up a book that had helped me before. How to Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer has been reworked into Winning the Inner War, but the older copy I have was published in 1994. I don't kow if anything else has changed in it besides the title. The subtitle to How to Say No to a Stubborn Habit is "When you really want to say yes." The book itself goes far beyond stubborn habits, though, and tells how to overcoming "besetting sins." My self-control in eating is just one area I struggle with, so I needed to visit this book again.
I don't know that I'll jot notes here from every chapter, but I thought by doing so here and there it will help me remember and incorporate what I have read.
The first chapter deals with the "whys" of temptation and the thought that we'd be able to avoid it so much better if God would keep Satan from us (or destroy him altogether), would take our passions from us, or would intervene to help us avoid those situations where we're more likely to fall. Occasionally He will intervene in those ways, but not usually. Lutzer gives just a few reasons for temptation:
1. A test of loyalty (i.e., Abraham and Isaac)
2. Development of our character
One point that especially struck me here: "Temptation brings the impurities to the surface." In other words, God is allowing us to see and experience an area that needs work.
3. To show God's grace and power, His strength in our weakness.
There are suggested actions at the end of each chapter, and one for this first chapter is to read and compare the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11 and that od the children of Israel when they were hungry in Exodus 6 and Numbers 11.
The next chapter is "The Ground Rules," and in skimming over it, one line I had underlined previously caught my eye:
"No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you."
How I need to remember that when I want to succumb to the pleasure of excess food. I tend to tell myself that one item is not sinful in itself or to downplay its negative effects, yet just by looking at me you can tell I have succumbed way too often. I can tell myself that that momentary pleasure is not worth the end results, yet I still find reasons to go ahead and enjoy. I am hoping to be able to change my mindset through this study.
I don't know that I'll jot notes here from every chapter, but I thought by doing so here and there it will help me remember and incorporate what I have read.
The first chapter deals with the "whys" of temptation and the thought that we'd be able to avoid it so much better if God would keep Satan from us (or destroy him altogether), would take our passions from us, or would intervene to help us avoid those situations where we're more likely to fall. Occasionally He will intervene in those ways, but not usually. Lutzer gives just a few reasons for temptation:
1. A test of loyalty (i.e., Abraham and Isaac)
2. Development of our character
One point that especially struck me here: "Temptation brings the impurities to the surface." In other words, God is allowing us to see and experience an area that needs work.
3. To show God's grace and power, His strength in our weakness.
There are suggested actions at the end of each chapter, and one for this first chapter is to read and compare the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11 and that od the children of Israel when they were hungry in Exodus 6 and Numbers 11.
The next chapter is "The Ground Rules," and in skimming over it, one line I had underlined previously caught my eye:
"No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you."
How I need to remember that when I want to succumb to the pleasure of excess food. I tend to tell myself that one item is not sinful in itself or to downplay its negative effects, yet just by looking at me you can tell I have succumbed way too often. I can tell myself that that momentary pleasure is not worth the end results, yet I still find reasons to go ahead and enjoy. I am hoping to be able to change my mindset through this study.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wednesday weigh-in
I hadn't been reporting for the weigh-ins at Tales From he Scales...because I hadn't really been doing anything, and it seemed useless to just post that I had a few pounds seesawing back and forth every week.
I had only lost 9 lbs. since the original challenge last May (my own fault), but at my last check I had gained it all back.
I weighed in for the first time in a long while this morning and was pleased that I was back down 7 lbs.
I still struggle with being motivated enough to do what I need to do to get the results I need, and with being willing to make the necessary changes. If I don't make changes in what I do, the weight isn't going to change (duh!)
So I guess I need to review my reasons for losing weight as well as the Scriptural focus. Somehow I need to find the motivation to get back on track.
I am sad to see Tales From the Scales coming to an end.
I had only lost 9 lbs. since the original challenge last May (my own fault), but at my last check I had gained it all back.
I weighed in for the first time in a long while this morning and was pleased that I was back down 7 lbs.
I still struggle with being motivated enough to do what I need to do to get the results I need, and with being willing to make the necessary changes. If I don't make changes in what I do, the weight isn't going to change (duh!)
So I guess I need to review my reasons for losing weight as well as the Scriptural focus. Somehow I need to find the motivation to get back on track.
