Wanna Lose Weight? Take the challenge with me!

This is fabulous! I am the same - "toying" with it the first 3 months of the year, and just getting serious the last two weeks. I look forward to the scriptures each week, and to do this both with support and with the Lord's help. As of today, I am down 2 pounds, and have 46 to go . . .

I would love to get on board with this. I have wanted to lose 30 lbs for the last 12 years of my life. I cannot understand how many non-believer's have been successful when they don't have the living power of the Holy Spirit and I wonder, "What is wrong with me?" I have been in denial and rebelious in my attitude about food. I will join you, beginning in the a.m. 5/3/07. I am going to memorize the verse with you - will sign in tomorrow with weight and goal!!!! Praise God for you Pastor James!!!

If you want to lose weight, speed up your metabolism. The best way to do that is to eat 6 small meals a day. Fill it up with fruits, veggies, lean meats, and avoid sugary and fatty foods. There are some good fats like avocados and peanut oil, and there are some good carbs like brown rice, and whole grains. They say losing weight is 80% your diet, and 20% your exercise. Good luck.

OK James! We can't let all these gals take the challenge and none of us fat-cat men! In 1989, the year I got married, I weighed 175. Today, well, I'm 214. Actually, I've been studying 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 recently and realize even more how I can glorify God in my body; so that the real power is not this old clay (fat)pot, but Jesus in me! When I am fully satisfied in Christ, then food doesn't seem to be such a big deal. So, I'll take your challenge and work on losing weight too. My downfall is Pepsi and second and third helpings! It's hard when your wife is such a good cook! My goal is to get to 190 by the we head to Ontario the end of June and dawn the old swimsuit! Hold me accountable!

James,
Congrats on the great progress with your health.
I'm onboard with you!

I smiled for the driver's license camera today (it was renewal time) and I lied about my weight. Well, I forecast. I am about 203, I think, and I said I was 199.

My goal really is to get to 190 and stay there, with God's help!

And hey, I appreciate your compliment about my shorts during the 11:15 service on Sunday :-)

Bridgett and I viewed Don Stephens' funeral online, and we were blessed and fired up to hear you deliver the Gospel with such love and conviction. Truly an inspiration, James.

God bless!

Ok. I'll join you on this. We share the same weight. Lets race!

Nah, no race. That would be exercise.

I heard once from a speaker here in Houston... He was speaking on deadbeat dads (dads that divorce and refuse to provide court ordered financial support.) This speaker said, "What's the difference? You die from a heart attack because of your weight. You left your kids behind with no financial support. You're no different.

I see his point. I don't want to be a deadbeat dad. I want to lose weight so I can live my life to its fullest. I want to please God with this body.

Best diet? The American Diabetes Association calls it the Diabetic Exchange. You don't need to be a diabetic to use it. My suggestion, ask to speak to a registered dietitian and ask them to set up a diabetic exchange program for you. If can be customize just for you. No weird stuff, just common sense.

Scott

James It takes a teachable man to change his life with Jesus. I'm at 275 and want to stsrt with a goal in mind of 215. I'll be looking for the scripture lessons and Food help because I'm out of controll. Please help me Lord
John

James, I love listening to you every chance that I get! You talked about taking shakes every day,not sure what it is you're taking, Check out "Cinch" weight loss by Shaklee. Loose the fat but retain the mucsle. God bless you and all the others that are taking the Challenge with you!

Well, this is generating a buzz. I don't have a lot to lose, but it's that stubborn last 10 lbs. Uh . . . that's ME that's stubborn?? Okay, I'm in! I want to be 119 lbs. by June 1st--before the Michigan beach weather begins. I know 129 might not sound all that bad, but when you're short and the 10 lbs. are all around your middle, it needs to go! My downfall is candy and the Lord's been telling me that even my taste buds and teeth are the temple of His Spirit and need to be under His contol.

Good morning to all!! Got on the scale this a.m. Today is a new day - got up and walked 3.3 miles with a co-worker. I had a thought before I left home, pondering on the verse 1 Cor 6:19-20 if I truly believed that my body was the temple of the Holy Spirit then I would not behave the way I do about food. I confessed my unbelief in what God's Word says and I asked Him to walk this verse out in my life. I have asked/prayed that God would change my thinking towards food. Let's pray for each other that way too - God, change our thinking and belief system about food - you are the only one who can satisfy us!! Praise your name!

