Mark 12:30 (NLT)
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Today, we embark on part two of the Whole Body series- the mind. As with the body, it begins and ends with Jesus. And our relationship with him. Its about us becoming more like him; letting his mind be our mind; his thinking, our thinking; his intelligence, our intelligence; his creativity, our creativity. Everything that wraps our minds and everything our minds can wrap around.
So, how do we do this? The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, laid out what having the mind of Christ entails…
We are to-
-think of ourselves the way JESUS thought of himself
-seek no status or special privilege
-become a servant/slave
-live a life of humility
-live a selfless, obedient life
-die a selfless, obedient life
Simple right?
No where in the list is there room for such things as thinking of ourselves as better (or more religious or prettier or richer) than anyone else. No where in the list is their room for you to rule the world around you or demand that the world revolve around you. No where on the list is there room for you to be saint at church then do whatever the hell you want to do the rest of the week. No where in the list is there room for secretive lustful thoughts for that girl/ guy or for the money you wish you had or the materialistic stuff your neighbor possesses. No where on the list does it say me, me, me. Its all about losing our mind (pun intended) in that of Christ JESUS.
Ready to walk into a mind-altering month with LifeTogether?
Application: Over the course of the next month, adopt the mind of Christ. Pray and ask GOD to begin the process of planting in you that mind.
Mindful Meditation: Repeat the list above to yourself several times aloud. Meditate and pray about each of those things. Ask GOD to help you develop them.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Physical Body - Review #4 of 4
Mark 12:30 (NLT)
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
The highlights from week four:
1. In a superficial world where our airbrushed role models are muscled men or toned women, its easy to lose sight of what really matters- the health we do have. I understand you want to drop a few pounds (or a few dozen), turn the spare tire into a washboard. But as I sit the the doctor’s waiting room awaiting my battery of mission trip shots, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to YAHWEH for allowing me such excellent health.
2. When we choose Christ, we choose to lay our lives down not only as a sacrifice, but as a living one. That means at least two things to me:
1. Because I’m a living sacrifice, I can get up off the alter anytime I want.
2. I am not here to merely exist, but to live!
In order to live life to the fullest and minister to others as part of our reasonable sacrifice, we must live. Be healthy and well. Barring anything from GOD and beyond our control, Christ-followers should be the healthiest people in the world. A healthy lifestyle and eating habits should be part of that light we shine to the world. GOD desires his people to be fit and well so we can accomplish his purposes for us.
3. Holding a grudge or unforgiveness not only wreaks havoc on your spirit, mind, and heart- but your body as well. Unforgiveness, along with the accompanying anger and bitterness, causes muscle tension, strain on the heart, blood pressure issues, risk of heart attack or disease, hypertension (and many other enormous medical words I don’t understand). Harboring unforgiveness wraps a chain around you that keeps you locked up, miserable, and confined. And there’s no lock on the chain- we hold onto the chain.
4. Laughter is the mark of a healthy person. It releases chemicals which make you feel good, lower blood pressure, sink depression, and cause relaxation. And if you laugh hard enough, you even get an ab workout.
5. Laugh at yourself. Quit taking everything so seriously.
Applications: quit merely existing and live life to the fullest, forgive others for overall health, learn to laugh, be willing to laugh at yourself, live-laugh-love
Nutrition Tips: avoid pork and other “dirty/unclean” foods, don’t eat when emotional or use food as a therapy, don’t eat a big meal close to bed time, pack your lunch to save money and nutritional guilt
Exercise Tips: when exercising- be a kid, use exercise as a positive way to release emotions, place a high priority on exercise (after GOD, family, and so forth), find an accountability/training partner
Author’s Note: This wraps up the physical body. Tomorrow, we progress to the second part of the Whole Body- the mind. Be encouraged to continue taking care of your physical body, even as we move our focus to the mind. Press on-
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
The highlights from week four:
1. In a superficial world where our airbrushed role models are muscled men or toned women, its easy to lose sight of what really matters- the health we do have. I understand you want to drop a few pounds (or a few dozen), turn the spare tire into a washboard. But as I sit the the doctor’s waiting room awaiting my battery of mission trip shots, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to YAHWEH for allowing me such excellent health.
