The gift of joy is the most satisfying element in life, and it is free.

Everyone who thirsts may come.

He who has no money may buy and eat! It has no price.

Why do we spend our money on things that are not bread and labor for things that don’t satisfy?

Isaiah says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near”

When we return to the Lord, he has compassion on us and abundantly pardons straying thoughts, selfish desires, and pride.

The Lord’s Word goes out from his mouth and does not return empty but accomplishes all that He purposes.

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)

The word of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream to reassure him the child within his virgin betrothed is indeed from God. I can only imagine the relieved joy in his heart upon hearing this news.

Mary has remained faithful to him, there is no shame in this conception. Nor is there a need to divorce her quietly. The angel says, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Mathew 1:21)

 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus (Mathew 1:24).

Joseph, son of David, his thoughts whirling about how to get out of this situation is led to accept all the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name ‘Immanuel’ (which means God with us).  (Mathew 1:22-23)

The gift of joy is coming through his wife, and he is privileged to raise the Son of God. How quickly his thoughts of turmoil turned to dismay and wonder!

Although righteous, he did nothing to earn this highest honor. Even though his culture shuns the unknown circumstances of Jesus’ birth, and may question the purity of his bride, the gift of joy overrides doubt.

What gift of joy overrides the fear and doubt in your life today?

Let God’s thoughts over you and His reassurance of who you are in Him be the gift of joy in your heart today. Your spiritual health and wellness are of great importance to Him, and to me! Jesus came so we may have life abundantly, here on earth and eternally.

What needs to take place for you to experience joy for a lifetime? King David may have some ideas for you and me today.

A Gift of Joy for a Lifetime

I will shout to the heavens over you Lord, for you have pulled my face away from anxiety, fear, pain, and illness.

When I cry to you for help, you heal me.

You take my soul from the pit of hell and restore life to me.

I sing praises to you among my brothers and sisters in Christ and give thanks to your holy name, because your anger is but for a moment, and your favor is for a lifetime.

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)

I take king David’s words of song in dedication to the temple and put them in my own words because God is worthy of extolling praise and has taken my drawn face out of the pit many times.

The foes of doubt, never measuring up, not being accepted fully by those I love, and physical infirmary pale in comparison to the gift of joy coming when all God’s plan is fulfilled.

The lowly shepherds relate to my occasional feelings of being the outcast. Taking care of animals night and day would be a low position in society.  However, it is thought the shepherds keeping watch over the flock by night were assigned to care for the sacrificial lamb to be slain (Wilson, 2012).

The perfect spotless lamb had to remain free of injury for the coming sacrifice. A heavenly calling and important job requiring diligence and commitment brought the angel of the Lord to their presence.

What has your face drawn and downcast today?

Pray this with me today:

God there is an emptiness on my heart that can only be filled by you. The loss of my loved one runs deep and at times sadness pulls me into a pit. Lord, please take my weeping and turn it to joy. I praise you for giving me the true spotless lamb who sacrificed all for me and restores life to me. I look forward to the day when I can rejoice with the one, I’m temporarily separated from, because we share a deeper eternal joy surpassing this lifetime. Give me the strength to continue your heavenly calling on my life that I may pursue you with diligence and commitment as the shepherds did.

In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Conviction, A Gift of Joy

Another surprising way God has of bringing us joy is conviction!

Although conviction has a way of bringing remorse and sorrow, once its power grieves the heart enough to seek repentance, there is a gift of joy-filled relief.

There is no more bearing the weight of guilt and shame.

In its place is the ability to say goodbye to selfishness that prevents healing in relationships. Conviction is bittersweet truth bringing lasting comfort, only the Word made flesh can do.

I see the nation of Israel under conviction in Nehemiah chapter 8. After seventy years of captivity, they are allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its wall of protection.

On the day of completion all the people were gathered to hear the reading of the law (God’s Word). Many are hearing it for the first time and raising their hands in worship.

As the priests move among them explaining the words, Israel is moved to weeping and mourning their sin.

{And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.  Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10}

Nehemiah 8:9-10 ESV – This Day Is Holy – And Nehemiah, who – Bible Gateway

The night of Jesus’ birth the lowly shepherds witnessed a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, among those whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2;14)

Elevated to a position of grace and favor, they made haste to find the baby lying in a manger. “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told to them.”

God wants to restore you and I to the place of grace and honor too.

He makes a way for us, just like he did Israel and the lowly shepherds. It is through the Word made flesh, Jesus.

Once we see and understand this, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength. Conviction, my friend, is the gift that brings us to Him.

May He be your strength today! I look forward to serving you and helping you simplify your health physically and spiritually. Contact me for your next women’s event for speaking or teaching!

Mysty

RN Health & Wellness Coach

Simplifying Health God’s Way

Do you ever get frustrated planning for the holidays? Or does the gift of hope get lost in the pressure of expectations?

If you are like me, you take time to choose a special gift and pay careful attention preparing a loved one’s favorite dish. All the while, you’re really wondering if they’ll even show up.

Pressure mounts when you can’t find the item you need or the ingredients that make your recipe just right.

In addition to figuring out the month’s itinerary, work still has to be done, errands ran, and bills paid.

If we’re not careful, we can lose sight of the hope of the season.

“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)

“Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in His Holy name. “

The gift of hope is coming! 