Hey James-
I'm a seminary student and heard you speak this spring. Great message.
I've lost 15 pounds since starting school in January (I'm 36) and think you are spot on.
I'm bald and being a fat, bald preacher is a double-whammy. Hence, I exercise.
I hit the gym (or do something - bike, walk, swim, etc.) about 5 days a week because I truly enjoy it, so find some things you like to do and activity won't be a problem.
God bless and good luck. The better you take care of yourself...the better you'll take care of your flock.

From one who is not worthy to even be called a donkey, take care.
Jeff

Count me in! I have struggled with my weight since I hit the 30 year old mark. I would love to lose 35 pounds. Thank you for your inspiration and your clear and straight to the point teaching of God's Word.

Dear James, I've been listening to you on the radio at 10am and checking your website. I think I need to join your challenge. May 2 was my 64th birthday. I weighed myself and to my horror am 50# more than I was 20 years ago. I hate it, plus am concerned about my blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesteral. They all go together don't they. I hope that by helping each other we can all find a new success and health that pleases the Lord Jesus. Shalom, Judy

James,
I just got back from the doctors yesterday and I stepped on the scale in his office and said “HOLY FAT COW”! I took a cholesterol test early this month and if it was a high school test I would have made a 100. To bad it isn’t and my doctor said diet and exercise was what was in stored for me. My wife went with me, for some reason she did not feel she would get the truth from me or I should say only a half truth. That hurt! I am glad she went so we both could be committed to exercise and dieting. I have never had to worry about it before, but joining you on this journey is encouraging and knowing I join those above I look forward to getting to a healthy place. LETS GET ER DONE!

Hey Pastor James! Right now, I'm about 144 lbs, i was around 155 when I came to NY in January for school, so between Jaanuary and when I was home for spring break, i lost 12 lbs. My goal is to get down to 125 by the time I'm done at WOLBI in December. I take a women's weights class every wednesday for an hour, and I walk everywhere on campus. I didn't gain the freshman 15, i lost the freshamn 12. I really struggle with bad body image, and I'm really seeking God's help with it, asking him to take away the lies in my head put there by Satan. We women are really critical of our bodies/weight, and I think it'd help if, instead of men making it worse for us, they built us up instead, and vice versa.

Ok James, I am in. I have become a "fatter" preacher since my college days and I need to lose a good 25-30 lbs and get down to about 170. So that would make me right now--too fat! Thanks for the encouragement. Salads, fruits, and veggies in, fried chicken, out.

Right there with ya man! Shake it up!

Ok Pastor James, you've got it - accountability over the web all the way from Adelaide, Australia :-)

I'm at 222lbs and I want to get to 170lbs - somewhere I haven't been for 10 years. I started jogging last week and I've dropped 6lbs. I'm increasing the seriousness on Monday when the diet is coming under scrutiny.

I was 231 pounds 2 weeks ago i have made a committent to lost 100 pounds i'm only 5'2 the average weight for my height is 130. I've chnge my diet walking, and active in the gym i have 3 scriptures started with which was the same 1 cor 6.19-20. I am elated to join you with weight lost challenge.

Pastor James,
I was posting on my blog about a study you might be familiar with (ha!) and wanted to link you somehow in the post. It was there that I saw that YOU have a blog and I was so glad to catch up a bit with the church and its happenings (we are over at HBCLZ). I want to thank you for being faithful to the Lord. I am anticipating a wonderful time of growth as my small group digs in and studies God's word.
Blessings to you today,
Happi

Pastor James, I'm going to join your weight loss journey. I have 100 pounds to lose. This week I've gotten my eating back on track and started to ride my recumbent bike.

In His Strength!

Good morning - God you are full of grace and mercy - we seek you to change us because you do not start changing the outward man, you change from the inside to the outer - Thank you for that, that you are not like man. God change our thinking about food, change us to think and see ourselves they way you see us. All for your glory God - you are an amazing God!!! In the name of Jesus, the blood of Christ that covers us!!! Got up and ran 2.5 miles and walked about another 1.5. It was great!!!

