Psalm 107:14
Eat Well, Christian Weight Loss

Do you Really Want to Be Delivered?

“Lord, I Want to Go!”

A couple of years ago, I was preparing a lesson for church titled “Preparation for Deliverance.” It focused on when God told Moses He was going to deliver the children of Israel from slavery (Exodus 3:7–17).

As I was meditating on the word “deliverance,” I paused to consider its root: “Deliver.”

Psalm 107:14

At that moment, I had a small package sitting on the table next to me. I planned to mail it soon, to have it delivered. Then a simple, yet profound thought crossed my mind:

What if packages and letters could decide whether they would be delivered or not?

I imagined my little package looking up at me and saying, “No, Kim. I’m comfortable right here on this table. I don’t want to go!”

Of course, that’s silly. Packages don’t get a say. But people do.

And that’s when it hit me: Many people say they want deliverance.

They want God to move them out of a painful, toxic, or stagnant situation. But when God begins the process of moving them from where they are to where they need to be, they resist.

Like my imaginary package, they say with their actions, “I’m comfortable here. I don’t want to go.”

Meditation

Deliverance is not just about leaving something behind. It is about being moved toward something better. And just like a package on a journey, the trip may involve a few bumps, some delays, or discomfort.

But if the destination is worth it, the trip is worth it too.

Imagine you were being delivered to Hawaii. Would you let the thought of turbulence or temporary discomfort stop you from getting there? Of course not. You would keep your eyes on the destination.

The same principle applies when God is trying to deliver you. He has somewhere for you to go:

  • A place of peace.
  • A place of healing.
  • A place of purpose.

But you have to be willing to make the trip.

That means letting go of excuses. That means releasing the comfort of what’s familiar, especially when familiar isn’t healthy.

You cannot be delivered if you are determined to stay.

So here are some questions on which to reflect:

  • Are you thinking more about how uncomfortable the journey might be, or how good the destination will be when you get there?
  • Are you imagining the “what ifs” of trouble, or the joy of your healing?
  • Are you meditating on your freedom, or are you stuck replaying your fears?

If your focus is on the discomfort, then chances are you are still resisting.

But if you shift your focus to the goodness of God and what He has planned for you, then you can confidently say, “Lord, I want to go.”

Jesus is the Ultimate Deliverer. He is faithful to move you from bondage to freedom, from sorrow to joy, and from fear to peace.

You do not have to make the journey alone. You only need to say “yes” and allow Him to carry you through.

Ask God in prayer:

Lord, I don’t want to stay stuck where I am. I want to be delivered. I know that sometimes the journey may be uncomfortable, but I trust that You are with me every step of the way.

Forgive me if I have resisted You in the past. Today, I surrender my fears and excuses. I choose to believe that the destination You have for me is worth every step it takes to get there.

Move me, Lord, from where I am to where I need to be. I say with faith and confidence, “Lord, I want to go.”

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

P.S.
If you know God is calling you to a healthier, more disciplined life but you’ve been stuck in the same place for too long, the Take Back Your Temple program can help you move forward.

It’s a step-by-step journey of faith, healing, and transformation—delivered with grace and truth.

Ready to say, “Lord, I want to go”?
Start your healing today: https://takebackyourtemple.com/program

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green leafy vegetables body's wd-40
Eat Well, Christian Weight Loss

Green Leafy Vegetables: Your Body’s WD-40

Has your body ever felt stiff, sore, and a bit “rusty”? Here is a sneaky eating strategy that may help!

Many years ago, I attended a conference called Food as Medicine. That week, we ate a lot of green leafy vegetables and other vegetable-rich dishes. It was all delicious!

A few days after the conference ended, I participated in the Peachtree Road Race. I was able to run all 6.2 miles!

I came to think of green leafy vegetables as the body’s WD-40.

For those who may be unaware of what WD-40 does, it is a penetrating oil that protects metal from corrosion and rust, releases stuck parts, and can lubricate just about any mechanical part.

Thinking of green leafy vegetables as your body’s WD-40 makes sense when you consider God’s first guidance to humankind about what to eat:

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food (Genesis 1:19 NKJV).

I also just did some research to discover why my analogy is valid. Below is the research I did.