2. When we choose Christ, we choose to lay our lives down not only as a sacrifice, but as a living one. That means at least two things to me:
1. Because I’m a living sacrifice, I can get up off the alter anytime I want.
2. I am not here to merely exist, but to live!
In order to live life to the fullest and minister to others as part of our reasonable sacrifice, we must live. Be healthy and well. Barring anything from GOD and beyond our control, Christ-followers should be the healthiest people in the world. A healthy lifestyle and eating habits should be part of that light we shine to the world. GOD desires his people to be fit and well so we can accomplish his purposes for us.
3. Holding a grudge or unforgiveness not only wreaks havoc on your spirit, mind, and heart- but your body as well. Unforgiveness, along with the accompanying anger and bitterness, causes muscle tension, strain on the heart, blood pressure issues, risk of heart attack or disease, hypertension (and many other enormous medical words I don’t understand). Harboring unforgiveness wraps a chain around you that keeps you locked up, miserable, and confined. And there’s no lock on the chain- we hold onto the chain.
4. Laughter is the mark of a healthy person. It releases chemicals which make you feel good, lower blood pressure, sink depression, and cause relaxation. And if you laugh hard enough, you even get an ab workout.
5. Laugh at yourself. Quit taking everything so seriously.
Applications: quit merely existing and live life to the fullest, forgive others for overall health, learn to laugh, be willing to laugh at yourself, live-laugh-love
Nutrition Tips: avoid pork and other “dirty/unclean” foods, don’t eat when emotional or use food as a therapy, don’t eat a big meal close to bed time, pack your lunch to save money and nutritional guilt
Exercise Tips: when exercising- be a kid, use exercise as a positive way to release emotions, place a high priority on exercise (after GOD, family, and so forth), find an accountability/training partner
Author’s Note: This wraps up the physical body. Tomorrow, we progress to the second part of the Whole Body- the mind. Be encouraged to continue taking care of your physical body, even as we move our focus to the mind. Press on-
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The Physical Body - Review #3 of 4
Mark 12:30 (NLT)
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Week 3 highlights:
1. This is both Biblical (fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible) and beneficial. Fasting food not only allows you extra time to spend resting with the Redeemer in spirit; it also allows your body- and your liver in particular- to slow down and rest. To catch a break from having to digest and distribute all that food we cram down our gullet. Imagine your liver getting to taking a power nap and coming back stronger than ever, just like we have to do from time to time.
2. Allow me also to convict yourself this morning with the following questions. Ponder them, then answer honestly. And we’ll elaborate tomorrow.
a. Have you ever used the excuse, “I’m too busy” to avoid exercise (or eating right)?
b. On the same day as this excuse, did you find time to watch TV, surf the internet, or update your Facebook status?
3. Think of the important things in your life. Family. Church. Work. The Big Game. How do you make sure you don’t forget these things? You put them on your mind, you schedule time for them, you remember and act on it. Your workouts should be the same. Make it an appointment to exercise. Or cook your healthy meals ahead of time. By doing so, you’re less likely to miss it or make excuses.
4. Stretching, breathing, and releasing. Stretching creates elasticity in the muscles and tissues, which makes them looser and less prone to injury and tension. Breathing slows down the body, increasing oxygen both to the lungs and bloodstream and creating a relaxed state. Like a natural high. And releasing. Releasing the tensions in the body. Live in the moment. Imagine the soreness or tension as water and allow it to flow out of your body. Let it go. And enjoy the effect it has on your health.
5. The Consistent one may not make new year’s resolutions, eat an all-organic diet, or beat down the doors of the gym, but makes small steps over time which make them healthy, well, and fit. They choose Subway over McDonald’s here; or play football with the kids in the yard instead of plopping down in front of the TV there; or cooking a meal for the family rather than ordering a pizza; or replacing worry and anxiety with a prayer and some deep breathing…And then they make the best choice again…and again…and again. Until it becomes ingrained habit. And before long, they’ve run the race. From start to glorious finish
Applications: live life in the fast lane (time focused on GOD and rest for your body), be honest and realistic with your fitness goals, admit your powerlessness and seek GOD’s help, mediate to relax and center yourself with GOD, patiently endure the struggles of this human condition
Nutrition Tips: incorporate digestive probiotics into your diet (good bacteria), choose wisely from the menu when eating out, keep portion sizes to healthy levels, enjoy homemade smoothies for better nutrition, make small changes to your diet to garner big results
Exercise Tips: push yourself beyond what you think you’re capable of, take frequent breaks during workout to help you go longer, incorporate functional fitness into your daily routine, save your money and use whatever equipment or things you own to work out with, vary your workouts to avoid boredom and stagnancy
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Week 3 highlights:
1. This is both Biblical (fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible) and beneficial. Fasting food not only allows you extra time to spend resting with the Redeemer in spirit; it also allows your body- and your liver in particular- to slow down and rest. To catch a break from having to digest and distribute all that food we cram down our gullet. Imagine your liver getting to taking a power nap and coming back stronger than ever, just like we have to do from time to time.