As you and I begin to celebrate the advent of our Savior’s birth, we can rest assured in God’s steadfast love. 

Overthinking everything else dims the brilliance of this perfect gift in our hearts.

The hearts of our loved ones are not won by special gifts, or by our skills in the kitchen.

The gift their hearts truly crave is Jesus, since God placed eternity on the heart of all mankind.

May you and I let the greatest gift be resting in the shield of his protection and love. The gladness of our hearts will illuminate the gift of hope for everyone around us.

God’s love is indeed steadfast!

Hope Deferred (Luke 1:1-24)

You, O Lord are my hope.

Even when you say no.

Even when the root of bitterness rises, you gently remind me to trust you.

You incline your ear to me and save me from my own thoughts.

My rock of refuge, I continually come. Just as the Psalmist turns to you when his strength is spent, so do I. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth, you are He who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you

(Psalm 71:6).

God’s plan for you and me is clear from birth too. From scripture we see his love for His own.

His plan for Zechariah and Elizabeth to have a son was delayed, but oh so glorious. The hope deferred was so overwhelming it brought disbelief.

Yet it still came.

The multitude of people were praying outside at the hour of incense when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah.  Five months later, she who was called barren conceived a son. For nothing is impossible with God.

The bitter self- disgrace was removed from Elizabeth’s thoughts. She kept herself hidden saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people (Luke 1:25).

Reproach is a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace.

What is an area of your life that needs blame or disgrace removed?

Let the hope of the Lord remove it today. Remain steadfast, righteous, and faithful as God works through you and around you.

The miracle child of Zechariah and Elizabeth is to pave the way and ready a people for Jesus. You, sweet friend, have been chose too.

In your circle of influence, you prepare children, friends, and family to see the beauty of hoping in Jesus too.

The impact on their tender hearts will have eternal rewards!

Gift of Hope in The Word Made Flesh

“My Soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your Word.” (Psalm 119:81)

The hope of salvation rests on the Word of God. Coming to fruition is the everlasting covenant promised to king David, and revealed to the virgin in Bethlehem.

I imagine Mary, breathless with fear as the Word of God comes out of the mouth of Gabriel. Assurance is hers, as it will not return empty, but accomplish all that He purposes (Isaiah 55:11).

“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

(Luke 1:31a, 32-33)

A word of assurance and a true gift of hope in God’s word.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father full of grace and truth.

(John 1:1,14)

The promised Messiah. The Word becoming flesh. Is coming through her, how can this be?

Simple, dear Mary, the power of the Most high will come upon you.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:36a)

You and I don’t rest in fantasy or empty promises from those who may disappoint us. Like Mary, we can rest in the living Word of the Most High who humbled himself to become a babe in the womb.

It’s the hope of the Word made flesh our souls long for, because in it is salvation. Our spiritual health depends on applying scripture’s truth to our lives each day.

How will you hold this gift of hope close to your heart today?

The Gift of Hope in Obedience

When I get some amazing news, I can hardly wait to tell my family. I make haste to grab my phone and tell my husband, my daughters, or my mom and sister!

Mary is no different. When the angel departed from her, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country of Judah. With the hope of the angel’s words fresh in her heart, she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

Confirmation of Elizabeth’s condition combined with her excited proclamation of, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”, fills Mary with rejoicing humbleness. (Luke 1:42-43)

As the infant, John, leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, the Holy Spirit fills her to quiet the emotions this enormous task places on the young virgin.  “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:25)

All amazing news is a gift of hope from God we can’t wait to share.

It fills us with the hope and brings us closer to our Savior. Mary’s song of praise represents how our hearts can accept and share the hope of Jesus.

• *My soul magnifies the Lord
• *My spirit rejoices in God my Savior
• *He looks on the humble state of His servant
• *He who is mighty has done great things for me
• *His mercy is for those who fear Him
• *He has shown strength in His arm
• *He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
• * He has filled the hungry with good things

Although the task God calls Mary to do is above and beyond any you and I are called to do, we can still capture the spirit of being called and glorify the Lord humbly in obedience.

For some of us, that may mean walking away from sin and committing ourselves to the Lord. For others, it may require removing our pride and apologizing to someone we’ve wronged.

Whatever the call is upon our lives, make haste to rejoice like Mary and Elizabeth, and move forward in the hope of Jesus clearing the way for belief.

The Gift of Hope in Salvation

God of our salvation and hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.

O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness.

Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! (Psalm 65:5b,2,5a,4)

The blessed hope of a son arrives for Zechariah and Elizabeth in the joyous presence of friends and family. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah’ muteness dissolves into a glorious prophecy for his son:

• *Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed His people
• *Raised a horn of salvation for us
• *Spoke from the mouths of his holy prophets from of old, that we be save from our enemies and those who hate us
• * We being delivered from the hands of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
• *And, the child John, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you go before the Lord to prepare his way
• *Give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins
• *Because of the tender mercy of God
• *Giving light to those who sit in darkness to guide our feet in the way of peace

(Luke 1:67-79)

The enemy who hates you is Satan, and he wants you to stay bogged down in self-loathing lies.

Lies that invade your thoughts about yourself, your friends, your family, and your coworkers.