My prayer that you will apply what you learn so that your body remains flexible even as you age!

Green Leafy Vegetable Benefits Like WD-40

The analogy of green leafy vegetables as the body’s “WD-40” is a creative and fitting way to describe their role in promoting smooth, efficient bodily function.

Here is a list of the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s top powerhouse foods. Notice that the top 16 are green leafy vegetables!

Courtesy of timeforwellness.org

Just as WD-40 is used to lubricate, protect, and enhance the performance of mechanical parts, green leafy vegetables provide essential nutrients that optimize the body’s internal systems.

Here’s how this analogy works:

How Green Leafy Vegetables Act Like “WD-40” for the Body

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
    • WD-40 Function: It reduces friction and prevents rust or corrosion in mechanical parts, allowing them to work smoothly over time.
    • Green Leafy Vegetables: Rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols, they combat inflammation and oxidative stress, which can “rust” or damage cells and tissues over time. By reducing inflammation, they help joints, muscles, and blood vessels function more smoothly, preventing wear and tear on the body.
  2. Nitric Oxide Production for Circulation:
    • WD-40 Function: Enhances movement by lubricating mechanical parts so they can glide effortlessly.
    • Green Leafy Vegetables: High in nitrates (e.g., spinach, arugula, kale), they boost nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, improving circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles—critical for endurance activities like running. This “lubrication” effect ensures your cardiovascular system operates efficiently.
  3. Muscle Recovery and Energy Efficiency:
    • WD-40 Function: Improves efficiency of moving parts by reducing resistance and enhancing performance.
    • Green Leafy Vegetables: Packed with magnesium and potassium, they support muscle function and recovery by preventing cramping and optimizing energy metabolism during physical activity. This nutrient-rich “lubrication” helps muscles perform better during exertion and recover faster afterward.
  4. Detoxification Support:
    • WD-40 Function: Removes grime or buildup from surfaces to restore functionality.
    • Green Leafy Vegetables: Contain chlorophyll and fiber, which help detoxify the body by supporting liver function and aiding in the elimination of waste products through digestion. This cleansing effect keeps your internal systems running smoothly.
  5. Bone Health and Joint Lubrication:
    • WD-40 Function: Prevents wear and tear on mechanical parts by reducing friction over time.
    • Green Leafy Vegetables: Rich in vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium, they strengthen bones while supporting joint health. These nutrients act as a protective buffer against degeneration or stiffness in joints.
  6. Endurance and Stamina Boost:
    • WD-40 Function: Ensures machines can operate for longer periods without breaking down.
    • Green Leafy Vegetables: Their combination of vitamins (A, C), minerals (iron), and phytonutrients enhances oxygen transport in the blood while supporting energy production at the cellular level. This helps sustain physical activity for longer periods—like running a race—without fatigue

Why This Analogy Works

Just as WD-40 is an essential tool for maintaining mechanical systems so they perform at their best, green leafy vegetables are vital for maintaining the human body’s biological systems.

They “lubricate” processes like circulation, muscle recovery, detoxification, joint health, and energy production—ensuring smooth operation and peak performance

Conclusion

Your experience at the “Food as Medicine” conference highlights how eating nutrient-dense foods like green leafy vegetables can transform physical performance—allowing you to run the Peachtree Road Race with ease!

Incorporating these vegetables into your daily diet is akin to applying WD-40 to your body: it keeps everything functioning optimally while preventing breakdowns caused by inflammation or inefficiencies in metabolic processes.

By Kimberly Taylor, takebackyourtemple.com with Perplexity.AI research.

Take Back Your Health God’s Way

With the Take Back Your Temple (TBYT) program, you will transform not just your body but also heal your heart and mind—so you can live the abundant life God has planned for you.

introducing take back your temple

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Christian Weight Loss, Emotional Eating, Stress Management

Is Your Family on the Insulin Resistance Hit List?

What if there were a hidden health villain stalking your family? This silent enemy could be behind the weight struggles, chronic illnesses, and even mental health challenges affecting you and your loved ones.

Who is this villain? It’s called insulin resistance (IR), and it’s more common—and dangerous—than you might think.

Insulin resistance is when your body stops listening to insulin, which is hormone that regulates blood sugar. Insulin serves as a key that unlocks our cells so sugar (glucose) can go inside and give us energy.

