Continuing with the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Chapter 17 discusses sustaining the discipline we've developed. If we "diet," reach our goal weight, and then abandon our diet, we'll end up right back where we started from. To get to our goal weight, we have to make sacrifices. But we grow tired of them after a while. How to keep on?
We can't in our own strength. Remembering that discipline in this area is part of our overall pursuit of holiness helps.
Lysa says, "It is good for God's people to be put in a place of longing so they feel a slight desperation. Only then can we be empty enough and open enough to discover the holiness we were made for. When we're stuffed full of other things and never allow ourselves to be in a place of longing, we don't recognize the deeper spiritual battle going on. Satan wants to keep us distracted by chasing one temporary filling after another."
"The gap between our frail discipline and God's available strength is bridged with nothing but a simple choice on our part to pursue this holiness. Moment by moment we have the choice to live in our own strength and risk failure or to reach across the gap and grab hold of God's unwavering strength. . . the more dependent we become on God's strength, the less enamored we are with other choices."
II Corinthians 7:1 says, "Having therefore these
promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness
of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Lysa comments, "Holiness means to be set apart for a noble use. The very next choice we make isn't really about whether or not to eat [the wrong foods]. It's about whether we are going to stay away from those things that are not beneficial for what we are created to be. We are 'taught, with regard to [our] former way of life, to put off [our] old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of [our] minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.' (Ephesians 4:22-24)"
"Victory isn't a place we arrive at and then relax. Victory is when we pick something healthy over something not beneficial for us. And we maintain our victories with each next choice."
Romans 6:19: "I speak after the manner
of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded
your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even
so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."
We have to continually yield, "tapping into God's strength," every moment, not just in a once-for-all expression at an altar or bedside. Prayer and Bible study are a part of that, bur Lysa maintains that another part is "getting to a place where our lack of strength disgusts us," "at the bottom of our excuses and rationalizations . . . when our efforts fail time and time again." Along those lines Lysa asked God to "unsettle" her, which didn't make sense to me until she described it as asking Him to "rattle loose my complacent excuses and break apart my stubborn refusals to . . really look at whatever pulls my heart away from God."
Lysa describes her study through Psalm 78, about God's blessings and care of Israel from Egypt through the wilderness, and they're forgetting. She quotes verses 17-18 and 21 from the NIV, which say, "But they continued to sin against him, rebelling in the wilderness against the Most High. They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved. When the Lord heard them, he was furious." She says, "I guess the reason this hot me so hard was because it so specifically addresses inappropriate cravings and the reality of how God feels about them."
"Crave means to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly. Pursuing holiness means God is the only One we should long for; want greatly; desire eagerly. The only One worthy of worship."
"Discipline makes disciples who truly understand what it means to delight themselves in the Lord. For the Lord has been allowed to rewrite the desires of their hearts. It's a place not wrought with sacrifice but rather a place where they see healthy choices as overflowing blessings so pure and rich, they'd never trade them."
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 12: The Curse of the Skinny Jeans
Continuing with the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Chapter 12 is about realizing that even when we reach our goal (in Lysa's case, being able to fit back into an old pair of skinny jeans), that doesn't mean that all will be well with the world and we won't have any more problems. Victory is sweet, but there will still be struggles and temptations. Our ultimate fulfillment doesn't come even from reaching our goal weight, or, as Lysa says, "My body size is not tied to my happy. If my happy was missing when I was larger, it will still be missing when I get smaller. Tying my happy to the wrong things is partially what caused my weight gain in the first place." "I have to learn to attach my happy to the only eternal stability there is and remain there."
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:9-12.
Lysa points out that these verses talk not only of remaining in God's love, but of our joy being complete in Him. "Complete. As in not lacking anything. Complete. As in filled up to the brink with joy no matter if we are wearing our skinny jeans or not. Complete. As in satisfied with a fulness we can't get any other way."
Because we're all incomplete without Him, and He loves us, He wants us to reach out to other incomplete people with His love.
Lysa realized that "incomplete people" who aren't filled with God's love "are complicated and sensitive and messy in their reactions," and because "they have the potential to drain my resolve and make me grumpy," and though the last thing she wanted to do was to show love to them, she realized that's exactly what she needed to do. Instead of being hurt by their offense, we can look at their hurt behind their reaction, because we have "His joy in [us], sustaining [us], and directing [us.]" She even took it a step farther and began praying about who needed words of encouragement, and spent afternoons writing notes to them instead of thinking about food.
We need to "remember the ultimate goal of this journey isn't about making me a smaller-sized person but rather making me crave Jesus and His truths as the ultimate filler of my heart."