The hope of his defeat is herald by John and the angels, the Most High becomes a babe, lives a sinless life, and suffered and died on a tree so you and I can live free of Satan’s lies.

Despite walking among those who are still living in darkness, Jesus makes a way for peace to enter our souls. May the God of our salvation who brings hope from the farthest seas speak softly to your spirit today, friend. Rest in knowing, “Oh you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come!”

What is the deepest hope of your heart today and how can I pray for you?

You may not be comfortable sharing personal things in public places, and I understand.

So, just say in the comments, “God knows!”, and that will be enough information to let me pray for you.

 Let God work a miracle in your heart this season with His mighty word, and may your spiritual health be lifted today as you trust in Him for all your needs.

I am here for you as a RN Health & Wellness Coach if you need spiritual coaching, as you navigate the beautiful gift of hope during on this journey of life! It is a sure path to complete wellness alongside our physical health!

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way

I am reviewing “Everyday Theology, What You Believe Matters” by Mary Wiley, today because it’s so good you’ll want to add it to your list of must do studies! It is not only foundational, encouraging, and biblically solid, it will prepare you to articulate solid truth for the world.

Why is that so important?

Well, because the world is really busy filling my mind, my kids’ minds, and your mind with its views!

I notice this every day in media, marketing, articles, and even health promoting sites. However, I experienced it yesterday through casual conversation, meeting a new person for the first time. The person was so adept at incorporating his worldview into everything he said, I left the encounter knowing exactly where he stood on every frontline issue.

His choice of words to describe his role at a previous school gave a brief view of what he taught. However, the Hillbilly antics of the people who lived there filled his conversation and expressed his perception of the racial divide. By the time we were ready to leave, I knew his views on marriage, abortion, and conservatives.

My friend, I want our radically different views of life, marriage, and family to roll off our tongues in casual conversation too! Mary Wiley’s, “Everyday Theology” is going to help us do that! More importantly, it will show us how to do it in a non-confrontational or negative way.

Sessions Covered in Everyday Theology

We will start the study learning about the following topics:

• Scripture
• God
• Jesus
• The Holy Spirit
• Humanity
• Salvation
• The Church
• The End Times

In this eight-week study, you will get a clear view of everyday theology and how to talk about your beliefs with others. If you want a study guide to follow, you can order it with her video teaching sessions at Lifeway.com.

A sneak peek for the study is also available if you want to check it out too.

In our introduction and the following weeks reveal the importance of forever. When we examine scripture and see God’s plan for order and protection, we see love and guidance for a more peaceful way to live. I want that for myself and my family, and I want it for you!

Let’s take a look at the term “forever”.

What does forever mean to you?

To me, it means to the end of the age and beyond death. Our scripture memory verse today in Isaiah 40:8 describes God’s Word as standing forever.

I invited a lady to bible study yesterday because this day of study helped me clarify my purpose.

Sharing with her how studying the bible has changed my life for the better just rolled off my tongue. The thought provoking questions that make me think about what I’m reading has transformed my life more than just sitting down to read a chapter or listening to a sermon ever could.

However, even though I’ve enjoyed bible study for personal growth over the years, it’s never been something I wanted to keep secret.

The urge to share it with you and others just kind of took over my life. It has nothing to do with me being a good person, but evidence of the transforming Word of truth hitting a humbled heart. I want everyone I know to experience this!

My friend, God’s Word is forever, because it’s relevant, meaningful, and purposeful. It is everyday theology coming alive is us as we share his living and active Word that is sharper than a double-edged sword to pierce the thoughts and attitudes of every heart!

Spend some time in the following Psalm to understand a heart longing for God and understanding how important it is to communicate with our heavenly Father.

Psalm 119:89-91

Psalm 119:92

Psalm 119:97-104

Mary Wiley says, “If we love God without loving God’s Word, we don’t really know the object of our affection.

Pray for a desire to seek God in His Word over every other desire in your life. He’ll gladly answer this prayer and give you the true desire of your heart…Him.

I look forward to walking alongside you in your journey, please check out the blog for recipes and the devotions for encouragement.

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way

Mommas and grand mommas do you understand the potential power you have over your family’s health?

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:5-7 ESV – Thorns and snares are in the way of the – Bible Gateway

Although this may be tough at first, when the whining, begging, and tears of little ones aside their health is worth the effort. When the junk is not present in the house, you and I have all the power over better choices.

And it starts in the grocery store by filling the cart with garden goodness and not bringing junk home.

God’s plan for you, me, and our children is to thrive. Therefore, we can be thankful He put all the healing properties we need in the food He created.

Culturally, for me in rural Kentucky, growing up with a high sugar breakfast, lunch, and snacks were the norm. So, when I consider this statement from the CDC’s website, I cringe inside:

“Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents age 2–18 years—affecting the overall quality of their diets. Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Most youth do not consume the recommended amount of total water.”

Although the choices of my culture can be eliminated at the grocery store, wise marketing and strategically placed items of little nutrition are still present and tempting.

They are placed within view on every isle of the store. Not to mention, television ads are geared towards our little ones.

Momma’s Power to Resist

How does a momma start to change the culture of her home with this onslaught of persuasion making life easier for her?

One way is prayer, another way is knowledge.

When you and I understand how damaging this ultra-processed food is to our child’s genetic code and his ability to fight chronic disease, we realize the value of filling our cart with God’s miraculous healing food instead.

