But you, son of man, listen to what I
say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat
what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:8
The old Helen
daily devoured a large bowl of ice cream with bananas, nuts and a cherry on top. I worked hard and deserved this delicious
dessert. When I started reading labels,
I was in sticker shock. My nightly
sundae was over 600 calories: banana - 105 calories, 1.5 cups of “lite” ice
cream - 350 calories, add nuts – 150 calories, and then chocolate syrup, and
the cherry.
In Ezekiel
2:8, listening is the first action we need to take. How amazing that the Lord wants to talk and
direct our ways. The next action is what
not to do, rebel. When I listen, I find the
first thing I think is “No, I don’t want to”. Why is our natural response to rebel? I want to obey the Lord, so I fight this and
proceed to “Yes, I want to do this.” What
do I need to do/change/consider so I say, “Yes”?
Scripture
about food jumps off the page at me.
This scripture is no different.
We are to open our mouth and eat what God gives. Finding healthy
replacements to the worldly food is critical to our healthy success. Cold turkey
works for a few weeks, even months.
Slowly, we become resentful and our resolve weakens.
I discovered Fruit
Smoothies were a worthy replacement to my end of day treat. When you blend 1 cup of skim milk, ¼ of a banana,
and a cup of frozen strawberries, the result is a large volume of naturally
sweet milkshake with only 190 calories. I am thankful for the healthy delicious
food the Lord provides.
My new self
is committed to eating only what the Lord provides. The world takes the healthy food the Lord provides
and adds to it. Ice-cream sundaes
started out as milk and fruit. As we
processed our food more and more, we added the sugar and the fat. I am thankful to have healthy
replacements. Often times, the healthy
replacement is food in the natural state that the Lord provided.
My
prayer: Lord, forgive me for the wrong
choices I have made in the past. You
are my Lord; help me to seek you first in all things. Remind my ears to listen
for your direction. Give me courage to not
rebel against you. I want to take up
your cross daily and share in your mission.
Lord, help me to eat your food and resist the food the world has tempted
me to eat. Thank you Lord, for loving
and providing for me. Amen.
What are your
worthy replacements?
