LET'S MAKE A DEAL!

September 14, 2010Read: Phillipians 4

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." --Phillipians 4:6-7

Do you ever feel like a contestant on Let's Make a Deal? Well, that's me today. I've been hit with door Nos. 1, 2 and 3, each with something behind it that I may exchange for what's already valuable to me. Truly, all I need is a life-size deck of cards to poke my face through, and it's game on, Monty.

Decisions, decisions. Our lives are chock full of them, right? From the little ones we dealt with yesterday to the bigger versions around today's corners -- which way do we go?

As believers, isn't it good to know that if we're praying, seeking wisdom and trusting in the Lord that we can go boldly into life's choices with the utmost courage? We can decide in peace, knowing that we've prayed about it and we've placed that particular burden at the cross. But if we don't (and haven't we all been there?) -- if we don't pray daily and seek His will, decision time is anything but peaceful. We end up second guessing, fretting and regretting.

So today, if you're faced with the smallest of choices or even decisions that are life and death, let's present our choices to the One who conquered both. He's been around the bend and because of Him, the coast is clear. Truly, the only door we want to pick is the one He opens.

--J.P.

HEAVY IS THE BURDEN A few more facts about weight gain in America

--Obesity affects over one-third of the adult American population. That's approximately 72,000,000 people.

--200,000,000 adult Americans are classified as overweight or obese.

--American adults are one inch taller and 25 pounds heavier today than they were in 1960.

--In 1963, the average 10-year-old boy weighed 74.2 pounds. Today, the average boy weighs 85 pounds -- an increase of 14.5%.

Source: The Obesity Society