As the tantrums and meltdowns begin at home, we can calmly take the child over to the cabinet or refrigerator and show him the apples, grapes, bananas, mandarin oranges, kiwi, and pineapple that are available.

We’re off the hook because we are not the villainous sugar depriver in his mind. A simple statement like, “Sorry honey, this is what we have to eat” is all he needs to hear.

Just like the myth of Santa roams through his childish mind, so does the myth overly processed food is satisfying and what he craves. Eventually, out of site will be out of mind, too.

Seeing the effects on his nervous system is also helpful in gaining knowledge, as seen in the diagram of handwriting samples below. How can a child think clearly with such frayed neurons?

The Benefits of Momma Gaining Power

Don’t get me wrong, removing ultra-processed food completely, may not be easy the first week. I remember changing my girls’ routine when they were around seven and nine years old. It took them a few days to get used to the lack of junk food in the house, but they survived.

Well, actually, they thrived.

However, for others, retraining the mind may be easier than retraining the taste buds. Not only that, but new taste and textures form slowly for children. Some sources say it may take 10-15 tries before they begin to like new things.

But offering very small amounts to the side of their plate instead of on the plate is a good way to get used to this as the new normal. Also, being careful not to force them to eat or take a bite, helps avoid power struggles where both of us leave the table defeated and upset.

Kids will eventually explore new items themselves out of curiosity, without mom or grandma pushing it on them verbally (2)

Oh, how I remember my own childhood and the reminders from my parents of starving kids in Africa! Missionaries came through church at various times throughout the year to show us pictures of these children, so I knew they were real.

Being thankful and grateful for our food is worth learning as a child and encouraging children to try new things, without guilt, is even more worthwhile. Teaching them how God placed vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in food to help them grow works better than a guilt trip. It shows how much He loves them.

Children receive good reasons to try new things and momma has an arsenal of immune boosting support for the next round of illnesses that are sure to come.

Momma’s Power to Help Restore Gut Health

Common childhood infections of the ears and throat come alongside the use of antibiotics too, don’t they? This is understandable, because kids are young and developing their immune systems. Plus, they are exposed to bacteria and viruses all around them.

So, what’s a mom to do when several courses of antibiotics have also wiped out the good bacteria in their child’s gut?

Momma’s power to help restore this very important component of her child’s health is in her hands, too. Here are three ways I’ve learned help us get started:

1. Increase a child’s intake of fermented foods

• Kefir- a cultured milk drink that can be purchased plain and blended with fruit for a smoothie.
• Fermented pickles
• Sugar-free yogurt—the average yogurt for kids has 14grams of sugar, that is over 3 teaspoons!
• Small amounts of kombucha— which is a fermented tea, a little sour, and naturally carbonated.

2. Include finely chopped onions and garlic and other root vegetables in meals

• Root vegetables offer the right amount of natural sugar (oligosaccharides) feeding the good bacteria
• our gut, they help break down fat, increases nitric oxide production, and are high in the antioxidant, quercetin.

3. Explore ways to increase fiber rich foods in every meal

• Oats and the use of whole grains in muffins
• Ground flax and chia seeds can be hidden in soups, on hot cereals, in cookies, or in burgers.
• Encourage as many fruits and vegetables as they will eat, like carrots, apples, celery, bananas, cucumbers, avocados.

Don’t despair, God has placed all things, in many forms, for us to restore health. Trust Him as you explore items with your family to improve your health and prevent chronic disease.

He is worthy of praise!

I am here in the battle with you, and I’m here for you if you or your family need coaching, just contact me!

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/facts.htm
2. van der Horst K, Sleddens EFC. Parenting styles, feeding styles and food-related parenting practices in relation to toddlers’ eating styles: A cluster-analytic approach. PLoS One. 2017 May 24;12(5):e0178149. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178149. PMID: 28542555; PMCID: PMC5443548.

 I, like you, have the opportunity and privilege of praying for my family, friends, and clients. It is the joyful foundation of our faith and where our hope lies. Plus, it draws us closer together. Although prayer for guidance, healing, and strength is commonly requested, I find inviting the Holy Spirit into our decision process is another matter.

Let me give you two examples of Christian women seeking wellness coaching to show you what I mean. Just for fun, I’ll call the first woman Mary and the other, Martha. Both Mary and Martha are struggling with their weight and health issues.

Mary explains to me how she sets her mind to lose fifty pounds and trudges through until she meets her goal. Once met, she slowly goes back to her previous eating habits and gains more than she weighed before. However, her struggle with chronic pain, prediabetes, and depression are now taking their toll on her health. She says, “I’ve never invited the Holy Spirit into this process, and I’m ready to do that now.”

Martha also shares with me her past attendance at weight loss programs and final success of weight loss after gastric bypass, only to gain it back with emotional eating. She says, “When I leave work and see that fast food restaurant, I don’t pray because I know it will stop me from going through that drive through.”

Inviting The Holy Spirit Gives Us Clarity

I paint the picture of these two differing mindsets because it is a common struggle in every decision process for myself, and maybe you, too. The underlying tension lies in trusting God enough to meet our emotional, physical, or financial needs rather than the things in this world. Not just in weight control, but in our service to God, our physical health, occupation, and relationships.

