It's been a very long time since I posted here! I don't even know if anyone follows this blog. But I found two articles today about self-control in general and gluttony in particular that were helpful and that I wanted to remember. So I decided to put them here. And if anyone is reading, maybe they'll help you, too.
First:
4 Ways to Grow in Self-Control, HT to Challies. "Self-control is one of the biggest indicators of Christian character. Without it, you’ll eventually ruin your life and legacy. With it, you can thrive and be a blessing to others around you. You’re probably convinced of the need for self-control. But how do you get it?"
Second:
Your Gluttony Sent Christ to the Cross. "Defeating gluttony — like pursuing holiness — is not about the one big
decision you make on Sunday night to start eating better on Monday
morning. It’s about the hundreds of little decisions you make every day
to reject finding joy in food and instead find joy in Christ, all in
constant reliance on the Spirit."
Showing posts with label Motivators. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivators. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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.
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.
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.
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
Time to clean out the cobwebs around here...
My last "I'm back" apparently didn't last for long. In the 2 1/2 years since I last posted, I did continue exercising for several months until I sustained a pulled muscle in my back, and by the time that healed, I had gotten out of the habit. Then last year I was actually walking 30-40 minutes 4-5 days a week. It didn't have a big impact on my weight, but it definitely helped me feel more energetic. Then I somehow injured my knee, and, same thing, once that healed, I had gotten out of the habit, plus it had gotten too cold to walk outside.
One of my biggest problems with exercise is figuring out a good time to do them. I prefer to do them before my shower, because I get all sweaty. But with the family schedule, that means I'd either need to get up around 5 and exercise and shower before everyone else gets up, or do so right after everyone leaves for the day, and by the time I did all that and had breakfast, it would seem like my morning of getting to other things would be nearly gone. Then, with my mother-in-law's caregiver coming in and out, and no way to close a door to the family room where I exercise with several workout DVD, I just feel really awkward exercising when she's here, especially when she pokes her head in to make a good-natured comment. I just really don't want an audience. These all sound like lame excuses when put into print (one good reason for writing about them, I guess), but they're also the stuff delays and obstacles are made of. I hate to get up at 6:20, much less at 5, but that may be the route to go.
I made an effort a few days to use My Fitness Pal, which has a handy iPhone app with which you can scan bar codes on food items and get the nutritional content and inputted instantly. A great help! Except for figuring out calorie content of casseroles and such. That can still be done, but just is a little more tedious. Another lame excuse, I know.
The only other thing I've done on the weight loss front is that I read Overcoming Overeating by Lisa Morrone (linked to my review) and gleaned several helpful thoughts. I didn't like the emphasis in it that the cause over most overeating is emotional. It may be, but it's not the only factor or even the primary factor for me.
My main problem is that when I am tempted by a certain food, my thoughts are, "It's good and it's not sinful and I want it." I've never seen any weight loss book or program really deal with that aspect of it, and as I was lamenting that again a day or two ago, the Holy Spirit brought to mind "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" (I Corinthians 6:12) and "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).
Some time ago I had gotten the book Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst when it was free or on sale for the Kindle app, but it sat there with many of my other Kindle purchases for months. Then I saw on my friend Kim's blog that the Proverbs 31 Ministries web site was going to be hosting an online Bible study using Made to Crave, so I decided to participate. I may or may not stay with the online study - I'm not big on perky videos and posts, and all of the posts and emails are causing a sensory overload right now. But it starts today, so I am going to go with it for the first few lessons and see how it goes. Whether I stay with the online study or not, I will read the book. I was thinking of making some notes after each chapter and decided to do so here. So, next post: Chapter 1 of Made to Crave!
One of my biggest problems with exercise is figuring out a good time to do them. I prefer to do them before my shower, because I get all sweaty. But with the family schedule, that means I'd either need to get up around 5 and exercise and shower before everyone else gets up, or do so right after everyone leaves for the day, and by the time I did all that and had breakfast, it would seem like my morning of getting to other things would be nearly gone. Then, with my mother-in-law's caregiver coming in and out, and no way to close a door to the family room where I exercise with several workout DVD, I just feel really awkward exercising when she's here, especially when she pokes her head in to make a good-natured comment. I just really don't want an audience. These all sound like lame excuses when put into print (one good reason for writing about them, I guess), but they're also the stuff delays and obstacles are made of. I hate to get up at 6:20, much less at 5, but that may be the route to go.
I made an effort a few days to use My Fitness Pal, which has a handy iPhone app with which you can scan bar codes on food items and get the nutritional content and inputted instantly. A great help! Except for figuring out calorie content of casseroles and such. That can still be done, but just is a little more tedious. Another lame excuse, I know.
The only other thing I've done on the weight loss front is that I read Overcoming Overeating by Lisa Morrone (linked to my review) and gleaned several helpful thoughts. I didn't like the emphasis in it that the cause over most overeating is emotional. It may be, but it's not the only factor or even the primary factor for me.
My main problem is that when I am tempted by a certain food, my thoughts are, "It's good and it's not sinful and I want it." I've never seen any weight loss book or program really deal with that aspect of it, and as I was lamenting that again a day or two ago, the Holy Spirit brought to mind "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" (I Corinthians 6:12) and "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).
