I wanted to share a bit more about Danny Cahill and some of the motivating truths he learned on The Biggest Loser.
Danny talked about one specific challenge they were given on an episode: to dig a treasure chest out of the sand. Danny thought it would be a piece of cake, but then realized as he shoveled the sand away for hours, sand continued to fall back into the hole he was creating. He didn't see much progress at all, but he kept on. Eventually, he dug out the chest. He said it was a lot like his weight loss journey. To most people, losing 20 pounds is a big feat and is noticeable. But when he lost his first 20 lbs, he looked at himself in the mirror and saw the exact same person, nothing had changed! But he didn't give up simply because he didn't see results, and those were the first 20 lbs of 200 more to follow. This story encouraged me to stay motivated, to keep digging, to keep pursuing even when I don't see results or my circumstances are discouraging. The Bible says--we will reap fruit of our labors!
Danny also talked about two essential things to lose to succeed on any journey. First, lose your regrets. Satan loves to torment with regrets of our past mistakes--and that keeps us chained to the past. Remember that God has the power to take what satan has meant to harm you with and turn it into good, so it is necessary to make a conscious effort to ditch the weighty baggage of the past.
Secondly, lose the lies! Don't believe the lies your mind will tell you. Satan loves to rationalize our minds into belittling issues in our lives that need to be addressed. He knows that if we face the truth about an area that needs improvement, that will take us one step closer to walking in the destiny God has for us. Instead, satan feeds us lies to believe. In Danny's case it was "you're not that fat, you've already tried your hardest...might as well give up, nothing will change no matter how hard you try, you're a good dad at least..." If you want an honest opinion about your life, ask God.
Lastly, on any quest you're on--keep God your God! Don't let the chase or the challenge become a consuming focus and priority--maintain balance. And when you want to quit, remember your purpose for starting and the goodness God has promised you that awaits the struggles. If you know why you are doing something, you can endure just about anything to get there.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 26: The Biggest Loser...Ever
Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing Danny Cahill speak at the church I attend, Morningstar Christian Church! Danny won the Biggest Loser in 2009 and lost 56% of his total body weight, making him the biggest loser in history of the show's existence. Danny started the message with tears in his eyes before he even said a word--then began with "I'm just so blessed God picked me for this journey and that I get to share my story." A true man of humility who has pursued the path God laid before him. But it wasn't easy for him to take his first step on that path--at 430 pounds.
Danny had tried 3 times to get onto the show before finally being casted. He was searching for a motivating force to help him lose the weight for good--and felt the Lord placed this show in his heart. On the last day of the casting in 2009, hoping for a call from the producers, he prayed that God would show him his direction and opened his bible to Genesis 50:20. He said at that moment, after reading the scripture he opened to, he called his wife and said "I'm going to be on the show--and I'm going to be the Biggest Loser ever!" This scripture was confirmation of God's plans for Danny.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many."
-Genesis 50:20
Hours later, Danny got a call welcoming him to the cast of the Biggest Loser. God had been laying a plan out for Danny--although he didn't make Danny obese, he took what was soon to harm Danny (probably cause him an early death) and turned it into good. Danny utilized God for strength and hoped in Him, and it was clear to everyone in the church yesterday, this was God's plan for Danny. He now travels the country encouraging others in faith that any thing bad, harmful, or evil in our lives can be transformed into good by God's grace, and doors will open for us to share the miracles God has performed in our own lives to others everywhere. Don't be discouraged by the trials or "bad" things in your life--God has a divine purpose in all of it!
Danny had tried 3 times to get onto the show before finally being casted. He was searching for a motivating force to help him lose the weight for good--and felt the Lord placed this show in his heart. On the last day of the casting in 2009, hoping for a call from the producers, he prayed that God would show him his direction and opened his bible to Genesis 50:20. He said at that moment, after reading the scripture he opened to, he called his wife and said "I'm going to be on the show--and I'm going to be the Biggest Loser ever!" This scripture was confirmation of God's plans for Danny.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many."
-Genesis 50:20
Hours later, Danny got a call welcoming him to the cast of the Biggest Loser. God had been laying a plan out for Danny--although he didn't make Danny obese, he took what was soon to harm Danny (probably cause him an early death) and turned it into good. Danny utilized God for strength and hoped in Him, and it was clear to everyone in the church yesterday, this was God's plan for Danny. He now travels the country encouraging others in faith that any thing bad, harmful, or evil in our lives can be transformed into good by God's grace, and doors will open for us to share the miracles God has performed in our own lives to others everywhere. Don't be discouraged by the trials or "bad" things in your life--God has a divine purpose in all of it!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 25: Welcome Him Aboard!