I believe inviting the Holy Spirit into situations like these not only gives us clarity, guidance, and power, but an opportunity for submission, true freedom, and trust. My Sunday school teacher, Gayle, always says, “We have to remove ourselves from the throne and put God back on the throne where he belongs.”

 What a simple biblical view of describing Martha’s dilemma with emotional eating and my struggle with decision making!

Therefore, when I am facing a crisis in life physically, emotionally, or relationally, I benefit more by putting my will and desires beneath God’s will and desire for my life. Gayle’s reminder is a gift sticking with me as I review my options, and so is Mary’s. I hear the soft whisper of conviction begin to wrestle with my soul.

 The sad truth is, when I do things my way instead of inviting the Holy Spirit into every decision, I love myself, my lifestyle, and my habits more than God.

I don’t receive power because I don’t submit to him.

I don’t experience freedom because I enjoy pleasure or comfort over sacrifice and possible long-term benefit.

So, how does inviting the Holy Spirit into my choices make a difference?

Here are 4 Ways Inviting the Holy Spirit into My Choices Makes a Difference

1. Power
   When I understand fully, and remind myself regularly, of God’s amazing power through the Holy Spirit, to live victoriously, I crave him more! His power, living in me, overcomes indecision, casts out harmful lies, gives grace to others, and places my impulses in their proper place.
   I welcome the inspired words of the apostle Paul as they flow into my mind and transform my thinking. Moreover, I invite you to do the same in your area of struggle. He says:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

“My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

( 2Cor 4:7)

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2Cor 10:4-5)

3 Results Taking Place When We Invite the Holy Spirit

• Submission
  Submission to God, rather than obedience looks a little different too. Submission is doing what I know is right out of love and respect for God rather than fearing his punishment. So, to remind my flesh prone decision-making processes again; obeying is having to do something; submitting is wanting to do it.

The whole point of salvation is God changing my selfish heart. When my desire is to please God with my decisions, my impulses, and my behavior, I remove myself “from the throne” and put him there where he belongs.
Scripture is clear, you and I are not our own, we were bought with a price. (1 Cor. 6:20, 7:23).

Our precious Savior stepped into time to redeem and restore us to the Father with his own body and blood. Paying the debt, you and I could never pay, he earns the respect, love, and admiration necessary to happily surrender our will.

We count it all joy to face trials of various kinds, and we walk by the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh because they oppose each other. (James 1:2, Galatians 5:16-17)

What sweet joy submission is! The more we dip our toes into its intoxicating power the closer we are to freedom!

• Freedom
  “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
  Once we have experienced the power, and submitted to the Spirit of God, we begin to feel the freedom from sin. We’re not deceived by false prophets who come along and promise freedom in sinfulness. “For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.’ (2 Peter 2:19b).
   Humility fills our hearts and we resist using our freedom as an opportunity for pleasing ourselves; we instead use it to serve others. (Gal. 5:13)

   The burden of control, the weight of guilt, and the heaviness of shame are lifted as we give, master self-control, and serve. We are also empowered to make better choices for our health, livelihoods, relationships, and careers. As we walk in this newfound faith and God continually shows himself faithful, we learn to trust him more.

• Trust
  “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:9-11)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Trust in the Lord is at the heart of our worship to him. In the example of Mary and Martha, Mary recognized the power of the Holy Spirit and submitted her health to him. Not her weight loss, her health.

Since she applies a biblical view to her relationships and life decisions, applying it to her health made sense, too. She was able to recognize her food addictions as sin, and submitted her life to Christ all over again.

Martha, on the other hand, is not quite there yet. I’m afraid, I’m not either…in the life decision department, anyway. She is still on the throne of her health and her emotional eating patterns, and I resist toppling myself from my throne of career decisions.

However, with prayer and influences like Mary’s, I’m confident she, and I, will come to that place of surrender, where we invite the Holy Spirit into all our choices. There, in the calmness of submission, we will fully trust God to meet every physical, emotional, and financial need.

I am here for you any time you want to talk about your struggles with health! Click the booking appointment link and we’ll see how to get started with the strength God gives you!

The Burden of a Health Crisis

A few years ago, my two co-workers were diagnosed with cancer around the same time. One of them colorectal, and the other breast cancer. The first had recently adopted two boys from Russia, while the other found her lump breastfeeding her child.

Although the burden of this catastrophic diagnosis weighed heavily on these ladies and every single one of their family members, they both faced it matter-of-factly, like they did everything else in life. 

I remember watching them continue working in the intensive care unit as they underwent treatments. They’d say, “Everything is going to be ok; God has this.” They tolerated chemotherapy like champs, and they’d laugh and joke with the nurses hooking them up to treatments.

The unspoken ruminating going on in their minds remained a hushed mystery.

I can only guess their thoughts as I put myself in their shoes. “How long do I have, Lord?” “Will my family remember me fondly?” “Did I do what you wanted me to do?” “How will my children react, and who will look out for them when I’m gone?” “Will my husband be ok?” “How long before he finds someone else?”

The emotion of the unknown is stifling.

The apostle Paul felt it come crashing in upon him and his comrades in Asia, much like today’s newly diagnosed cancer patient and their families reel from the shock of this diagnosis. The burden is so heavy he despairs life itself. He says in 2 Corinthians,

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him, we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Corinthians 1:9-10 ESV – Indeed, we felt that we had received – Bible Gateway

Although the burden is overwhelming, he draws strength from God, who he knows delivers. He implores the church in Corinth,

You also must help us in prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted through the prayers of many.