2. Allow me also to convict yourself this morning with the following questions. Ponder them, then answer honestly. And we’ll elaborate tomorrow.
a. Have you ever used the excuse, “I’m too busy” to avoid exercise (or eating right)?
b. On the same day as this excuse, did you find time to watch TV, surf the internet, or update your Facebook status?
3. Think of the important things in your life. Family. Church. Work. The Big Game. How do you make sure you don’t forget these things? You put them on your mind, you schedule time for them, you remember and act on it. Your workouts should be the same. Make it an appointment to exercise. Or cook your healthy meals ahead of time. By doing so, you’re less likely to miss it or make excuses.
4. Stretching, breathing, and releasing. Stretching creates elasticity in the muscles and tissues, which makes them looser and less prone to injury and tension. Breathing slows down the body, increasing oxygen both to the lungs and bloodstream and creating a relaxed state. Like a natural high. And releasing. Releasing the tensions in the body. Live in the moment. Imagine the soreness or tension as water and allow it to flow out of your body. Let it go. And enjoy the effect it has on your health.
5. The Consistent one may not make new year’s resolutions, eat an all-organic diet, or beat down the doors of the gym, but makes small steps over time which make them healthy, well, and fit. They choose Subway over McDonald’s here; or play football with the kids in the yard instead of plopping down in front of the TV there; or cooking a meal for the family rather than ordering a pizza; or replacing worry and anxiety with a prayer and some deep breathing…And then they make the best choice again…and again…and again. Until it becomes ingrained habit. And before long, they’ve run the race. From start to glorious finish
Applications: live life in the fast lane (time focused on GOD and rest for your body), be honest and realistic with your fitness goals, admit your powerlessness and seek GOD’s help, mediate to relax and center yourself with GOD, patiently endure the struggles of this human condition
Nutrition Tips: incorporate digestive probiotics into your diet (good bacteria), choose wisely from the menu when eating out, keep portion sizes to healthy levels, enjoy homemade smoothies for better nutrition, make small changes to your diet to garner big results
Exercise Tips: push yourself beyond what you think you’re capable of, take frequent breaks during workout to help you go longer, incorporate functional fitness into your daily routine, save your money and use whatever equipment or things you own to work out with, vary your workouts to avoid boredom and stagnancy
Monday, January 28, 2013
The Physical Body - Review #2 of 4
Mark 12:30 (NLT)
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
The highlights from week 2:
1. Love GOD first. No matter which
translation we read, this principle is crystal clear. Place Jesus first and everything else falls into place. When we put all we are- our whole person (body, mind, heart, spirit)- in Jesus, He will add innumerable things, including a greater natural energy to worship Him and serve others.
2. Whatever we give the LORD, whether large or small, he multiplies it and gives it back in greater quantities. Over and over again. I believe if we take an honest look at our lives, we’re witness to this.
3. Much like sin destroys the soul, toxins wreak havoc on the body. More than ever, our environment- no matter how positive we are- is contaminated with all sorts of unhealthy toxins. The good news, however, is this: Jesus wipes away the sin from our soul, and we can rid ourselves of many of the toxins affecting our health now. Start by using a portion of your next paycheck or the remaining balance on that Wal-Mart gift card to invest in a Brita water filter.
4. The LORD blesses us with these bodies (and time and talents) not so that we’ll cling to them tightly until we return to him the same way. Jesus made it clear that we are to invest our time, talents, and bodies into Kingdom work. So, then, by being good stewards over our bodies we are fulfilling part of our calling. Being a good steward has everything to do with taking care of that gift.
