My gluttony.

[Gregg]

The Lord has set me free from many addictions. He has even provided me a place to help others via a Christ based 12 step group that meets every Tuesday night. Typically we deal with alcohol, drugs, or porn. Three weeks ago a new member came and stated that he went to church with our leader and was only coming to support him. It is my experience that no one walks through that door without needing blessings as well as giving them. So I was silent but really interested in seeing why God had sent him. By the end of the night he was in tears because he said he felt the Holy Spirit in this group and stated that he would come back. The third week he broke down and confessed his gluttony. I was immediately convicted and knew that it was time. I thanked him for his honesty and bravery, confessed my gluttony, and told him he was not alone. Three other brothers out of 12 confessed the same sin. We gave it over and prayed about it.

I decided right then and there that I was not going to get on a scale as it was not about losing weight. It was about my walk with God. After the meeting we all formed a game plan, that includes phone calls, and prayer. I decided that I would pray about what to eat, and that I would take the advice of a radio pastor who suggested during one of his sermons that we learn to slow down and savor every bite (he challenged us to try it for a week, and that was a few days before our meeting). Praise the Lord on victory for two and a half weeks.

I know a lot about diets. I am not on a diet. Food is a gift that I have abused. The Lord is teaching me that I can really enjoy food like never before, without overeating. I eat slow, and savor every bite. I stop when I am not hungry, and eat a small portion when I am. I was afraid of being hungry, he is teaching me that this fear is unreasonable and a source of my sin. I feel like I have lost weight, and have been tempted to get on a scale. This is satan whispering, because this is not about weight loss or health issues. Although I do believe I will not only lose weight but get healthier as a result/blessing of getting the sin of gluttony out of my life.

I follow his promptings, even to the extent of stopping in the middle of a half eaten sandwich.

I have not been to a Chinese buffet or a fast food place in the last two and a half weeks. I take a bag of food with me from home. I am not spending money that I do not have eating lunches out. I have made a commitment not to eat anything but fruit or vegetables without sauce or butter after 8:00 pm. Some nights I just pass because I am not hungry.

I deny myself nothing and do not say I will never... as I am not on a diet but healing and getting freedom from gluttony as God would have it.

Thank you Jesus!

I will post from time to time my journey, not to brag or complain, but to give thanks and glorify my Lord. I have faith in this miracle.

[Quickened]

I will post from time to time my journey, not to brag or complain, but to give thanks and glorify my Lord. I have faith in this miracle.

Please do! Not only am i sure it will be edifying to other members on this forum. There usually are a number of guests here that browse these forums. Not sure if this is visible to guests though.

Praise God! I was moved by your post and will pray for you! :pray:

[Gregg]

Thank you for the kind words.

As this battle unfolds, I am thinking it has been with me longer than I can even imagine. I have been on many diets over the years and have lost many pounds only to put them back on plus a couple more. I always went for the diets that would allow me to eat as much of something as I wanted. From cabbage soup to Atkins, as long as it was all I could eat. I even tried The Let's do Lunch written by a lovely Christian man. I started to have success but soon fell by the wayside. It has always been about quantity and fear of being hungry. That is gluttony.

I am surprised on how much concentration it takes to slowly savor every bite. I am also surprised on how fast I fill up when I do this. I should not be surprised, yet I am, at how gentle our Lord is being with me as I walk through this journey. Yet it does not come without it's temptations and struggles. I have been tempted over the last week to get on the scale. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, get thee behind me satan!

Thank you Jesus for removing this blockage that prevents me from getting closer to you. Amen.

[Ta-An]

Drink water..... Living water, :hug:
May the Love-hunger in you be filled with the love of G_d :pray:

[Metalwolf]

There is a book I read some weeks ago that I think is called "The End to Overeating," or something like that. The author in it says that through the food industry, we have been 'trained' to overeat and to want certain foods. Its not a diet book, it is a look on how the various food industries have experts and savvy marketing designed to entice people to buy their product, create 'superstimulus' foods, and create ads and commercials that attempt to make you crave that product.

The author is an M.D., and his trip through this research is quite fascinating. :D

[Gregg]

Thanks to everyone for the kind words, prayers, and tools. I just got back from a 24 trip for a job interview. I did very well (thank you Jesus). I ate slow and savored the bites. I prayed. I was full with smaller portions than ever before. Today after three weeks I have on a pair of slacks that fit looser. I was tempted to get on a scale (In the name of Jesus Christ-get thee behind me satan!). This is not about losing weight this is about victory over my sin of gluttony. This sin does not block me like alcohol, drugs, and gambling did. I think it is sneakier. I am loving and looking forward to seeing and feeling the things that God has in store for me as this gets out of my life. I am already seeing fruits in my walk.

God bless,

Gregg

[Gregg]

Went to a high school football game last night. Both of my daughters are in the band and where playing at half time. I have a commitment to my accountability partner that we only eat raw fruits and vegetables after 8:00 pm. I walked into the game at 7:00 and smelled the cheeseburgers and grilled onions. They made my mouth water. Trouble is I wasn't hungry. The temptation was to get one in before 8:00. I would be keeping with in the rules, but why eat when I am not hungry. I wanted to eat for pleasure. I talked with my Heavenly Father and decided that there will always be cheeseburgers around, and this was not the time and place for one. Since I wasn't hungry, not that big of a deal. On the way out of the stadium I was tempted but passed as it was after 8:00. When I got home I prepared myself a small bowl vegetables and had a large glass of water. I was satisfied. I watched a little tv with the family and went to sleep. I got up this morning pleased that I did not fall to temptation. Thank you Jesus!

When I was a glutton I ate for pleasure. Now I am eating when hungry and actually enjoying it more. Amazing things happen when God gets involved.

[Ta-An]

When I was a glutton I ate for pleasure. Now I am eating when hungry and actually enjoying it more. Amazing things happen when God gets involved.:hug: .

[Gregg]

On Thursday I was working with a young man repairing some electric motors. About 12:45 I asked him if he wanted to break for lunch. He stated that he would just as soon keep working to get it done by days end. I was ok with it. I was hungry, but no big deal. Not as frightening as it used to be in the past (thank you Jesus). We got done about 5:30, I had an hour and a half ride home, I knew my wife was making dinner. I thought about stopping and getting something, but let is pass. I talked to God on the way home. While I was driving, I noticed I needed gas. I was not familiar with the area so I pulled into the next station. I noticed the 8 Buffet next door. Get thee behind me Satan! I have a weakness for Chinese Buffets. Guess what kind of buffet the 8 Buffet was? Yep, after going 8 1/2 hours without food I land next to a Chinese Buffet. I laughed and thanked my Father for the victory.

Yesterday on my way to an appointment 3 hours from my house, I needed gas and pulled off a random exit at 11:00 am to get gas. Right next to the gas station was...you guessed it The New China Buffet! Thats right, two times I need gas in uncharted waters, two Chinese Buffets...and two victories! Praise the Lord.

[Twin2]

You know, as my husband and I struggle with gluttony, I have been avoiding this post. I have found it to be both inspiring and humorous. I giggled every time I read "get thee behind me Satan". Thing is, I know you have to put him under your foot for the victory. I'm happy for you to be receiving victory. Lots of Christians, who are not familiar with the word on gluttony, think it's okay to eat (and overeat) because they feel eating is the one thing a Christian is "allowed" to do...WRONG! There is a better way---

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6 KJV

[Gregg]

You know, as my husband and I struggle with gluttony, I have been avoiding this post. I have found it to be both inspiring and humorous. I giggled every time I read "get thee behind me Satan". Thing is, I know you have to put him under your foot for the victory. I'm happy for you to be receiving victory. Lots of Christians, who are not familiar with the word on gluttony, think it's okay to eat (and overeat) because they feel eating is the one thing a Christian is "allowed" to do...WRONG! There is a better way---

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6 KJV

Welcome. Thank you for the kind words, and the verse. I have to admit, I feel like I am moving ahead on my journey towards the Lord. And I like it.

God bless you and yours.

[Twin2]

There's always room for growth in our walk with the Lord, and sometimes that need for growth is where we least expected it. Victory in the Lord truly is sweet.

[Gregg]

Eating slow and savoring every bite is more of a challenge that I originally thought. When I first tried it I was alone and it worked very well. I normally eat breakfast and lunch alone so it works. Sometimes however, I lunch with my boss or customers. It is easy to get caught up in "just eating." Same with dinner with my family. We engage in conversation and next thing half my food is gone. I have to make sure I slow down in these situations. I have to practice it so it becomes part of me just like eating fast has been part of me. I know this savoring every bite, treating it like the blessing that it is, is key to victory in this battle. The stopping of eating when I am not hungry is the second key. I do not have to clean my plate, in fact it is better that I do not. I noticed that sometimes when I get to the end, the temptation is there to speed it up to get the last few bites in. I also seem to think that those last few bites will prevent me from getting hungry...they do not. It is not the hungry that is the problem; it is what I do with it that is. I do not want food to get in the way with my walk. I could not get a clear picture of how it does, without stepping away from the sin of gluttony. He wants me to be free of this as with any sin that holds me in bondage.

[Ta-An]

..... It is not the hungry that is the problem; it is what I do with it that isAbsolutely true :hug:

Strongs...... and do not weigh yourself, it can put you in bondage, set targets on how your clothes fit you,,,

[Gregg]

Absolutely true :hug:

Strongs...... and do not weigh yourself, it can put you in bondage, set targets on how your clothes fit you,,,

Yep, he told me the first night not to weigh myself. I think this has been one of the biggest temptations in this whole battle. The only goal that I am setting is that I do not want gluttony in my life. I am leaning, praying and using the tools that He gives me and have faith that he will take this sin from me. I have proven over my 56 years that "I" cannot win this battle alone. He can and will win it for me. Any better fitting clothes or better health is only a side benefit from removing this sin from my life.

[turtledove]

I do weigh myself but not very often. It can be misleading anyway..cause you can lose inches without losing much weight..

I had gradually gained over a period of years..eating what most do..but not being as active because of various serious physical health limitations.

But with much concern from my doctor and because of my age (72) and his reactions to my blood tests..I had to get very serious after some health issues of this past year and am happy to share I am doing well and enjoying daily life much more than in years. Now that I get out for walks again this is a great time to pray and be alone with the Lord since I go out so early before lots of people are even up. God is good and isn't finished with me yet. He knows I need my energy and stamina restored as he calls me into more intensive ministry..but this restoration also requires my cooperation with His Grace.

I praise Him..

Sounds like you are going at this well..keep it up..admitting the problem (sin) is the major step..

[Gregg]

I do weigh myself but not very often. It can be misleading anyway..cause you can lose inches without losing much weight..

I had gradually gained over a period of years..eating what most do..but not being as active because of various serious physical health limitations.