2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV – You also must help us by prayer, so – Bible Gateway

Purpose of the Burden

I rejoice as I read this because the prayers of many helps lighten the burden of the unknown for my friends and family facing cancer. The purpose of it also becomes clear as we draw closer to each other and to God. Prayers restore peace to the heart under great duress. The power of prayer can heal the body of cancer cells and deliver ruminating minds from unanswered questions too.

Most of all, the prayers of many are felt wholeheartedly by the one receiving them. The Holy Spirit moves in and among us, connecting our thoughts to those of our friends in need. He can span many miles in mere seconds to soothe and comfort a hurting and doubtful soul.

The breath of life also works miracles.

It’s been almost ten years since my two friends faced cancer and won. Even though it was not an easy road to take, and the burden of complications from being sick is ongoing, their hope remains.

They didn’t lose heart, nor should you and me. The reality is our outer self is wasting away, but our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the unseen things. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things unseen are eternal (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

A Prayer for The Burden

Father God, I pray today for my friend whose burden is beyond her strength. You see her, know her, and love her more than words say. May the prayers of many reach her and her family at this moment. I pray you lift the burden of the unknown and the fear. Eventually, all of us will face the day when this tent, our earthy home, is destroyed.

But we have a building from you, God, a house not made with hands, but eternal in heavens. On that day, the burden of the immortal will be swallowed up by life. Praise you, God! You have given us the Spirit as a guarantee. (2 Cor. 5:1-4) Until then, Lord, prepare my friend and me for whatever we face in this tent. Please give us more time to do what you have called us to do and draw us closer to you in the process. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

For more encouragement in your walk with God and easing your burden see the devotions page; Bold Faith.

Guest Post from Ruth Verbree

Co-Owner & Operator of Weigh Down Lifestyle

“Our Mission is to help You transform Your life by learning to love who God created you to be!”

Are you a christian woman struggling to lose weight? Do you feel like you’ve tried so many diets but you just keep failing? 

You’re so desperate to lose weight and so frustrated with yourself because you don’t have the willpower to stay on that restrictive diet one more day! You lost a few pounds, but one little cheat day and you’re right back where you started…then you think, what’s the point? So you ditch it all again and soon that whole vicious cycle starts over. I call this the Monday Morning Dieter!!! 

If this is you, then keep reading because the most important thing for you to take away from this article is that it’s not your fault! You haven’t failed at dieting…dieting has failed you!

I remember not too long ago when I felt the same way. I couldn’t last another day on my restrictive diet of only eating rabbit food and bird seed. I was so sick and tired of counting calories, carbs and points, of not being able to eat normal tasty food like a peanut butter sandwich – yes bread! I love bread and I love chocolate! I didn’t want to live like this any longer and I knew that as a child of God, He wanted me to be joyful in all things, to even enjoy tasty delicious food and to glorify God in every aspect of my life. 

I knew I needed a change because what I was doing was the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. 

My frustration took me to what the Bible had to say about food and it was like a light bulb came on when I read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 

For the first time I wondered what it meant to treat my body like a temple. According to google, the word temple means a building or a place dedicated to the worship of a deity. It signified the house of the Lord, a sacred, holy place that was respected. WOW! 

If my body is a temple, and the Bible says it is, then I must respect and honor my body. This was a new concept to me which made me dig deeper into what it really means to treat my body like a temple. 

I kept searching and another verse that spoke to me was Galatians 6:9 (NIV) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

This verse is telling us that we reap what we sow. If you have ever planted a garden you will know that when you plant seeds of corn, you reap a harvest of corn. If you plant or sow carrot seeds, you reap or harvest carrots. This is really common sense when speaking in the literal sense. We don’t expect to harvest peas when we plant corn. 

It seems so silly to think this simplistically, but this is God’s law of sowing and reaping. It’s no different in terms of treating our body like a temple. We reap what we sow in the same way. To me this means that if we put good food and nourishment into our bodies, with moderation, we will lose weight and feel good, but if we put garbage (processed junk food) into our bodies, then we will reap an unhealthy body and gain weight. 

I believe treating my body like a temple means living a lifestyle that honors my body everyday. This is not a diet; it’s a lifestyle, and once we realize that we get to choose what we put into our temple, this changes the way we think about dieting. It’s no longer restrictive or starting from something we hate, but means inviting God into our weight loss journey with us. We choose to honor our temple and enjoy delicious food in moderation to glorify God.

If this is something that you would like to read more about, continue reading here:

https://weighdownlifestyle.com/treat-your-body-like-a-temple/

If you’re ready to Fire Your Diet and Dive into a Healthy Lifestyle without counting calories, carbs or points, then I invite you take this opportunity where I will show you how to treat your body like a temple, gain back your confidence, and see that your identity is in Christ and not in a number on the scale.

www.10DayWeighDown.com

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:7-9 ESV – Do not marvel that I said to you, – Bible Gateway

Yesterday, the humid 95-degree heat made breathing difficult. Days like this cause my dad to burst out in thanks to God for the man who invented air conditioning. His reaction teaches me to be grateful for all things big and small. I also feel sorrow for those without that luxury.