Some time ago I had gotten the book Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst when it was free or on sale for the Kindle app, but it sat there with many of my other Kindle purchases for months. Then I saw on my friend Kim's blog that the Proverbs 31 Ministries web site was going to be hosting an online Bible study using Made to Crave, so I decided to participate. I may or may not stay with the online study - I'm not big on perky videos and posts, and all of the posts and emails are causing a sensory overload right now. But it starts today, so I am going to go with it for the first few lessons and see how it goes. Whether I stay with the online study or not, I will read the book. I was thinking of making some notes after each chapter and decided to do so here. So, next post: Chapter 1 of Made to Crave!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I'm back...
I haven't really been doing much related to weight loss in a long while. Well, actually, yes I have: in the past year I had gained 11 lbs., and last year's summer clothes were snug. I "knew" all the reasons I needed to lose weight, but I think I was waiting for some kind of catalyst. This proved to be it. I thought, "This just can NOT continue."
So I started exercising near the beginning of this summer. I outlined my routine more fully in this post from my main blog: barbarah.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/my-experience-with-video-and-gaming-workouts/ But mostly I've been using the Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout for the Kinect (thanks to having gaming sons, we have one of those: if not I don't think I'd buy the Kinect and X-Box just to use this game). Now I use it 30-50 minutes 4 days a week and supplement two other days with other workout videos I have. Sunday is a complete day of rest.
I've lost 11.5 lbs. in 12 weeks. Not spectacular, no one else has really noticed yet, but I can feel a difference both in how my clothes fit and how I feel. The first two weeks, I walked around feeling like I'd been beat up or had the flu -- or both. One reason I don't want to miss an exercise session now is that I don't want to lose that momentum, that level of ability that has been so hard won. There are days I exercise through gritted teeth, but I'm usually glad for it when I am done.
I probably should track my food -- it's just so tedious and time consuming I hate to. But I have made small changes in the amount of snacks I allow and in making food choices. I was very surprised the last couple of days when at one meal I didn't want seconds (very unusual for me) and at another I couldn't finish what I had.
So, there's progress, slow but sure. I hope the momentum only increases. Maybe now that I can do more in he way of exercise, that will help burn more calories.
Here's to progress!
So I started exercising near the beginning of this summer. I outlined my routine more fully in this post from my main blog: barbarah.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/my-experience-with-video-and-gaming-workouts/ But mostly I've been using the Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout for the Kinect (thanks to having gaming sons, we have one of those: if not I don't think I'd buy the Kinect and X-Box just to use this game). Now I use it 30-50 minutes 4 days a week and supplement two other days with other workout videos I have. Sunday is a complete day of rest.
I've lost 11.5 lbs. in 12 weeks. Not spectacular, no one else has really noticed yet, but I can feel a difference both in how my clothes fit and how I feel. The first two weeks, I walked around feeling like I'd been beat up or had the flu -- or both. One reason I don't want to miss an exercise session now is that I don't want to lose that momentum, that level of ability that has been so hard won. There are days I exercise through gritted teeth, but I'm usually glad for it when I am done.
I probably should track my food -- it's just so tedious and time consuming I hate to. But I have made small changes in the amount of snacks I allow and in making food choices. I was very surprised the last couple of days when at one meal I didn't want seconds (very unusual for me) and at another I couldn't finish what I had.
So, there's progress, slow but sure. I hope the momentum only increases. Maybe now that I can do more in he way of exercise, that will help burn more calories.
Here's to progress!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"How convenient is heart disease?"
On the Biggest Loser last night, one woman, confronted by a whole counter full of fast food that she usually ate was asked by Jillian why she ate that stuff.
She replied, "Convenience."
Jillian asked, "How convenient is heart disease?"
Puts a whole new light on it.
She replied, "Convenience."
Jillian asked, "How convenient is heart disease?"
Puts a whole new light on it.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
I'm back...sort of
I haven't really done much with with diet or exercise lately beyond the occasional Wii Fit exercises...and consequently I gaine back almost all I had lost. I just couldn't get beyond having to give up or limit what I liked to eat.
But a few nights ago I was listening to a message by Chuck Swindoll on the radio concerning Nathan's confrontation of David's sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 12), and in the context of evidence of true repentance, he mentioned a willingness to make a break with sin rather than just feeling sorry about it. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
That convicted me because, though I had felt plenty bad about my overeating, I couldn't say I had turned from it. I became convicted that at the very least, the out-of-control indulgence had to stop. Temperance or self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galoatians 5:22-24), and I would need His filling, help, and grace, but I knew I had to take that step.
Ironically, I was making cookies that night. But by God's grace I was able to set a limit of how many I would have a day rather than just grabbing one every time I passed through the kitchen. Jillian of The Biggest Loser would probably laugh at that, but for me it was a definite start and step in the right direction.
I still need to get areas of my eating and exercising under control. But every journey begins with a step.