But with much concern from my doctor and because of my age (72) and his reactions to my blood tests..I had to get very serious after some health issues of this past year and am happy to share I am doing well and enjoying daily life much more than in years. Now that I get out for walks again this is a great time to pray and be alone with the Lord since I go out so early before lots of people are even up. God is good and isn't finished with me yet. He knows I need my energy and stamina restored as he calls me into more intensive ministry..but this restoration also requires my cooperation with His Grace.

I praise Him..

Sounds like you are going at this well..keep it up..admitting the problem (sin) is the major step..

Thank you. Sounds like you have a good journey as well. May God continue to bless you as you walk with him.

[Gregg]

This morning my kids startled me awake. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I had an overwhelming desire to get on the scale and weigh myself. I was half asleep and this is the thought that came into my head! The scale is not in a convenient place. I said a quick prayer, came down to make coffee and chat with my daughters before school. I then came down to my office and came to this site. I was attacked with thoughts that I do not love Jesus enough so maybe I am not saved. I got on my knees and talked to my Father. I must confess that it was hard to get still even for a moment. I believe this is a sneaky part of the battle and so I wanted to post it here...to help me and maybe others who are battling the sins we call addictions.

God bless you and yours.

[Twin2]

Praise the Lord that you are recognizing the enemy in your battle. Even more than the thoughts Satan sends our way to tempt us with defeat, I am amazed at the thoughts the Lord will send our way to either correct or encourage us in our battles.

[Gregg]

It is amazing how stress can trigger hunger. I just had a small (but adequate) breakfast that usually satisfies me. I was reading another thread on this board that brings up some negative emotions in me. I now feel hungry. The temptation as I am writing this is to go back for seconds. I am going to pass and give it over to God. I know this is part of the battle with gluttony. Even as I write this my mind is arguing with my flesh. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, get thee behind me satan! Lord please give me victory over my sin this day. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

To those that are reading this, thank you for being part of my recovery.

God bless you and yours.

Gregg

[turtledove]

It is amazing how stress can trigger hunger. I just had a small (but adequate) breakfast that usually satisfies me. I was reading another thread on this board that brings up some negative emotions in me. I now feel hungry. The temptation as I am writing this is to go back for seconds. I am going to pass and give it over to God. I know this is part of the battle with gluttony. Even as I write this my mind is arguing with my flesh. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, get thee behind me satan! Lord please give me victory over my sin this day. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

To those that are reading this, thank you for being part of my recovery.

God bless you and yours.

Gregg

Gregg, God bless you back. I am thanking God for how well you are doing. What you share is such a good sign..it says that you have discovered that stress can trigger the urge to eat more. Thanks for sharing it. I need to be reminded of this from time to time myself as the tendency is there for me too.

I have always loved cooking and I do enjoy eating hearty and fascinating meals..sometime what some might call gourmet..but now with my new eating and life style I am learning not to eat when I am not hungry which has been a big step in my recovery process. And I relish good food..yet..but better nutrition and smaller portions of all. One thing I am currently struggling with is my tendency to reach in the cupboard and grab a handful of nuts between meals as a snack. This is good and can help fill me up before a meal so I won't eat too many calories..but nuts are caloric too..so now, I pray..dear Lord, help me get my nut eating habits in good order. In some ways it is a learning process for which we can grow..one day at a time-----

by His Grace..

Into better Christian living,

turtledove..:)

[Gregg]

Gregg, God bless you back. I am thanking God for how well you are doing. What you share is such a good sign..it says that you have discovered that stress can trigger the urge to eat more. Thanks for sharing it. I need to be reminded of this from time to time myself as the tendency is there for me too.

I have always loved cooking and I do enjoy eating hearty and fascinating meals..sometime what some might call gourmet..but now with my new eating and life style I am learning not to eat when I am not hungry which has been a big step in my recovery process. And I relish good food..yet..but better nutrition and smaller portions of all. One thing I am currently struggling with is my tendency to reach in the cupboard and grab a handful of nuts between meals as a snack. This is good and can help fill me up before a meal so I won't eat too many calories..but nuts are caloric too..so now, I pray..dear Lord, help me get my nut eating habits in good order. In some ways it is a learning process for which we can grow..one day at a time-----

by His Grace..

Into better Christian living,

turtledove..:)

Thank you for the prayers.

Regarding the nuts, what would happen if you cut your portion in half and sat down and ate them very slowly? It might take all of three minutes. I have found when I can do this (I use pretzels) this can be a time that I savor a snack with our Lord.

God bless you and yours.

[turtledove]

Thank you for the prayers.

Regarding the nuts, what would happen if you cut your portion in half and sat down and ate them very slowly? It might take all of three minutes. I have found when I can do this (I use pretzels) this can be a time that I savor a snack with our Lord.

God bless you and yours.

Right, good idea.

[Gregg]

The battle to weigh myself keeps coming back. I also noticed that some days I look in the mirror and I can tell I lost weight. It looks like that might have hit a plateau. This caused a bit of scare. So now the battle turns to the weight loss and all the thoughts that come with dieting. I have to remind myself that dieting and scales never helped me with my gluttony. It is the consequences of my gluttony that has put me in the position to be overweight. Since I am not on a diet, no scale is needed, I do not have to worry about my weight loss, that will be up to God. The ego that goes with weight loss is a tool that the evil one uses to trip me up. I noticed that feelings of eating came over me when the thoughts of a plateau came into my head.

I have found that I have some how attached my weight to my self worth, and that heavier people remind me of my own weight. This causes some judgement on my part that I am not proud of (of course I do not say it outloud and pretty much try to deny it internally) this seems to cause guilt in me and then I get hungry. In the past this was a trigger to fail at the diet of the month and then eat whatever and how much of whatever that I wanted. This ended the diet, and the gluttony wins for a season.

Heavenly Father, keep me strong as I battle with my gluttony. Give me wisdom to keep walking the way that you want me to walk. Please forgive my judgements of others and myself. Change my heart Lord. Do not let a persons weight effect my love and feelings for them, give me compassion and wisdom in the battle that we share. Do not let food in where you belong. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

[Ta-An]

...The ego that goes with weight loss is a tool that the evil one uses to trip me up. Thank you ...this is ministering to me :hug: I noticed that feelings of eating came over me when the thoughts of a plateau came into my head.
Gregg, plateau's happen when the body (skin) catches up ... drink enough water for the skin to be 'flexible' and pull back....

Feed on the Word of G_d when feelings of gluttony wants to take over.... for your brain only knows 'hunger' and can not differentiate between different kinds of hunger...and feed that hunger with the Word.... ieo with food.

One can be hunger to talk, hunger for fellowship, hunger for G_d's Word, hunger for water, thirst also feels like hunger.... so determine what you are hungry for, and feed that....

You are an inspiration to me :hug:

[Ta-An]

...to help me and maybe others who are battling the sins we call addictions.

Gregg..... you are so right.... I hope you are seeking spiritual help to combat these :hug:

[Gregg]

Gregg..... you are so right.... I hope you are seeking spiritual help to combat these :hug:

Thank you, and yes. Twenty three years ago God used AA to bring me back to him....or maybe really to him for the first time? Found out very early in the program that my higher power was God. Struggled to find out who God was, and he lead me to His Son. He has given me the gift of sobriety, and I have never had a drink or drug since the day I quit. Praise Jesus! It was only several weeks ago he let me know it was time to clean this gluttony thing up. I know I cannot do it, but with his help and the use of the tools he provides, we will gain victory.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

I just got back from a week out of town on a business training trip. I was able to eat slow and small (just enough as it was all you could eat warm contintental) for breakfast. I found it difficult to eat as slowly as I would like at lunch and dinner as I was with anywhere from 1 to 3 people. I needed to concentrate on what they were saying. I found myself speeding up and slowing down. In some of the cases I found after the fact that I ate a little more than needed. I still managed to leave some food on the plate most times. I did pass on the temptation to eat again after dinner. I must realize that this is a process and a lifelong journey that will change some of the habits that I have aquired over the years. Compared to other business trips this was a wild success. Compared to where I want to go I still have some work to do. I am gratful for the progress made and look forward to what He has planned for me in this battle with gluttony.

[Midyrvette]

Gregg, I have the exact same problem, I eat too fast and as a result, eat more then I need. I have been battling weight most of my adult life. It's been coming off since 2005 when I weighed about 255 now down to 203.

I came from a family that had depression era parents. I was forced to eat everything that was on my plate whether I was full or not. To finish my plate became a natural thing I always did. It is a hard thing to break, I just feel so guilty leaving food behind. This wasn't so bad when I was a teenager because I usually burned it all off. But a different story as I became an adult.

I am learning now to eat slower with smaller portions, to enjoy every morsel of food, and so far this is working for me. I still can't leave food behind, but working on it.

Stress and anger are my enemies....they make me eat, and it's not the regular eating, its a food fest to see how fast I can get filled up.

God Bless you and prayers that we both can overcome this..

[waslostnowfound]

Hi Gregg!! As I am a recovering addict/alcoholic, I check this particular forum quite regularly. I have to admit that for a while I have ignored your thread. Not because I didn't think it was very important, but because I didn't believe it applied to me, or that I would have anything to offer someone struggling with their weight,

Today, I decided to read it and I was captivated!! I must also admit that I was immediately convicted by your words. I am not considered overweight, but like most people I have a couple extra pounds. I exercise regularly and my weight fluctuates five pounds either way.

What convicted me was the fact that you eat for pleasure and not for hunger. I am blatantly guilty of this on a daily basis. I am a chef and I take advantage of the opportunities!! Every single day I eat something for no other reason than it being there in front of me. This is gluttony!!!

Thank you very much for reminding me of a sin that I don't even think about. I am going to be very conscience of this in the future. Without your thread this would never have come to my attention.

God Bless!!

Craig

[Desperaux]

The battle to weigh myself keeps coming back. I also noticed that some days I look in the mirror and I can tell I lost weight. It looks like that might have hit a plateau. This caused a bit of scare. So now the battle turns to the weight loss and all the thoughts that come with dieting. I have to remind myself that dieting and scales never helped me with my gluttony. It is the consequences of my gluttony that has put me in the position to be overweight. Since I am not on a diet, no scale is needed, I do not have to worry about my weight loss, that will be up to God. The ego that goes with weight loss is a tool that the evil one uses to trip me up. I noticed that feelings of eating came over me when the thoughts of a plateau came into my head.

I have found that I have some how attached my weight to my self worth, and that heavier people remind me of my own weight. This causes some judgement on my part that I am not proud of (of course I do not say it outloud and pretty much try to deny it internally) this seems to cause guilt in me and then I get hungry. In the past this was a trigger to fail at the diet of the month and then eat whatever and how much of whatever that I wanted. This ended the diet, and the gluttony wins for a season.