As I was walking to a neighbor’s house, the heat index a mere 105 degrees, I noticed a soft flow of air over my skin. The same breeze I felt in the garden earlier in the day.

Under the brilliance of the sun, it felt like and oven wave, but in the dimness of the shade it became cooler. Refreshed and relieved, I thought about the thoughtfulness of God. Despite the situation, He provides a way to help us muddle through.

 He also gives us the spiritual strength necessary to face the sultry culture and times in which we live. Although I don’t know where it comes from, I know the Holy Spirit guides my thinking and my thoughts toward Him. At just the right time, my restless soul is convicted when I fall short. He encourages me to help others, and boldly convinces me to die to self.

Like a cool breeze in the shade, on a hot day, He is welcome to join me!

The Wind Obeys

Jesus said, “The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where is comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

The metaphor of wind Jesus uses to explain the Holy Spirit to Nicodemus is solid and functional. As our senses of touch and hearing are aroused to the wind’s presence, our eyes see its effects on trees and waves. Although you and I don’t see the Holy Spirit directly with our eyes, or touch him, we are witnesses to His great power. His life-changing power is evident in the people who accept Jesus as Lord.

If you and I question when this event takes place for those we love, or how our little ones will survive as evil progresses, we can rest assured. God supplies the Spirit softly and steadily as the spiritual heat rises. Although we feel it’s intensity, we will endure, and so will they.

He who rebukes the wind, and it obeys, is in full control.

Prayer

God, Almighty Creator and Provider, I thank you this day for sending your son Jesus to save our souls. He is the presence of light and hope. I praise you for sending the Holy Spirit as our counselor, comforter, and guide. In all things your glory is evident and pure. I confess my thoughts thar are contrary to your ways, Lord.

The selfishness that reigns in my heart at times and the critical spirit that tempts me to malign others. I place them before you, Lord and ask forgives. Give me the power to love like you, the boldness to proclaim your glory, the humility to remain pure of heart, and to forgive others as you forgive me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Talking through spiritual fears and frustrations is helpful and I offer life coaching for those who need an ear to listen, Contact me for a free consultation any time.

The three principles of scripture to help us through loss are:

1. Love God with All Our Mind
2. Be Transformed by the Renewing of Our Mind
3. Set Our Mind on the Things Above

Where our mind is set in our daily routine helps us keep our focus when our groove is disrupted. For instance, my pastor lost his dad a couple of weeks ago and my sister in Christ lost her husband. Although he’d been ill, his death was sudden. In the middle of my day, doing regular chores, I think of their loss and send up a prayer. I think about how I would feel if I couldn’t talk to my dad or my husband again. Along with them, a wave of intense grieving overwhelms me. Greif is a hard hitting and persistent fact of life.

And it’s not just occurring with death.

The loss of someone we love is happening in friendships, marriages, among siblings, and among parents and children. The burden for them is just as strong. It’s hard enough to lose someone to death, but when it’s by choice, it sends another message altogether. The death of a loved one is a shock to our system. The emptiness is sudden. Habitually turning to him to say something or picking up the phone to call him happens before we realize he’s not here.

The death of relationships, on the other hand, occur slowly and painfully. We turn to say something to him, and we’re shut down, ignored, or belittled. We make plans with a friend, and she frequently cancels. The call we make is not answered or is rejected.

Can you believe technology has advanced so far, it makes sure we know the minute our texts or calls are rejected? Who would think to make sure you know that on the other end? It sounds like the devil is at work on our mind. But it’s also a wakeup call to assess where our mind is set, and how high above God we place these relationships in our life.

Love God With all Our Mind to Help Us Through Loss

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 22:36-38 ESV – “Teacher, which is the great – Bible Gateway

What does help that look like?

When we love God with all our mind, we turn to His Word for comfort, wisdom, and knowledge. In the scriptures we fill our mind with His steadfast love, protection, provision, strength, and purpose. The very things we lose from the death of a loved one or a relationship. This principle helps us through loss because it fills us with truth and not lies. Lies say we’re not going to be ok without this person in our lives; we can’t handle the responsibilities alone; or we are not worthy of this person’s love.

But scripture assures us we are not alone, we have God the Father as our provider. He is worthy of our devotion. When we know who He is and how He cares for us, a sense of peace begins to seep into the turmoil. We can take a deep breath, and let it filter through the doubt, fear, and anguish. There are prayers spoken over us and our situation to comfort us through this loss.

Be Transformed by the Renewing of Our Mind to Help Us Through Loss

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 ESV – Do not be conformed to this world, but – Bible Gateway

How do we discern the will of God? …by testing.

Greif and loss are a test. Conforming to the world’s way of coping is turning inward for a strength that is not always there. It also looks outward to fill the void of emptiness with food, alcohol, smoking, pleasure, or hobbies. Neither way is meeting the needs of our soul or help us through loss.

To be transformed by the renewing of our mind is to accept the things outside our control and trust God anyway. What happens when our loved one is gone or the relationship fizzles? What is the worst part of doing life alone or what is the worst part of not having help? What resources do we have among family and friends that can help us carry the burden of loss?