But a few nights ago I was listening to a message by Chuck Swindoll on the radio concerning Nathan's confrontation of David's sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 12), and in the context of evidence of true repentance, he mentioned a willingness to make a break with sin rather than just feeling sorry about it. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
That convicted me because, though I had felt plenty bad about my overeating, I couldn't say I had turned from it. I became convicted that at the very least, the out-of-control indulgence had to stop. Temperance or self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galoatians 5:22-24), and I would need His filling, help, and grace, but I knew I had to take that step.
Ironically, I was making cookies that night. But by God's grace I was able to set a limit of how many I would have a day rather than just grabbing one every time I passed through the kitchen. Jillian of The Biggest Loser would probably laugh at that, but for me it was a definite start and step in the right direction.
I still need to get areas of my eating and exercising under control. But every journey begins with a step.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Long time no blog
I haven't done much with this blog, because, sad to say, I haven't been doing much of anything in regard to watching what I eat.
The past few days I have been sick with some kind of bug that kept me within a few steps of the bathroom. I had about 8 crackers and a few bites of applesauce for about a day and a half. Even water would set off a bathroom session.
Pretty miserable.
I had to learn that even though I craved something to eat or drink, it would have dire consequences and I'd better hold off.
If I could just get this lesson in everyday life: when I eat or drink the wrong things or too much of the good things, there may not be immediate consequences, but there are longer-term consequences.
The past few days I have been sick with some kind of bug that kept me within a few steps of the bathroom. I had about 8 crackers and a few bites of applesauce for about a day and a half. Even water would set off a bathroom session.
Pretty miserable.
I had to learn that even though I craved something to eat or drink, it would have dire consequences and I'd better hold off.
If I could just get this lesson in everyday life: when I eat or drink the wrong things or too much of the good things, there may not be immediate consequences, but there are longer-term consequences.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
How to Say No, Chapter 13
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 13, Writing the Last Chapter
This chapter is titled thus because the last step is what we do with what we have learned. Lutzer suggests getting a notebook which will become a spiritual diary and including in it such things as letters to God about our failures, weaknesses, bad habits, desires, etc.; prayer requests and answers; strategies for our growth in grace (spending time in the Word, verses to memorize, etc.); anticipating ways Satan might try to trip us up and preparing for them; observations from Scripture; lessons learned.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 13, Writing the Last Chapter
This chapter is titled thus because the last step is what we do with what we have learned. Lutzer suggests getting a notebook which will become a spiritual diary and including in it such things as letters to God about our failures, weaknesses, bad habits, desires, etc.; prayer requests and answers; strategies for our growth in grace (spending time in the Word, verses to memorize, etc.); anticipating ways Satan might try to trip us up and preparing for them; observations from Scripture; lessons learned.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
How to say no, chapter 12
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 12, Trapped Again
Sometimes people are delivered from certain sins almost instantaneously at salvation (by delivered here I mean they never struggle with wanting to do it again: we're all delivered from the penalty of sin and receive forgiveness at salvation, and, in Christ, as discussed earlier, we have the freedom and the power to be delivered from sin having a rule over us. But working that out into our lives can take longer with some things than others.) I heard the testimony of one man once who said immediately when he was saved he was delivered from alcohol, but setting aside cigarettes took a lot longer.
And, anyone who has struggled with overcoming a certain sin or resisting a certain temptation knows what it is to have some success but then to fall prey to it again, along with feelings of discouragement and defeat. Some after a while figure deliverance isn't possible and give up.
Deliverance is possible: we just have to confess our sin to the Lord again and pick back up. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16).
Lutzer discusses in this chapter some of the issues involved in this cycle: sometimes there is a feeling of pride in having gained victory or resisted temptation; sometimes, after a numbers of victories a person feels they can "handle" getting close to the sin again or being in an environment of temptation.
Of course, we know that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). "Past victory [is] no guarantee for future conquests." It can be an encouragement; but it is not a guarantee. "We must learn that our most dangerous moment is when we think we have finally mastered our situation...Not one of us should ever say, 'This is one sin I have under control. I'll never commit it again.'"
"Even good works done in God's name are never the basis for God's acceptance of us...the basis of His acceptance is God's mercy alone."
God loathes self-righteousness and He "uses our sin to remind us of our weakness. " We need to let our weaknesses "crowd us to the cross," reminding us of just how much we need God's grace. I Peter 5:5-6: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
"Generally it's a slow leak and not a blowout that stops us." Some signs of impending trouble are a feeling of satisfaction or relief that that sin is under control (I Cor. 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."; making hidden provision for the sin (Romans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."); spiritual "coasting...crowding God and His Word to the circumference of our lives" rather than central place," letting other things get in the way; finally compromise -- tolerating a little of a sin or for a little while.
We need to keep "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
When we do fall we need not let guilt keep us from coming to God right away. "To think we must straighten up before we come back to Him betrays a misunderstanding of the cross. We are to come solely on the merit of the blood, not on the merit of an acceptable track record." We need to come back and to confess our sin to Him the very moment we're aware of it.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me (Micah 7:8).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 12, Trapped Again
Sometimes people are delivered from certain sins almost instantaneously at salvation (by delivered here I mean they never struggle with wanting to do it again: we're all delivered from the penalty of sin and receive forgiveness at salvation, and, in Christ, as discussed earlier, we have the freedom and the power to be delivered from sin having a rule over us. But working that out into our lives can take longer with some things than others.) I heard the testimony of one man once who said immediately when he was saved he was delivered from alcohol, but setting aside cigarettes took a lot longer.