Go, James, go! I'm just starting a program, too, committed to 45 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week for 10 weeks. Here's a bit of inspiration for you.
http://www.natureofsuccessmovie.com

I am SO WITH YOU!!
I have lost 10 lbs. in 1 month doing "YOU on a Diet" by Dr. Oz. You can get it at ANY bok store.
James you have inspired me so many times in so many different ways, now it's my turn to inspire you!
Weight loss is really math. It's not about starvation, it's not about punishing yourself it's about eating less and moving more, that's it. I'm sort of a "why" person. I need to understand the "why" of everything or I have a rough time buying in. "You on a Diet" is the "why" of EVERYTHING and it's a huge wake up call!! It's about your health!! I've lost 10 pounds in one month by EATING and moving. I have not been hungry at all, I have not deprived myself and my exercise has been very moderate. I have to say I'm honestly SHOCKED that I've lost 10 because I have not been struggling or suffering.
I both CHALLENGE and ENCOURAGE you to get this book! Besides the Word, it's a book that has really changed the way I view my body and food.
I'm here with you!! I want to lose 50 more and my reward, besides good health is a trip to Hawaii!!
Your Sister in Christ!
YOU CAN DO THIS!! DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! ;-)

Ok, you're my pastor so where you go I follow. I am ashamed of how poorly I treat this temple. Good wake up call. I don't know how much I weigh but I am definitely over normal limits due to a terrible diet and no exercise. I will do the shakes with you and add some exercise each day along with a LOT of prayer for all of us. He will help us.

James, I am with you. I am looking to lose about 20 lbs by the time we launch our church in September.

Pastor James,
I am with you!! I have been "stuck" at the same weight for over a year. It's a much better weight than when I started but I still need to lose another 15 pounds. I so appreciate your radio program and Bible Study, "I Really Want to Change, so Help Me God!" I did that study last year and was so blessed. Think I will dig out my work book and get inspired on my new weight loss goal. Thanks and God bless all you fellow travelers. Patti from the West Coast

Hi James
I hear you. I really want to put food in it's place , you know love God more than food. Eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full. I think this is an area of bondage we don't talk about in the church and I think we need get honest with one another about a very hidden struggle. I don't want food to be an idol in my life Thank God for accountability in the body and the power of the Holy Spirit in me to say no when I am full. I also have an awesome food buddy and we are walking this out together ( well I'm trying to run...)
Bless you James!!

I read your challenge and then all the responses and I KNEW I wasn't the only one out there that didn't stick to 'the program'. My sister said I was! I use to work out, using aerobic-weight training (The Firm Tapes) until I started smoking again. So I've got two very hard habits to break: bad eating habits and smoking. I hate smoking because it's got me in it's clutches. I just don't know how to pray about it without ending up asking God to just "take" these habits from me so it won't be so hard. Count me in and let's count on God for the strength!! Wow....I'm actually psyched to start ...yeah! I am........"In it to win it!"
Sharon

James,
I am a certified personal trainer and love that you are setting up this weight loss accountability group. I would be happy to support you and the group in any way: giving advice, answering questions, or in any other capacity you think might be helpful. Feel free to email me questions and I will post the answers or recommendations.
Finally, I lead the men's fitness class on Wednesday nights and the Elgin campus, and would highly recommend any of the HBC fitness classes. They are a great workout as well as a chance to meet others in Christ.

I went completely off sugar about 7 months before I met my husband and in the process lost 40 pounds! In the year we hav been married I have gained 30 pounds back! I need to re-focus and de-sweeten my diet again. Thanks for the help and motivation to really evaluate what I put ion my mouth.

Last year I had cancer (which the Lord thankfully healed me of). The doctors told me to pack on weight as I might need it. Yeah, like a MIGRAINE! I packed on weight, the cancer didn't take it away from me, and people just felt sorry for me going through chemo so guess what - they gave me MORE food! :) I've lost about 15 pounds since December and my "chubby" picture in front of a barn. I'm trying to lose about 12 more pounds by July. :) I know God's strength will be there. For me, it's more about being fit and attracting eligible christian young women. :) But I'm just being honest. But it's a good feeling to feel healthy too. :) Peace out.

Pastor James,
I want to lose weight. I'm taking the challenge. I agree that we really need to live what we preach.

I am with you, and I too have put on weight since school, matter of fact it has been 55 lbs, so I too am ready to get in shape for God and for me as well.

Pastor James...I can't tell you much this particular stronghold needs to be addressed from the pulpit yet is often neglected. THANK YOU for "stepping up to the plate" (OK, stepping away from the plate :) My concern here is that you are losing weight with a "program" instead of a heart change. When you've reached your goal will you go back to regular eating? Will consuming shakes and one meal change your heart about food? Overeating is no different than using (or abusing)alcohol in how we treat our body (the Lord's temple). I have struggled with this too and will pray for you and all who join you that through this time of change in weight will also come a change of heart in how we take care of ourselves. God bless!