I was reading over the story of Jesus walking on the water from John 6, when a few things rang so true and applicable to our lives today. Here's the situation: the disciples were on a small boat that was being rocked hard in a storm on the sea, and they were quite frightened. They were also frightened to see what they might have imagined to be a ghost walking toward their boat--atop the water. This was Jesus, who walked 3.5 miles on the water to save them.
The disciples were wrapped in fear and anxiety. But really, if they had thought about all the miracles they had witnessed Jesus perform, they would've found it no surprise to see him walking toward them on water. But in moments of fear we are shaken and emotions can take control over our faith.
I love what John 6:20 says took place next: "Jesus said to them, 'It is I, do not be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him onto the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
Why did the disciples reach the shore safely? They were willing to let Jesus in to help. Jesus is aware of every problem and obstacle we face, he knows what scares us and shakes our faith. He is ready to do whatever it takes to come to the aid of his children--even walking on water. But we can't let our pride keep us from letting Him onboard to help. I picture when Jesus got into the boat that suddenly the storm ceased and the boat turned into a speed boat and in a brief second they were on shore. The verse says "immediately the boat reached the shore." After paddling for 3.5 miles in a storm, with the help of Jesus, He took his chosen ones immediately to their destination, and he is waiting to do the same for us!
The disciples were wrapped in fear and anxiety. But really, if they had thought about all the miracles they had witnessed Jesus perform, they would've found it no surprise to see him walking toward them on water. But in moments of fear we are shaken and emotions can take control over our faith.
I love what John 6:20 says took place next: "Jesus said to them, 'It is I, do not be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him onto the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
Why did the disciples reach the shore safely? They were willing to let Jesus in to help. Jesus is aware of every problem and obstacle we face, he knows what scares us and shakes our faith. He is ready to do whatever it takes to come to the aid of his children--even walking on water. But we can't let our pride keep us from letting Him onboard to help. I picture when Jesus got into the boat that suddenly the storm ceased and the boat turned into a speed boat and in a brief second they were on shore. The verse says "immediately the boat reached the shore." After paddling for 3.5 miles in a storm, with the help of Jesus, He took his chosen ones immediately to their destination, and he is waiting to do the same for us!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Day 24: A Piece of His Puzzle
Destiny. A word that lights up our eyes with a child-like hope. Too many people wade through life in search of their destiny or calling, which especially as a non-believer, can be a pretty challenging search. I'm so glad to have that weight off my shoulders knowing that God has pre-destined each of his children and will guide us to our destiny if we are willing to follow.
I heard a message on being used by God and fulfilling our destinies that really re-shaped my thinking about this topic. I had previously fallen into the trap of praying "Jesus use me, do great things through me, guide me..." The issue with this is I was making it all about me.
Never did I think that my destiny is to be part of a bigger puzzle God is putting together with a big mission HE wants to see accomplished. I was awakened to the reality that I ought to be submitting myself to be used in any manner God desired for me, even if it was to be a part of something that is already happening, like a church plant, a revival, or a mission. So now, I ask God to use me to further His mission. We are all uniquely shaped puzzle pieces and our calling is to make His puzzle complete. Yes, we will each have our own path and accomplish different and unique things en route to fulfilling our destiny. But, we are part of something much greater than we can imagine!
I love this song by Deluge called "I Want to Be Used by You." It puts our destiny into perspective.
You are calling me, I can hear it clearly, to stand for purity and what's pleasing to Your heart.
You are showing me, I can see it clearly, a sense of destiny, a change from everything around.
Take me by the hand and show me what you're planning.
I want to be a part of Your design.
Guide me by the heart and show me what's the future.
I want to leave a mark on history.
I want to be used by you.
So don't look me over.
I'm waiting for you broken.
I want to be used by You.
So have Your way with me.
I heard a message on being used by God and fulfilling our destinies that really re-shaped my thinking about this topic. I had previously fallen into the trap of praying "Jesus use me, do great things through me, guide me..." The issue with this is I was making it all about me.
Never did I think that my destiny is to be part of a bigger puzzle God is putting together with a big mission HE wants to see accomplished. I was awakened to the reality that I ought to be submitting myself to be used in any manner God desired for me, even if it was to be a part of something that is already happening, like a church plant, a revival, or a mission. So now, I ask God to use me to further His mission. We are all uniquely shaped puzzle pieces and our calling is to make His puzzle complete. Yes, we will each have our own path and accomplish different and unique things en route to fulfilling our destiny. But, we are part of something much greater than we can imagine!
