Sadly, I wrote down my verse of the week and walked off and forgot it :( What good is that?? So, last night I was reminded by the sweet girls who are holding me up. I reread the verse and realized. There was a reason God gives us his Word. We need to unwrap it, learn it, commit it to memory so we can live victoriously.
So, I've never mapped out a verse before. What a great way to really take it home to the heart. I can read this verse in the Bible and walk away and not apply it in my life. But, then, why read the Bible? Seriously, I can think of more exciting things to read! I want to draw closer to The Lord. I want to know who he is and how he wants me to live.
Up until now, I have always just done this whole diet thing on my own. Sure, I ask girlfriends to do it with me. I read books and go to meetings. I've taken medications. I've even prayed a little about it. A little, because I wasn't really sure I wanted God to mess with me here. But, I knew it was time to release this to him. (I didn't want it ripped from my tightly gripped hands)
So, casting, I'm doing! I am, throwing this at God. He's okay with that. He has great big hands and can hold onto this that I cast at him. I am getting rid and giving away my past failures, anxieties and concerns about my weight. Why? Because he cares for me - affectionately and he watches over me! What's my part? I am to be self-controlled. Oh wait, there's a fruit of the Spirit there! So, not only am I working through this whole weight issue (heart issue), He is working out one of the fruits of the Spirit in my life. Bonus! Well-balanced. We all need to be. Alert. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I JUST PUT SOMETHING IN MY MOUTH BECAUSE IT WAS THERE??? Was I hungry? Did I really want it? Was I mindful? No, sadly, I am carrying this extra weight because I lacked self-control and attentiveness to what I ate. I want to be mindful, vigilant and cautious in what I take in - food, media, conversations... This is what God wants from me. And, I want more of God.
Not that I compromised this week, but I was a little more laid back (less alert) because I was thinking to myself, I've got this! I have tons of motivation and momentum going right now. Yet, as I slow down and reread this verse below, I realize that even today I could throw in the towel of defeat if I don't allow God to change my heart on this issue. Finding, this has to be about my relationship with God and not my relationship with food and exercise. I will cast my concerns to the One who cares and walk in self-restraint (with lots of prayer) and stay mindful of what we are working on here.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. 1 Peter 5:7-8a
I will be on my guard, not asleep like the others. Staying alert & clearheaded. Paraphrased from 1 Thessalonians 5:6
12 Comments
1/30/2014 05:33:24 am
This is awesome! I love the way you dug into this scripture! Your post reminded me of this scripture
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Amy
1/30/2014 06:13:26 am
Thank you, Melissa. A great reminder verse!
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1/30/2014 05:41:41 am
I'm guilty of just reading the bible to say I've read as well. Maybe verse mapping is a way to help with that. I may just have to give it a try.
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Amy
1/30/2014 06:14:15 am
Oh yes!
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Vickie Massey
1/30/2014 06:12:33 am
This was really good. I too have just read the Bible to just be reading and not paying attention to what exactly I am reading. I do like the vs. mapping. I have not taken the time this study as I have had in the past. I will have to start working better at this. I have had a lot of verses to look up this week. Hopefully I can do better the rest of the week. Thank you for sharing.
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Amy
1/30/2014 06:16:25 am
Hi Vickie. I liked it & needed this tool! Thanks for the encouragement!
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Amy
1/30/2014 11:25:44 am
Cheryl, I hope to use it more. Glad to have learned about this way to study scripture.
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Michelle
1/30/2014 10:45:55 pm
Hi Amy. LOVE LOVE LOVE your honesty. Thank you for sharing your verse mapping. I am new to this and will begin this TODAY as you have motivated me to unpack Gods word even more and map it out for myself! God bless and have a great determined day.
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Amy
1/31/2014 12:01:55 am
Aww, thank you! I really enjoyed doing the study on this verse! You, too, stay #Determined and craving God!
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2/1/2014 09:07:09 pm
Amy, I absolutely love your post. It is so honest and hits at the heart of so many of us. We read the scriptures, but if we never let the Word get into us, you are right it is just another book. Wonderful job verse mapping, keep it up!
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Amy
2/1/2014 10:10:05 pm
Thank you so much, Jamy, for the encouragement!
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