No matter what the test is, God will ultimately show us, how dependent we are on Him. We can renew our mind by praying for God to help with the rising emotions of pain and loss, as well as the added responsibilities. Also, pray as bitterness takes root to remind us of what should have been. One step at a time, we pick the doable task for the day and push through doing it, knowing God sent His Son Jesus to experience the same loss, rejection, and anguish. He suffered and died to pay for our sins and rose again on the third day to redeem and restore us to the Father. He will walk us through whatever loss we experience.

Set Our Mind on the Things Above to Help Us Through Loss

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 

Colossians 3 ESV – Put On the New Self – If then you have – Bible Gateway

Lastly, setting our mind on the things above (in Heaven with Christ) helps us through loss because we are here to glorify Him. It brings the perspective of the eternal above the temporal. I can’t help but think of the many families with young children struggling with cancer who are forced to consider this reality prematurely. The many trips to the hospital, the treatments making the child sicker than the disease itself, and the fear of losing them so soon are more tests that put our dependence on God in the limelight.

Yes, we want healing for little ones, comfort in loss, plus restoration for marriages, friendships, and family…but God wants to put to death what is earthly in us. Every test puts us in full view of what really matters in life and draws us closer to God. The times we put our comfort above others, or when we began thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought, are earthly temptations pulling us away from God. As Colossians chapter three clearly shows; coveting, impurity, selfishness, anger, wrath, obscene talk, and evil desires all result when we place our affection for things and people above God.

Setting our mind on the things above also helps us through loss because we are God’s chosen ones, and dearly loved. In Jesus, we put on humility, meekness, compassion, and kindness, as we bear with one another. He calls us to forgive well and often, just as He forgives us! In that difficult test, we let the peace of Christ rule our hearts and be thankful. He is always with us, and we can boldly praise Him. Although His ways and thoughts are beyond what we can understand, we can be sure every loss conforms us closer to His image.

Thank you, and God bless you. I am here for you if you need prayer or help physically or spiritually.

“So, Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person in whose heart the LORD had placed wisdom, everyone whose heart moved him, to come to the work and do it.” (Exodus 36:2)

When I ask myself if my heart is moved to do the work God has called me to do, I almost hesitate. I say almost, because some test long ago informed me, I am a direct controller. Yeah, I get that analysis. Raising two kids, managing a home, and nursing ill and dying people in a hospital setting tends to propel a mom into some form of order and control, just to survive.

So, the “almost” hesitation comes from questions that arise when changing complete direction in that path. Life and career were steady, set, and comfortable until an unsettled yearning began to take place.

It may be the same for you in a relationship, career, or health challenge. Your heart may be moved to do the work, but the action required is foreign to anything you’ve ever done before!

Take for example my friend, Halina. She is an avid baker and energetic woman who makes the most amazing perogies you ever put in your mouth. She also has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that is wrecking her body with inflammation and hormone imbalances. She’s discovered her body cannot tolerate gluten and she is taking measures to remove the substance from her diet.

It’s hard. Cheating here and there, while indulging in bread led to severe inflammation in her hip. Her heart and her body are now moved to do the work necessary to remove this suffering and restore her health.

Moreover, her tent (body) housing the Holy Spirit has much more work to do for God’s kingdom. I think about the picture of our tents often as compared to the first place of worship built for the Lord God. The tabernacle (tent) built in the wilderness required hearts offering something to God bigger than their own desires.

^” Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV – Do you not know that you are God’s – Bible Gateway

Today however, the most precious things we have to offer God is the temple of our bodies. In order to do His work, we offer our minds in seeking him daily, and prepare our hearts for opportunities to share Him with others. The gifts we came into this world with are and the exact things we are leaving with. I think that is why when we obey God, we store up treasures in heaven.

The tangible things we assign value to are disposable and meaningless spiritually. However, they are necessary to carry out the function of the meeting place, like Israel’s offerings were for the tabernacle in the wilderness.

The scriptures create a picture of freed slaves with absolutely nothing to their name giving their newly plundered gold, jewels, precious stones, and fine linens over in order to worship God.

“So, the Israelites brought a freewill offering to the LORD, all the men and women whose hearts prompted them to bring something for all the work that the Lord, through Moses, had commanded to be done.” (Exodus 35:29)

Morning after morning the people continued to bring their freewill offerings. There were more than enough materials present to do the work and Moses stopped the people from bringing more! The principle here is not the more you give the more you receive. But the more your heart is moved to give your best, the more overflow is present and sufficient to get the job done.

Therefore, whatever efforts you and I put into restoring relationship, career, or health; the more God provides to get it done.

The jewels for health may come from God’s Garden of nutrient rich antioxidants, minerals, and proteins. The fine linen and precious stones to restore our relationships may come from diving deeper into God’s word with our loved ones each day. Remember, morning after morning they came and offered…

So many times, I ask myself, “Is my heart moved to do the work?” What would my life and your life look like if we came morning after morning to offer our very best? What if we consume the very best for our flesh?

I pray this day, we see the wisdom of God’s plan for our bodies, our minds, and our spirit. It is with His help; our hearts are moved to do the work it takes to bring joy and harmony into our lives.

By the way, my gluten free baking week is in honor of my dearest friend, Halina! Please check out the gluten free baking recipes on the blog! I am here to serve you any way I can, so if you need encouragement, wellness coaching or ideas send me a request at mystypfefferwellness@gmail.com