I love this song by Deluge called "I Want to Be Used by You." It puts our destiny into perspective.
You are calling me, I can hear it clearly, to stand for purity and what's pleasing to Your heart.
You are showing me, I can see it clearly, a sense of destiny, a change from everything around.
Take me by the hand and show me what you're planning.
I want to be a part of Your design.
Guide me by the heart and show me what's the future.
I want to leave a mark on history.
I want to be used by you.
So don't look me over.
I'm waiting for you broken.
I want to be used by You.
So have Your way with me.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Day 23: Enjoy the wait!
Our culture wants everything yesterday. Our culture doesn't really like to wait.
This mentality interferes with the Christian faith. God often uses waiting as a powerful tool for growth in areas we need it most. Think back to something you really wanted. When I was in middle school I wanted a cell phone, in high school a car, in college to complete my first marathon to name a few things. If I didn't have to wait 14 years for a cell phone, 16 years for a car, and put in a year's worth of training to finish my first marathon, getting what I wanted would have meant next to nothing.
Waiting builds character because we are required to persevere and endure. Our morals are tested. Will we give in and try to find an easy way to the prize? Or will we rely on God's strength and promises? Our society might say yes--have it now, why work for it? But I'm a firm believer that anything worth having takes work. God doesn't give instant microwave answers, but his blessings are worth waiting for. And I don't know about you, but I am always up for building more character. As my wise grandpa Popsi says, "Character is like ice cream--you can never have too much!"
The Bible says, "when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. You know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
-James 1:2-4
Christians are content with waiting. Why? Because just like the rainbow after the thunderstorm, after the waiting period comes God's blessing.
This mentality interferes with the Christian faith. God often uses waiting as a powerful tool for growth in areas we need it most. Think back to something you really wanted. When I was in middle school I wanted a cell phone, in high school a car, in college to complete my first marathon to name a few things. If I didn't have to wait 14 years for a cell phone, 16 years for a car, and put in a year's worth of training to finish my first marathon, getting what I wanted would have meant next to nothing.
Waiting builds character because we are required to persevere and endure. Our morals are tested. Will we give in and try to find an easy way to the prize? Or will we rely on God's strength and promises? Our society might say yes--have it now, why work for it? But I'm a firm believer that anything worth having takes work. God doesn't give instant microwave answers, but his blessings are worth waiting for. And I don't know about you, but I am always up for building more character. As my wise grandpa Popsi says, "Character is like ice cream--you can never have too much!"
The Bible says, "when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. You know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
-James 1:2-4
Christians are content with waiting. Why? Because just like the rainbow after the thunderstorm, after the waiting period comes God's blessing.
Day 22: Wearing your Robe
I want to share a pretty neat moment I experienced last night in my small group. I was shown again how creatively God can speak to us through others in the most unexpected ways.
I've been blessed with a wonderful small group of women to be part of. We meet weekly for bible study, fellowship, and to encourage one another. Last night, we picked a bible verse to meditate on and apply to our own lives. I opened my bible to the book of Galatians and was struck by this passage:
"And let us not lose heart & grow weary & faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season, we shall reap, if we do not loosen & relax our courage & faith."
-Galatians 6:9
This was God's way of telling me: "Rachel, you've worked hard toward a goal I've placed in your heart for almost a year now. You have 20 days left before you are tested. Although you've made great progress, do not loosen up and settle in these final days. Keep pushing and you will blossom in my perfect timing."
As we closed our small group in prayer, a sweet friend of mine, Ashton, told me she felt the need to pray over me and shared a vision God gave her when her eyes were closed in prayer. She said Rachel, I saw you wearing a purple robe, a crown from the Lord, and carrying a torch with fire. God gave me this vision of you spreading the light he's placed in you to new places. And it is ironic you were wearing a crown as I know you're preparing to compete for Miss California, and it is because God has set you apart. He wants you to know that you will be able to share the word He is rooting deep inside your heart. He has already gone before you in this journey! It's as if he's saying: "Rachel, I've already given you the robe, now all you need to do is walk in it."