Heavenly Father, keep me strong as I battle with my gluttony. Give me wisdom to keep walking the way that you want me to walk. Please forgive my judgements of others and myself. Change my heart Lord. Do not let a persons weight effect my love and feelings for them, give me compassion and wisdom in the battle that we share. Do not let food in where you belong. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

I am in your very boat!

Now, I do weigh myself, but put it off for a long time because I know that the scale is a tyrant, and that the numbers can influence my mood. When I realized that the numbers do not reflect success, OR failure either... but my following after Jesus with everything I've got is what is important and guarantees my success, that freed me to look at the number.

The number is often the same and sometimes varies, but generally, since April 6 of this year I have lost 38 pounds. It is the result of eating when I am hungry only and only eating enough that will satisfy. I am enjoying my meals far better than when I took my freedom for granted and ate whatever was my whim--which is a sin for many of us.

God bless you in your efforts, Gregg. If I can be of any encouragement to you, as I have a lot of weight to lose, I will be glad to share. I lost 105 lbs over 5 years ago and gained it all back---but not this time!

Let me share with you the main tool that helps me: food diary! Recording food and water intake, and calories and fat grams has been helpful to me. It may be just another form of bondage to another, but for me it is a way to gain control. I am also recording my feelings every day, which is a good thing for people who have stuffed their feelings in the past--if you know what I mean!

[Gregg]

Hi Gregg!! As I am a recovering addict/alcoholic, I check this particular forum quite regularly. I have to admit that for a while I have ignored your thread. Not because I didn't think it was very important, but because I didn't believe it applied to me, or that I would have anything to offer someone struggling with their weight,

Today, I decided to read it and I was captivated!! I must also admit that I was immediately convicted by your words. I am not considered overweight, but like most people I have a couple extra pounds. I exercise regularly and my weight fluctuates five pounds either way.

What convicted me was the fact that you eat for pleasure and not for hunger. I am blatantly guilty of this on a daily basis. I am a chef and I take advantage of the opportunities!! Every single day I eat something for no other reason than it being there in front of me. This is gluttony!!!

Thank you very much for reminding me of a sin that I don't even think about. I am going to be very conscience of this in the future. Without your thread this would never have come to my attention.

God Bless!!

Craig

Thank you for the kind words. To God goes the glory.

I found that my search to "live life to the fullest" without God got me snared into many many sins that the world would call addictions. He is giving me the tools and the freedom to get these things that block my walk out of my life. I am learning to enjoy my food (and amounts) at the proper times and for the right reasons. I appreciate the work that a chef will do when he uses the gifts that God gave him, even more when I am not entwined in my gluttony. It is kind of funny, but from a pallate standpoint, the first bite is always the best. If I am over full the last bite is the worst.

May God bless your walk and freedom from the things that keep you from him. Amen.

[Gregg]

I am in your very boat!

Now, I do weigh myself, but put it off for a long time because I know that the scale is a tyrant, and that the numbers can influence my mood. When I realized that the numbers do not reflect success, OR failure either... but my following after Jesus with everything I've got is what is important and guarantees my success, that freed me to look at the number.

The number is often the same and sometimes varies, but generally, since April 6 of this year I have lost 38 pounds. It is the result of eating when I am hungry only and only eating enough that will satisfy. I am enjoying my meals far better than when I took my freedom for granted and ate whatever was my whim--which is a sin for many of us.

God bless you in your efforts, Gregg. If I can be of any encouragement to you, as I have a lot of weight to lose, I will be glad to share. I lost 105 lbs over 5 years ago and gained it all back---but not this time!

Let me share with you the main tool that helps me: food diary! Recording food and water intake, and calories and fat grams has been helpful to me. It may be just another form of bondage to another, but for me it is a way to gain control. I am also recording my feelings every day, which is a good thing for people who have stuffed their feelings in the past--if you know what I mean!

Thank you so much for your words and encouragement! May God bless us to victory on our walk!

To scale or not to scale, that is the question? I do not find anything wrong if a brother or sister wants to use a scale. I have found that the night that God revealed to me that he wanted me to address my gluttony, it was right after that I was prompted to eliminate the scale. You see, for me, my weight is a pride issue and directly related to my self worth. The scale is an avenue for satan to use against me (I suspect each person is slightly different). While I would like to lose weight for pride, and health reasons (see how this is reversed as to how my thinking should be) this is about my gluttony. It is how satan holds me in bondage. It effects and affects me in ways that I might not yet even know. Today I am free. I am not on a diet (although He is changing some of my choices and tastes), so I can eat what I want, I am not weighing myself so my success is not measured in pounds lost. Each day my success is based on how well my journey is going. Somedays much better than others, all days better than what it was. Each day can stand on its own. I trust the Lord to block me from getting too legalistic in this walk, but also to get me right with a gift that he has given us to enjoy while we are here. After all it was called the Last Super, not the last meeting.

May God bless you with success in your walk. Amen.

[Desperaux]

I totally agree with you that the scale possesses a kind of tyranny over us--if we allow it. the number that represents our weight is no measure of success in our efforts. The Lord wants to deal with our inner man and so I am totally on board with your journey!

For me, I believe I need that extra push, as I have let things slide so far, I was in physical and emotional danger--really. I know enough now to not allow the number to send me into a snit, whereas before I would become discouraged. I record my feelings every day now and that keeps me in touch with the reality of the situation.

Without the Lord's speaking into my life, I would be just drifting here and there and in and out of the flesh. Now, with this matter of the flesh (and literally feeding it!) firmly being brought under submission, I know that my former scale-watching will not ever be an issue.

I am so happy for you that you are doing what you are doing--this is by no means a way to entice you to the scale--OK?

[Gregg]

I totally agree with you that the scale possesses a kind of tyranny over us--if we allow it. the number that represents our weight is no measure of success in our efforts. The Lord wants to deal with our inner man and so I am totally on board with your journey!

For me, I believe I need that extra push, as I have let things slide so far, I was in physical and emotional danger--really. I know enough now to not allow the number to send me into a snit, whereas before I would become discouraged. I record my feelings every day now and that keeps me in touch with the reality of the situation.

Without the Lord's speaking into my life, I would be just drifting here and there and in and out of the flesh. Now, with this matter of the flesh (and literally feeding it!) firmly being brought under submission, I know that my former scale-watching will not ever be an issue.

I am so happy for you that you are doing what you are doing--this is by no means a way to entice you to the scale--OK?

Amen! I am just giving testimony and trying to describe the journey that I am on. It will be similar but different for some, very different for others. I am glad and encouraged that you would share your own journey. God will work in us in many different ways. As long as we listen and seek to obey we will have victory. If we can share our walks, maybe God will choose to use some of this to help others.

[waslostnowfound]

Wow!!! I never realized the sheer quantity of food that becomes available to me each and every day!!!

Muffins, cinnamon rolls, french fries ( the beer battered ones!), bacon, extra specials.... the list goes on and on.

Gregg....I already feel better, but I have a long way to go. I do now understand that I was eating because it is extremely pleasurable to me. I guess that is one of the reasons I chose a career in the food industry.

I truly hope that this experience will break the habits I have developed over many years.

Thank you once again for this thread and I am praying that you find peace in your struggles.

God Bless

Craig

[Gregg]

Wow!!! I never realized the sheer quantity of food that becomes available to me each and every day!!!

Muffins, cinnamon rolls, french fries ( the beer battered ones!), bacon, extra specials.... the list goes on and on.


One of my fears associated with gluttony was the fear of being hungry. Well, I am never more than ten minutes away from food, so how crazy is that? Since I started this journey, that fear has been lifted. I have found that if I happen to be hungry for an hour or two, it is not really that big of a deal. I would also add that more I fed the gluttony, the more fear I developed.

[Desperaux]

One of my fears associated with gluttony was the fear of being hungry. Well, I am never more than ten minutes away from food, so how crazy is that? Since I started this journey, that fear has been lifted. I have found that if I happen to be hungry for an hour or two, it is not really that big of a deal. I would also add that more I fed the gluttony, the more fear I developed.

Amazing! I was always reluctant to even mention that same fear for fear of being laughed at or considered freaky. I would do anything to avoid hunger, as I took the natural signal for hunger as a negative sensation. I thought I was the only one who felt that!

I have since learned to embrace it, and have learned that to have control over when to give in to the signal is entirely freeing. I don't have to obey it when it calls, as I have the ability to defer it for as long as I wish.

There is a new sense of power over my own life in this, and I am enjoying it.

[Gregg]

Amazing! I was always reluctant to even mention that same fear for fear of being laughed at or considered freaky. I would do anything to avoid hunger, as I took the natural signal for hunger as a negative sensation. I thought I was the only one who felt that!

I have since learned to embrace it, and have learned that to have control over when to give in to the signal is entirely freeing. I don't have to obey it when it calls, as I have the ability to defer it for as long as I wish.

There is a new sense of power over my own life in this, and I am enjoying it.

Amen.

I have found some of the fear is like a paper brick wall. It looks like a brick wall but it is not real and with God's help easier than I thought to walk through it.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

I just realized a side benefit of this new journey. I bowl on Thursday nights. I drink ice water through out the night. We go into the bar to go over the scores and have a beverage. They supply free popcorn. I love popcorn. Last year I was told that I can no longer eat popcorn. It was causing a pain in my side, diverticulosis (sp?) a pre condition to diverticulitous (sp?). I was pretty good about not eating popcorn during the week, but Thurdays were problematic. I would say I was "good" about 2 out of every 3 weeks. Since I have given my gluttony to the Lord I have not had any popcorn at the bowling alley. Last night it was a passing thought, but I easily turned away from it. In fact I didn't really even think about what a blessing that was until this morning. I do not "love" popcorn anymore. The decision has been made no popcorn, so no popcorn. Thank you Jesus. Since I normally miss dinner on Thursday nights, I do put a little fruit or some carrots in the car for the ride home.

It is interesting to note that I used popcorn to fill up on when trying to lose weight over the ;ast 35 years. It was my go to filler to fight the fear adn feeling of hunger.

[Gregg]

So Friday and Saturday nights I could have fallen twice, but He protected me.

Friday night our family went to my kids high school play. It has been a tradition to go to Culvers for ice cream after these events. In the course of my recovery from gluttony it was decided that nothing is to be eaten after 8:00 pm except fruits or vegetables with out any dip, peanut butter, butter, sauce etc. We walked out of the school at 9:00 pm. I said in a loud voice to my family, who wants to go for ice cream (I figured I got a pass on a small scoop of butterscotch and cashews for this special occasion)? My wife said we have ice cream at home and she was too tired to go. I kiddingly said we'll meet you at home after ice cream. My daughter said that she couldn't go as kids were coming to our house. Well, I knew in my heart that if I went home, I would not have ice cream. I thought about going to Culvers by myself, but decided against it. By the time I got home the desire had past. I had a few grapes and called it a night. I was very happy and gratful the next morning.

