For as far as I've come, food is still a big temptation for me. I lived, basically, my entire life running to it to "solve" all of my problems. The compulsion to go back to it is still present. But I am determined to not bow down to this idol.
This week I was challenged to find 5 ladies who would faithfully pray for me. The spurring came out of this scripture from James 5:
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back,20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.'
Is anyone is trouble...is anyone happy...is anyone sick... What should he do? For my whole life, my answer would be "he should eat!" But, no, my friends! THIS IS TRUTH--he should pray. He should sing songs of praise. He should go to others for prayer. He should confess.
When the people were bowing down to the false God "Baal"--what did Elijah do? He prayed. And God answered and showed himself to BE THE ONE TRUE GOD!
The ladies I implored to pray for me immediately responded, like an emergency crew responding to a 9-1-1 call. They came back to me with commitment and encouragement. And I know their prayers will be powerful and effective, because God said they would in James 5.
I am doing a Bible Study with my sister and some of her friends that has really been encouraging to me. The actual study is great, but what has encouraged my heart the most is the Bible study technique that I have learned. I've been able to really open up God's word and read it in a very fresh, new way. Beth also has taught us that whenever we are referring to scripture to always note its "address" and to say, "This is Truth"--which is so helpful. I think this is why I have the faith that I DO have right now.
It's been very quiet around my house the past few days and I've found myself a little bored. (Believe it or not!) In those times, my first instinct isn't always to do something to dig deeper into God. My first instinct is not to pray. I do believe God is giving me this quietness so that I DO come to Him though. So, my obedience with my time will be something I need to practice.
I was just on my way to listen to a message when I stopped to check email...and then I started blogging. Hmmm...I guess, I also need to practice not allowing myself to be distracted! :)
Today I am setting my mind on the temptation of Jesus when he was truly hungry (thank you, Kelley!)--when He replied saying, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matt 4:4--AND THIS IS TRUTH!) This wasn't just a "Jesus-thing" because he was quoting old testament scripture when he said it. So, I know that it is a Truth God has for me. For ALL of us!