And, anyone who has struggled with overcoming a certain sin or resisting a certain temptation knows what it is to have some success but then to fall prey to it again, along with feelings of discouragement and defeat. Some after a while figure deliverance isn't possible and give up.
Deliverance is possible: we just have to confess our sin to the Lord again and pick back up. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16).
Lutzer discusses in this chapter some of the issues involved in this cycle: sometimes there is a feeling of pride in having gained victory or resisted temptation; sometimes, after a numbers of victories a person feels they can "handle" getting close to the sin again or being in an environment of temptation.
Of course, we know that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). "Past victory [is] no guarantee for future conquests." It can be an encouragement; but it is not a guarantee. "We must learn that our most dangerous moment is when we think we have finally mastered our situation...Not one of us should ever say, 'This is one sin I have under control. I'll never commit it again.'"
"Even good works done in God's name are never the basis for God's acceptance of us...the basis of His acceptance is God's mercy alone."
God loathes self-righteousness and He "uses our sin to remind us of our weakness. " We need to let our weaknesses "crowd us to the cross," reminding us of just how much we need God's grace. I Peter 5:5-6: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
"Generally it's a slow leak and not a blowout that stops us." Some signs of impending trouble are a feeling of satisfaction or relief that that sin is under control (I Cor. 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."; making hidden provision for the sin (Romans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."); spiritual "coasting...crowding God and His Word to the circumference of our lives" rather than central place," letting other things get in the way; finally compromise -- tolerating a little of a sin or for a little while.
We need to keep "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
When we do fall we need not let guilt keep us from coming to God right away. "To think we must straighten up before we come back to Him betrays a misunderstanding of the cross. We are to come solely on the merit of the blood, not on the merit of an acceptable track record." We need to come back and to confess our sin to Him the very moment we're aware of it.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me (Micah 7:8).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand (Psalm 37:23-24).
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
How to say no, chapter 11
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 11, Resisting Satanic Activity
Though "the flesh" gives us plenty of trouble, Satan is also at work "undercover" in our everyday lives and struggles with sin (i.e., he tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie (Acts 5:3), can tempt people sexually (I Cor. 7:5) or in their standing up for Christ (Luke 22:31), can hinder people from doing God's will (I Thes. 2:18), blinds people's minds (II Cor. 4:4), "snatches" the Word from people's minds lest they be saved (Luke 8:12). He is not at work just when something bizarre or eerie is happening.
Satan's sphere of influence is the heart or mind, the inner, spiritual being (he put it in Judas' heart to deny Christ [John 13:2], tempted Ananias to lie, mentioned earlier). He is our " adversary ... a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8).
Yet, though he may tempt us, we're still responsible for our choices: Ananias and Sapphira died. "He may suggest any sin imaginable, but ultimately you make the choice. He cannot work independently of your cooperation."
We may be tempted to think that if we leave Satan alone, he'll leave us alone, but Lutzer tells such people, "You've just made peace with the enemy by refusing to do battle with him."
One of his most effective weapons is fear of what will happen if we do one thing or don't do another, but we have to remember he is a liar and that father of lies (John 8:44).
But we have the authority to resist and renounce his activity. The first thing to do is to check our spiritual armor (Eph 6:10-18) and see if anything is missing or not up to par. Lutzer then comments just on the "breastplate of righteousness." Any sin gives him a foothold, but that disappears once the sin is confessed and forsaken. Personal righteousness is a shield from demonic attack. "Satan's arrows are deflected when up against a conscience void of offense." If we're being troubled in any area, we need to check whether we've given Satan any ground or have some sin we've not taken care of by confessing or forsaking it. And so, too, with the other pieces of armor.
"Satan has no rights, but he won't admit it." "Christ's death and ascension to heaven won a legal victory over all satanic forces" (Col. 2:15, Eph. 1:20-23)) and therefore we can resist him (James 4:7, Eph. 4:26-27). Lutzer then reasons that "(1) Christ's ascension to heaven placed him above all rule, authority, power, and every name that is named, and (2), all things are under His feet -- no power exists in the universe without Christ's permission. [(3) we're] seated with Christ in heavenly places" according to Ephesians 2, so we have authority over Satan though we may feel weak and helpless.
We can confront wicked powers then by following the example of Christ in Matthew 4: tell them to be gone based on the promises of Scripture. "The power of the Word of God is unleashed when you bring yourself under its authority." The disciples could not cast out a demon due to unbelief (Luke 9:47-48).
I John 4:4: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 11, Resisting Satanic Activity
Though "the flesh" gives us plenty of trouble, Satan is also at work "undercover" in our everyday lives and struggles with sin (i.e., he tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie (Acts 5:3), can tempt people sexually (I Cor. 7:5) or in their standing up for Christ (Luke 22:31), can hinder people from doing God's will (I Thes. 2:18), blinds people's minds (II Cor. 4:4), "snatches" the Word from people's minds lest they be saved (Luke 8:12). He is not at work just when something bizarre or eerie is happening.