Well, they say we all have our cross to bear and mine is my weight; if I actually took up that cross and walked every day, I wouldn't be worried about my weight. Is that considered an oxymoron? Did I just call myself a moron...? See, sugar deprivation has set in and it's only noon.

I'll walk with ya (not in the literal sense James unless you can make it to SpamTown MN everyday) and let's see how this goes. My body is a temple, but I'm remodeling and downsizing!

God bless you!

I am with you...40 lbs to go! The best way is to deal with the root cause...not dieting...like everything else, the weight will resurface somewhere down the road, unless we deal with the issue that causes us to overeat in the first place...best resource out there...Weigh Down Workshop...Bible based weight loss program to take you on a journey away from the false gods of Egypt (too much food/drink/cigarettes, shopping, or whatever your vice), through the Desert of Testing and into the Freedom of the Promised Land (freedom from your addiction and living a pure life totally dedicated to Christ and Christ alone).
http://www.wdworkshop.com

I went on a working retreat to Kentucky this past week and was blessed with the opportunity to serve the poor. Unfortunately the unpreparedness of my body made this a painful endeavor. I would like to join you in this goal so that next year I can feel the joy that I felt in my heart throughout my entire body. Thanks for sharing Pastor James! IJN

OK James I'm in and my wife will be very happy to hear this!!!
Christians look at the bondages of tobacco and alchol in the life of others and ignore the bondage of food, this is a huge problem in the Christian community.
I have lost 15 pounds and have a goal to lose 25 more.

PS, Who is the skinny dude with the hair in the photo with your wife??

Wow! This is a hot topic!

I lost 25 pounds since September 2006 by doing several things at once - first, going on a Candida cleanse to rid my body of toxins, going on supplements, changing the way I eat to only healthy choices (spelt bread, no wheat, gluten, white rice or sugar), eating 5 small meals a day with protein at every meal, working out with a fitness trainer, drink tons of water and prayer.

It is possible to lose weight but you have to do it with guidance from several disciplines, I think.

I will pray for everyone!

Dear James:

I am in. It is May 7th. I weigh in at 205 and want to lose to 175. I live here in SA as a missionary so there are no protein shakes. However, that is no excuse. My wife will also be proud I have taken the challenge.
Ron

Re: posting from Lynn today. Loved the visual you gave--"My body is a temple, but I'm remodeling and downsizing!" I don't think the Lord will mind at all having smaller quarters in any of us. :)

Hi Pastor James,
I feel very convicted about losing the extra weight I am carrying. I currently weigh 228 and need to get down to 150. I recently came across the same verse, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20, and now recite it whenever I think about putting anything in my mouth. I am on board! You are such a great pastor and God is doing such great work through you. I am so blessed to have found HBC.
Caroline

Hi James!
Count me in! I lost 65 lbs 7 yrs ago on the "heartbreak diet", and kept it off for 3 yrs! I gained back 35 lbs since I then found new love & marriage. I'd like to lose 20 lbs realistically. I will take the challenge, and thank you for the prayers, scriptures, and support!

Hello Pastor James:

I want in. I have lost 92 lbs since August 2006 and have a little over a hundred to go. I look forward to the extra motivation and the scriptures each week. Thanks for the Walk in the Word and the books you have written they help keep me focused on the important things!

April 12, 2007 I joined Weight Watchers for the 10th time. But this time I started a little diffently and the reason I started was completly different. I have been in a bible study by Beth Moore (Daniel). She mentions in that study that our bodies are Gods temple, (which I knew all along, but it hit me in a different way this time). There is so much that I don't feel like doing or physically can not do for God, because I carry an extra person around all day. So I decided this time I would join WW with a diffent perspective. I got up April 13, 2007 and started on my knees asking God to help me complete this journey, for him and him alone. He encouraged me to start exercising the very first day, along with my diet. Well in just 3 weeks I have lost 6.8lbs but have only missed 3 days of exercise. As I walk on my treadmill, I up the incline and speed and as the sweat drips off my face I ask God to help me push and push along the way. I feel I have a personal trainer right beside me. He has totally helped my spirits stay high. In the next serveral months I pray he continues to do so. "When" I get to goal and as I strive daily to exercise and eat right I know it is all because of Gods help. I will give him ALL the glory. I love to serve the Lord and as I drop the lbs I am looking forward to all the other things he wants me to do along my lifes journey. Please pray for me and I will do the same for you. Thank you. Jane Ann
PS: I listen to WGNR Indianapolis Indiana and I love to listen to James on his program on Fridays (my day off).

