Since I have used this Bible passage as an example of how the Lord God has positively influenced my overeating, this doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the verse. Debbie

COE Support Note:

If you REALLY want to read how Christ helped me throughout this weight loss and even when I was tempted, you should read some of the 100's of previous posts on https://christianovereaterssupport.blogspot.com/

What Do I Live By?

Luke 4: 3 And the devil said unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

Jesus had been in the desert without food for forty days, yet He withstood Satan's temptations. Jesus responded, “That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” It makes me wonder, “What do I live by?” I love Christ and love to read the Bible. Do I turn to God's Word when I'm tempted to eat things I shouldn't or do I cave in?

I am sorry to say that I have caved in far more times than I would like to admit to. Does that mean that I have to give up, because I'm not the Christian that Christ would really want me to be? Fortunately for all of us, Jesus is very forgiving if we turn to Him and ask for His generous forgiveness.

Being a weak human being, what can I do? Well, I can't help but feel that the answer lies in Jesus' response to Satan when he tempted Jesus. That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” I am weak, but if I turn to God whether through prayer or reading the Bible in times of temptation, He will get me through those times.

Actually, I have found that even if I caved into temptation and then turn to God, whether through prayer or reading the Bible, He picks me back up and aims me in the right direction. He doesn't chastise me like I do myself and tell me how stupid I was to fall prey to that food that was calling my name. He loves me the way I am, but wants better for me, as well. Christ holds my hand through this on-going journey in the desert as Satan continues to tempt me with worldly things like food and Christ can do it for you, as well. Luke 4: 3 And the devil said unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

How Much Would I Be Willing to Put Up With?

Mark 15: 19 And they smote Him [Jesus] on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshipped Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

When I read this passage this morning, it reminded me of the times I was taunted about being overweight. As a child, I was often chosen last to be on someone's team. I wasn't readily asked to be best friends with the popular people. I wasn't asked for many dates, although I had some. As an adult, I was ignored and my ideas were disregarded.

As a child, I didn't understand the impact that my weight had on other people's approval of me. I must have just internalized everything and felt unlovable. Fortunately for me, a girl from my class who lived nearby, invited me to her church where I found out I was lovable. Jesus loved me just the way I was, fat and all.

Throughout my growing up, people would make negative comments to me, as well as put-downs. There was a point where I internalized this and started putting myself down. I guess I was trying to beat others to the draw. It didn't seem like it was as bad if I said it about myself. Fortunately for me, God showed me that He loves me just the way I am and that I don't deserve put-downs from others or from myself.

As a young adult, my self-esteem was low and I felt fortunate to have friends and male attention. I put up with some relationships that weren't the best for me, where the people involved didn't respect me and tended to make me feel worse about myself. Fortunately for me, Christ showed me that I was worthy of respect and that it was better to not have these people in my life and He was right!!!

As I read this passage, I remember how alone I felt when I was taunted by others. It's so difficult for me to comprehend a love so great that Jesus, our Savior, would know in advance that He is going to be mocked and crucified, and would still go through it all for me and for you, so that we could have salvation from our sins through His resurrection from the dead. The taunting I went through seemed overwhelming, but nothing like what Christ went through for us! Mark 15: 19 And they smote Him [Jesus] on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshipped Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

What is My Focus???

Galatians 6: 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

This passage makes me realize that my focus makes a major difference in my life and those around me. When my focus has been on food, fantasizing about food I want to eat, being frustrated with my weight and cranky with those around me, because I didn’t feel good about my body and myself, I’m reaping the negative rewards for focusing on worldly things.

When I turn my food, body, stress, and those I care about into God’s very capable hands, my focus is on my Savior. He saves me from the stronghold food has on my life and allows me to be open to being the Christian, friend, and family member that He wants me to be.

At times, I slip back into old patterns. When I realize that my focus is on food again, I find it vitally important to renew my relationship with Christ. That’s because I don’t want to slip back into the depths of despair. I don’t want to slip back into feeling terrible about myself. I don’t want to slip back into avoiding interacting with others because I’m ashamed of my weight. Christ frees me from these fears when I focus on Him. Galatians 6: 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Since I am applying these Bible Verses to my life, it may not convey the whole meaning of the verses. Debbie

So What Does This Passage Have to Do With Overeating?

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

I realize that you may be asking what this has to do with overeating. It really doesn’t have anything to do with overeating. It’s talking about not hanging around with people who could lead you astray from your faith. Why in the world would I use this passage for the Christian Overeaters Past and Present Blog?

Well, I’m not actually sure, but when I read it a few minutes ago, several related things came to mind. If not eating compulsively allows you to be better Christian, to feel better about yourself, and to relate more positively to people you care about, we should avoid situations and people that may lead us to be tempted.

Sure, it may not sound like the level of temptation where someone is trying to convince you to rob a bank or to take drugs. I don’t know about you, but when I’m compulsively overeating, food, the thought of food, the fear of gaining weight, and my poor self-esteem seem to be foremost in my life-not God. They keep me at a distance from those I care about and I am less apt to be the person God wants me to be.

Additionally, there are people who might try to encourage you to eat in an unhealthy manner. They may even undermine your attempts to have balance in your eating and life. People like this, although well-meaning, may be people that we should be prayerful about prior to interactions with them. When we turn to Christ prior to interactions that can lead us astray, whether it’s food, drugs, unhealthy relationships, etc., He can protect us from the darkness and lead us into the light that only He can provide. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my overeating, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verse.