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:9-12.
Lysa points out that these verses talk not only of remaining in God's love, but of our joy being complete in Him. "Complete. As in not lacking anything. Complete. As in filled up to the brink with joy no matter if we are wearing our skinny jeans or not. Complete. As in satisfied with a fulness we can't get any other way."
Because we're all incomplete without Him, and He loves us, He wants us to reach out to other incomplete people with His love.
Lysa realized that "incomplete people" who aren't filled with God's love "are complicated and sensitive and messy in their reactions," and because "they have the potential to drain my resolve and make me grumpy," and though the last thing she wanted to do was to show love to them, she realized that's exactly what she needed to do. Instead of being hurt by their offense, we can look at their hurt behind their reaction, because we have "His joy in [us], sustaining [us], and directing [us.]" She even took it a step farther and began praying about who needed words of encouragement, and spent afternoons writing notes to them instead of thinking about food.
We need to "remember the ultimate goal of this journey isn't about making me a smaller-sized person but rather making me crave Jesus and His truths as the ultimate filler of my heart."
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 11: Stinkin', Rotten, Horrible, No Good Day
Continuing with the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.:
I've been keeping up with reading the chapters, but am behind on jotting my notes on the last couple. We had a snow storm, which made my mother-in-law's aide not able to come in, so I had more of her hands-on care for a couple of days, then yesterday I spent a good part of the day on Valentine preparations.
But to catch up, this chapter, as the title suggests, deals with the temptation we face to throw in the towel on watching our diets (or whatever it is we're struggling with) when things go wrong. Sometimes that's because we want or feel we deserve some comfort food (it's not for nothing it's called that), or it might be that our brains are just too distracted by everything else that is going on to think about right food choices.
Lysa discusses this, and what helped her was admitting her need and sitting silently before the Lord, trusting the Holy Spirit to intercede for her (Romans 8:26: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.")
Then she began to recognize the lies in the rationalizations of her thoughts ("I need these Oreos. They will fill me up with a chocolate high and taste so good.) and to replace them with truth ("The Oreos will only taste good for a few minutes and will bring added weight plus guilt. Am I eating for nourishment or for emotional reasons? "If I truly need a snack right now, I'm capable of choosing a healthier option.") And then she applies a truth from God's Word: in this case, Ephesians 3:17-19: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God," reminding herself that when she feels empty spiritually, she need to "fill up" on God's love and not food.
"Food was never meant to fulfill the deepest places of our hearts reserved for God alone."
I've been keeping up with reading the chapters, but am behind on jotting my notes on the last couple. We had a snow storm, which made my mother-in-law's aide not able to come in, so I had more of her hands-on care for a couple of days, then yesterday I spent a good part of the day on Valentine preparations.
But to catch up, this chapter, as the title suggests, deals with the temptation we face to throw in the towel on watching our diets (or whatever it is we're struggling with) when things go wrong. Sometimes that's because we want or feel we deserve some comfort food (it's not for nothing it's called that), or it might be that our brains are just too distracted by everything else that is going on to think about right food choices.
Lysa discusses this, and what helped her was admitting her need and sitting silently before the Lord, trusting the Holy Spirit to intercede for her (Romans 8:26: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.")
Then she began to recognize the lies in the rationalizations of her thoughts ("I need these Oreos. They will fill me up with a chocolate high and taste so good.) and to replace them with truth ("The Oreos will only taste good for a few minutes and will bring added weight plus guilt. Am I eating for nourishment or for emotional reasons? "If I truly need a snack right now, I'm capable of choosing a healthier option.") And then she applies a truth from God's Word: in this case, Ephesians 3:17-19: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God," reminding herself that when she feels empty spiritually, she need to "fill up" on God's love and not food.
"Food was never meant to fulfill the deepest places of our hearts reserved for God alone."
Monday, February 10, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 10: This Isn't Fair!
Probably everyone who has ever tried to lose weight has echoed the title of this chapter. It's hard to know why some of us have such trouble with weight and others seem to eat all the things that would make us look like balloons, yet not gain an ounce. But Lysa points out that those people have their struggles, too, in other areas.
She also reminds us that God is using our struggles to sanctify us and to increase our dependance on Himself. "The Bible teaches that 'this testing of [our] faith develops perseverance [which] must finish its work so that [we] may be mature and complete, not lacking anything' (James 1:3-4)."
Some highlights from this chapter:
The verses discussed were the passage in James mentioned above and these from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Participating in the the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.