That did not stop me from facing down a bag of Frito's on Saturday night. My wife wanted some, so she asked my daughter if she would bring them into the living room. I intercepted the bag and thought I will just take one handful. As I opened the bag, I felt convicted. So I closed the bag and gave them to my honey. I went and had two pieces of cellary and decided that I would wait for breakfast to have whatever I wanted. Today I woke up not hungry. I showered and spent some time on the computer before church. I ate a modest amount two hours after I got up.

I am grateful that God gave me the outs and help that was needed to gain some victory when I was weak. It is an interesting process. During the day I eat pretty much anything I want (although lately I have been making healthier choices) but just no where near the quantity that I used to. When out I take doggy bags home as I do not want to overeat. This just didn't happen in the past.

[Desperaux]

What a beautiful testimony to the fact that God does send an escape when we are tempted and all we must do is see it, and follow!

1 Corinthians 10:13
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.


People often forget to look for that escape, and fall to temptation.

God will bless you, Gregg!

[Gregg]

Our Tueday night Christ based 12 step group meeting was very good but very emotional. One of he new brothers in Christ got honest about some very personal sin. Amazing night, went home tired but full. I got up Wed. morning went for a walk (not my norm) talked with God, prayed for another brother (his request) came home listened to Our God is an Awesome God (in praise section thank you), made a few comments, and then the attacks came. It almost felt like depression. Some fear, some doubts, didn't want to get started on my work that day. I made a few calls to members of the group, prayed and got on with it. Had a pretty good day. Yesterday I made all my calls, ate the lunch that I took with me, had a good time at bowling came home and went to bed. This morning I got up very hungry. I ate my normal small but enough breakfast, and find myself still very hungry. I am not sure what is going on, but here it is never the less. I wonder if it has something to do with a pretty large work load in my new job and not feeling comfortable with all of the tools? Add to the fact that I have to take some time off today to take my daughter for her drivers test.

Hmmm....maybe I have more stress than I think. I am pretty sure I use food to take the edge off of stress.

Heavenly Father, please give me the strength, wisdom, and courage to do what I am to do this day. Help me to be honest and reflect you in all that I do. Help me to be the servant that you created me to be. Please help me with my gluttony, and do not let me transfer this to any other worldly thing. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

[turtledove]

You mention stress and I agree that stress is key here and surely connected. Of course, all stress can't be eliminated; but good to get breaks, rest, and maybe watch something funny. (Right now I enjoy re-runs of "I Love Lucy" on the Hallmark Channel on TV..really old stuff but the comedy in that series never goes out of date. It is so innocently simple and just makes me laugh and laugh.) :lol:

Thanking God for the insights He is giving you. :)

[Gregg]

I have noticed that it helps me to eat slow and savor every bite if I set down the sandwich or the fork in between bites. This sounds like a simple task but it is not. I don't really even like the thought of it. For me it is easier to do with sandwiches than the fork. Pick up the fork take a bite, set down the fork, chew slowly. Some of the habits of my gluttony are so ingrained that I even want to argue with my flesh about the tools for healing. My flesh tells me that I am in too big of a hurry (and yet eating fast allows me to eat more) or that people will notice my behavior (and yet I am sure they noticed my large plates at the buffett). Or that all will be done eating before me (woo, look at my pride kicking in).

I ate my homemade breakfast sandwich just a couple of minutes ago and was welll satisfied. Now as I write this I feel myself getting hungry. I am going to let this pass and not feed it as I know it is temptation. Very interesting that just typing this would cause this reaction.

[Resist!]

Gregg,

Stay strong brother!
Denounce the ways of this world.

I struggled with gluttony for the first 27 years of my life (I'm just shy of 29 now) and I know exactly how you feel with the feeling of fear of being hungry.

"Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of The LORD" Deuteronomy 8:3

hang in there.
Desperaux made a great reference to temptation never being beyond what we can bear if we look to The LORD.

[Gregg]

Gregg,

Stay strong brother!
Denounce the ways of this world.

I struggled with gluttony for the first 27 years of my life (I'm just shy of 29 now) and I know exactly how you feel with the feeling of fear of being hungry.

"Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of The LORD" Deuteronomy 8:3

hang in there.
Desperaux made a great reference to temptation never being beyond what we can bear if we look to The LORD.


Thank you for the kind words and the sharing.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

How I feel about my weight is very strange. I am not really sure how to expain it. So I will just type and see what happens.

In the past if I compared myself to others, I would be fatter than others and thinner than others. I was by no means in the average. I would say that I carry 50-70 lbs of extra weight. Sometimes when I would look in the mirror I would look fatter to myself than other days. I would also notice that the wall of mirrors in my old office's lunch room made me look fatter to myself than my own bathroom mirror. I could start out the day on a thinner note, not eat anything, and then look fat to myself at work. I should add that I do not have an obsession with mirrors, but I do look when getting ready or passing one. I would also like to add that I have been teased about my weight off and on since high school. So some of that is programed in my head.

Since I have given my gluttony to Jesus, I have lost weight (still have not gotton on the scale). Enough that my cloths are fitting much different. I am also starting to notice a little more energy. I still have the same issue with the mirror. Somedays I look and see I am losing weight, and some days I am walking around and see my reflection and think I am the same as I was.

So when did this gluttony thing turn from being about chasing God to how I look? I also noticed that when I am focused on my weight, I get hungry more often, and have a tendency to speed up my eating. I still put some of my value as a human being with how much I appear to weigh. I secretly don't like my fat self as much as my thin self. When I feel that way I turn up the volume and try to ignore it or explain it away in my head. Or in the past turn to eating to numb the pain, or turn to something else to change the channels.

Lord help me to change the channel to you, let us meet this head on. Thank you for walking me down this journey that heals me from what prevents me from experiencing you as you would have me. Keep changing me. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

It is all good Brothers and Sisters! An exciting time to be alive.

God bless you and yours.

[waslostnowfound]

Hello, my name is Cassie. Craig (Was lost now found) is my husband. Since he has come home to me after his journey, I have greatly improved my faith in Jesus Christ. I have always been a believer but I have learned that all things are possible through Christ, who strengthens me.

I am currently 27 years old, and recently quit smoking cigarettes. In the past I sometimes considered this my last bad habit, but I have gained about 15 pounds since quitting smoking in June. There have been several other times when I gained some weight, such as when our beautiful daughter was born, and about the time I turned 25! The last couple of months have been hard on me because I don't really believe in diets. I have never followed one, but I thought maybe if I could control my eating habits and get a little more exercise that I could stop my steady weight gain.

It has not worked and I have gotten more discouraged and upset than anything. The other 12 step programs that I attend tell me to turn all of my problems over to my Higher Power, whom I have always called Jesus Christ. After reading this thread, I realized that I could also do that with my eating habits. I LOVE FOOD, but I realize that maybe I should concentrate on loving myself more.

I am on my second day, and both meals yesterday and today, I ate enough to satisfy, and left some food on my plate, as you have suggested Gregg! Just the idea that I am not powerless over that food has changed my attitude already and tears are coming to my eyes right now thinking about it! Perhaps they could be considered tears of joy. :blush: Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me and helping remind me that all I have to do is turn it over!

God Bless,

Cassie

[Desperaux]

A few years ago, before the trouble in the organization, I took part in the program, "The Weigh Down Workshop." I found it tremendous in helping me deal responsibly with food. So many of us with a problem with food tend to have developed many bad habits that really originated in childhood.

One of the bad habits we commonly have is that we eat everything on our plate, right? That often stems from well-meaning parents who would insist on us leaving a clean plate as kids. Gwen Shamblin, the leader of the program told us that she has developed many skills we can adopt as good habits around food and eating--and they come from the study of thin eaters.

One of the things she taught us to do was to realize that thin eaters never finish their plates! In order to combat that bad habit she suggests that especially when food is placed in front of us by others, as in a restaurant or in someone's home, we immediately cut it in half. Eat the one half, and if in a restaurant, learn to use and love the doggy bag! The remaining half can be eaten the next time we are hungry--which leads me to relay one other thing that I have learned that was important---recognize true hunger.

When we begin a new eating regimen--I have done this--simply fast. Fast until you get a sensation of discomfort in your stomach. (If you are a diabetic, or a border diabetic or a hypoglycemic, you'd need a doctor's guidance concerning this!) Then wait longer. See how long you can go. I found I can go 46 hours without eating. The purpose of that exercise was to put me in touch with what true hunger is--something many of us are really not familiar with. Now I know that I can defer hunger for as long as necessary and as long as I wish, because I know what the feeling of true hunger is.

She taught us that if we feel that little gnawing in our stomach, we don't have to run to fill it. We can remember we have control and we can say to our stomach--"wait." It will wait at least 45 more minutes until it sends another signal. Am I free to eat now? If not, tell it to wait again. We can defer hunger like that several times until it is convenient to eat. I have found it is a good thing to defer hunger regularly--show that tummy who's boss!

I will try to remember more of Shamblin's helpful hints based on her study of thin eaters and share them with you.

[Gregg]

Hello, my name is Cassie. Craig (Was lost now found) is my husband. Since he has come home to me after his journey, I have greatly improved my faith in Jesus Christ. I have always been a believer but I have learned that all things are possible through Christ, who strengthens me.

I am currently 27 years old, and recently quit smoking cigarettes. In the past I sometimes considered this my last bad habit, but I have gained about 15 pounds since quitting smoking in June. There have been several other times when I gained some weight, such as when our beautiful daughter was born, and about the time I turned 25! The last couple of months have been hard on me because I don't really believe in diets. I have never followed one, but I thought maybe if I could control my eating habits and get a little more exercise that I could stop my steady weight gain.

It has not worked and I have gotten more discouraged and upset than anything. The other 12 step programs that I attend tell me to turn all of my problems over to my Higher Power, whom I have always called Jesus Christ. After reading this thread, I realized that I could also do that with my eating habits. I LOVE FOOD, but I realize that maybe I should concentrate on loving myself more.

I am on my second day, and both meals yesterday and today, I ate enough to satisfy, and left some food on my plate, as you have suggested Gregg! Just the idea that I am not powerless over that food has changed my attitude already and tears are coming to my eyes right now thinking about it! Perhaps they could be considered tears of joy. :blush: Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me and helping remind me that all I have to do is turn it over!

God Bless,

Cassie

Thank you for responding and sharing.

I have found that eating slowly and savoring each bite is one of the tools that God has given me to enjoy his gift of food as well as help me stop when I am no longer hungry.

My prayers are with you for victory in your battles with food and smoking.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

A few years ago, before the trouble in the organization, I took part in the program, "The Weigh Down Workshop." I found it tremendous in helping me deal responsibly with food. So many of us with a problem with food tend to have developed many bad habits that really originated in childhood.

