Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 142; Numbers 11-12
In Numbers 11, the Israelites are again complaining about their misfortunes. Despite being miraculously delivered from their slavery in Egypt, despite being given daily manna that tasted like cakes and fell like dew upon the camp each night, the people are discontent. They are remembering the meat and fish, the cucumbers and melons, the leeks and onions and garlic, that they had back in Egypt. It reminded me of this verse in Philippians.
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly,
Philippians 3:19 ESV
and they glory in their shame,
with minds set on earthly things.
And I’m afraid that is not only a problem for those greedy Israelites. It’s a problem for me. Sadly, the three F’s have been my downfall in recent years: food, Facebook, and phone. Are any of you with me? I have successfully been loosed from Facebook for over a year now, and it feels amazing!
How can we battle these earthly things that war for our minds? I’ve found two things that really help me: Setting boundaries and being thankful for what I have.
Setting limits for how much time I spend on my phone has been crucial in this battle.
- I discovered a place in my phone settings where I can limit how much time I spend in individual apps, so I’ve set limits for Amazon, YouTube, WeChat, and Chrome. (These are my big 4 stumbling blocks where I can get lost!)
- Also, I’ve begun plugging my phone in to charge out in the kitchen at night, rather than taking it back to my bedroom.
- If my phone battery doesn’t last all day, that means I’ve been on it too much! One charge a day is enough for me. Resist leaving your phone charging all day or plugging it in in the afternoon.
- Delete those games that are stealing your time. You don’t need them! Make better choices for your downtime. Try the Bible Memory app or Blue Letter Bible app instead. Listen to great podcasts like “Gateway to Joy with Elisabeth Elliot,” “Truth for Life with Alistair Begg,” “Family Life Today” “One80” and “The Briefing with Al Mohler.” Subscribe to some great YouTube channels like “Living Waters with Ray Comfort, “Seeds Family Worship,” or check out my FormerAtheist58 channel!
I’m also learning to set limits for what I eat, but boy has it been hard!
My obsession with food began much younger than my obsession with my phone. Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of diets, but nothing has ever been sustainable for me long-term. I’ve used the Weight Watchers Smart Points system off and on for about two years now and have successfully reached my goal weight. It encourages me to get active and make healthy food choices – filling my belly with vegetables, fruit, and lean meats rather than cookies, candy, and creamer.
By the way, for those of you who also struggle with food and phones, I highly recommend both Wendy Speake’s books: The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation and The 40-Day Social Media Fast: Exchange Your Online Distractions for Real-Life Devotion
And BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE!
The Israelites complained
while they were slaves in Egypt.
Now they’re free, but they’re still complaining.
Ask yourself this question,
“When will it ever be enough?”
Heavenly Father, Thank You for every single thing I have. They are gifts from Your good hands. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my freedom. Thank you for my faith. These F’s are so much better than food, Facebook, and my phone. Help me to hunger for You as I hunger for fat, rich food. Help me to turn to You rather than turning to my phone. Satisfy me with Your love. You are enough. You are more than enough. By Faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
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Teach What is Good 