She also reminds us that God is using our struggles to sanctify us and to increase our dependance on Himself. "The Bible teaches that 'this testing of [our] faith develops perseverance [which] must finish its work so that [we] may be mature and complete, not lacking anything' (James 1:3-4)."
Some highlights from this chapter:
"Temptation doesn't take kindly to being starved."
"I had to grab hold of God's strength and the only way to do that was to invite His power into this situation."
"Weakness is hard, but weakness doesn't have to mean defeat. It is my opportunity to experience God's power firsthand."
"Having a pity party is a clue that she is relying on her own strength rather than God's."
"This feels good now, but how will I feel about it in the morning?"
"Compromise built upon compromise equals failure. Resisting temptation allowed promise upon promise to be built up in my heart, and that creates empowerment."
The verses discussed were the passage in James mentioned above and these from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Participating in the the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 9: But Exercise Makes Me Want to Cry
Continuing with the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Chapter 8 was probably the most convicting and most helpful so far. I can definitely identify with the sentiment about exercise. I have a hard time knowing when to schedule it, I hate getting sweaty, I hate putting on workout shoes....but I do love that I feel more energetic afterward, and I love seeing the endurance and strength increase over time.
Lysa describes trying to convince herself that the world's standards of being model-thin are too harsh, that God loves us just the way we are, etc., but she knew the major problem was self-control, and I know that about myself as well.
Psalm 86 11-12 say, "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever." Her version says "give me an undivided heart," and she discusses having divided loyalties between the Lord and our own cravings. Boy, did that hit home! It also reminded me of James 1:8 ("A double minded man is unstable in all his ways") and James 4:7-8 ("Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.")
Lysa also brings out the teaching of I Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are God's temple, and connects with a passage in the OT (Haggai 1:2-8) about God's people neglecting the needed work on His temple while they lined their own with wood. God's prophet warned them to "Consider your ways." God's people neglected taking care of His temple because something else always seemed more important, and we do the same. Like them, we need to consider our ways - reevaluate our schedules and priorities and make time for what God wants us to. They faced consequences for neglecting God's temple, and there are natural consequences for our neglect as well.
Lysa says she has learned to "embrace the benefits" of taking care of her temple "instead of resisting the hardship." I need to make that my motto as well.
Lysa describes trying to convince herself that the world's standards of being model-thin are too harsh, that God loves us just the way we are, etc., but she knew the major problem was self-control, and I know that about myself as well.
Psalm 86 11-12 say, "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever." Her version says "give me an undivided heart," and she discusses having divided loyalties between the Lord and our own cravings. Boy, did that hit home! It also reminded me of James 1:8 ("A double minded man is unstable in all his ways") and James 4:7-8 ("Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.")
Lysa also brings out the teaching of I Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are God's temple, and connects with a passage in the OT (Haggai 1:2-8) about God's people neglecting the needed work on His temple while they lined their own with wood. God's prophet warned them to "Consider your ways." God's people neglected taking care of His temple because something else always seemed more important, and we do the same. Like them, we need to consider our ways - reevaluate our schedules and priorities and make time for what God wants us to. They faced consequences for neglecting God's temple, and there are natural consequences for our neglect as well.
Lysa says she has learned to "embrace the benefits" of taking care of her temple "instead of resisting the hardship." I need to make that my motto as well.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 8: Making Peace With the Realities of my Body
Continuing with the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Chapter 8 is "Making Peace With the Realities of My Body," where the main idea is that none of us has perfect bodies, even if we didn't have an ounce of extra weight. I think most of us probably couldn't handle it if we did: we'd probably be too vain or even more focused on our bodies than we are now. Or perhaps there is no perfect body because of the fall of mankind into sin: maybe the entrance of thorns on plants and death and decay in the world also brought on warts and age spots and pimples. Or maybe God has made our bodies imperfect (and even less perfect as we age) so we'll be more willing to let them go of them when the times comes.
This brought a smile the first time I saw it:
As someone who has rarely been totally satisfied with my hair, I can relate!
At any rate, we need to remember that even when we lose the weight we need to, we'll still not have perfect bodies, so that does not need to be our goal. Our goal needs to be obedience to what God has called us to. That can also sustain us when we've done everything we should and the numbers on the scale still don't move as much as we thought they should.
Lisa brings out of Psalm 103:1-5, mainly the part about not forgetting His benefits, as a reminder to be grateful for the gift He has given us in our bodies. Another passage that came to mind is from Psalm 139:
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
This brought a smile the first time I saw it:
As someone who has rarely been totally satisfied with my hair, I can relate!