5. We have not because we ask not. GOD is ever faithful to deliver our needs. So then, let us return to our example prayer. Although rippling abs or a flat stomach for a bikini may not be necessities, the overall health and wellness of the body is. In optimal health, the body functions as it should, as it was designed to do. So here’s a thought. Maybe we should pray something along the lines of “ GOD, please allow me to enjoy the greatest health possible, so that I can serve you, savor activity time with my family, and use my body to help others.
Applications: spend your energy focused on GOD and others, give GOD the best part of your day (whatever time that may be), water the body and soul daily, remember you only get one life to live, ask GOD (and others) for help with your goals
Nutrition Tips: fuel your natural energy with a balanced diet and exercise program, substitute organic and whole foods when possible, sip on water all day long to stay hydrated, go nuts by eating the (good) fat in nuts, unless fasting, never skip breakfast
Exercise Tips: exercising in the morning will keep you naturally energetic all day, get plenty of sleep every night, implement intense interval training into your regimen for growth, find a sport your passionate about and play it, worship GOD throughout your workout
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
The highlights from week 2:
1. Love GOD first. No matter which
translation we read, this principle is crystal clear. Place Jesus first and everything else falls into place. When we put all we are- our whole person (body, mind, heart, spirit)- in Jesus, He will add innumerable things, including a greater natural energy to worship Him and serve others.
2. Whatever we give the LORD, whether large or small, he multiplies it and gives it back in greater quantities. Over and over again. I believe if we take an honest look at our lives, we’re witness to this.
3. Much like sin destroys the soul, toxins wreak havoc on the body. More than ever, our environment- no matter how positive we are- is contaminated with all sorts of unhealthy toxins. The good news, however, is this: Jesus wipes away the sin from our soul, and we can rid ourselves of many of the toxins affecting our health now. Start by using a portion of your next paycheck or the remaining balance on that Wal-Mart gift card to invest in a Brita water filter.
4. The LORD blesses us with these bodies (and time and talents) not so that we’ll cling to them tightly until we return to him the same way. Jesus made it clear that we are to invest our time, talents, and bodies into Kingdom work. So, then, by being good stewards over our bodies we are fulfilling part of our calling. Being a good steward has everything to do with taking care of that gift.
5. We have not because we ask not. GOD is ever faithful to deliver our needs. So then, let us return to our example prayer. Although rippling abs or a flat stomach for a bikini may not be necessities, the overall health and wellness of the body is. In optimal health, the body functions as it should, as it was designed to do. So here’s a thought. Maybe we should pray something along the lines of “ GOD, please allow me to enjoy the greatest health possible, so that I can serve you, savor activity time with my family, and use my body to help others.
Applications: spend your energy focused on GOD and others, give GOD the best part of your day (whatever time that may be), water the body and soul daily, remember you only get one life to live, ask GOD (and others) for help with your goals
Nutrition Tips: fuel your natural energy with a balanced diet and exercise program, substitute organic and whole foods when possible, sip on water all day long to stay hydrated, go nuts by eating the (good) fat in nuts, unless fasting, never skip breakfast
Exercise Tips: exercising in the morning will keep you naturally energetic all day, get plenty of sleep every night, implement intense interval training into your regimen for growth, find a sport your passionate about and play it, worship GOD throughout your workout
Sunday, January 27, 2013
The Physical Body - Review #1 of 4
Mark 12:30 (NLT)
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
We all need to be reminded of things in order to remember (and hopefully apply) them. So, here are a few highlights from our first week of devotions on the physical body:
1. “Within the confines of the Bible is diet, nutrition, exercise, meditation, rest, supplements, and energy. During this month, as you desperately attempt to cling to your new year’s resolutions of weight loss and exercise machines, view the Bible not only as a road map for the soul…but the body as well. Drop the diet books. Pick up the Bible.
2. When we stand in front of the mirror to brush our teeth every morning, we shouldn’t look away in disgust, mumbling such phrases as, “I’m too fat, how can anyone love me, or I’ll never be able to be fit.” Nor should the opposite be true of us, leering at the mirror, stroking our six pack, and flexing our muscles in admiration of our glorious image. Rather, we should be able to smile, say “I’m a child a GOD and a work in progress,” thank him for such things as your ability to stand in front of a mirror (legs) and be able to see your visage (eyes), then give him your body in the day ahead, as a living sacrifice.
