Giving Remarkable Gifts

Beth Ann Ziarnik, @bethannziarnik

Giving remarkable gifts? Hey, it isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Not when the Lord is involved … as I discovered while considering today’s Scriptures related to Diet No More STEP THREE. And this from one who as a little girl had quite a problem with obedience. Countless times I confessed that sin to God and asked his forgiveness. As you’ve probably guessed, I still have my moments all these many years later.

But recently, the Lord offered me a new perspective. What if I thought in terms of giving gifts–yes, gifts of obedience? How remarkable that would be. Surely worth a try!

GIFTS OF OBEDIENCE

Obeying the Holy Spirit’s Instructions I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to.~ Galatians 5:16, TLB.

“Always doing the wrong things.” Like overeating, right? How weary I get of the uninvited nagging to eat, eat, eat. Yet how simple God’s answer–obey the Holy Spirit. Giving the Lord the gift of my obedience makes all the difference. What great advice from the Lord!

Real Living Carry out my instructions; don’t forget them, for they will lead you to real living. ~ Proverbs 4:13 ~ TLB.

Do I get distracted and forget? Absolutely, even when I’m eating. Maybe you fall prey to that problem, too. Yet here the Lord urges me to remember his instructions–even regarding God-honoring eating. And firmly keeping his instructions in mind is another gift of obedience I can give to the Lord.

Food Isn’t Everything! Food isn’t everything . . . Real life comes by obeying every command of God. ~ Deuteronomy 8:3, TLB.

All right, here’s a major eye opener: “Food isn’t everything.” Really? If evidence could speak, that’s not the way I had been living. Yet that’s what God says. And if I make it “everything,” if I spend a lot of time and energy and money satisfying my ungodly appetite, obviously I lose. I forfeit the real life the Lord wants me to enjoy. If only I would change my heart and obey him. If only I would give him the gift of obedience.

GIFTS FROM GOD

And God’s Word makes it clear. The giving of remarkable gifts goes both ways. Not only do I enter God’s gift of real living as Proverbs 4:13 says above, but these next two Scriptures reveal at least two more gifts from the Lord.

Living in His Love When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love. ~ John 15:10, TLB.

How wonderful! As I obey the Lord–yes, even in my eating–he give me a precious gift. The gift of living in the most beautiful place imaginable–living in the peac and freedom of his love. It comes with the package because, as his Word says, “God is love.” ~ 1 John 4:8, KJV. And I’m so much more aware of his unfailing love and presence. How great is that!

Prosperous and Happy Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. ~ Proverbs 16:20, NLT</a.

You know how Jesus says in Matthew 13:9 that those with ears should listen? Listening is important in life. To those who listen to God’s instruction–even about eating–he gives the gift of prospering. Do I want to prosper? Of course, I do. And those who trust the Holy Spirit to lead them in their eating receive God’s gift of joy. Prosperity and joy in this life are wondrous gifts from the Lord.

WHAT NEXT

That’s it! Us giving remarkable gifts to God and his giving remarkable gifts to us in return. What a great idea! And what a great conclusion to Diet No More STEP THREE. Next week we move on to Diet No More STEP FOUR with its ten sure fire strategies for success and The Diet No More Quick Tips Sheet. See you then!

HEARING FROM YOU: If you have any questions or comments, you can leave them below. Or use the email form on this website, and I’ll get back to you. Have a great week!

HINT: To receive each week’s blog post in your email box, be sure to sign up in the “Keep Up To Date” box at the bottom of the page or the “Updates Sent Straight to Your Inbox” subscribe now box at the top of the side bar on this page.

ONE LAST NOTE: If you know someone who might enjoy this series, please use the share button below. Thank you!