At any rate, we need to remember that even when we lose the weight we need to, we'll still not have perfect bodies, so that does not need to be our goal. Our goal needs to be obedience to what God has called us to. That can also sustain us when we've done everything we should and the numbers on the scale still don't move as much as we thought they should.
Lisa brings out of Psalm 103:1-5, mainly the part about not forgetting His benefits, as a reminder to be grateful for the gift He has given us in our bodies. Another passage that came to mind is from Psalm 139:
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 7: I'm Not Defined By the Numbers
As the title indicates, Chapter 7 of Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst is about finding our identity in Christ, not in the number on the scales. Weigh-ins are good in that they can keep us on track and tell us which direction we're going, maybe indicate a need to do something differently, or encourage us, when the numbers go down, that things are going well. But we've all experienced those times when we're doing everything by the book, and the pounds don't come off, and we're discouraged.
God accepts us on the basis of Christ's finished work on the cross and our belief in Him. When we enter in that relationship with Him, He is our Father. He is not going to cast us off or disown us if the scales aren't right where we'd like them to be. He will probably convict us if we're "cheating" or not doing what we need to do, but His acceptance of us is not based on our numbers.
Lysa tells of a time when a mention by someone else of a sister's being "so overweight" at a certain number - the number Lysa was currently at - and how in times past that would have thrown her for a loop, but this time God brought to her mind truth from His Word. She underscores the importance of filling our minds with His truth so we won't get tripped up.
She also brings back the idea of the deeper purpose for what we're doing, and the fact that "we grow closer to God as we learn to look and act more and more like Him. The Bible calls this participating in His divine nature" (p. 71K). She then discusses II Peter 1:3-11:
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[a] his own glory and excellence,[b] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[c] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[d] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers,[e] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Participating in the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.
God accepts us on the basis of Christ's finished work on the cross and our belief in Him. When we enter in that relationship with Him, He is our Father. He is not going to cast us off or disown us if the scales aren't right where we'd like them to be. He will probably convict us if we're "cheating" or not doing what we need to do, but His acceptance of us is not based on our numbers.
Lysa tells of a time when a mention by someone else of a sister's being "so overweight" at a certain number - the number Lysa was currently at - and how in times past that would have thrown her for a loop, but this time God brought to her mind truth from His Word. She underscores the importance of filling our minds with His truth so we won't get tripped up.
She also brings back the idea of the deeper purpose for what we're doing, and the fact that "we grow closer to God as we learn to look and act more and more like Him. The Bible calls this participating in His divine nature" (p. 71K). She then discusses II Peter 1:3-11:
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[a] his own glory and excellence,[b] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[c] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[d] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers,[e] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Participating in the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 6: Growing Closer to God
In the last chapter, Lysa said that growing closer to God is one reason, the deeper reason, for working through issues, and chapter 6 in the the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries explores that further.
"Growing closer to God has a whole lot less to do with any action we might take and a whole lot more to do with positioning our hearts toward His" (p. 59K). That position usually involves humbling ourselves somehow.
When someone asked Lysa how to grow close to God, she replied, "By making the choice to deny ourselves something that is permissible but not beneficial. And making this intentional sacrifice for the sole purpose of growing closer to God. After all, Jesus Himself said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me' (Luke 9:23)."
I don't think that's what I would answer if someone asked me how to draw close to God. I think I would have encouraged being in the Word and praying as well as dealing with any sin in the life and yielding our wills to His. I can see people taking this premise of denying something permissible and running with it beyond anything God intended. But then again, in a sense that's what we do when we fast.
So I am not sure what I think about that answer, but I do agree that trying to lose weight isn't just about the physical issues, but also about "learning to tell myself no and learning to make wiser choices daily. And somehow becoming a woman of self-discipline honors God and helps me live the godly characteristic of self-control" (p. 59-60).
Before listing the fruit of the Spirit (which includes self-control) in Galatians 5:22, back in verse 16 Paul says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
How do we do that? Knowing He is in us, if we have believed on Christ as Savior (Romans 8:11), and taking heed to His voice, reading "the Bible with the intention of putting into practice what we read while asking the Holy Spirit to direct us in knowing how to do this" (p. 62K). Lysa often prays, "I need wisdom to make wise choices. I need insight to remember the words I have read in Scripture. I need a power beyond what I can find on my own" (p. 62K).
Lysa then discusses the Samaritan woman in John 4 and the fact that in the middle of that situation, Jesus said, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me."
