Microwave Moments

You should show your thanks to the Lord for another day on earth by honoring Him with your body and your spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). A great way to do this would be to drink plenty of water, have healthy meals throughout the day, go for a walk, ride your bike with your kids, or take a Zumba class.  However, if today is one of those days where the mere thought of dieting and exercising makes you feel tired, preparing your meals seems like a hated chore, you want to give in to your eating disorder triggers, and you cannot talk yourself into working out, remember that you have an unlimited supply of power in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
 
Encourage yourself to stay the course by verbally declaring to yourself and the enemy who is opposing you that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13)!  Then, do it!  Get dressed, workout, eat your healthy breakfast, pack your healthy lunch, serve your family a healthy dinner, and keep your therapy appointment regarding the eating disorder.  Defeat the enemy again on this day!  Do not worry about tomorrow.  It is not promised, and today has enough evil to face and defeat in itself (Matthew 6:34).  Focus on the baby steps before you to get through each second, minute, and hour of today!  This day and each successive day's victories will increase your confidence and faith that through Christ you can do this because “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)!
 
Remember, the race is not given to the swift nor the battle to the strong" (Ecclesiastes 9:11), "but he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). Every overweight person wants to permanently achieve and sustain weight loss success.  Everyone entangled with an eating disorder wants to be set free.  Unfortunately, we buy into the world's "microwave moment" standards and believe success should occur instantly.  However, the Lord does not measure success by how quickly you accomplish your personal goals.  On the contrary, Jesus said that whoever will be great in His kingdom must first and foremost become a servant (Matthew 20:26), and He exemplified how to do this as we carry out our kingdom building assignments.
 
Jesus' primary objective on earth was to be crucified on the Cross for mankind's sins, but on the way to the Cross, He taught, healed, fed, forgave, and resurrected many people.  In other words, the King of kings, Lord of lords, and Prince of Peace chose to serve mankind while simultaneously completing His spiritual objective.  On your health and fitness journey, it is easy to get tunnel vision as you focus on shedding pounds, losing inches, and adding definition to your physique.  But remember over 1/3 of Americans are obese, so chances are you know someone who needs to "come see a man" (John 4:29) who can free him or her from the sin of gluttony just as He's freed you.   Likewise, a high percentage of Americans also suffer from eating disorders and need to know that deliverance is not only possible, but it is readily available through Christ. 
 
"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give to you.  In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6)!  Literally walk in the Master’s footsteps by following His example!  While you may not be healing the lame, you should encourage those who see your health and fitness success and want to obtain it to eat, drink, and exercise for the glory of God. Teach them what you have been taught.  Encourage them as you have been encouraged.  Continue to be the example they should follow. In truth, that is the whole point of your health and fitness success, to lift Jesus up before men so that they will be drawn to Him.
 
If you finally recognize that health and fitness was never meant to be a fleeting microwave moment of temporary success but a lifestyle of abundant living and overflowing blessings to those who see you succeed through Christ, register today for the Eating as an Act of Worship Ministries Health and Fitness Master Class, featuring Dr. Tara Cannon, author of Health and Wellness for the Believer, Elsa Oliver, Christian nutritionist, and First Lady of Fitness, Debra Jones!  The classes are free!  There are no registration fees or membership fees!  Participants are only responsible for the cost of the class materials.  Classes begin online only on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. CST!  Space is limited.  Sign up now at www.eatingasanactofworshipministries.org!

If you are unable to take the course, purchase your copies of the Eating as an Act of Worship Workbook and the Eating as an Act of Worship Teacher’s Edition online today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com.  In the books, you will learn the biblical principles regarding the body, dieting, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body for the glory of God.  Read our weekly blog for motivation to stay healthy and fit through Christ.  Follow us daily on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for recipes, diet, and exercise tips.  Tune in to our syndicated radio show on the DFW Den Radio Station, the StudioW Buzz Radio Station, and Victory KVDW 100.9 FM, 95.3 FM, and 1530 AM in Little Rock, Arkansas for interviews and health and fitness trends.  Lastly, make your tax-deductible donation to Eating as an Act of Worship Ministries at www.eatingasanactofworshipministries.org!