Hunger & Craving NIV: Proverb 10:3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTS: Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book. Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings. Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference. The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.

MY OBSERVATIONS: What a vast difference between hunger and craving! Hunger pains are our internal system's mechanism signaling that it is time to take nourishment. Craving is a product of the mind and can never be satisfied with just a smidgen. We have been taught somewhere along the line that a craving is the body's signal that we need a nutrient, and therefore we should satisfy it. Not true! What is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (Jn. 3:6) Cravings are products of the flesh. They are not divine shoulder taps from God. Cravings will truly disappear as you become skilled in saying no to them. They do not have to be addressed, they are of the flesh and they are fleeting. The wise in heart will learn the difference between hunger and craving and will overcome the cravings and be set free.

Our Heavenly Father, as we seek You, help us to seek you in truth and in spirit, for not all knowledge is rightly divided and wise. Help us to set the flesh of the mindset behind us as we alter our lifestyles, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

NIV: Proverb 10:17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

My Observations: It may take a 20-30 pound weight loss until others really notice the difference in body size, but once the momentum of the excitement is noticed, wow, you can become an instrument of God’s righteousness. What better way to testify of God’s grace than to give witness as to how He has forgiven your waywardness, and through the discipline of godly dieting have returned to the way of life. As for me, when I began dieting, I plea bargained with God, suggesting that if He help me to lose this weight, I would see that He was glorified for it alone. There were too many years that I led others astray by my body size, pretending that as long as I was spiritual, I could wreak havoc with my outside impression. I am changing, through the grace of God.

Father, I thank You that Your mercy never fails, and that no matter what my sins and problems are---You are always there to lend a listening ear--- and to coach me back on the path of righteousness. Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ name. Amen

Today's Diet Tip: 10.- Be happy. Do not act as if resisting all those tempting food is killing you.

Today's Positive Thought: One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat. Every person is guilty of this mistake at one time or another. Remember to pick yourself up and begin again anew.