Satan's sphere of influence is the heart or mind, the inner, spiritual being (he put it in Judas' heart to deny Christ [John 13:2], tempted Ananias to lie, mentioned earlier). He is our " adversary ... a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8).
Yet, though he may tempt us, we're still responsible for our choices: Ananias and Sapphira died. "He may suggest any sin imaginable, but ultimately you make the choice. He cannot work independently of your cooperation."
We may be tempted to think that if we leave Satan alone, he'll leave us alone, but Lutzer tells such people, "You've just made peace with the enemy by refusing to do battle with him."
One of his most effective weapons is fear of what will happen if we do one thing or don't do another, but we have to remember he is a liar and that father of lies (John 8:44).
But we have the authority to resist and renounce his activity. The first thing to do is to check our spiritual armor (Eph 6:10-18) and see if anything is missing or not up to par. Lutzer then comments just on the "breastplate of righteousness." Any sin gives him a foothold, but that disappears once the sin is confessed and forsaken. Personal righteousness is a shield from demonic attack. "Satan's arrows are deflected when up against a conscience void of offense." If we're being troubled in any area, we need to check whether we've given Satan any ground or have some sin we've not taken care of by confessing or forsaking it. And so, too, with the other pieces of armor.
"Satan has no rights, but he won't admit it." "Christ's death and ascension to heaven won a legal victory over all satanic forces" (Col. 2:15, Eph. 1:20-23)) and therefore we can resist him (James 4:7, Eph. 4:26-27). Lutzer then reasons that "(1) Christ's ascension to heaven placed him above all rule, authority, power, and every name that is named, and (2), all things are under His feet -- no power exists in the universe without Christ's permission. [(3) we're] seated with Christ in heavenly places" according to Ephesians 2, so we have authority over Satan though we may feel weak and helpless.
We can confront wicked powers then by following the example of Christ in Matthew 4: tell them to be gone based on the promises of Scripture. "The power of the Word of God is unleashed when you bring yourself under its authority." The disciples could not cast out a demon due to unbelief (Luke 9:47-48).
I John 4:4: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Monday, June 2, 2008
How to say no, chapter 10
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 10, The Intercession of Christ and Believers
Christ told Peter, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31-32). Peter did deny Him, as predicted, but without Christ's intercession it could have been even worse or Peter might not have repented or recovered. Plus Christ has been human, felt human needs, been tempted and resisted, so He can empathize with us and in Him we can have victory. "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18). Plus, He is our advocate with the Father (I John 2:1).
Lutzer points out that we're not designed to live the Christian life independently. Various Scriptures (I Cor. 12, for one) illustrate the need for believers to interact with and support each other -- the passages about the church being a body, the promise of prayer where two or three are gathered together in His Name (Matt. 18:20). Though I see and agree with that, I am not so sure I agree with the idea of an "accountability partner." It seems to me that if I am only resisting or undertaking something because I am going to have to report to someone, I am not really doing it as unto the Lord, and it kind of feeds into the performing for the eyes and approval of man. I'd be interested in other thoughts on this.
Lutzer then discusses restoring a believer. When we see a fellow believer sin (not just do something not in line with our preferences, but a clear and actual sin), usually our first impulse is to talk with someone else about it (gossip) or just hope the person comes around, but it is our duty to confront them. According to Matt. 18:15-17 it is to be done privately first, and according to Galatians 6:1 it is to be done in meekness, not self-righteousness.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 10, The Intercession of Christ and Believers
Christ told Peter, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31-32). Peter did deny Him, as predicted, but without Christ's intercession it could have been even worse or Peter might not have repented or recovered. Plus Christ has been human, felt human needs, been tempted and resisted, so He can empathize with us and in Him we can have victory. "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18). Plus, He is our advocate with the Father (I John 2:1).
Lutzer points out that we're not designed to live the Christian life independently. Various Scriptures (I Cor. 12, for one) illustrate the need for believers to interact with and support each other -- the passages about the church being a body, the promise of prayer where two or three are gathered together in His Name (Matt. 18:20). Though I see and agree with that, I am not so sure I agree with the idea of an "accountability partner." It seems to me that if I am only resisting or undertaking something because I am going to have to report to someone, I am not really doing it as unto the Lord, and it kind of feeds into the performing for the eyes and approval of man. I'd be interested in other thoughts on this.
Lutzer then discusses restoring a believer. When we see a fellow believer sin (not just do something not in line with our preferences, but a clear and actual sin), usually our first impulse is to talk with someone else about it (gossip) or just hope the person comes around, but it is our duty to confront them. According to Matt. 18:15-17 it is to be done privately first, and according to Galatians 6:1 it is to be done in meekness, not self-righteousness.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
How to say no, chapter 9
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 9, The Taming of Your Will
Lutzer defines our will as our decision-making faculty, often caught between our thoughts and desires. "Your emotions express how you feel; your mind says what you know, but your will tells you what you want."
