Devotional for Dieters

[Judy Harder]

October 14


1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.


Peter dressed for the dinner. His friends tried to tell him he shouldn't go, but he ignored them. He'd been doing great on his diet. He was in total control. He knew there would be wonderful and exotic food where he was going, but he could handle it. Too bad he forgot that when he got there. The temptation was too great for him. Before he realized what was happening, he was stuffed. In one day, he blew a couple of weeks of hard work. We can't afford to get cocky when we diet. Each day is a new struggle all its own. Ask God for daily help. Avoid situations where temptation prevails. The Lord will be sure to help you, whenever you let Him.

Today's thought: I will steer clear of calorie traps!

[Judy Harder]

October 15


Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, 'This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, +Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,' saith the Lord of hosts.'


Curtis liked to think he could do everything on his own. He often told friends that he didn't need anybody else; he was fine all by himself. On those rare occasions when Curt was feeling down and in need of a friend's support, he usually found himself alone. Everyone figured he really didn't need anyone else, and so he was lonely. No matter how strong or powerful or talented we might be, we all need the support of friends. Our greatest friend is, of course, Jesus Christ. We need never feel alone when we have the Spirit of the Lord with us. Accept the helping hand of the Lord, and find out what real strength is all about.

Today's thought: Let me lose not only weight, but also false pride!

[Judy Harder]

October 16


John 19:11
Jesus answered, 'Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.'


How much easier our lives would be if we could quit fighting the fact that all power comes from God. We want control of our own lives, and we like to think we can stand on our own two feet. The reality of the matter is that we have received everything we have from the Lord. He has given us our abilities and talents, He has given us our resources, and He gives us our opportunities. The truly strong person is she who understands that God is the source of all power. If we want the power to diet, it can come to us only through the Lord God Almighty, who loves His children and offers them everything they need.

Today's thought: God is greater than my desire to eat!

[Judy Harder]

October 17


Ephesians 4:15-16
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.


Peak efficiency: That is what God intended for the human body. The human body is an intricate, delicate, but powerful machine; finely crafted, and capable of amazing feats. The only way the body can work properly, the way God intended, is when we take good care of it. It should not be burdened with excessive weight, nor should it be abused by improper diet. If we will endeavor to take good care of our bodies, we will experience the joy of living the way God intended for us all.

Today's thought: I am a marvelous creation of God, worth taking care of!

[Judy Harder]

October 18


Psalm 68:35
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.


Theo knew the power of God. He had seen it in the birth of his daughter. He had felt it when his father had died. He had witnessed it many times in the glorious creation of nature. Theo had no doubt about the power of God. He had worked in forestry for his entire life. He had flown through thunderstorms where lightning splintered huge trees and set forests blazing. The power of God was both a wonderful and a terrifying thing. Theo had no doubt that there was nothing beyond the power of God. The God of all creation could handle his diet. He had no question in his mind. Strength such as God's was a good thing to have on his side!

Today's thought: With God on my side, my fat doesn't stand a chance

[Judy Harder]

October 19


Matthew 6:16
'Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.'


Everyone knew enough to stay out of Kevin's way when he was on a diet. The man became a raving lunatic. He couldn't get along with anybody. Connie felt he acted that way just to let everyone know he was on a diet. Then, when he gave up on it, nobody had the nerve to suggest he give it another try. It was his way of justifying not having to diet. Connie just wished he'd quit putting on such performances; it made everyone else miserable. Our diets need to be our business, unless we turn to others for help. We diet for the wrong reasons if all we want is sympathy or attention. God will give strength to those who are sincere, but He is unable to help those who really don't want help.

Today's thought: My diet will not become a burden to anyone else!

[Judy Harder]

October 20


1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.


Cliff felt content. He felt good about the diet. He knew it was time to do something, so it didn't feel like such a great struggle. He prayed for God's help, and he felt God's presence with him. Sure, there would be unpleasantness, as there was whenever a sacrifice was involved, but it would all be well worth it. The prospect of being healthy and trim was very appealing to him. Cliff had confidence that God would bless him with strength, courage, and peace. With that kind of assurance, how could he go wrong?

Today's thought: If God will give me everything I really need, how can I help but lose weight?

[Judy Harder]

October 21


Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed in the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.'


All too often, people tackle diets that are too big for them. They try to give up everything at once, hoping to lose a huge amount of weight in a short period of time. Usually, that won't work. We should learn that the greatest successes come in small steps. We need to set modest goals that we can handle, so we don't get discouraged. God blesses our small efforts, for they are usually the most sincere and realistic. Ask God's guidance, and He will grant you exactly the right amount of strength you need to triumph.

Today's thought: Giving up a little at a time will keep me from giving up altogether!

[Judy Harder]

October 22


2 Corinthians 11:29-30
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.


If there was one thing to respect Cynthia for, it was her humility. She was very talented, but she knew well what she could do and what she couldn't. She was never shy about asking for help when she needed it, and she never tried to make people think she could do things she could not. It was nice to see someone who could admit her weaknesses without being defensive or insecure. When Cynthia had dieted, she openly admitted that she relied heavily on God for strength and encouragement. It was a real inspiration to others to find someone who gained strength from being honest about weakness.

Today's thought: It is more important to be strong of heart than strong of body!

[Judy Harder]

October 23


Psalm 118:13-14
Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.


Going home to Mother's was murder on the diet. Stacy dreaded it. She knew the minute she walked in, her mother would ask her why she wasn't eating right, and then, for the next week, her mother would shove fattening, although delicious, dishes in front of her face. Going home required a double measure of strength. At those times, Stacy had to pray doubly hard. Sometimes it worked, sometimes she gave in. In the end, though, Stacy was glad to have God to turn to. Once back in her own apartment, He gave her all the resolve she needed to get right back on her diet. Truly, the Lord was her strength and her salvation.

Today's thought: I need saving from that which I would devour!