Could this finally be an answer to my prayers? These postings have greatly encouraged me. Absolute surrender of my fleshly appetite is something I have not been able to achieve. I feel like my very life on this earth will be cut short if I don't lose at least 100 pounds. I have come to the end of myself several times, but to no avail. I am desperate to change! I need your prayers. I wholeheartedly trust God in every other area of my life. I need His help. I need your prayers. Thank you Pastor James for starting this. You may never know the impact this will have on someone's life. Let's lift each other up and EXPECT a miracle from our Heavenly Father!

Way to go! First you convict me relative my spiritual walk, now my physical walk. Jesus gave me a second "go" after almost dying in February 2004. I cannot do much physically (my balance is shot) but I try walking our dog each day to keep (him) trim. Now its time I re-commit my responsibility of representing His glory, not mine. Just as the world is watching my spiritual life I realize my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit they are watching. As of today, I commit my body to God's glory and not mine. Pray with me each day that the world clearly sees Christ's reflection in my walk both spiritually and physically.

Hi James,
I lift our brothers and sisters up to Christ and pray for Him to be honored and glorified by our commitment to have heathy temples of God, for God...

Please pray for our church plant in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In Christ alone

When I read this I started laughing, and thought, "how true".

There are battles we face off in the physical realm that are a reflection of the spiritual realm...Maybe it's time for a good ol' fashion prayer and fast for consecration, discipline and rededication...I know I'm hanging on to about 20lbs extra myself. I'm in! (Numbers 11:34).

Kari Q.

Ag! I have a 5 month old and need to lose the last 15 baby pounds. I LOVE food, so I am trying to lose it by moderation and exercise. I am walking and am starting jogging (Lord HELP me!) this week. My goal is to lose 10 of those pounds by the end of June, when we go to Myrtle Beach.

In it with you, Pastor James!

I had this same thing happen. We had visited Polar Caves up north in NH and my hubby video'd the event. It was like a week later and I'm watching the video, and I say, "Who is that lady!?" It was ME! (back before I got sick and lost tons of weight). It is a shocker when you don't even know yourself back-to!!!!!!! YIKES!

Dear Pastor James,
I have been listening less often than I like to your radio broadcast for years. I tell people about it everywhere I go. It is by far the best online I have ever found. I too need to drop some pounds and have been struggling with it for years. I agree with another person on here that I am just in rebellion. I am going to follow your lead and do the protein shakes twice a day and one balanced meal. I will give up the hardest things for me, the coffee and the sweets, starting today, May 9th, 2007. I already walk 1-2 miles at least fives days a week, so that is good I think. Lord, please bless this journey we have all embarked on and Thank you for Pastor James!

hi James: Nova Scotia here. I too am losing weight i go to Weight Watchers and am trying hard. I am a lifetime member but have put all the weight back on now am struggling again. I am not supposed to, but i am doing the Slim Fast route. Keep in touch.
Shirley

Yea, count me in. I was thinking about that earlier today. I want to lose about 30 pounds! I look forward to the updates. I may blog about my own process over at my website.

Grace and Peace.

Struggling with a weight problem has been a circumstance most of my life.
I was a size 11/12 when I got married. Thinner is always a winner with Jesus as my coach. The diet with the 2 shakes and sensible supper works good to get off the first extra pounds. The
nutritional diet is the best.
Look to God for strength and
pursue the goal. It is like tithing; whatever goal of weight loss is acceptable between you and God should work. Be thankful!

Pastor James, I also started a walking program a month ago! I have used that time to listen to WITW and many other podcasts and I love it! 1 Timothy 4:8 helped me to focus on not just physical training but spiritual as well - "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
I've lost three pounds and 10 more to go. Thanks for the physical challenge but also want to thank you for your spiritual challenges as well.

Pastor James, I have been trying to eat better and shed some of those unwanted pounds my self. I know I need to be in better physical shape as well as spiritual. Thanks for the inspiration and I will be one of those fat-cat men joining you.

Thank you! God answers prayers and reminds me once again that we all struggle. If I remember, "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me", and put that knowledge to work, I'll be happier and healthier! Thank you for your timing and I hope to change my body to reflect the love that I've been shown by God through your ministry.