However, when our cells stop responding to insulin as it should, sugar gets stuck in our blood instead of being used for energy. This can make us feel tired, hungry, and even cause health problems like weight gain or diseases over time.

When I researched the long disease list (hit list) with which insulin resistance is linked, I was shocked! Our family health history includes 14 out of 23 on the list!

Check out the hit list below to see if you or your family members are on it.

The Insulin Resistance Hit List

Insulin resistance is like a domino effect—it starts with blood sugar issues and can lead to serious health problems over time. Here are some of the diseases/conditions linked to IR:

  1. Alzheimer’s Disease (sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes”)
  2. Asthma
  3. Atherosclerosis
  4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  5. Belly Fat (Visceral Obesity)
  6. Cancers (obesity-related cancers such as liver and breast cancer)
  7. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
  8. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  9. Cognitive Decline (including dementia)
  10. Depression
  11. Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels)
  12. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
  13. Fatty Liver Disease (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease – NAFLD)
  14. Glucose Intolerance
  15. Heart Disease
  16. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides)
  17. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  18. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)
  19. Obesity
  20. Ovarian Disorders (e.g., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – PCOS)
  21. Schizophrenia
  22. Stroke
  23. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

I recommend you do your own research so that you can protect your family and other loved ones!

How Overeating and Insulin Resistance “Feed” One Another

You may be surprised to learn that overeating and insulin resistance “feed” each other. Here is a diagram I drew up to explain how the cycle works (see below). Many people are trapped in it, so you aren’t alone!

Why Insulin Resistance is So Dangerous

Insulin resistance doesn’t just affect one part of your body—it impacts nearly every system. Left unchecked, it can lead to chronic diseases that drain your energy, limit your mobility, and shorten your lifespan.

But here’s the good news: Insulin resistance is reversible with the right steps.

Why Take Back Your Temple Works

Our faith-based program goes beyond weight loss—it helps you address the root cause of many chronic conditions: insulin resistance. By following our proven strategies, you’ll learn how to:

  • Reverse insulin resistance through simple eating changes.
  • Stabilize your energy and emotions with balanced meals.
  • Break free from sugar cravings with tools rooted in God’s Word.

Start your journey today—because reclaiming your health means reclaiming your (and potentially your family’s) life.

Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple Christian weight loss program

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mental fortitude
Motivation, Christian Weight Loss

Strengthening your Mental Fortitude for Christian Weight Loss

As someone who once struggled with emotional eating and obesity, I discovered a powerful truth: Mental fortitude holds a key to lasting transformation.

What is mental fortitude? Mental fortitude is your ability to face life challenges with strength and courage in God, and to keep going – even when life gets hard!

mental fortitude

According to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, the courage to confront problems directly is the primary habit that separates Weight Loss Maintainers vs. Weight Regainers.

The Weight Regainers practiced more avoidance behaviors, such as emotional eating, which hindered their ability to maintain their positive health habits under pressure.

Today, I’m excited to share with you the 4 Powers of the Mind that can revolutionize your approach to health and weight loss.

The Mind-Body Connection: Building Mental Fortitude

Research shows that our subconscious minds control up to 95% of our behavior. This means that simply trying harder often isn’t enough!

We need to develop mental fortitude through aligning our subconscious with our conscious desires to create lasting change.

The 4 Powers: Your Roadmap to Transformation

  1. The Power of the Holy Spirit
    John 16:13 speaks of the Holy Spirit as an internal guide for those who believe in Jesus. He is that still, small voice that aligns us with God’s will. Practical Application: When making eating choices, pause and ask yourself, “Is this choice aligned with my health goals and God’s best for me?” Keep the things you want to do, close to you; keep the things you don’t want to do, far away from you!
  2. The Power of Reason
    Isaiah 1:18 invites us to “reason together” with God. Our ability to think critically is a divine gift. Practical Application: Challenge negative thought patterns. When you catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never lose weight,” counter it with evidence of your progress and God’s promises such as Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”.
  3. The Power of Will
    Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God works in us, giving us the will and power to do what pleases Him. Practical Application: Set small behavioral goals each day – goals that you have 80% confidence or higher that you can achieve them. Ensure that you supply what you need to get it done and remove any stumbling blocks in your way. Each success helps you recognize that you can do nothing without the Lord on your side!
  4. The Power of Imagination
    Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our imagination can shape our reality and strengthens our mental fortitude when used according to Biblically-based truth. Practical Application: Visualize yourself at your ideal size, feeling strong, energetic and confident – living on purpose, for purpose.

