A Better Way of Eating

I didn’t eat it
But it was hard to resist
My body wanted to take that kitchen trip
But the food I could stand to miss

Not that it was bad, it’s just not in the best interest for me
As I strive to be more healthy
Wanna ditch the pills and do it naturally
Lord, thanks for helping stick to a better way of eating

Some foods I grew up on, I don’t eat no more
And don’t season food as heavy as before
And new cooking methods I’ve started to explore
Added new things to the diet too
Like snacking on more nuts and fruits
Even put in a request to a company
To make my favorite snack more healthy
Lord, thanks for will power for a better way to eat.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:41, Psalm 139: 14
Background
Certain foods sure look and smell good especially when you are trying to avoid them. But in order to keep the blessing of good health, we have to eat what is good for our bodies. After all, Psalm 139:14 tells us our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made. And through prayer, God helps us to avoid temptation. Matthew 26:41 tell us to watch and pray that we enter into temptation because the flesh is weak.

Diffuse The Situation

It’s tense observing the tempers flare to a high degree
Too dangerous to intervene
Strangers to me, but to themselves friends and family
Not sure what best course of action should be
Just pray it will end quickly

All I think about is why the escalation
Knowing the consequences can be total devastation
Don’t want to read the results in the papers
But from my observation
The members are trying to diffuse the situation

After minutes of intense and fearful waiting
And praying, assessing and debating
Whether to seek intervention professionally
Finally
The members were able to make the confrontation cease
So what could have in a split second became a tragedy
From something that seemed so petty
Was able to end peacefully
Thank you Jesus.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 3:16-28
Background
Tough decisions. We all have to make them at one point in life. It is an especially tough decision when looking at a fast escalating, potentially dangerous situation among folk who are strangers to you, but are family and friends amongst themselves. You need a wise, fast decision on whether to call authorities. Solomon wanted wisdom from the Lord more than anything else as he wanted to make good judgement in ruling and dealing with the people. Good judgement is essential in everyday life. For example, sometimes we have to make split second decisions when driving a car on a highway as the wrong decision can have devastating results. The good news is that God can answer prayers in split seconds and will always lead us to the right decision. Thank you Lord for always being on time in critical situations.

To Praise From Pity

Sometimes my mind focuses on what I don’t have
Or on all the fun that I’m missing out on
But that perspective changes for me
When I walk down certain streets
And the plight of others I see

Some may not have a home or be hungry
Others need to ask strangers for money
Yet others have physical or mental frailties
And I’m reminded worse my life could be
So my mind does 180 degrees

I may not have all I want, but got what I need
And so I go to praise from pity
Praise the Lord for the sickness from which he healed me
Praise Him for all the problems God solved miraculously
Praise Him for showing up in time of need
Praise Him that my blessings are so many
Morning and night new mercies I see
Praise Him that I’m in no state of pity.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 92:1, Hebrews 13:5
Background
Sometimes I see stuff I want or think about things I want to do to point where I can feel pitiful because I believe I’m missing out. But just a walk down some streets can change my feeling. When I see the conditions of some that I definitely wouldn’t want to be in; I start praising God for what I do have and for the state I’m in. Hebrews 13:5 tells us to be content with such things as we have for God will never forsake us and He will still bless us with the things that we pray for. But until He does, I’m going to be sure to praise Him for what He has already done. Psalm 92:3 says it is a good thing to give thanks and praise to the Lord.