One of the bad habits we commonly have is that we eat everything on our plate, right? That often stems from well-meaning parents who would insist on us leaving a clean plate as kids. Gwen Shamblin, the leader of the program told us that she has developed many skills we can adopt as good habits around food and eating--and they come from the study of thin eaters.

One of the things she taught us to do was to realize that thin eaters never finish their plates! In order to combat that bad habit she suggests that especially when food is placed in front of us by others, as in a restaurant or in someone's home, we immediately cut it in half. Eat the one half, and if in a restaurant, learn to use and love the doggy bag! The remaining half can be eaten the next time we are hungry--which leads me to relay one other thing that I have learned that was important---recognize true hunger.

When we begin a new eating regimen--I have done this--simply fast. Fast until you get a sensation of discomfort in your stomach. (If you are a diabetic, or a border diabetic or a hypoglycemic, you'd need a doctor's guidance concerning this!) Then wait longer. See how long you can go. I found I can go 46 hours without eating. The purpose of that exercise was to put me in touch with what true hunger is--something many of us are really not familiar with. Now I know that I can defer hunger for as long as necessary and as long as I wish, because I know what the feeling of true hunger is.

She taught us that if we feel that little gnawing in our stomach, we don't have to run to fill it. We can remember we have control and we can say to our stomach--"wait." It will wait at least 45 more minutes until it sends another signal. Am I free to eat now? If not, tell it to wait again. We can defer hunger like that several times until it is convenient to eat. I have found it is a good thing to defer hunger regularly--show that tummy who's boss!

I will try to remember more of Shamblin's helpful hints based on her study of thin eaters and share them with you.

Thank you for sharing these!

Some of these Jesus has already presented to me in this journey. I have no doubt he will use my brothers and sisters in Christ to give me more tools to fight this battle. I really like the command of wait. I will use it. Thank you.

Another tool that I use. I do not have to eat at appointed times (most of the time). This excludes business lunches or family dinners. Most of the time I eat breafast and lunch alone. Like right now I am not hungry, it is my breakfast time. No need to eat just because it is time. I will wait until I am hungry.

I look forward to more tools.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

Last night during bowling I found myself hungry. I smelled the popcorn and thought "it is popcorn, I haven't had any in a long while. It won't hurt to have a little." I thought this knowing full well that I had an apple in the car for the ride home (and an apple is enough). I thought I can't eat this in the bowling alley, I can't go outside in my bowling shoes because it is raining, just eat some porcorn. I actually whispered the command Wait! And I did. I sat with the boys, had my ice water, ate my apple on the way home (hour and ten minute drive). Listened to Christian radio, and was victorious. Thank you Jesus for helping me, thank you for using Desperaux to give me more tools.

May all of you that are reading this thread that have their own food issues, find victory in our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Desperaux]

VERY cool, Gregg!

I remember when I started out the last time I had a major victory in weight loss. I lost 105 lbs that time! I had been thinking of all the things I was going to give up that I held close. The Lord spoke to me about that, suggesting that I need to change my perspective about "giving up" things. Instead, He said, "It isn't that you will NEVER have those things again. I want you to be satisfied with the memory of them, and how they taste and how they satisfied you in the past, knowing that one day down the road you WILL have them again, but with right thinking and better judgment and with new control."

You know, those many months of control were much easier because of that. Whenever I was confronted with a food that was my "red light" food, I simply stopped and savoured the memory of it, and declared silently, "I will have it again". In other words, wait for it.

Then of course, life got the better of me, and I became cocky at my weight loss success, thinking that I had already "arrived", but I hadn't. The weight came back on, and then these past two years I have battled a major depression which caused me to put on even more weight.

I am happy to say I am no longer in that depression and have lost 42 lbs. I have a ways to go, of course, but these tools are all coming in very handy. With Jesus, I can face my giant! Just as David actually ran to his giant, I can run mine down as well.

[Resist!]

such heart-warming posts :bounce: keep up the good work Gregg!

What Desperaux said in a previous post regarding eating everything on your plate is soooo true.

and great job noticing when you are making excuses, and realizing them to be just excuses.

one of my excuses for years was powerlifting.
how many lean powerlifters have you seen? ;)

but I realize now, that I had chosen the sport because I liked to eat.
and that I was lifting to bring glory to myself with physical strength.
so I gave up my self-serving ways, and now I eat to live.

As a fitness professional, I can't recommend fasting...
but as a Christian I definitely can.


So, keep fighting the good fight.
I pray that you will find peace and contentment in right living.
our strength is The LORD!

[Desperaux]

My advice for the fasting was according to Gwen Shamblin, the founder of Weigh Down Workshop, we need to really determine, especially in this culture of excess, what true hunger really is and what appetite is. One good long fast for that purpose will do the trick.

http://www.weighdown.com/

[Gregg]

such heart-warming posts :bounce: keep up the good work Gregg!

What Desperaux said in a previous post regarding eating everything on your plate is soooo true.

and great job noticing when you are making excuses, and realizing them to be just excuses.

one of my excuses for years was powerlifting.
how many lean powerlifters have you seen? ;)

but I realize now, that I had chosen the sport because I liked to eat.
and that I was lifting to bring glory to myself with physical strength.
so I gave up my self-serving ways, and now I eat to live.

As a fitness professional, I can't recommend fasting...
but as a Christian I definitely can.


So, keep fighting the good fight.
I pray that you will find peace and contentment in right living.
our strength is The LORD!


Thank you.

I did that in the mid to late 1980's. I lifted and got huge and strong. I packed in the food and packed on the muscle. Trouble with that one, is I quit lifting after I got married but didn't slow down the eating very much.

I definitely did it for the attention...and got it. I have different motives now.

God bless you and yours.

[DaniHansen]

I agree that fasting can cause all sorts of deep, dark things within us to manifest.

Ugh.

I also agree that fasting is a powerful tool in God's hands to bring deliverance of strongholds.

[DieingDaily4Him]

Gregg,

I want to thank you for sharing your journey publicly on your healing of your sin of gluttony. I have had this same sin problem as well for many, many years. I have struggled with the fact that this is a sin that Pastors, Teachers and Christians just seem to ignore. :spin: So many people have this sin and turn there eyes away from it. This idolatry is in the House of God today. :cry:


I have been so touched by journey and your honesty that it has made me want to deal with my sin head on like you. I know I was Spirit led to this thread. Thank you Jesus.

Before reading this, I was planning to go on a diet, but you are absolutely right it is not about losing weight or how we look or gaining control of our eating.

It is truly about eating to Glorify God in our lives and removing sin from our lives to have a closer relationship with our Lord. Sin always leads us to separation.

Thanks once again,
in Christ,

[Gregg]

Gregg,

I want to thank you for sharing your journey publicly on your healing of your sin of gluttony. I have had this same sin problem as well for many, many years. I have struggled with the fact that this is a sin that Pastors, Teachers and Christians just seem to ignore. :spin: So many people have this sin and turn there eyes away from it. This idolatry is in the House of God today. :cry:


I have been so touched by journey and your honesty that it has made me want to deal with my sin head on like you. I know I was Spirit led to this thread. Thank you Jesus.

Before reading this, I was planning to go on a diet, but you are absolutely right it is not about losing weight or how we look or gaining control of our eating.

It is truly about eating to Glorify God in our lives and removing sin from our lives to have a closer relationship with our Lord. Sin always leads us to separation.

Thanks once again,
in Christ,

Thank you for the kind words. To God goes the glory. He is healing me. He is answering my prayers. He is giving me tools (like this web site) to use in this battle.

I know I do not have to walk this alone, in fact I can't. My way has never worked. Oh, I lost weight for a season, but always put it back on and maybe even a little more. I lost the weight so I could go back to eating what and how I wanted. This is the first time that I wanted to be obedient to God. As he heals me it actually makes my faith in him grow stronger, as I know without him I cannot have victory.

My prayers are with you as you start your journey. Please share your walk with us, it can only help all of us.

God bless you and yours.

Gregg

[Resist!]

Gregg,
How's it going today man?

[Gregg]

Thank you for asking. It is going well.

I had my Christian 12 step group last night. I leave the house about twenty after five to open the doors and make the coffee. I felt a little hungry, but didn't have time to make a meal. On the way there, I was going to eat some pretzels. As I reached for the bag, I was prompted to wait. I set the bag down (knowing that the meeting ends after 8:00 so nothing but fruit or veggies) and decided to go to the meeting hungry, just to see what happens. Sort of like a mini fast.

A member (who asked me to sponsor him) that is just coming back after a cocain relapse walked in and asked me if I liked pears. When I said yes he handed me a bag of them. I thanked him waited until after the meeting and enjoyed one while we were having a meeting after the meeting.

Was I hungry, yes. Was it a big deal, no. Was it a good meeting, yes.

My habits are changing, My Father is teaching me, and healing me. I am getting victory that is much different from when I tried to control this situation. I am both excited and grateful. I have faith that this time things are going to be much different.

[Desperaux]

Thank you for asking. It is going well.

I had my Christian 12 step group last night. I leave the house about twenty after five to open the doors and make the coffee. I felt a little hungry, but didn't have time to make a meal. On the way there, I was going to eat some pretzels. As I reached for the bag, I was prompted to wait. I set the bag down (knowing that the meeting ends after 8:00 so nothing but fruit or veggies) and decided to go to the meeting hungry, just to see what happens. Sort of like a mini fast.

A member (who asked me to sponsor him) that is just coming back after a cocain relapse walked in and asked me if I liked pears. When I said yes he handed me a bag of them. I thanked him waited until after the meeting and enjoyed one while we were having a meeting after the meeting.

Was I hungry, yes. Was it a big deal, no. Was it a good meeting, yes.

My habits are changing, My Father is teaching me, and healing me. I am getting victory that is much different from when I tried to control this situation. I am both excited and grateful. I have faith that this time things are going to be much different.

I am so thrilled about what the Lord is building into you as you allow Him! This is the exact lesson I am going through right now. Isn't God AWESOME?

My life is shadowing yours in this area and your experiences are serving to reinforce what God is also doing in me!

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/Floatingaxe/thankyousomuch.gif

[Gregg]

I am so thrilled about what the Lord is building into you as you allow Him! This is the exact lesson I am going through right now. Isn't God AWESOME?

My life is shadowing yours in this area and your experiences are serving to reinforce what God is also doing in me!

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee267/Floatingaxe/thankyousomuch.gif

Yes OOOOURRR GOD IS AN AWESOOOOOOOME GOD HE.... (sorry, love that song).

