“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you,...

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"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:29

"I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Jesus, I surrender. I surrender all." I've been professing this age-old hymn over and over lately. You?

Jesus is always our highest example for holy living. Perhaps one of the most challenging ways we are charged to emulate him, however, is in the act of surrendering...

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Scripture: "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His faithful loves endures forever." Psalm 118:1

Reflection: Have you ever heard the term, "What you allow increases"? It's basically saying that when we partake in something once, our human nature is to do so more and more. For example, we are gluten-free by necessity. When my son eats gluten his body has an adverse reaction. However, the side-effects are not so severe that they completely debilitate him, they simply keep him from feeling...

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Are you familiar with the book of Hosea? It's one of those little books tucked away in the Old Testament. The book may be little, but the message of Hosea is anything but small. I find so much comfort reading the account of Hosea. If you're unfamiliar with the message, I encourage you to read it. For today though, we'll enjoy the "cliff notes" version for reflection. Hosea is a man after God's own heart. God told Hosea to find a wife, sounds good, right? Not so fast. He also showed Hosea that...

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Scripture: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord]." Matthew 6:24

Reflection: Most of us don't intentionally offer our hearts to false Gods. Most of us don't intentionally go into the pursuit of better health or weight loss ready to bow to the process above all else. The truth is though,...

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Scripture: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Reflection: Life is ever-changing. It's one thing we can count on this side of heaven! This year has been a profound reminder of that truth, hasn't it? Sometimes change brings with it excitement and joy. Other times, change can take our breath away, and feel as though the rug has been pulled straight out from under us. Maybe you're experiencing personal change, maybe a healthy journey, a move, a change in...

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Scripture: "...I trust [have confidence in] God’s love [loyalty] forever and ever. God, I will thank [praise] you forever for what you have done. With those who worship you [his loyal ones/saints], I will trust [put my confidence in] you because you are good." Psalm 52:8-9

Reflection: Do you journal? The question may evoke an array of emotions and responses. Some will emphatically say, "Yes!" Others of you may roll your eyes and think, "Why is everyone always talking about journaling?" Maybe...

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Scripture: "But we can understand these things [God's secret treasures], for we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:16

Reflection: Do you ever wish God would just send you an email or a text with His thoughts and plans for your life? Your decision making? Your plans? Me too! Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. While we can't always know or understand what God is thinking or planning, we can participate in making His thoughts our thoughts. Scripture tells us that, as believers, by...

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Scripture: "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection: I remember learning a valuable lesson, years ago, early in my marriage. During a difficult season with my new husband, I was skilled in the art of nitpicking. I was quick to criticize and comment on even the smallest offenses. I so clearly remember...

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Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.-Matthew 22:37

For me, the ritual was always the same. I’d tap the scale and carefully climb on. With bated breath – I would wait. Then, I would repeat the process a second time to make sure everything was “accurate”.

The dictionary defines an idol as anything in the natural world that is given sacred value and power. My weight, that elusive number staring back at me on the...

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