Food: The Seductress NIV: Proverb 7: 7-9 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. NIV: Proverb 7: 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTS: Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just seen another fall headlong from the same place. We ought daily to pray that we may be kept from running into temptation, else we invite the enemies of our souls to spread snares for us. Ever avoid the neighborhood of vice. Beware of sins which are said to be pleasant sins. They are the more dangerous, because they most easily gain the heart, and close it against repentance.
MY OBSERVATIONS: Our knowledge of the strong temptations of over-indulging in foods and choosing the wrong things should be enough to keep us away from the buffet table of temptation. For many of us, we succumb to overeating or eating when we are not genuinely hungry at night as the darkness (loneliness, stress, etc.) sets in. "Consuming most of your calories at night and being overweight often go hand in hand," says Allan Geliebter, Ph.D., a research psychologist at the Obesity Research Center at St. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital in New York. Food is our temptress and seductress. Isn't it just like her to come out at twilight as our Scripture says? Don't just walk away from temptation--- run from it! And as you are running from it, turn in the direction of running toward God. Have you tried a prayer first? A Bible reading? Christian music? We must take our eyes off of food and turn them back onto Christ. We have to be very food oriented as we diet, but we have to spend equal amounts of time with the Lord throughout this journey. Scripture tells us that when we are weak, then He is strong. He is stronger than your food temptations. Try God before you try that slice of pie.
Father God, grow us in genuine repentance, faith in You, and victory in overcoming temptation through the grace and merits of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
NIV: Proverb 7:15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! My Observations: Have you ever noticed how food searches you out when you are on a diet? Friends will pop by with a lovely fat-laden casserole for you, or your husband will bring home a special box of dark chocolate covered cherries, just to surprise you. You're out driving your child and his friend home from soccer practice, and as you approach an ice cream stand they yell out, Please! Get us a banana split! We won and have to reward ourselves! Please remember, this is not Satan out to personally attack you. Remember, if we were not obsessive, food would be the language of love. This is a test from God, an opportunity to just say no, and to feel good about your new resolve. If you caved in and said yes, then it is an opportunity to learn from your experience; to literally know what your triggers are, and the next time to handle them wiser.
Almighty God, keep me from being paranoid of the enemy, but rather focus on Your tests and trial and how I can remain faithful to Your Word and to Your will for me. Forgive me when I fail, and lift me up from self-pity. Help me to remember, If God be for us, who can be against us? Amen
Today's Diet Tip: 7.- Don't gorge yourself; have small servings.
Today's Positive Thought: Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are. Try healthy foods that you have never tried before. It might surprise you.
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Obesity is the fine we pay for exceeding the feed limit.