"God does not save you by circumventing your will. He works through it, giving you the ability to choose...Your will does not become passive when you yield to God. A surrendered will experiences struggle, as Christ's conflict in Gethsemane demonstrates."
Our will is influenced by our goals and priorities; i.e., we may not want to get up when the alarm clock goes off, but if we value our jobs, we will get up anyway. Short term goals can help give direction but they are not enough for "a meaningful and satisfying life...Only eternal values can give meaning to temporal ones."
Moses is one example of being motivated by eternal purposes: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:24-27). Christ is another: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38).
We also need to "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (I Cor. 4:18).
"Your goals are the foundation of your larger beliefs about life and about yourself. Within the framework of your ultimate you forumate your short-term goals.""Your momentary feelings are not a good guide toward fulfilling desirable goals. Paul had his body in control: 'But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.' (I Cor. 9:27)."
We have God's help to do His will, but often the very point of conflict is wanting our will instead of His. We think we need our wills to be stronger, but they are plenty strong enough! What we need is a surrendered will (Psalm 51:17). When we yield to Him, then we find the resources to do what He requires. "You can't say no to temptation unless you say yes to God."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 9, The Taming of Your Will
Lutzer defines our will as our decision-making faculty, often caught between our thoughts and desires. "Your emotions express how you feel; your mind says what you know, but your will tells you what you want."
"God does not save you by circumventing your will. He works through it, giving you the ability to choose...Your will does not become passive when you yield to God. A surrendered will experiences struggle, as Christ's conflict in Gethsemane demonstrates."
Our will is influenced by our goals and priorities; i.e., we may not want to get up when the alarm clock goes off, but if we value our jobs, we will get up anyway. Short term goals can help give direction but they are not enough for "a meaningful and satisfying life...Only eternal values can give meaning to temporal ones."
Moses is one example of being motivated by eternal purposes: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:24-27). Christ is another: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38).
We also need to "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (I Cor. 4:18).
"Your goals are the foundation of your larger beliefs about life and about yourself. Within the framework of your ultimate you forumate your short-term goals.""Your momentary feelings are not a good guide toward fulfilling desirable goals. Paul had his body in control: 'But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.' (I Cor. 9:27)."
We have God's help to do His will, but often the very point of conflict is wanting our will instead of His. We think we need our wills to be stronger, but they are plenty strong enough! What we need is a surrendered will (Psalm 51:17). When we yield to Him, then we find the resources to do what He requires. "You can't say no to temptation unless you say yes to God."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Friday, May 30, 2008
How to say no, chapter 8
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 8, Living With Your Feelings
This is the toughest area for me, because somehow I expect that when I surrender an area to God, my feelings will be different and I won't want to do that thing any more. But that's not the case.
Lutzer points out that Eve's first sin involved a choice to follow feelings and desire rather than God's command, and that feelings in themselves are God-created and not wrong, but they are not fully reliable, and must be kept in check.
He mentions specifically by way of illustration:
We need thought, will, feeling, spiritual perception, and physical activity all to work together under the authority of the Word of God (Matt. 4:4).
"Most sinful habits are developed by simply following the path of least resistance, by doing whatever you feel like doing." "Many people who think they cannot obey God's commands really don't feel like obeying...Our fallen human nature seldom feels like obedience; usually it wants to do its own thing...Satan suggests to us -- as he did to Eve -- that God has asked us to obey commands which we cannot or need not keep. If we think we must feel like it, before we obey God's Word, we will never get off the ground in our spiritual lives."
Another danger of living by feeling is substituting or mistaking it for doctrine. "If you believe God is with you just because "He feels so close, " you will also believe there are days when He forsakes you, because He feels so far away. The assurance of God's presence does not come by feelings, but by faith (Heb. 13:5). "You need not experience a steady stream of placid emotional feelings to walk with God." Even Christ struggled with the emotions of facing the cross (John 12:27-28, Matt. 26:38).
Another danger of living by feelings is procrastination -- putting things off until we feel ready and able to do them, then adding guilt feelings to the mix.
"The moment you declare war on your besetting sin, you will bump into your feelings, mostly negative ones," like helplessness (the sin of unbelief in a different form), discouragement, laziness.
The example of Christ in coping with feelings:
1. He admitted them (Matt. 26:38, John 12:27-28)
2. He requested the support of friends.
3. He knew His emotional suffering would not separate Him from the Father's love and approval.
4. He knew that blessing would follow obedience (Heb. 12:2).
"Faith often runs counter to feeling. Even the attempt to find victory in feelings is a sin in the life of a believer. In short, it is simply 'walking in the flesh.' We must repent of th sin of assessing the reality of the Christ0life on the basis of feeling." Henry Teichrob
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 8, Living With Your Feelings
This is the toughest area for me, because somehow I expect that when I surrender an area to God, my feelings will be different and I won't want to do that thing any more. But that's not the case.
Lutzer points out that Eve's first sin involved a choice to follow feelings and desire rather than God's command, and that feelings in themselves are God-created and not wrong, but they are not fully reliable, and must be kept in check.