Thank you for sharing and helping with the journey.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

I found myself a little under the weather yesterday. A bit of a cold or flu. I also found myself a little disconnected, and a bit hungry. It was one of those days where I know I had enough to eat, but still felt hungry. Add that to the fact that I had some work frustrations and was working out of my house. I felt like I should be doing something else. I also felt far away from God....hmmmm so guilt, fear, head cold, doubt, no wonder I was hungry (I also had a hard time concentrating and savoring every bite so I ate faster than I would have liked to). By no means a perfect day, but not so bad either.

When God feels far away, I feel like I have done something wrong. When I feel like I have done something wrong, I feel like eating.

Heavenly Father I give this up to you, please help, you know what I need more than I do. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

God bless you and yours.

[Desperaux]

Another thing I learned through the Weigh Down Workshop years ago is that "thin eaters" tend to have those bad days as well, where all their control goes out the window. Stress, fatigue, Christmastime, vacations--whatever the time of the year, these times can cause a person to eat out of the normal pattern.

I have learned that we must expect those variations in life. What does a thin eater do when he or she may binge on good food at the office Christmas party? Does he heap guilt on himself? No, a thin eater usually takes it in stride and returns to his normal eating pattern the very moment he has veered away from it. That means that the next time he is hungry, he eats what he would normally eat and in his normal proportions. This way there is usually no weight fluctuations.

I love that feature of the thin eater's life! I have adopted it and it cuts right through the condemnation that we place on ourselves. We need to be aware that life hands us variation, and it is okay to go with it. The problems only come when we tend to make a permanent change of a pattern of eating that was only meant to be fleeting.

So, a day or two of relaxation and more choice doesn't have to be a lifelong new pattern. No--we get right back on the horse and ride to our destiny--control and health!

[Gregg]

Guilt has never been much of a motivator for me to stay out of sin. I always find a way to justify my behavior. Fear and guilt may get me to take some action, it just doesn't stay with me enough. Now when God fixes something, or provides the tools to fix something, that seems to be a different situation altogether. I have faith that he is healing me from my sin of gluttony. To me there is no doubt. Will I backslide, I hope not. Will I have some trials, and temptations? Most likely. This has been with me a long time. I am so grateful that this journey is more exciting than condeming. I am so grateful to see what he is doing and how much of it is not me. There is nothing in this healing that I can take credit for. I only accept the gift of freedom, and prayerfully ask him to help me be obedient to his promptings (and yes sometimes my head and flesh rebel).

Thank you Lord for this gift.

[Resist!]

Gregg,
feeling guilty used to make me feel hungry too!
I would make up all kinds of excuses in my head, "well I've already messed up, I'll get back on track tomorrow" and then consume another 5-6 thousand calories. and of course the next day I told myself "a couple more days of this won't hurt, I'll get it out of my system and start fresh next week" etc.

of course I only became more entrenched in my food addiction, I couldn't "get it out of my system".

so recognizing the pattern is critical, good job :D

I'm still praying for you brother.
and thank you for sharing, it keeps me committed to doing the right thing.

[Gregg]

Thank you prayers are most welcome.

I had to buy a new belt yesterday. My old thin belt was broken. My newest belt doesn't hold up my pants. This one should hold me for awhile.

While losing weight is not the goal, it is a fruit of the absense of gluttony. Thank you Lord.

God bless you and yours.

[LUVYABYE]

Good for you on the new belt Gregg. So happy things are going well. God bless you on your journey.

Karen

[Gregg]

Well it was an interesting week. I was trying to figure out what was going on and it was quite the battle.

I am not sure how to describe all of the things that were going on, so I am going to try to be transparent and see what happens.

It is easy for me to tell if I have sucess with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or porn. I either do or I don't. If I use I would call it a relapse, if I don't I have success. With food it is a little different...or at least that is what I tell myself. I must also state at this point that I believe people do not have to relapse if they use the tools that God has given us. This sometimes blurrs the line between the gift and earning success.

During by battle with gluttony, I have found many triggers that make me hungry. I am also learning that I have some other issues that I masked with food. I have issues with money, with procrastination, with pride, with anger, and some with fear. It seems that I have kept some of these in check over the years, by taking the edge off of them with food.

I play in a league that has a prize fund that is paid out at the end of our season. I took second place and received a check. Our old 35" tv went out and we are watching tv on our 27 inch. We do not have extra money to go out so our family likes to watch movies and a few tv shows as our entertainment. I decided that I would take my check, tithe, and then surprise my family with a new big screen (they have come way down on price). As I started the process to find just the right one, I felt convicted that this was not the right time for this decision. I talked to my mentor by cell phone as I was driving to a sales call. He did not tell me what to do, but did mention that I have been under stress over the last few years with some days not knowing if I could fill my tank up with gas or not. He said it might be nice to have a cushion. These were not the words that I wanted to hear. At the same time I made a sales call near my favorite chinese buffet. I did eat lunch there. I have done this in the past, and not over eaten. This time was slightly different, I took slightly more than the usual amount, and this time I did not leave any on my plate. I knew when I was doing it that something was not quite right. I also did not feel full, but did stop without going back for seconds. The battle raged on as to what to do. It became hard to pray, it became hard to work.

That night my wife made BBQ ribs. I took my normal amount and ate it slow. It did not fill me up...but I did not get seconds. At 8:20 (not supposed to eat anything but raw fruit or veggies after 8:00). I went into the kitchen to get a glass of water. I saw the leftover meat from my daughters plate and ate it. I could have stopped, but chose not too. I also sped up and took the third bite. I justified it as it was only a few bites and my plate was not the full to begin with.

The next day I got on my knees and talked to my Father.

Now, my pride wants to minimize my relapse. I do not want to call it a relapse. I do not want to write about it in here. I want to justify it, to put a positive spin on it, to be above it. I want change it from an heart thing to a knowledge thing. I want to take the sting out of it...and still I am hungry.

Heavenly Father, please forgive my relapse to gluttony. You and I both know that this is a serious spiritual battle. If I minimize it, I get in the way of victory. Please help me to give it over to you. I have no excuses. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

[Desperaux]

May God bless you. Gregg, for your transparency. That is humility and God speaks about it here:

James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

I also have been dealing with a little extra pressure. Late last night about 3am, I was still awake, and felt a bit peckish and although I had had enough to eat throughout the day (1100 calories), I still went into the kitchen to forage.

I had 4 saltine crackers and 1 slice of fat-free processed cheese. Not a big deal, right? What's 79 calories and 1.2 grams of fat, eh? Well, it is a big thing, when one lets one's desire rule. It was what I saw in my imagination---that is flesh. I didn't feel so good this morning, physically, and it's not because of the late night, either.

Lord Jesus, I know the difference between desire and need, because You have taught me. Thank You for your patience with me and help me to make a better choice next time, taking my flesh in hand! Help me, Lord, to have patience with myself, and also show Gregg the same thing, Father, that he can move forward in his struggle and not be self-condemning (as our enemy so cleverly intends), yet look to his past victories in You, just as David did, and that enabled him to walk forward and even run to his giant and slay him!

Amen and amen!

[Gregg]

May God bless you. Gregg, for your transparency. That is humility and God speaks about it here:

James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

I also have been dealing with a little extra pressure. Late last night about 3am, I was still awake, and felt a bit peckish and although I had had enough to eat throughout the day (1100 calories), I still went into the kitchen to forage.

I had 4 saltine crackers and 1 slice of fat-free processed cheese. Not a big deal, right? What's 79 calories and 1.2 grams of fat, eh? Well, it is a big thing, when one lets one's desire rule. It was what I saw in my imagination---that is flesh. I didn't feel so good this morning, physically, and it's not because of the late night, either.

Lord Jesus, I know the difference between desire and need, because You have taught me. Thank You for your patience with me and help me to make a better choice next time, taking my flesh in hand! Help me, Lord, to have patience with myself, and also show Gregg the same thing, Father, that he can move forward in his struggle and not be self-condemning (as our enemy so cleverly intends), yet look to his past victories in You, just as David did, and that enabled him to walk forward and even run to his giant and slay him!

Amen and amen!

Amen. And Thank you.

[DieingDaily4Him]

Hi Gregg and Desperaux,

You both are a great encouragement to me. No your stumbling or relapse whatever you want to call them are not encouraging, but your transparency is. I never want to wish others to stumble to encourage me, if you know what I mean.

I think Gluttony is a very unique sin. It happens to do with food and we happen to need food on a daily basis and that is why it is a harder issue to deal with in MHO.

I have been working on this since my last post. I have has some days of making bad choices which we know in the end is sin against God. Although in all of this I am growing and I am learning about a new me and why I have hidden behind this sin.

As you have said Gregg it brings out emotions and other stuff and we just don't know how to deal with it. Like I am very vulnerable and that is why I really cannot post on public forum about this on a daily basis. I am seeking God in a new way and asking for His help with emotions that have been repressed for years.

I want to encourage you both in this journey and we will stumble in our walking to Him and we just get up brush off our knees or face and face Him and start walking again or take His hand and walk with Him. I am learning to walk with Him instead of towards Him, this picture is helping me in my healing. I don't want to be alone, I want Him with me in this heart struggle.

I am reading an excellent book on Biblical Counseling for Eating Disorders. To deal with this sin, we need to know where it stems from and we need to get off the diet cycle and trust in God for our unique eating. He has made each of us unique not another is like me or you so this is a personal relationship in how we eat. It is a good book if you like the title PM me.

Here's a quote I just loved it although we know losing weight is not the outcome we want. We really want to get rid of the sin and have a pure heart but I thought this was a neat thought, because for some people the thoughts of weight loss to mind boggling us in this journey.

"When you "lose" weight, you "find" it again. How many times have found the pounds you've lost. When you release weight, you say good bye and you let it go forever."


Isn't it cool to know as we release the sin we are releasing weight as well and we are saying Good Bye forever to the sin.

Please know I am praying for you two, please keep me in your prayers too.

Oh I wanted to ask a while back been busy forgot to post, what scriptures has God blessed you with to help you with this area. I will come back later and share mine.

God Bless,

In His Strength
Philippians 4:13

[Gregg]

Hi Gregg and Desperaux,

You both are a great encouragement to me. No your stumbling or relapse whatever you want to call them are not encouraging, but your transparency is. I never want to wish others to stumble to encourage me, if you know what I mean.

I think Gluttony is a very unique sin. It happens to do with food and we happen to need food on a daily basis and that is why it is a harder issue to deal with in MHO.

I have been working on this since my last post. I have has some days of making bad choices which we know in the end is sin against God. Although in all of this I am growing and I am learning about a new me and why I have hidden behind this sin.

As you have said Gregg it brings out emotions and other stuff and we just don't know how to deal with it. Like I am very vulnerable and that is why I really cannot post on public forum about this on a daily basis. I am seeking God in a new way and asking for His help with emotions that have been repressed for years.