As you can imagine, I was so touched and encouraged by this word Ashton shared with me. I could surely feel God's presence and reassurance. God could be speaking a similar message to you right now too. Whatever journey you're on, don't be anxious about the small obstacles and dwell on your shortcomings. Be at peace knowing with confidence that if God has placed your desire in your heart, he will finish the good work he started in you. Chances are, God has already given you all you need to carry out your journey. He's given you your robe of resources. Stand tall in faith, ground your feet upon the truth of His word, and walk in it!
I've been blessed with a wonderful small group of women to be part of. We meet weekly for bible study, fellowship, and to encourage one another. Last night, we picked a bible verse to meditate on and apply to our own lives. I opened my bible to the book of Galatians and was struck by this passage:
"And let us not lose heart & grow weary & faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season, we shall reap, if we do not loosen & relax our courage & faith."
-Galatians 6:9
This was God's way of telling me: "Rachel, you've worked hard toward a goal I've placed in your heart for almost a year now. You have 20 days left before you are tested. Although you've made great progress, do not loosen up and settle in these final days. Keep pushing and you will blossom in my perfect timing."
As we closed our small group in prayer, a sweet friend of mine, Ashton, told me she felt the need to pray over me and shared a vision God gave her when her eyes were closed in prayer. She said Rachel, I saw you wearing a purple robe, a crown from the Lord, and carrying a torch with fire. God gave me this vision of you spreading the light he's placed in you to new places. And it is ironic you were wearing a crown as I know you're preparing to compete for Miss California, and it is because God has set you apart. He wants you to know that you will be able to share the word He is rooting deep inside your heart. He has already gone before you in this journey! It's as if he's saying: "Rachel, I've already given you the robe, now all you need to do is walk in it."
As you can imagine, I was so touched and encouraged by this word Ashton shared with me. I could surely feel God's presence and reassurance. God could be speaking a similar message to you right now too. Whatever journey you're on, don't be anxious about the small obstacles and dwell on your shortcomings. Be at peace knowing with confidence that if God has placed your desire in your heart, he will finish the good work he started in you. Chances are, God has already given you all you need to carry out your journey. He's given you your robe of resources. Stand tall in faith, ground your feet upon the truth of His word, and walk in it!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Day 21: Wow!
Watching the sunset, hiking a mountain, walking on the beach, gazing at the stars---these are some of the ways we observe nature's most beautiful features. Living in California, I'm reminded of nature's beauty daily. I love driving by the mountains in the distance and working a block from the ocean. The earth is really a beautifully created place that leaves me in awe!
Today I was listening to Matthew West's song "More." The lyrics are written from the point of view of God speaking to us. The chorus is:
"I love you more than the sun and the stars that I taught how to shine. You are mine, and you shine for me too. I love you yesterday and today and tomorrow, I'll say it again and again...I love you more!"
I'm not even able to grasp that! God loves you and me more than this entire earth and all of the beautiful things he created on it! Wow. That's far deeper than any love a human being can shower us with. He values us immeasurably.
He thinks about us more than we can comprehend. Thoughts of love, protection, blessings, and joy. We are his children and just as a father and mother look at their baby, He is looking at us with the same adoration.
"How precious are your thoughts about me, Oh God. They cannot be numbered!
I can't even count them. They outnumber the grains of sand!"
-Psalm 139:17-18
Did you catch that? God has more thoughts of us than there are grains of sand on the beach. When I read scriptures like this, I just can't help but want to live a life that honors someone who loves me so so so so so much!
God doesn't enjoy the beauty of his creation by watching the sunset or gazing at the stars. He enjoys the beauty of his creation by looking down at you and me.
Today I was listening to Matthew West's song "More." The lyrics are written from the point of view of God speaking to us. The chorus is:
"I love you more than the sun and the stars that I taught how to shine. You are mine, and you shine for me too. I love you yesterday and today and tomorrow, I'll say it again and again...I love you more!"
I'm not even able to grasp that! God loves you and me more than this entire earth and all of the beautiful things he created on it! Wow. That's far deeper than any love a human being can shower us with. He values us immeasurably.
He thinks about us more than we can comprehend. Thoughts of love, protection, blessings, and joy. We are his children and just as a father and mother look at their baby, He is looking at us with the same adoration.
"How precious are your thoughts about me, Oh God. They cannot be numbered!
I can't even count them. They outnumber the grains of sand!"
-Psalm 139:17-18
Did you catch that? God has more thoughts of us than there are grains of sand on the beach. When I read scriptures like this, I just can't help but want to live a life that honors someone who loves me so so so so so much!
God doesn't enjoy the beauty of his creation by watching the sunset or gazing at the stars. He enjoys the beauty of his creation by looking down at you and me.
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