And then she discusses Philippians 3:13-16 about forgetting what is behind and reaching forth unto what's ahead, and then, just a verse or two later, "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19). "Food can become so consuming that people find themselves ruled by it...Being ruled by something other than God diminishes our commitment and will make us feel increasingly distant from Him" (p. 65). Verses 20-21 remind us, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
"Growing closer to God has a whole lot less to do with any action we might take and a whole lot more to do with positioning our hearts toward His" (p. 59K). That position usually involves humbling ourselves somehow.
When someone asked Lysa how to grow close to God, she replied, "By making the choice to deny ourselves something that is permissible but not beneficial. And making this intentional sacrifice for the sole purpose of growing closer to God. After all, Jesus Himself said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me' (Luke 9:23)."
I don't think that's what I would answer if someone asked me how to draw close to God. I think I would have encouraged being in the Word and praying as well as dealing with any sin in the life and yielding our wills to His. I can see people taking this premise of denying something permissible and running with it beyond anything God intended. But then again, in a sense that's what we do when we fast.
So I am not sure what I think about that answer, but I do agree that trying to lose weight isn't just about the physical issues, but also about "learning to tell myself no and learning to make wiser choices daily. And somehow becoming a woman of self-discipline honors God and helps me live the godly characteristic of self-control" (p. 59-60).
Before listing the fruit of the Spirit (which includes self-control) in Galatians 5:22, back in verse 16 Paul says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
How do we do that? Knowing He is in us, if we have believed on Christ as Savior (Romans 8:11), and taking heed to His voice, reading "the Bible with the intention of putting into practice what we read while asking the Holy Spirit to direct us in knowing how to do this" (p. 62K). Lysa often prays, "I need wisdom to make wise choices. I need insight to remember the words I have read in Scripture. I need a power beyond what I can find on my own" (p. 62K).
Lysa then discusses the Samaritan woman in John 4 and the fact that in the middle of that situation, Jesus said, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me."
And then she discusses Philippians 3:13-16 about forgetting what is behind and reaching forth unto what's ahead, and then, just a verse or two later, "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19). "Food can become so consuming that people find themselves ruled by it...Being ruled by something other than God diminishes our commitment and will make us feel increasingly distant from Him" (p. 65). Verses 20-21 remind us, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 5: Made For More
The theme of Chapter 5 in the the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries. is in the third paragraph:
Succumbing to temptation "does matter and not just for the physical or mental setback. It's the denial of a fundamental spiritual truth that will make a healthy eating plan fall apart time and time again. What is this truth? We were made for more than this. More than this failure, more than this cycle, more than being ruled by taste buds. We were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth."
She goes on to say that we need to rewrite the "scripts" that play in our heads, the wrong thought processes and reactions, and replace them with new ones. The first one is this truth that God's power is available to us:
Ephesians 1:
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.
Lysa then discusses this passage phrase by phrase. Some versions say, "I keep asking...," reminding us that we can continually bring these things before the Lord. That we're praying to out father reminds us of our identity as His children, and Lysa brings out a great deal about focusing on out new identity in Him. The passage also reminds us of the deeper reasons for whatever we're going through, that we might come to know God better. And then we can look to "the hope of His calling" and His power, the very power that raised Christ from the dead.
Succumbing to temptation "does matter and not just for the physical or mental setback. It's the denial of a fundamental spiritual truth that will make a healthy eating plan fall apart time and time again. What is this truth? We were made for more than this. More than this failure, more than this cycle, more than being ruled by taste buds. We were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth."
She goes on to say that we need to rewrite the "scripts" that play in our heads, the wrong thought processes and reactions, and replace them with new ones. The first one is this truth that God's power is available to us:
Ephesians 1:
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.
Lysa then discusses this passage phrase by phrase. Some versions say, "I keep asking...," reminding us that we can continually bring these things before the Lord. That we're praying to out father reminds us of our identity as His children, and Lysa brings out a great deal about focusing on out new identity in Him. The passage also reminds us of the deeper reasons for whatever we're going through, that we might come to know God better. And then we can look to "the hope of His calling" and His power, the very power that raised Christ from the dead.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 4: Accountability
The actual title of chapter 4 is "Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Before Thinking," but it is primarily about how friends can help us along the way. Friends who have gone on this journey before us can encourage us through it because they've experienced them, too, and we can also mutually encourage friends who are going through the same journey we are at the same time. That's one thing I like about reading books like this and participating in the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Lysa points out that "desperation leads to degradation. In other words, when what is lacking in life goes from being an annoyance to an anxiety, we run the risk of compromising in ways we never thought we would" (p. 42K).
She points out that two well-known verses that we tend to think of separately are actually together in context:
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:7-8).