The Partnership of Mind and Spirit

When we harness these four powers and align them with God’s Word, we create a powerful synergy that builds unshakeable mental fortitude. It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about becoming who God designed you to be from the inside out!

Your Personalized Transformation Journey

Imagine waking up each day, filled with energy, purpose, and unwavering mental fortitude. Picture yourself easily making choices that honor your body and your faith. This isn’t just a dream—it’s the reality that awaits when you learn to harness these mental powers and build your mental fortitude.

The Take Back Your Temple Difference: Cultivating Mental Fortitude

In our program, we don’t just teach these concepts—we help you live them and develop robust mental fortitude. Here’s how:

  • Personalized Strategies: We work with you to apply these powers to your unique challenges, building your mental fortitude.
  • Community Support: Join a group of like-minded individuals on the same journey, reinforcing each other’s mental fortitude.
  • Expert Guidance: Access to resources that blend Biblical wisdom with proven psychological techniques to enhance your mental fortitude.
  • Measurable Results: Our members report not just weight loss, but improved relationships, Spiritual growth, and increased mental fortitude.

A Call to Action: Your Mental Fortitude Transformation Starts Now

Are you ready to experience the power of a mind aligned with God’s purpose for your health and fortified with unshakeable mental fortitude? The Take Back Your Temple program offers more than just weight loss—it’s a holistic approach to becoming the best version of yourself with unwavering mental strength.

Don’t let another day pass feeling disconnected from your true potential and lacking mental fortitude. Join us in the Take Back Your Temple program and start your journey to lasting transformation and unshakeable mental fortitude today.

Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Your mind is powerful, and with God’s guidance, our support, and cultivated mental fortitude, you can achieve the healthy, purposeful life you’ve always desired.

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Jennifer Haagenson
Christian Weight Loss

Jesus: My Defender (A Poem)

In this power-packed poem, guest author and Take Back Your Temple member Jennifer Haagenson shares how a recent experience proved that Jesus is her Defender and shame-taker.

Our prayer is that it helps to set others free from feelings of condemnation and shame that come from the enemy’s lies!

Jennifer is a mom of two precious kids, a pastor’s wife, a part-time associate pastor, and a full-time graduate student in a Mental Health Counselor program. She is also human and has been on a journey of recovery from a season of deep depression. Visit her website at https://devoteability.com/.


I saw myself a little child

Beaten down with whips of shame

Huddled in despair

Trapped by the one beating me

Whom I presumed to be

The Father God

How could Elohim

Be so mean?

I sat

Tension-filled

Scared and alone

Bracing for the next shame blow.

The whips they come one by one

Beating me down.

Down.

Down.

No way out.

No escape.

My guilt and shame

Shackle me

Driving me

To despair so deep

Death seems like a great escape.

But then in the midst of my despair

While trapped in the shame

In bitter defeat

Bright bold and beautiful

Jesus stepped on the scene

Flowing robe white and light

One mighty word. One mighty hand

Pushed shame away.

He said let the little children come

Hinder them not

For the kingdom

Is made of such as these

Bright bold and beautiful

Jesus steps on the scene

Flowing robe white and light

One mighty word. One mighty hand.

Pushed shame away!

He whom I

Presumed to be

Elohim

Was in reality

The enemy

Bright bold and beautiful

Jesus steps on the scene

Flowing robe white and light

One mighty word. One mighty hand.

Pushed shame away!

Whip blow stops

Tension drops

Relief floods my soul

Peace and safety

Warmth and love

My defender rescued me.

Bright bold and beautiful

Jesus stepped on the scene

One mighty word. One mighty hand

Pushed shame away!

Goodbye shame

Goodbye night

Good-bye darkness of my soul

Bright bold and beautiful

Jesus stepped on the scene.

Defender – oh defender

My defender rescued me!


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