A Physical and Spiritual "Workout"

Image by . SantiMB . via Flickr

Image via Flickr

Good Evening to One and All!

I was under the impression that I was starting my day off right by going to Curves and doing my workout. Little did I know that when I got there, my hopes would be dashed by the "dastardly scales". I weighed in 2 weeks ago, and then kept forgot to do it last week. For our "weight loss class we are supposed to weigh in once a week). Anyway, I should have known better because this week, I have been hungrier than usual. So, I go "bust a gut" and work out then I'd go to Sonic and get a breakfast burrito. That's what you call unadulterated will power (Ha!) I had the will power to believe that I would work (them) off. NOT! I've had 2 or 3 this week. Anyway, long story short, I weighed today and I've gained 2.5 pounds. I would like to fast, but I'm not strong enough to cook supper for hubby and then leave it alone. I know, I know, I always say "with God's help....., my problem is God wants to help me, but I won't let Him. I say "I'm gonna fast, then open up the fridge to get a bottle of water and see all kinds of good stuff and here I go. I think the only way I could fast more than one meal is if I chain the fridge shut and through away the key. Giving it to hubby wouldn't work cause I'd just make him miserable til he gave in and opened it. I know cause I did the same with cigarettes, until God decided enough talk and delivered me from them. Four years now. Anyway, I've said all of this so that now that it's out in the open, I will feel accountable and start losing. I am going to make it a point to tell y'all every week whether I gain or lose and how much. I was at 17o, and gained up to 174 and as of today 176.5. My long term goal is 135, but at this point, I would be happy to see 165 again (my low after I started Curves.) Ok, enough about the depressing stuff.

Now for what I love to talk about.

"Daily Inspiration from the NIV"

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for ech one should carry his own load.

Galatians 6:2-5

This passage kind of had me befuzzled for a little bit. I mean I understood the words, but even though I know that God does not contradict Himself, that's what it seemed to be doing at first look. I mean the first sentence says to carry each other's burdens, and the last sentence says to carry his own load. I did some checking and this is what I found. According to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible , (let me start at the beginning so you know I'm not taking it out of context.) Verse 1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, (sin), you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. [Now, vs. 2-5] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (3) For if any one thinks he is something, when he in nothing, he deceives himself. (4)But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. (5)For each man will have to bear his own load.

I had not thought of it in those terms. I thought of "burdens" as being "natural" troubles, such as finances, or family problems. Spiritual had not entered into my mind. I had always felt bad when I could not help out people in need financially. I would try to give food, clothing, and that sort of thing, but I didn't think about their spiritual needs. I think one reason for that is because I felt inadequate. I never felt like I was educated enough or "Bible savvy", or spiritual enough myself to be talking to anyone about spiritual matters. I have since gained "some" confidence and started to open up to people. I still feel inadequate, although, I have learned that if I pray first and ask God to prepare the hearts of those with whom I come in contact, and ask that He give me the words He wants them to hear, I have no problem. Luckily for me, God always finds a way to interject His Words into the conversation I'm having.

God Is So Good! He has come to my rescue so many times when I have wanted to talk to someone, but didn't know how. I'm glad I finally learned to listen. Yeah, I still argue with Him sometimes saying that I don't know what to say, or "they probably don't want to hear what I have to say, ( first of all, it's not important what I have to say, it's important what He has to say, and I'm just the "mouthpiece".) I sometimes forget that. I have to remember that when I don't do what God is "nudging" me to do, that is the same as disobeying Him. There is a saying which I learned, I just need to put it into practice. To delay is to disobey. When God is nudging us to do something (that still small voice is saying"talk to Him, pray with her) and we tell ourselves they won't want us to, or I'd be embarrassed to go up to that person and ask them if I can pray) then we are delaying and disobeying God's command. (He doesn't request, He commands). Even though I never hear God scream do this or that, nowhere in the Bible have I seen "God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, or asked Moses to deliver His people. He told them to do so .

God gave His (human) life for our salvation, and He expects us to show Him the love, respect and consideration by abiding by His wishes. This is the "least" we can do.

Sometimes I worry that I come across as some zealous fanatic. Well, I don't mean to . I just get so excited when I start talking about Him and how wonderful He is. He has brought me out of some pretty dark places in my life, and I know that I cannot repay Him, so the next best thing is to spread His wonderful news, and how I feel about Him. I also consider the word fanatic somewhat a compliment, because I am definitely a "fan" of God. He is my refuge in time of trouble, and my rock. Best of all, He is my "friend" which sticks closer than a brother, whom I can always depend on and will Never let me down.

I hope that you have a close relationship like that with Him because it feels so wonderful. A lot of times, when I start talking to someone about Him, I get just like a skiddish school girl, goosebumps and all. Of course, I know that the feeling I am having is the Holy Ghost within me guiding me in what to say to the person with whom I'm talking.

Good Night All, and May God Bless!

PJ