He mentions specifically by way of illustration:
The feeling of hunger is given by God to keep you alive: without it you would starve. But your craving for food must be kept in check, or else you will probably become gluttonous. Feelings of hunger must be restrained for the total good of the body.What he specifically means by "feelings" here are "inclinations, passing preferences, momentray urges," not "the deep currents of emotion which are part of the unity of your person."
The same can be said for sexual feeling and even feelings of anger and love. Your will must provide a check on the stream of emotions that ebb and flow through your being. If you follow your feelings wherever they may lead, you will be fulfilling virtually every wanton desire.
We need thought, will, feeling, spiritual perception, and physical activity all to work together under the authority of the Word of God (Matt. 4:4).
"Most sinful habits are developed by simply following the path of least resistance, by doing whatever you feel like doing." "Many people who think they cannot obey God's commands really don't feel like obeying...Our fallen human nature seldom feels like obedience; usually it wants to do its own thing...Satan suggests to us -- as he did to Eve -- that God has asked us to obey commands which we cannot or need not keep. If we think we must feel like it, before we obey God's Word, we will never get off the ground in our spiritual lives."
Another danger of living by feeling is substituting or mistaking it for doctrine. "If you believe God is with you just because "He feels so close, " you will also believe there are days when He forsakes you, because He feels so far away. The assurance of God's presence does not come by feelings, but by faith (Heb. 13:5). "You need not experience a steady stream of placid emotional feelings to walk with God." Even Christ struggled with the emotions of facing the cross (John 12:27-28, Matt. 26:38).
Another danger of living by feelings is procrastination -- putting things off until we feel ready and able to do them, then adding guilt feelings to the mix.
"The moment you declare war on your besetting sin, you will bump into your feelings, mostly negative ones," like helplessness (the sin of unbelief in a different form), discouragement, laziness.
The example of Christ in coping with feelings:
1. He admitted them (Matt. 26:38, John 12:27-28)
2. He requested the support of friends.
3. He knew His emotional suffering would not separate Him from the Father's love and approval.
4. He knew that blessing would follow obedience (Heb. 12:2).
"Faith often runs counter to feeling. Even the attempt to find victory in feelings is a sin in the life of a believer. In short, it is simply 'walking in the flesh.' We must repent of th sin of assessing the reality of the Christ0life on the basis of feeling." Henry Teichrob
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
How to say no, chapter 7
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 7, The Renewing of Your Mind
The theme sentence of this chapter is, "Sinful habits cannot be broken without replacing them with righteous ones." Renouncing them is a good first step, but unless we fill the gap, they'll come right back.
In fact, when we try not to think of something, that's when we can't get our minds off of it. "Freedom comes from filling your mind with God's thoughts."
Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." "The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind."
II Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This is a spiritual battle.
1. Identify the specific thoughts you want to replace.
2. Be prepared for the discipline of spiritual warfare.
3. Be prepared to memorize the Word of God, especially those dealing with your problem. (Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.")
Begin the day dwelling on God's promises. Decide beforehand how you will respond when temptation strikes. "Obey the first promptings of the Holy Spirit." Then learn to switch topics of thought -- use the temptation as an alarm system to praise God," pray, sing a hymn, meditate on Scripture.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 7, The Renewing of Your Mind
The theme sentence of this chapter is, "Sinful habits cannot be broken without replacing them with righteous ones." Renouncing them is a good first step, but unless we fill the gap, they'll come right back.
In fact, when we try not to think of something, that's when we can't get our minds off of it. "Freedom comes from filling your mind with God's thoughts."
Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." "The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind."
II Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This is a spiritual battle.
1. Identify the specific thoughts you want to replace.
2. Be prepared for the discipline of spiritual warfare.
3. Be prepared to memorize the Word of God, especially those dealing with your problem. (Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.")
Begin the day dwelling on God's promises. Decide beforehand how you will respond when temptation strikes. "Obey the first promptings of the Holy Spirit." Then learn to switch topics of thought -- use the temptation as an alarm system to praise God," pray, sing a hymn, meditate on Scripture.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
How to say no, chapter 6
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 6, The Power of the Holy Spirit
John 7: 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
I used to be confused by the statement that the Holy Spirit could not be given til Jesus was glorified: at first I though, if they are both omniscient, why can't they both be in the same place at the same time? But the issue was the order of things: Christ's glorification had to come first. Lutzer points out that "the basis of the gift of the Spirit was the glorification of Christ," just as the basis of our forgiveness is Christ's death on the cross. Both must be received by faith, not by agonizing or fasting.
Since the time of the book of Acts, very believer receives the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" but full control is not automatic.
Some people feel they are not "good enough" for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them and they should do more first, but that's like thinking you need to get better before taking medicine. Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," not "quit walking in the flesh and then receive the Spirit."
Eph 5:18 says, ” And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” If someone is drunk, they are being controlled by the alcohol. If we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re yielding to His control.