All I Need to Do Is Ask for It and God Gives It Freely

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God's blessed me by giving me the peace that passeth all understanding in many difficult times during my life. I have learned that when I'm concerned about something or someone, all I need to do is ask for it and God freely gives it. He lightens my burdens during these times and makes what seems unbearable, filled with the blessing of calmness knowing that we are in God's very capable hands and He will get us through everything.

So, why is this an issue now? Well, that's a good question. I realized that in my last few posts, I've been more drawn to food and have been more down than I usually am, but why? I know what is causing the stress, but I just didn't know why I was feeling down. Usually, during stressful times, God gives me the peace which passeth all understanding and I don't feel so alone, because Jesus is there with me getting me through whatever situation.

So, why is it different now? After lots of prayerful consideration, I found out that I had been asking for the peace which passeth all understanding, but stopped doing it recently. I felt the other person I'm concerned for needed it more, so I stopped asking for it for myself, as well, and only asked for it for the other person.

This is really eye-opening. When I asked for the peace that passeth all understanding for both the person and myself, God gave it freely. When I asked only for the peace which passeth all understanding for the person I'm concerned for, God gave it freely. So, why wouldn't I ask for it for myself, so that I'm not so worried during this time? God doesn't only have special blessings enough for just a special few who need it. God gives it freely to those who truly believe in Him and ask.

\You can take this one step further, God gave me a special blessing by allowing me to lose 80+ pounds over 30 years ago and to keep the vast majority of it off. He doesn't just have special blessings just for a special few who need it. Ask Christ daily to be in control of your life, food, and stresses and He can give you these special blessings, as well, if you ask Him. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Muddling Through a Fog, but Toward the Light

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Sometimes I just go through the motions of being a Christian. I find myself filled with that old self-doubt, drawn to food, and concerned about situations out of my control. At times I feel like I'm just muddling through a fog, trying to find my way.

Then, I remember that Christ is there for me, because He gave His life for us to save us from our sins. He is there for me even when I'm muddling through. He doesn't give up on me, why should I doubt that He will be there to take care of me and those I care for? If I were more focused on my faith during times like this, I would see Christ as the Light to get me through these difficult times. Times that gnaw at my relationship with with my Savior and make me feel distant, but He isn't.

He's right there! He's there beside me when I'm down. He's there beside me when I'm afraid. He's there beside me to get me and my loved ones through the difficulties that arise. He is the Light and Jesus gives my whole life purpose and direction. At times, I may be muddling through a fog, but toward the Light of Jesus! 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Filling That Empty Feeling

Hebrews 13: 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He [Jesus] hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Tonight I was watching TV and I had that empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. My first thought was to get a bag of pecans. If you've read any of my blog posts, they happen to be my misguided filler food. It seems since God's allowed me to lose 80+ pounds over 30 years ago and keep the majority of it off, I've turned to pecans at times that I have that empty feeling.

Rationalizing things, I've told myself that they are healthy and they're protein. Why should I worry about eating them when I feel like eating something? Eating pecans isn't the problem. It's eating half a bag of anything that's a problem!

The real problem is when I'm turning to food to fill that empty feeling. I've done this several times lately, which lets me know that something else is going on. I had a full dinner and it wasn't an half hour before I was wanting something else to munch on. God lets me know that when this happens, it's vitally important for me to turn to Him in prayer to fill that empty feeling, as only He can do.

I lay there on the couch wanting to eat something, put prayed over and over for God to fill that empty feeling and He did. He took my hunger away. Again, He reminds me through this, there are events out of my control that concern me and I need to leave them in God's very capable hands. He will deal with these things as only He can do! For He is always there for me and will never leave me or forsake me. Hebrews 13: 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He [Jesus] hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Second Guessing My Weight Loss

1 Peter 2: 24 Who His [Jesus] own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Why do I find myself second guessing my weight loss time and again? I know that it was Christ who blessed me by allowing an 80+ pound weight loss and has kept the majority of it off for over 30 years. Why do I keep trying to find logical reasons for my daily weight loss or gain?

When I'm being honest with myself, if I am turning to God instead of to food, which becomes a false god in my life, the weight seems to fall into place. When I am turning to God instead of worrying over stressful things, the weight seems to fall into place. When I turn to God instead of becoming fixated on what others think of me, the weight seems to fall into place.

Knowing these things, why do I keep falling prey to these issues time and again? Although I can't tell you for sure, I think that Satan doesn't want us totally focused on Christ. In an attempt to work a wedge in our relationship with our Savior, he dangles tempting things like food, fills us full of worry and self-doubt, so that we might lose our close bond with our Lord.

I have been a sheep that's gone astray, and continue to do so periodically, but Jesus is always the Good Shepherd who brings me back into the fold, time and again. 1 Peter 2: 24 Who His [Jesus] own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.


Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my overeating, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verse.

Bible Passages That Can Influence Your Life

Bible Study: Relating the Bible to YOUR Life!

Types of Christians

 A Christian Caregiver


Aw Nuts! I've Done It Again!

Luke 17: 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

I can't believe it. I fell prey to the call of the nuts again! My sleeves on my top had started being lose again. Since I found that the scale has too much control in my life, I find that how tight my sleeves are and how well my pants fit are better indicators of my weight.

So, why did I let the pecans call my name again? Why did I undermine my healthy weight? When I'm truly prayerful about this, I realize that I've been under a lot of stress lately, much of which is far beyond my control.

At first I felt frustrated with myself for getting into the nuts again. Then, God allowed me to realize that this Bible passages is also to be applied to my own life. If I fall back into old eating patterns again and again and ask God to forgive me, then I should forgive myself, as well. Luke 17: 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

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