It’s difficult to deny yourself. I’m currently trying to watch what I consume. I haven’t been drinking Pepsi, or Dr. Thunder (off brand of Dr. Pepper) or any sodas for that matter. I’ve also cut back on the un-healthy snacks I eat. I do have a sweet tooth. I find myself craving a Pepsi in the morning, or a candy bar in the afternoon. They are at my convenience at work, no-one would even know. But I’m trying to stay strong and fight the Snicker’s urge, or the urge to eat a Reece’s peanut butter cup or two. They do come in a package of two. The point is, it is difficult to fight the urge to eat or drink unhealthy. One every once in a while, won’t hurt, but once you start with one, then you want two Pepsi’s and that leads to three a day. I find it’s best to just quit cold turkey like I did with alcohol. I used to enjoy German beer. I lived in Germany for 22 years in the military and as a civilian. But I felt like the Lord wanted me to stop drinking so I did, and it’s been a smooth transition to sobriety. All things are possible through the Lord. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV 2022)
Have you ever fasted? Did you know that we as Christians are supposed to fast? The Bible says when you fast, Matthew 6:16 says “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (Bible Gateway KJV 2022)
When we fast implies that we are supposed to fast. I fasted a few times, and it is very difficult. The Bible says to keep it secret and keep it between yourself and the Lord. I was fasting for a very important decision and it worked out according to God’s will.
I go home for lunch or bring my lunch with me to work to save money. Oftentimes we have leftovers at home, or I make a sandwich. But there is a restaurant right across the street that I enjoy going to. Do you know how tempting it is to just get something from there? Update: I just got off the phone with my wife and I asked if she wanted to have lunch at that restaurant across the street and she said to go home and have a sandwich, so it looks like I am denying myself again. It really is hard to deny yourself. But like I stated earlier all things are possible through Christ.
If we want to be disciples of Jesus Christ sometimes, we must deny ourselves of our human and fleshly wants. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Bible Gateway KJV 2022). Have you denied yourself before and did God bless you?
Carry the Load 