This is great! I have been on weight watchers for 2 weeks and have a lot too lose. I need motivation and prayer so lets keep on keeping on- God expects obedience in every area of our lives and I don't think He needs a "temple" this big. :) Looking forward to taking this journey to better health with you. I thank God for how He uses you and you for your obedience to Him. Love in Christ

James! Good for you! My husband and I had been convicted of this sin of overeating several weeks ago. Over eating food is not from faith.... and shows we doubt that God's provision for us in insufficient! Including making healthy choices, exercise and only eating when we are hungry, we are trying to remember to pull down upon the power of the Holy Spirit and believe God..as we face the temptation to over eat with, "I'm dead to that!"

James,
I was born again in Jan 2002 and began to walk in the word by listening to Pastor Joe Foshe, Calvary Chapel Philadelphia (ccphilly.org or PODCAST). He has an awesome verse by verse Bible study with his commentary on mp3. Its 750 hours and each lesson is about 45min. I typically get up early every morning and go for a walk and either listen to a lesson or pray or both before work. I've done this for years now and can't get going any day without this start. More recently I started listing to you and others on PODCAST as I walk too. If anyone is looking for a way to get your word and help your body this is the double whammy. NOTE: The experience of walking in the dark with God is like nothing else, morning or evening. Try it, you'll like it.

Thank you Pastor James! I was honored with your presence in 2006 at Calvary Chapel - Fort Lauderdale - Pastor Bob Coy. You are truly annointed and the Holy Spirit manifested Himself that night. I was down on my knees and many others were too, I felt the Holy Spirit in a big way just knocking me to my knees - and I asked others around me if they felt it as well and they did! WOW! Now, on to this weight thing...I know there are many programs and health fad diets out there but I truly believe that doing this with Jesus is the only way! I've had success before and maintained it off but I was doing it on my own and then it went downhill after a few years. If we walk in the faith we need to let it permeate into every aspect of our lives, not just the spiritual. We need a support system that is in tune to what we believe and WHO we believe in. Our success will be measured by how much faith we truly have in a transformation of the body through Jesus' help. I'm giving Him the reigns on food and exercise that's it. He will help us see this through, I truly believe this. He is transforming us spiritually and He has said He abides in us. So lets stop with the junk food and laziness and do it with Him and for Him. He did so much more for us... That's the least we can do, let's honor Him, prove to the world, "all things are possible through Christ" This is a great way for the Lord to get His people ready spiritually, physically, and mentally for His purposes in the Kingdom. Today is May 24th, Thursday, and I am weighing 150 pounds. I am 5'2" and 44 yrs. My goal is 125-130, I will be very happy with that. It's fun to see how the Lord will transform us all! To God all the Glory and Preacher, you are one of a kind! God Bless you and your family.

Dear Pastor James,
I just received a letter from Walk in the Word and read about your weight loss goal. I have struggled with my weight for years....plus and minus 45 pounds, round and round.Ten years ago, my abandon to food led to eating disorders for six years. This past year, I resolved to get healthy, not thin. I am 15 pounds lighter this May than I was last May and I am encouraged! I have realized it took years for the weight to go on, so it wasn't coming off overnight. My emotional eating was a way of avoiding God's presence and burying issues, big and small, that I should have been taking to Him. I know you have a wedding goal to make. If you are a few pounds shy of your goal, do not be discouraged. Generations ahead of you looking at the wedding pictures won't be pointing out your physical flaws. They will likely be talking about a godly man who led a life sold out to the Lord who mightily served God and His people! He will help you on this weight loss journey and, you will lose the weight. Good job!

I hope I'm not too late to join. I think this is a great idea. This goes along with the current series of being a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. (Ouch! Convicting!) My husband and I are approaching 30 years of marriage, and I'd really like to get a handle on this, especially before he retires. I haven't always been overweight, but I know in my heart that when God wants me to run to Him, I've been running to food--the easy way, right? If you've had a very lonely life and have experienced childhood abuse (especially women), they say you're more likely to cover up your God-given body with fat to hide. I think coming out of this pain involves deciding with the will to forgive abusers/molesters. We can say we forgive, but there are occasional behaviors that show we hold a grudge. 2 Peter 1:3-4 says "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires." (NLT) God's Holy Spirit will help us to do everything we need to do, whether it be to forgive, eat more slowly, eat much less, focus away from food, focus on serving others...you get my point. Much love and success to us all. I'm starting out at 278, and no, I'm not 10 feet tall!

I'm delighted to know that the word of God is widely spread around the world even by the help of the Holy spirit. All that is needed to tell the people around the world is in the Word. So as a preacher of God's word, I love so much to study God's word because it is rich enough to nourish our spiritual lives and mind.
I'm blessed to have joined this today.