A Call to Action

"Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food."

Romans 14:20a

Old thought patterns:“I need these chips.  I deserve this ice cream.  I must have that extra large portion.”

New thought patterns:Chips will only taste good for the moment.  But the calories are empty and will do nothing good for my body.  2 Corinthians 7:1 reminds me, “…Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit… out of reverence for God.”

This ice cream will give me a sugar high but then I’ll crash and feel terrible. Psalm 34: 8 reminds me to get into God’s word and let it satisfy the deep hungry places of my soul, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

This extra large portion will overstuff me and make me feel sluggish.  I can’t look to this food to soothe me. Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to [God] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

Learning to do this will be a process that I have to intentionally choose day after day.  Eventually, I will lose the extra weight I need to shed and keep it off. But the real reward will be what I gain with Jesus in the process. Freedom and a new found closeness.  And let's not forget acceptance of myself!

Dear Lord, if this devotion is a call to action that I need to make, please help me. I want to see the root of my issue, I really do. I want to learn to crave and depend on only You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This is from http://devotions.proverbs31.org