How is one filled with the Spirit? First confess any known sin. Ask God to search you and show you any that you might be missing. Then just ask in faith to be filled with His Spirit, just like you asked in faith to be saved. Erwin Lutzer says on p.75:
"You will be greatly helped in accepting the Spirit's control if you learn the power of praise." Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." "Thankfulness, like forgiveness, is not an emotion. Thankfulness is an intelligent response of gratitude to God, based on Hos Word. It is your determination to be obedient."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 6, The Power of the Holy Spirit
John 7: 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
I used to be confused by the statement that the Holy Spirit could not be given til Jesus was glorified: at first I though, if they are both omniscient, why can't they both be in the same place at the same time? But the issue was the order of things: Christ's glorification had to come first. Lutzer points out that "the basis of the gift of the Spirit was the glorification of Christ," just as the basis of our forgiveness is Christ's death on the cross. Both must be received by faith, not by agonizing or fasting.
Since the time of the book of Acts, very believer receives the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" but full control is not automatic.
Some people feel they are not "good enough" for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them and they should do more first, but that's like thinking you need to get better before taking medicine. Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," not "quit walking in the flesh and then receive the Spirit."
Eph 5:18 says, ” And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” If someone is drunk, they are being controlled by the alcohol. If we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re yielding to His control.
How is one filled with the Spirit? First confess any known sin. Ask God to search you and show you any that you might be missing. Then just ask in faith to be filled with His Spirit, just like you asked in faith to be saved. Erwin Lutzer says on p.75:
How were you saved? By depending on the death of Christ. How do you receive Christ? By depending on the ascension of Christ. Both come by faith. That’s why Paul wrote, “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col. 2:6).
You receive the Spirit’s filling by faith, not by having a particular feeling. Some Christians wrongly believe that the filling of the Spirit is a sensation. They expect waves of love, or an overwhelming sense of peace, or speaking in strange languages. Theirs is a fleshly desire to walk by sight, not by faith. We find it difficult to take God at His Word…and we ask for a sign that we might believe.
God, however, delights when you believe in Him without demanding emotional crutches. Just as a new believer needs to receive God’s promises — apart from feelings — so you daily need to receive the power of the Holy Spirit — apart from feelings
"You will be greatly helped in accepting the Spirit's control if you learn the power of praise." Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." "Thankfulness, like forgiveness, is not an emotion. Thankfulness is an intelligent response of gratitude to God, based on Hos Word. It is your determination to be obedient."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
How to say no, chapter 5
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 5: The Freedom of Living at the Cross
Often it is not until we try to break sinful habits that we realize just how strong they are.
"All sins originate from the corruption of our rebellious sinful nature" which NT writers refer to as "the flesh." Lutzer defines the flesh as "a compulsive inner force inhereited from man's fall which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God...often called self; the incurable desire to put our interests above God's."
He then goes through several "Traits of the Self-Life" which are quite convicting -- I have found several variations online: one is here.
He then discusses what in means to be "in Adam" -- a descendant of the human race which cannot help but sin -- and "in Christ" -- bought with the price of Christ's death, given "a new nature and the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit so that we can say no to our old self-nature."
He compares it to being adopted into a new family with all its new rights and responsibilities, or moving into a new home with a new landlord: though the old landlord may still come around and demand payment, we don't owe him anything any more. Our "authority to say no [to sin] is God-given:" "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11.)
How can we apply this knowledge to our sinful habit?
1. Realize "in Christ you are already dead to your sinful passions." We don't have to become dead to it become crucified to our flesh. This is hard because it doesn't feel that way, but we must take it by faith. "Just because you get talked into obeying your old landlord doesn't change that fact of new management. It does mean that you forgot you could confidently say no to his extortion schemes."
2. Admit the need for faith in daily life. "When we shift our attention to the completed work of the cross and insist on our privileges, our old self surrenders to God's authority." Though we're positionally complete in Christ, freedom from sin and spiritual maturity aren't automatic: it's contested and requires time with God and Hos Word, faith, and obedience.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 5: The Freedom of Living at the Cross
Often it is not until we try to break sinful habits that we realize just how strong they are.
"All sins originate from the corruption of our rebellious sinful nature" which NT writers refer to as "the flesh." Lutzer defines the flesh as "a compulsive inner force inhereited from man's fall which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God...often called self; the incurable desire to put our interests above God's."
He then goes through several "Traits of the Self-Life" which are quite convicting -- I have found several variations online: one is here.
He then discusses what in means to be "in Adam" -- a descendant of the human race which cannot help but sin -- and "in Christ" -- bought with the price of Christ's death, given "a new nature and the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit so that we can say no to our old self-nature."
He compares it to being adopted into a new family with all its new rights and responsibilities, or moving into a new home with a new landlord: though the old landlord may still come around and demand payment, we don't owe him anything any more. Our "authority to say no [to sin] is God-given:" "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11.)
How can we apply this knowledge to our sinful habit?
1. Realize "in Christ you are already dead to your sinful passions." We don't have to become dead to it become crucified to our flesh. This is hard because it doesn't feel that way, but we must take it by faith. "Just because you get talked into obeying your old landlord doesn't change that fact of new management. It does mean that you forgot you could confidently say no to his extortion schemes."
2. Admit the need for faith in daily life. "When we shift our attention to the completed work of the cross and insist on our privileges, our old self surrenders to God's authority." Though we're positionally complete in Christ, freedom from sin and spiritual maturity aren't automatic: it's contested and requires time with God and Hos Word, faith, and obedience.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
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