"You see, when we determine to get healthy, we will have to give up certain things and change our habits. Doing this can make us feel anxious. That's why we must have friends to help us remember that what we're giving up in the short term will help us get what we really want in the long term. If we forget to be self-controlled and alert, we are prime targets for Satan to usher us right away from the new standards we've set in our life. That's degradation" (p. 42K).
Here's where I have a bit of a problem with the idea of accountability. Actually our modern interpretation of what accountability means has been a sore spot with me for some years. I do agree that the Bible teaches we are accountable to one another and to our authority figures in particular, and that we all have the "right" as a Christian brothers and sisters to hold each other up to God's truth and "call" each other on it when we stray (Galatians 6:1, Proverbs 9:7-9). But I don't know that that translates into regular weekly meetings where we "report" to each other. I've known of people who met or talked regularly to "hold each other accountable" for having their personal devotions or to memorize Scripture or, as in this case, to share how they're doing in their dietary changes, and I have heard them say, as Lysa does here, that knowing they have to report to that person motivates them to keep on tract. My problem is this: if I am only motivated to do what I need to do because I am going to have to report on my actions to someone, then am I really doing it as unto the Lord, or for the eyes of other people? I have no doubt this kind of thing works, but does it work on the basis of my pride, that I am avoiding messing up because I don't want to have to admit to failure and deal with the response from my friend, rather than to please the Lord? (Amended to add that I am not accusing anyone else who meets for this kind of accountability of having these motives. I just know that would be something I would struggle with.)
In the paragraph I quoted above after I Peter 5:7-8, Lysa for some reason inserts friends in-between the one about casting our care on Christ and the one about Satan being like a devouring lion, and friends aren't in the text. No doubt friends can help us turn our eyes to Christ and can help us avoid temptation and walk with God. But my first source should be casting my care on God myself, not necessarily phoning a friend. It's not wrong to phone a friend for help in this regard, but it's not required.
Again, I'm not saying friends aren't valuable (they are!) or that the Bible doesn't teach accountability (it does!) or that friends can't help us spiritually (they can!) I just don't think we necessarily need to put them all together into daily or weekly "reporting" to each other as Christians today tend to like to do. But if you do that and it's a help to you, by all means, continue.
Lysa points out that "desperation leads to degradation. In other words, when what is lacking in life goes from being an annoyance to an anxiety, we run the risk of compromising in ways we never thought we would" (p. 42K).
She points out that two well-known verses that we tend to think of separately are actually together in context:
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:7-8).
"You see, when we determine to get healthy, we will have to give up certain things and change our habits. Doing this can make us feel anxious. That's why we must have friends to help us remember that what we're giving up in the short term will help us get what we really want in the long term. If we forget to be self-controlled and alert, we are prime targets for Satan to usher us right away from the new standards we've set in our life. That's degradation" (p. 42K).
Here's where I have a bit of a problem with the idea of accountability. Actually our modern interpretation of what accountability means has been a sore spot with me for some years. I do agree that the Bible teaches we are accountable to one another and to our authority figures in particular, and that we all have the "right" as a Christian brothers and sisters to hold each other up to God's truth and "call" each other on it when we stray (Galatians 6:1, Proverbs 9:7-9). But I don't know that that translates into regular weekly meetings where we "report" to each other. I've known of people who met or talked regularly to "hold each other accountable" for having their personal devotions or to memorize Scripture or, as in this case, to share how they're doing in their dietary changes, and I have heard them say, as Lysa does here, that knowing they have to report to that person motivates them to keep on tract. My problem is this: if I am only motivated to do what I need to do because I am going to have to report on my actions to someone, then am I really doing it as unto the Lord, or for the eyes of other people? I have no doubt this kind of thing works, but does it work on the basis of my pride, that I am avoiding messing up because I don't want to have to admit to failure and deal with the response from my friend, rather than to please the Lord? (Amended to add that I am not accusing anyone else who meets for this kind of accountability of having these motives. I just know that would be something I would struggle with.)
In the paragraph I quoted above after I Peter 5:7-8, Lysa for some reason inserts friends in-between the one about casting our care on Christ and the one about Satan being like a devouring lion, and friends aren't in the text. No doubt friends can help us turn our eyes to Christ and can help us avoid temptation and walk with God. But my first source should be casting my care on God myself, not necessarily phoning a friend. It's not wrong to phone a friend for help in this regard, but it's not required.
