Archives for May 2024

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

The gospel message is true. It, alone, contains the best promise that ever existed. But it isn’t accepted by everyone.

There are two groups. Believers and nonbelievers. The message is the same for both groups. The message is offered to both groups. The receiving of the message is different.

The first group accept the message of truth. The promise is theirs. With it brings security to count as precious treasure.

The second group rejects the message. They leave it where they heard it. Some even hate it. It is too convicting to the mind and therefore left unaccepted. Like a proposal gone wrong.

All are offered the same message. All are offered the same choices. There is no inequitable offer.

Do you understand your need for the gospel message? Do you accept the gift of salvation? Do you accept the freedom found in forgiveness of sins upon confession and repentance? Do you recognize the Sovereign Authority of the One making the offer?

The message is simple.

The consequences are monumental.

If you need to know more, ask me.

It has been nagging me. Like every time I take a bite or sip of some sweet concoction there is that little voice that has been increasingly louder. Don’t eat it. DON’T eat it. DON’T EAT IT. DON’T EAT IT!!!

I have done this before. Then excuses pop up about why it is okay for me to have something sweet.

I deserve it.

I am stressed.

But it is a birthday party. It would be rude to skip the cake.

It is Christmas.

It is Thanksgiving.

It is Easter

I am on vacation.

A baby shower.

A wedding shower.

It was a gift from some well-intentioned person.

The list could and has gone on and on.

But it must end. It can no longer master me.

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

It has become ridiculous. Last week I hid a bag of mini Heath candies. Throughout the week, I ate the whole bag. There were a lot in that bag. It is quite embarrassing admitting this out loud. I blamed being stressed. So pathetic.

Friday, I said today’s the day.

Saturday, I remembered Friday’s failed start. Then had cake at a wedding shower.

Sunday, well, the family wanted to have ice cream from a local farmer’s market. It was yummy. But as I enjoyed the final bites of my butter pecan waffle cone, I remembered Friday again. (Insert eye-rolling, sick to my stomach, I can’t believe how this stuff has enslaved me!)

I quit coffee and caffeine two months ago. Since then, this sugar habit has been bothering me. If I can give that up, certainly I can give up sugar.

Both treat me like a drug. Temporary highs just to come crashing down once the effects wear off. With sugar the plunge is harder. Watery eyes, heart races a little, sleep, got to have sleep.

Breads, cakes, cookies, lemonade, juice, and places you wouldn’t think to look. Salad dressings, tomato sauces, soups, ketchup, seasonings. If you don’t believe me, go to your pantry or refrigerator and read some ingredients. Not all sugar is named sugar. Look up the different names.

Monday is here. I made it the whole day. Reading ingredients. Carefully considering what went into my mouth.

My goal is not to become so rigid and not having occasional treat. But to master sugar and not have it master me. To make good nutritional choices to fuel my body. To honor God in the choices I make. To be around to see my family continue to grow. To serve God with healthy choices.

Celebrating day, one of being sugar-free. But not with sugar!