I am sad to see Tales From the Scales coming to an end.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Desires
I have been wanting God to remove my wrong desires from me and praying to that end. It occurred to me today that He wants me to do right in spite of my wrong desires.
To me that's a lot harder. But not impossible, according to His Word.
I need to look for the way of escape promised in I Cor. 10:13 rather than looking for a way to rationalize having what "I" want.
To me that's a lot harder. But not impossible, according to His Word.
I need to look for the way of escape promised in I Cor. 10:13 rather than looking for a way to rationalize having what "I" want.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Consequences
Some years ago I discovered I was lactose intolerant. I began noticing it when my kids and I began "ice cream Mondays" -- every Monday after school we'd get ice cream somewhere on the way home. And every Monday afternoon I would end up in the bathroom for several hours with diarrhea, stomach cramps, and excessive gas. Finally I made the connection. Afterward I tried and experimented to see how much wiggle room I had. As much as I love ice cream, I began to feel that the results of trying to sneak some in just weren't worth it: the consequences outweighed the pleasure.
My pastor went through a similar experience when he had pancreatitis. He's a skinny guy with a high metabolism. The treatment for pancreatitis was not to eat, so he was pretty miserable for about a week. Sometimes whatever his wife was making would smell so good or he'd be so hungry he get a few bites -- and be rewarded with more pain. He learned that the consequences for giving in to his cravings were not worth it.
What I somehow need to get embedded into my mind is the same truth when it comes to overeating or eating the wrongs things. There are consequences, and they are not worth it. It may take longer to show up in the way of weight gain: the consequences certainly show up in failure to lose.
Why can I not keep those consequences in mind instead of the oh-so-temporary pleasure of something that tastes good?
My pastor went through a similar experience when he had pancreatitis. He's a skinny guy with a high metabolism. The treatment for pancreatitis was not to eat, so he was pretty miserable for about a week. Sometimes whatever his wife was making would smell so good or he'd be so hungry he get a few bites -- and be rewarded with more pain. He learned that the consequences for giving in to his cravings were not worth it.
What I somehow need to get embedded into my mind is the same truth when it comes to overeating or eating the wrongs things. There are consequences, and they are not worth it. It may take longer to show up in the way of weight gain: the consequences certainly show up in failure to lose.
Why can I not keep those consequences in mind instead of the oh-so-temporary pleasure of something that tastes good?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday weigh-in
I'm late! I forgot to post yesterday.
When I weighed yesterday, I was 2 lbs. above last week. :-( But I weighed again this morning and I am 1 lb. below yesterday -- but I haven't done anything special so I think it's just fluctuations. I've been up and down the same 4 lbs. for weeks now. I'll make wise food choices or deny myself something occasionally, but obviously not as much as I need to.
I've had to keep one leg elevated due to a little cellulitis: it's much better now, though not completely healed. But that took out even the average daily movement.
I need to get back on track somehow.
When I weighed yesterday, I was 2 lbs. above last week. :-( But I weighed again this morning and I am 1 lb. below yesterday -- but I haven't done anything special so I think it's just fluctuations. I've been up and down the same 4 lbs. for weeks now. I'll make wise food choices or deny myself something occasionally, but obviously not as much as I need to.
I've had to keep one leg elevated due to a little cellulitis: it's much better now, though not completely healed. But that took out even the average daily movement.
I need to get back on track somehow.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday weigh-in
I haven't weighed in with Tales From the Scales in two weeks. Two weeks ago I kept forgetting until later in the day -- and for me, probably for most of us, my weight is up then, so I didn't want to use that total! When I did weigh then, I was up four lbs. I don't remember what was going on last week and why I wasn't here, but I was down by one pound.
Today I am back where I was three weeks ago.
But both the gain and the loss weren't a result of any deliberate action. I thought the gain might have indicated That Time of the Month was coming -- I never know when it's coming any more -- it has been anywhere from 23 to 49 days in the last year. I have found through these weigh-ins that my weight is up then, but it hasn't come in that time period.
So, I don't know if the gains and losses were just fluctuations or what.
I do need to do better about tracking what I eat. I make note of what I eat in the mornings because that's when I am at the computer. But throughout the day I don't think about coming back to do that. I would guess that I am probably taking in more calories than I realize on those weeks when my weight is up.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Wednesday weigh-in
-1 lb! Woo-hoo!
I also began tracking my food intake again and started exercising this week, so hopefully there will be more improvements in the future.
