In his allegorical book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan relates the different struggles, Christian, the allegory’s protagonist, encounters on his journey to the Celestial City (the City of God/Heaven). One such difficult battle ensues in the Valley of Humiliation. Here, Christian comes face to face with Apollyon (Satan himself). Scripture vividly warns of the intent of the enemy whose main desire is to steal, kill, and destroy any believer in Jesus. At this confrontation Christian is forced to fight. Yet, God’s Armor of protection aptly applied by use of the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) assisted Christian to stand in victory (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Similarly, praying is persistent that I may avoid humiliation and stand in victory while keeping my September fast.

He (Jesus) died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them (2 Corinthians 5:15, NLT).

My desire is to not live for myself but instead, that I will live out my days for my Maker and Savior.  His Word is my daily nourishment, providing a focus on the eternal and what He has accomplished and will continue to perform. He has set me free in Christ to live for the glory that He alone deserves!

Thus, Paul David Tripp in his devotional, Everyday Gospel, rightly communicates:

“Only by the power of God’s delivering grace are we liberated from our bondage to the glories of creation to find our hope, life, and satisfaction in living for the glory of our Maker.” –Paul David Tripp

Praise God, through His power we can be liberated from any earthly bondage, even sugar! 😉 By His delivering grace, our hope, life, and satisfaction are obliged by the glorious Savior who died for us; and even more, who rose up from the grave because death was swallowed in victory…death could not hold Him (1 Corinthians 15:54; Acts 2:24).

Praise Him!