Health And Nourishment NIV: Proverbs 3:7-8 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTS: Fools are persons who have no true wisdom, who follow their own devices, without regard to reason, or reverence for God, therefore with the instruction there is need of a Law. Let Divine truths and commands be to us most honorable; let us value them, and then they shall be so to us. MY OBSERVATIONS: As we learned in Proverbs 2, wisdom is the gift of God. Many have knowledge, (which is a good start) and losing a pound takes knowledge, but keeping that same pound off takes wisdom. Wisdom is more of an ability to see the big picture; a sense of proportion. As we gain wisdom, health AND nourishment will be ours through God and His Law. God plainly promises health and nourishment for those that will fear Him and shun evil. It may take awhile to incorporate God into our daily eating habits when we have kept this area for ourselves, but knowing His promise is health is our signal to follow Him and seek His wisdom. Gaining the victory means never again having to lose that same pound over and over again. Gaining the victory means that you will have health and nourishment rather than gluttony and over-indulgence.

Lord, in Your mercy grant us the wisdom to attain health and nourishment by reverencing You and shunning over-indulgence. Amen

NIV: Proverb 3:25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

My Observations: I can remember dieting ten years ago and losing 26 pounds not because I was too heavy, but because I had reached the age of 40 and wanted to do something to regain my youthful appearance. It was extremely difficult, especially those last 5 pounds. I remember telling people; HI will never put this weight back on because it was just too hard to get it off." And here I am, 10 years later with needing to lose 85 pounds (I have lost it). What happened? I did not include the Lord in my plans. He could have any other area in my life, but I was the one in charge of my body. Over-confidence and confidence in myself and own ability got me into trouble again! This time I placed my confidence in the Lord that not only will my foot be kept from this snare, but also my mouth. I now know that as I age, my caloric needs lessen as my activity level decreases. If I don’t learn my lesson this time around, dieting disaster will strike me again.

Lord God, forgive me for thinking the temple of the body belonged to me. I turn it all over to You, and I would ask that You teach me to be a good steward in all areas of my life. Amen

Today's Diet Tip: 3.- Avoid greasy foods. Instead enjoy crisp vegetable salads Today's Positive Thought: A positive attitude is like a fire - Unless you continue to add fuel, it goes out.