I also began tracking my food intake again and started exercising this week, so hopefully there will be more improvements in the future.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Getting reacquainted with the treadmill
Today was the first day I have exercised in ages. I got on the treadmill, thinking I'd try to go about 10-15 minutes. The first five minutes went veerrrry slowly, it seemed, while I struggled to find a comfortable speed. With TM I have a balance problem and my footing isn't great, so I needed to not feel like I was about to keel over. I thought it was going to be a strain to make it 10 minutes, but then I did, so I thought I'd try for 12. Hit that and thought I'd try for 15. I made it to 20 minutes (and about half a mile, so I wasn't going too fast).
I have to hang on the the handrails because of my balance problem, and I can kind of feel the pull across my abdomen.
I definitely feel more awake. I had almost talked myself into a nap but decided to try the treadmill instead.
I think exercising is one of those things I am not going to feel "inspired" to do and I am going to have to "just do it."
I have to hang on the the handrails because of my balance problem, and I can kind of feel the pull across my abdomen.
I definitely feel more awake. I had almost talked myself into a nap but decided to try the treadmill instead.
I think exercising is one of those things I am not going to feel "inspired" to do and I am going to have to "just do it."
Reasons I should not eat sugary snacks
Reasons I should not eat sugary snacks:
1. They are good for a few minutes, but they don't satisfy long term.
2. They raise my blood sugar, then it falls back down, then I want more.
3. It stifles my taste for good food and increases my desire for bad ones.
4. Are the higher calories really worth the few moments of pleasure?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Wednesday weigh-in
I'm not sure what to make of the scales lately...
Last week I weighed but was too discouraged to post as I was 4 lbs. more than last time. I was just starting my period and have learned that my weight is always up then. There was one time before that I was up inexplicably four lbs, and then back to normal the next week. I don't know if that was all menstrally related or what. My usual weigh-ins have been fluctuating between the same two lbs. -- I don't know if I am really losing and gaining those two off and on or if that is just the variation of the scales.
This week I compared, not to the higher numbers from last week but the regular weight I've been maintaining, and one one set of scales it was 2 lbs. less, so I checked on the digital scales, and there it was the same as my normal weight. So I am not sure which to count. I usually use the first scales as the digital ones belong to my son and are in his room and I don't usually have access to them first thing in the morning.
But I am happy either way. After the holidays I was almost afraid to look. I'm glad the damage isn't worse. I don't think I've been "pigging out," but there has been an excess of candy -- chocolate, to be exact -- around, and that is a major weakness. My husband bought me truffles for our anniversary. Those things were wonderful! I didn't look at the nutritional information until they were all gone: the serving size was 8 of them for about 230 calories. I can't imagine eating 8 at once!! I could only have a couple at a time, so that helped.
But I need to get off the chocolate habit and back in gear. I wish there was a way to keep in the forefront of my mind the goals and reasons I have for losing weight and to keep myself from giving in to the temporary pleasure of taste in light of the longer-term goals.
Last week I weighed but was too discouraged to post as I was 4 lbs. more than last time. I was just starting my period and have learned that my weight is always up then. There was one time before that I was up inexplicably four lbs, and then back to normal the next week. I don't know if that was all menstrally related or what. My usual weigh-ins have been fluctuating between the same two lbs. -- I don't know if I am really losing and gaining those two off and on or if that is just the variation of the scales.
This week I compared, not to the higher numbers from last week but the regular weight I've been maintaining, and one one set of scales it was 2 lbs. less, so I checked on the digital scales, and there it was the same as my normal weight. So I am not sure which to count. I usually use the first scales as the digital ones belong to my son and are in his room and I don't usually have access to them first thing in the morning.
But I am happy either way. After the holidays I was almost afraid to look. I'm glad the damage isn't worse. I don't think I've been "pigging out," but there has been an excess of candy -- chocolate, to be exact -- around, and that is a major weakness. My husband bought me truffles for our anniversary. Those things were wonderful! I didn't look at the nutritional information until they were all gone: the serving size was 8 of them for about 230 calories. I can't imagine eating 8 at once!! I could only have a couple at a time, so that helped.
But I need to get off the chocolate habit and back in gear. I wish there was a way to keep in the forefront of my mind the goals and reasons I have for losing weight and to keep myself from giving in to the temporary pleasure of taste in light of the longer-term goals.
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