I want to encourage you both in this journey and we will stumble in our walking to Him and we just get up brush off our knees or face and face Him and start walking again or take His hand and walk with Him. I am learning to walk with Him instead of towards Him, this picture is helping me in my healing. I don't want to be alone, I want Him with me in this heart struggle.

I am reading an excellent book on Biblical Counseling for Eating Disorders. To deal with this sin, we need to know where it stems from and we need to get off the diet cycle and trust in God for our unique eating. He has made each of us unique not another is like me or you so this is a personal relationship in how we eat. It is a good book if you like the title PM me.

Here's a quote I just loved it although we know losing weight is not the outcome we want. We really want to get rid of the sin and have a pure heart but I thought this was a neat thought, because for some people the thoughts of weight loss to mind boggling us in this journey.

"When you "lose" weight, you "find" it again. How many times have found the pounds you've lost. When you release weight, you say good bye and you let it go forever."


Isn't it cool to know as we release the sin we are releasing weight as well and we are saying Good Bye forever to the sin.

Please know I am praying for you two, please keep me in your prayers too.

Oh I wanted to ask a while back been busy forgot to post, what scriptures has God blessed you with to help you with this area. I will come back later and share mine.

God Bless,

In His Strength
Philippians 4:13


Thank you for the wise words and encouragement.

I would like the name of the book.

When God started me on the journey to rid me of my addictions/sin, I didn't realize the definition of idols. I never prayed to any of the things that defined my life (drinking, sex, gambling, etc). I did however, think about them, chase them, and put them above God. I want nothing ahead of God.

God bless you and yours.

[Desperaux]

DieingDaily4Him~

I am blessed by your encouragement, and I thank you!

I have been given some knowledge by God as to what the root cause is for my difficulty--I never believed my father loved me. My mother told me repeatedly how much he loved me and that he wept when I was born, yet he never told me and was rather harsh with me all my life, overdoing his discipline. He was a Christian and the hard thing for me was that all children just loved my dad. Even when he died suddenly in 1992, the children of the church got together and placed a large baggie of Chiclets in his coffin, because he was called affectionately, the Gum Man! Giving children gum, and very young children their first gum was his distinction! He was loved by kids! So, even as an adult woman, I found it hard to witness all that affection when I didn't have it. I saw it in my own three children. What helped me most was the affection I saw him lather upon my own children. It really was a gift from God that I was able to translate what I saw there and relay it into the belief that yes, he must have loved me, no matter what the circumstances, because, look how he loved my children!

Nevertheless, there was this continual fallout of stuffing and stuffing my feelings of rejection with tangible food.

Now that I am older, I know that my years here are limited, and I am determined that I shall become what God has intended me to become, no matter what the obstacle. The verse that encourages me in that is:

Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.


We must press on!

[DieingDaily4Him]

DieingDaily4Him~

I have been given some knowledge by God as to what the root cause is for my difficulty--I never believed my father loved me. My mother told me repeatedly how much he loved me and that he wept when I was born, yet he never told me and was rather harsh with me all my life, overdoing his discipline. He was a Christian and the hard thing for me was that all children just loved my dad. Even when he died suddenly in 1992, the children of the church got together and placed a large baggie of Chiclets in his coffin, because he was called affectionately, the Gum Man! Giving children gum, and very young children their first gum was his distinction! He was loved by kids! So, even as an adult woman, I found it hard to witness all that affection when I didn't have it. I saw it in my own three children. What helped me most was the affection I saw him lather upon my own children. It really was a gift from God that I was able to translate what I saw there and relay it into the belief that yes, he must have loved me, no matter what the circumstances, because, look how he loved my children!

Thank you for sharing. Praises to God He has healed you. I too when I was in my 20's I felt like my brother did not love me. I wanted him to love me. He said he loved me. I did not believe him. LOL One day I read somewhere or was told by some one. People love differently and then of course a few years latter the love language book came out. But anyways, I had to come to terms, that whether I felt it or not, my brother loves me. He loves different than I do and it does not make it right or wrong. I think when we are children and young adults we think love is a certain way and it has too be that way and if it is not than it is not love.

Thank you for Phil 1:6 I just love that verse.

One of my verses to attack my flesh that wants to eat is what Jesus told the Devil.

Mt 4:4 (http://www.biblestudytools.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=mt+4:4&version=nas&st=1&sd=1&new=1&showtools=1)
But He answered and said, "It is written, `MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ONBREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'


Then when I need strength against this battle I just love this verse in Psalms.

Ps 46:1 (http://www.biblestudytools.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=ps+46:1&version=nas&st=1&sd=1&new=1&showtools=1)
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

[DieingDaily4Him]

When God started me on the journey to rid me of my addictions/sin, I didn't realize the definition of idols. I never prayed to any of the things that defined my life (drinking, sex, gambling, etc). I did however, think about them, chase them, and put them above God. I want nothing ahead of God.

God bless you and yours.

Thank you for your honesty. I truly think all of us want to deny the idols or the idolatry in our lives. We all are not walking robots in the spirit all the time. There are things we do that keep us from keeping God first in our thoughts. Perhaps that is why Apostle Paul said pray without ceasing, because he knew the spiritual warfare in our minds. He too experienced it.

It can also be TV, movies, computer, emails, internet, games, crafts, hobbies, jobs etc etc. The devil has his reasons for all these new inventions. I am not saying all this is bad, I am saying when it is above God, we are in trouble. We have a silent hunger what are we feeding it.

[DieingDaily4Him]

I just a had light bulb moment in this battle for my heart.

Perhaps because some one ask a good question and then it got me to thinking.

I have not been happy to give up food. Even though God is breaking my heart and convicting me that this is not good and it is keeping me from Him. I have not been happy with my flesh and the devil with all these tests and temptations. I have had enough of confession :cry:.

But I have forgotten a key thing in all this. Praise.......:pp :pp

I forgot to be praising God in all this. I am going to start having sessions of praise to the Lord daily.


Praying is powerful and praising is a form of prayer I am going to praise my way out of this sin. :bounce:

I am going to be victorious in the name of Jesus.

[Gregg]

I just a had light bulb moment in this battle for my heart.

Perhaps because some one ask a good question and then it got me to thinking.

I have not been happy to give up food. Even though God is breaking my heart and convicting me that this is not good and it is keeping me from Him. I have not been happy with my flesh and the devil with all these tests and temptations. I have had enough of confession :cry:.

But I have forgotten a key thing in all this. Praise.......:pp :pp

I forgot to be praising God in all this. I am going to start having sessions of praise to the Lord daily.


Praying is powerful and praising is a form of prayer I am going to praise my way out of this sin. :bounce:

I am going to be victorious in the name of Jesus.

AMEN!!

I have already had many victorious days in his hands. I have faith and expectation that I will have many more.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and tools.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

The war on gluttony had been going pretty good since my Nov. 1st posting (Thank you Jesus). More issues have been coming to light that I have used food to numb the pain or ??? not sure what to call it.

I know that recovery is like the pealing of an onion. It has many layers. I was what I thought diligent in working the 12 steps to recovery. I thought that long term sobriety was the fruit (proof) that I dealt with all of the issues. While I am grateful that I remain clean and sober for all of this time, I wonder if there is not much more to uncover?

I dealt with my character defects, I turned it over to God, I made my amends, I tried to help others. It would seem that there are some issues that I either did not recognize or did not deal with.

My new job and some of the rules have exposed some issues that need to be dealt with. I do not like to follow the rules. I do not like to do reports, or expense reports (this does not even make sense), I do not like to do the detail work. I procrastinate, then get behind, then try to remember, then have to fill in the blanks, then feel like I am lying, so I would rather not do them, have a sandwich and watch a movie.

In my personal life, I have been told I have some leadership qualities. I have always believed that and have never been shy about stepping up in that role. It was always to prove myself "good enough." It is one of the reasons I have liked competition. This has more to do with over compensation for low self esteem than being in a spirit of service. I think I want to prove to God (or my earthly father) that I am good enough to earn his love. I am not really sure how this all ties in to food. I know that it does.

I am not content. I am not like Paul. I think I must be content at all times to know I am right with God. This does not sound like it makes sense (not even to me) but I know it is connected. Or maybe I am just a malcontent? Either way, I know I must lay it at the feet of my Savior to heal and move on. I do not want to use food to numb the thoughts and feelings. I want to give it all to God.

I think I will skip breakfast and go to church.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

Church was awesome! I did not feel hungry or thing about food or being hungry. Church got out at 12:20, with a 30 minute ride home.

Pastor touched my heart. I guard my heart from loving fully, even to those I deeply love. I think somewhere along the line I went from heart love to head love and not a combo of both. I think this may apply to God as well. It may be why I do not always feel love towards God. It is easier to think love, do acts of his will, than allow myself to live in his love. I think I might numb the fear with food.

Should be an interesting Christ based 12 meeting tonight! I will let you know what I learn.

God bless you and yours.

[MrsAmazzin]

May I be so blunt to say that dieting is not the answer. Abstaining is good but that also is not the answer. You have undealt emotional issues that cause you to give into your addiction. I love that you have the support but you must go deeper, further then that. You can overcome because the Word of God says you are an over comer but you have to do that without Satan having a foothold on your emotions whereby he can cause you to fail again and again and again.

Be real with yourself. List all the emotions pre-gluttony, during the gluttony and post-gluttony. I venture that guilt and shame are at the top of your list. You need to start with this list and then renounce it before the Lord and receive your healing and freedom.

The Lord has set me free from many addictions. He has even provided me a place to help others via a Christ based 12 step group that meets every Tuesday night. Typically we deal with alcohol, drugs, or porn. Three weeks ago a new member came and stated that he went to church with our leader and was only coming to support him. It is my experience that no one walks through that door without needing blessings as well as giving them. So I was silent but really interested in seeing why God had sent him. By the end of the night he was in tears because he said he felt the Holy Spirit in this group and stated that he would come back. The third week he broke down and confessed his gluttony. I was immediately convicted and knew that it was time. I thanked him for his honesty and bravery, confessed my gluttony, and told him he was not alone. Three other brothers out of 12 confessed the same sin. We gave it over and prayed about it.

I decided right then and there that I was not going to get on a scale as it was not about losing weight. It was about my walk with God. After the meeting we all formed a game plan, that includes phone calls, and prayer. I decided that I would pray about what to eat, and that I would take the advice of a radio pastor who suggested during one of his sermons that we learn to slow down and savor every bite (he challenged us to try it for a week, and that was a few days before our meeting). Praise the Lord on victory for two and a half weeks.

I know a lot about diets. I am not on a diet. Food is a gift that I have abused. The Lord is teaching me that I can really enjoy food like never before, without overeating. I eat slow, and savor every bite. I stop when I am not hungry, and eat a small portion when I am. I was afraid of being hungry, he is teaching me that this fear is unreasonable and a source of my sin. I feel like I have lost weight, and have been tempted to get on a scale. This is satan whispering, because this is not about weight loss or health issues. Although I do believe I will not only lose weight but get healthier as a result/blessing of getting the sin of gluttony out of my life.