Again, I'm not saying friends aren't valuable (they are!) or that the Bible doesn't teach accountability (it does!) or that friends can't help us spiritually (they can!) I just don't think we necessarily need to put them all together into daily or weekly "reporting" to each other as Christians today tend to like to do. But if you do that and it's a help to you, by all means, continue.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 3: Getting a Plan
Continuing with the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, in chapter 3 Lysa describes a neighbor's beautiful garden and the wish that she had a beautiful garden, too, then the realization that the garden didn't just spout up without a lot of work behind it. That tends to happen with weight loss issues and making healthy changes, too: "we want the results but have no desire to put in the work required" (p. 34-35K).
Lysa went to see a nutritionist even though her "taste buds never did agree with the rest of" her body. "Somebody had to learn the discipline of giving up some things, and that someone was me. And those 'things' were poor food choices that were sabotaging my body, my mental energy, and even my spirit" (p. 37).
Lysa worked with her nutritionist on a plan (which she doesn't tell much about, because each of us needs to develop our own plan) and gradually grew to love it, though she confesses there were hard days. She acknowledges that the sacrifices are tough, but she's come to look at it as "embracing healthy choices rather than denying myself" (p. 37). But even the "lessons to be learned and perspectives to be gained" even in this season.
I have to admit this is where I usually drop the ball. I can make lists of reasons to lose weight, look up applicable Bible verses, acknowledge the folly of succumbing to so brief a pleasure as eating something I shouldn't when it has such dire results - and then not do anything about it. I do struggle with diet plans that are too restrictive or with a couple of food issues, etc. The one plan I had good results with a few years ago was the Exchange Diet plan used by diabetics. It allowed a certain number of servings of each category of food with a list of what constituted a serving. I've looked that up a little bit online and will continue to do so. I also got a Cooking Light magazine while at the grocery store. :-)
Lysa went to see a nutritionist even though her "taste buds never did agree with the rest of" her body. "Somebody had to learn the discipline of giving up some things, and that someone was me. And those 'things' were poor food choices that were sabotaging my body, my mental energy, and even my spirit" (p. 37).
Lysa worked with her nutritionist on a plan (which she doesn't tell much about, because each of us needs to develop our own plan) and gradually grew to love it, though she confesses there were hard days. She acknowledges that the sacrifices are tough, but she's come to look at it as "embracing healthy choices rather than denying myself" (p. 37). But even the "lessons to be learned and perspectives to be gained" even in this season.
I have to admit this is where I usually drop the ball. I can make lists of reasons to lose weight, look up applicable Bible verses, acknowledge the folly of succumbing to so brief a pleasure as eating something I shouldn't when it has such dire results - and then not do anything about it. I do struggle with diet plans that are too restrictive or with a couple of food issues, etc. The one plan I had good results with a few years ago was the Exchange Diet plan used by diabetics. It allowed a certain number of servings of each category of food with a list of what constituted a serving. I've looked that up a little bit online and will continue to do so. I also got a Cooking Light magazine while at the grocery store. :-)
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Chapter 2: Replacing My Cravings
Continuing with the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, in chapter 2 Lysa describes a scenario very familiar with anyone who has ever dieted: weighing ourselves, making plans to do things differently, getting waylaid by the cinnamon rolls someone made or an invitation to a Mexican food restaurant, and deciding that it will be okay to partake just this time or that we'll get started tomorrow.
Lysa got tired of this cycle, knew it centered more around her heart than her meal plans, and knew it was time to surrender. "Really surrender. Surrender to the point where I'd make radical changes for the sake of my spiritual health perhaps even more than my physical health" (p. 27 Kindle version). Part of that surrender was asking herself the question she now asks us: "Is it possible to love and rely on food more than we love and rely on God?" (p. 27K). Most of us would have to answer with her, yes, we turn to food for comfort and reward, in sadness, stress, or celebration.
"God never intended us to want anything more than we want Him. Just the slightest glimpse into His Word proves that, Look at what the Bible says about God's chosen people, the Israelites, when they wanted food more than they wanted God: 'They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved' (Psalm 78:18). Yikes" (p. 28K). Those who did so never made it to the Promised Land, but wandered in the wilderness the rest of their lives.
Lysa determined to "make God, rather than food [her] focus. Each time [she] craved something [she] knew wasn't part of [her] plan, [she] used that craving as a prompt to pray" (p. 29K). She described it as tearing down an impossibly high tower brick by brick and then "using those same bricks to build a walkway of prayer, paving the way to victory."
Sometimes that illustration made it easier, sometimes it did not, and she shares many of her honest prayers, tears, and Scripture passages that helped. And she discovered that "one day of victory tasted better than any of the food I'd ever given up" (p. 30K).