I follow his promptings, even to the extent of stopping in the middle of a half eaten sandwich.

I have not been to a Chinese buffet or a fast food place in the last two and a half weeks. I take a bag of food with me from home. I am not spending money that I do not have eating lunches out. I have made a commitment not to eat anything but fruit or vegetables without sauce or butter after 8:00 pm. Some nights I just pass because I am not hungry.

I deny myself nothing and do not say I will never... as I am not on a diet but healing and getting freedom from gluttony as God would have it.

Thank you Jesus!

I will post from time to time my journey, not to brag or complain, but to give thanks and glorify my Lord. I have faith in this miracle.

[Gregg]

May I be so blunt to say that dieting is not the answer. Abstaining is good but that also is not the answer. You have undealt emotional issues that cause you to give into your addiction. I love that you have the support but you must go deeper, further then that. You can overcome because the Word of God says you are an over comer but you have to do that without Satan having a foothold on your emotions whereby he can cause you to fail again and again and again.

Be real with yourself. List all the emotions pre-gluttony, during the gluttony and post-gluttony. I venture that guilt and shame are at the top of your list. You need to start with this list and then renounce it before the Lord and receive your healing and freedom.

Thank you for your comments. I like blunt. I agree that dieting is not the answer. That is why I am not on a diet. I am not really abstaining unless of course prompted by the Lord to do so. I am not sure what the deep seeded emotions are yet, but I am sure that the Lord is revealing or will reveal them. And as/when he does I will share them here, to use as a tool to help myself and hopefully others. I have no doubt and faith that the Lord will continue to give me victory and teach me what he wants me to learn.

So far I would say most negative emotions in the past have triggered hunger responses. I am not sure where the actual trigger started and ended with regards to bad habits. Praying and eating slowly and not when emotional is helping me get in touch with those thoughts and emotions.

It would seem that I may have some trust and love issues. It is a little early in the recovery to make that a statement of fact. Some interesting things are pointing that way as I walk this journey.

Again thank you for your comments.

God bless you and yours.

[Twin2]

Many of us seek comfort in food, when we should be seeking comfort in the Lord. Satisfying the body will not satisfy the soul. Where do we seek pleasure? Food or the Lord?

A man told me he believed if I did a study on Gideon, I would find victory over this in my life. I've done a little study on Gideon in the past, perhaps I will do a more in depth study. All I know is this thread has been inspiring and I need to find victory in this area of my life too.

[Gregg]

Many of us seek comfort in food, when we should be seeking comfort in the Lord. Satisfying the body will not satisfy the soul. Where do we seek pleasure? Food or the Lord?

A man told me he believed if I did a study on Gideon, I would find victory over this in my life. I've done a little study on Gideon in the past, perhaps I will do a more in depth study. All I know is this thread has been inspiring and I need to find victory in this area of my life too.

Thank you for the kind words. I am hoping that this thread can be an example of "iron sharpens iron." And that our Heavenly Father will use our victory to glorify him. This has to be a testimony to him, because I have never had long term victory over gluttony.

[Gregg]

I have been asked via pm what is the difference between what I am doing and dieting. I think that is a very good question.

I have always loved the taste of food. I was never a picky eater. My family ate together and we celebrated many holidays with food and booze. Somewhere in college, my weight became a problem and I started dieting. I was successful at it, but it did not last. This continued off and on over the years until this last August.

Dieting is me trying to control what I eat to either lose weight or keep it off. This is not freedom. As soon as I hit my goal I go back to eating what I like and the way that I like it. I used to eat a lot, and the diets I would pick were always "the all you can eat" of a certain food. I was battling the wrong problem. I thought it was weight and not gluttony. The mere thought of being hungry scarred me.

Now I know that food is a gift from God. The Bible talks about feasts, and feeding people, etc. I add that to the fact that he gave us tastebuds and I am left to the conclusion that food and the enjoyment of it is a blessing.

I abuse food. So if the answer would be that I need to be on a diet the rest of my life, I would be exchanging one set of chains (food) for another (diet). To top it off I am not capable of sustaining a lifetime diet on my own. This is not the freedom that God has in mind for me.

So I have confessed my gluttony, and given the cure/healing to my Lord. So now I am not on a diet. So now I eat whatever I want from the time I get up to 8:00 pm. Now the part that the Lord has given me (tools) to use in defeating the enemy. First, I can eat what I want but must pray before I start the meal or snack. Secondly I must chew/eat very slowly and savor the mouthful that God has given me provision to enjoy. Next I must stop when I am no longer hungry. That doesn't mean full (and those of you who share in gluttony know the difference between full and not hungry). That could mean leaving a half of sandwich until later or not finishing the last bite of cake or chicken. It is easier to identify my "not being hungry" when I eat slowly and savor the bites. I pay attention to triggers that make me think I am hungry when I have just eaten, and pray to wait until real hunger tells me it is time to eat (I do eat some snacks between meals but savor each bite and eat only until I am not hungry). I do not weigh myself and have not since I started. Since I am not on a diet, I have no need. Gluttony does not care what I weigh. Losing weight and getting healthy is a blessing that comes along with victory over gluttony, just as gaining weight, diabetes, low self esteem, and other health issues is a consequence of my sin of gluttony. Have I lost weight? You bet! My clothes fit looser, and people have started to notice, opening up dialog to praise the Lord. Lastly I do not eat anything but raw fruit or veggies (no butter or ranch dressing) after 8:00pm. I still have food to eat if I am really hungry. It is the one area of sacrifice if you could call it that. If I am truly too hungry to wait until morning than I will appreciate the fruit or veggies and just say no to the junk food until the next day.

So now can I say I diet, when I eat what ever I want whenever I am hungry? I would say no. I am using the food in the ways God has intended. First as fuel, and second as enjoyment. When I cheated on diets I had guilt. When I am allowing the Lord to heal my gluttony I have victory. Praise the Lord.

Is this something I can do for the rest of my life? With God's help to defeat satan, why not? Lastly he has also given me tools, to help in the fight. This board, your kind thoughts, words, and prayers. My Tuseday, Christ based 12 step group, the Bible, my prayers, some Christian friends, and a couple of people to share God's glory with.

God bless you and yours.

[DieingDaily4Him]

Hi,

I am praying for you. God is doing some wonderful things in my heart in this journey of walking away from the chains of gluttony that has been broken. Hallelujah :pp

I will try to share next week.

God Bless,

[Gregg]

Hi,

I am praying for you. God is doing some wonderful things in my heart in this journey of walking away from the chains of gluttony that has been broken. Hallelujah :pp

I will try to share next week.

God Bless,

Hallelujah!!

I look forward to reading about it.

Thank you for the prayers. Sending some right back at you.

God bless you and yours.

[Gregg]

My friend and I were talking on the phone about this problem of gluttony. It seems that he is getting ready to battle.

I described some of my old feelings and behavior. They are common to what he is going through.

Please feel free to add. I am sure some of us will have some in common.

1) I get hungry soon after I eat or at odd times. I have finished a meal, was full, now it is a half hour later. I can't be hungry, but I am and I want to eat something.

So what triggers this? Bad habit, emotional triggers, rise and fall of blood sugars, spiritual warfare? I would say yes to all of these. To beat them I have to use prayer. I have used food to comfort something other than true hunger. This is not food's job. If I have given my life to Jesus, than I have to trust his results. Comfort is his job, not food's. This is how food can become an idol.

2) I eat fast. I believe the lie that I am enjoying it more by eating more. If one cookie is good, five is better. I also know that eating fast is the key to eating more.

God has given me taste buds to enjoy my food. He has given me a body that needs to eat. He could have made me just spirit, but he made me with a body that needs food and enjoys it. The Bible talks about food, feasts and of course Holy Communion. Eating is good. Making food take the place of my God is sinful. So if I really like the taste of food, why wouldn't I learn to eat it to get maximum enjoyment? Spirtitual warfare.
Lord help me to put food in its proper place, as a gift from you, not to be abused or take the place of you, but to use it as the gift that you intended. Help me to eat slow and savor each bite, and remember you when I eat. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

3) I love buffets especially Chinese, but any will do. This comes with a lot of truth mixed with lies. I tell my self that I like the selection, and that it is a good deal.

Well they do have a lot of selection. What does that have to do with how much of each selection is on my plate? In the past I would take a lot of what looks good eat it fast and then go back for seconds of what I really liked or missed. The last round would be for the "good deal." The good deal is such a lie and it hurts me so much. I can enjoy a buffet if I take very small portions, eat slowly and savor every bit, quit when I am not hungry (this is well short of being my usual stuffed) and forget about the good deal. The variety is the good deal not the amount. The "all you can eat" is the temptation. It is almost like a challenge. When I go to a buffet I see people in there smaller than me and some bigger than me. We collectively haven't been able to take down the establishment by eating them out of business. Buffets that close up do so for lack of business. I have to be in a very good place to enjoy the occasional buffet. I have freedom, but this is an area of temptation for me. I see no reason to make the walk harder.

3) I love food.

Wow! Imagine the fat guy saying he loves food. I bet this is a surprise to just about everyone. Again spiritual warfare. Do I really love food? If yes, than there is no other explaination than I have made my own idol. Lord forgive me, and take this away. I want no other God's before you. I no longer love food. I like food. I like food as the nourishment and enjoyable gift that you meant it to be. Never let it again get between you and me. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
If perchance I just like food and that I say I love food as just an expression, well than I should easily stop that. It does not honor the word of love that is reserved for God, family and friends. Please take the love language regarding food from my lips.

4) Time for bed I need something to eat. From heating up leftovers, to making a sandwich, to stuffing cookies, chips, anything in the frig. From sit down to standing over the sink, or with the frig door open I have done it all. I have even had something to eat while waiting for the microwave to heat up other food. After all it is a long time to breakfast.

Am I really that hungry, is it bad habit, is it fear of going so long without eating, is it spiritual warfare? This is one area that I believe God expects me to use a tool and make a small sacrifice. No food after 8:00 pm except raw fruits or veggies. If I am hungry enough to eat, than it sure can be something that is healthy for me. If I am not hungry enough to eat fruit or veggies, than my hunger is not real. I still must pray and still must eat slow and savor every bite. This is much more challenging than I could have ever imagined. It is a source of great temptation. It is definitely something I need God's help with. I am amazed how I am even tempted to not talk to him about it, to turn up the volume, to speed up, to try to get it past him.

There are plenty more. I just do not want to make this too long. Please add your tempations, and victories to this list.

May God bless all of us with victory over the sin of gluttony, may our victory provide glory to our Father through Jesus Christ Amen.