Lysa got tired of this cycle, knew it centered more around her heart than her meal plans, and knew it was time to surrender. "Really surrender. Surrender to the point where I'd make radical changes for the sake of my spiritual health perhaps even more than my physical health" (p. 27 Kindle version). Part of that surrender was asking herself the question she now asks us: "Is it possible to love and rely on food more than we love and rely on God?" (p. 27K). Most of us would have to answer with her, yes, we turn to food for comfort and reward, in sadness, stress, or celebration.
"God never intended us to want anything more than we want Him. Just the slightest glimpse into His Word proves that, Look at what the Bible says about God's chosen people, the Israelites, when they wanted food more than they wanted God: 'They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved' (Psalm 78:18). Yikes" (p. 28K). Those who did so never made it to the Promised Land, but wandered in the wilderness the rest of their lives.
Lysa determined to "make God, rather than food [her] focus. Each time [she] craved something [she] knew wasn't part of [her] plan, [she] used that craving as a prompt to pray" (p. 29K). She described it as tearing down an impossibly high tower brick by brick and then "using those same bricks to build a walkway of prayer, paving the way to victory."
Sometimes that illustration made it easier, sometimes it did not, and she shares many of her honest prayers, tears, and Scripture passages that helped. And she discovered that "one day of victory tasted better than any of the food I'd ever given up" (p. 30K).
Monday, January 20, 2014
Made to Crave Study, Intro. and Chapter 1
The introduction is titled "Finding Your 'Want To,'" and that's exactly what I need. I have the "need to" and some degree of "want to," but obviously not enough to overcome other wants. Lysa describes some of her own journey and struggle and how she came to write the book. She then talks about the parable of the rich young ruler, who wanted to follow Jesus until Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. "Jesus didn't mean this as a sweeping command for everyone who has a lot of money. Jesus meant this for any of us who wallow in whatever abundance we have. I imagine Jesus looked straight into this young man's soul and said, 'I want you to give up the one thing you crave more than me. Then come, follow me.'"
"When Jesus says, 'Follow me,' it's not an invitation to drag our divided heart alongside us as we attempt to follow hard after God. When Jesus wants us to follow Him - really follow Him - it's serious business. Here's how Jesus describes it: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me' (Mark 8:34)."
"God made us capable of craving so we'd have an unquenchable desire for more of Him, and Him alone. Nothing changes until we make the choice to redirect our misguided cravings to the only one capable of satisfying them."
Lysa then discuses dealing with the spiritual, physical, and mental aspects.
A few more quotes:
"Honestly, I am made for more than a vicious cycle of eating, gaining, stressing - eating, gaining, stressing...I am made to rise up and do battle with my issues and, using the Lord's strength in me, defeat them - spiritually, physically, and mentally - to the glory of God."
"I was amazed that I ever desired to satisfy my taste buds over satisfying my desire to break free from all the guilt, all the destruction, all the defeat."
The title of Chapter 1 is "What's Really Going On Here?"
"We crave what we eat." So the more we eat of what we like and what we're used to, the more we'll continue on with the same. But simply making choices to make us feel full rather than choosing empty calories doesn't help entirely in itself, for as Lysa confesses, "I can feel full after a meal and still crave chocolate pie for dessert. Just feeling full isn't the answer to a healthy eating plan."
Lysa says she believes God made us to crave. Psalm 84: 1-2 says, "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God," an expression of intense longing.
Satan, of course tries to distract us from fulfilling that craving for God with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the prides of life (I John 2:15-16). She defines and discusses each of those and shows how Satan used them against both Eve (Genesis 3:1-6) and Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Eve fell; Jesus did not. "Eve was saturated in the object of her desire. Jesus was saturated in God's truth."
"[Eve] didn't walk away and give herself time to really consider her choice. She didn't consult Adam. She didn't consider the truth of what God had clearly instructed. She didn't talk to God. She focused only on the object of her obsession." That's convicting to me, because I do the same thing. When faced with a temptation, I am so busy justifying it that I don't think much about the reasons why I shouldn't or even pray about it, lest I be talked out of it.
"We consume what we think about. and what we think about can consume us if we're not careful."
Something else that really stood out to me was the observation that Eve fell while surrounded by plenty: Jesus stood strong while in a deprived state of having fasted 40 days and nights. When I feel "deprived," that's no excuse to give way to temptation. "He quoted God's Word. And so can we. When we feel deprived and frustrated and consumed with wanting unhealthy choices, we too can rely on God's Word to help us."
She then brings us one of the verses I mentioned in the last post: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not" (I Corinthians 10:23). "That thought empowered me to make a beneficial choice rather than wallowing in being deprived of an unhealthy choice."
The chapter ends with encouragement and reflection questions.
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.)
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