3. Quite simply, because we’ve gotten away from eating whole, healthy, GOD-created foods and substituted them with greasy, processed, pseudo-food which may taste great but has little, if any, nutritional value. It’s the equivalent of throwing trash down your throat. In our relationship with Jesus, we don’t shove rubbish and sin into our spirits. So why do we do it to our bodies, which currently house the spirit?
Applications: see the Bible as a health and wellness book, find a balance when it comes to looking at yourself, changes come in the small things
Nutrition Tips: include fruit, honey, and a multi-vitamin in your diet
Exercise Tips: warm up by stretching and breathing and getting your heart rate up, switch up your workouts to avoid boredom, and manage your time wisely by blending exercise with family fun
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
We all need to be reminded of things in order to remember (and hopefully apply) them. So, here are a few highlights from our first week of devotions on the physical body:
1. “Within the confines of the Bible is diet, nutrition, exercise, meditation, rest, supplements, and energy. During this month, as you desperately attempt to cling to your new year’s resolutions of weight loss and exercise machines, view the Bible not only as a road map for the soul…but the body as well. Drop the diet books. Pick up the Bible.
2. When we stand in front of the mirror to brush our teeth every morning, we shouldn’t look away in disgust, mumbling such phrases as, “I’m too fat, how can anyone love me, or I’ll never be able to be fit.” Nor should the opposite be true of us, leering at the mirror, stroking our six pack, and flexing our muscles in admiration of our glorious image. Rather, we should be able to smile, say “I’m a child a GOD and a work in progress,” thank him for such things as your ability to stand in front of a mirror (legs) and be able to see your visage (eyes), then give him your body in the day ahead, as a living sacrifice.
3. Quite simply, because we’ve gotten away from eating whole, healthy, GOD-created foods and substituted them with greasy, processed, pseudo-food which may taste great but has little, if any, nutritional value. It’s the equivalent of throwing trash down your throat. In our relationship with Jesus, we don’t shove rubbish and sin into our spirits. So why do we do it to our bodies, which currently house the spirit?
Applications: see the Bible as a health and wellness book, find a balance when it comes to looking at yourself, changes come in the small things
Nutrition Tips: include fruit, honey, and a multi-vitamin in your diet
Exercise Tips: warm up by stretching and breathing and getting your heart rate up, switch up your workouts to avoid boredom, and manage your time wisely by blending exercise with family fun
Friday, January 25, 2013
Reflection
1. Scriptures:
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Three weeks ago, you were to write down several fitness goals for this month. Take an honest inventory. Are you on the path to reach those goals? Or have you already relented?
6. Prayer:
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and continue to give him your fitness goals. Remember: He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Three weeks ago, you were to write down several fitness goals for this month. Take an honest inventory. Are you on the path to reach those goals? Or have you already relented?
6. Prayer:
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and continue to give him your fitness goals. Remember: He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Laugh Daily #2
Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
The dramatic conclusion…
…We pounced, circling our helpless victim, knives and spears drawn over our heads, appearing like Piggy and the boys from Lord of the Flies. (If you’ve never read it, read it before your next camping trip). Maybe we would kill the mysterious creature, then roast his meaty carcass on the fire pit, and impale its grotesque head at the edge of the campsite to discourage any and all trespassers, let them know that we were real mountain men, hunters, trackers, killers…hear us roar!
The roar of our instinctive survival surrendered to the whimper of disappointment. We stood stark still, the mad rush of adrenaline wilting, once again frozen, this time in disbelief. There, laying amidst the grass and pebbles of the sandbar was an alligator gar…a DEAD alligator gar. It was so dead in fact, that it had been dead a while. I will not get graphic in my description, but I will say that the level of its decay gave one the impression that it had been deceased for weeks.
Confusion rippled through the group.
“Huh?”
“What do you know? Already dead.”
“Do you know what this means?”
“Yeah, that means that something else is lurking out here.”
“No way!”
“So you think this thing ran through the woods, died, and wasted away, all before we got down here.”
“No, but…”
“Guys, guys! Quit fighting! I hear something, something is out there, I can sense it.”
It was at this most opportune time that I removed a stone from my pocket and stealthily lobbed it down the creek. As soon as the rock penetrated the calm waters, the boys spun on their heels, already cognizant that the blurry movement had been a setup for an elaborate ambush. With a fluidly erratic motion, they all sprang off the sandbar and scurried back up the bluff, slipping and sliding all long the way. Not until they crested the sheer of the bluff did they realize my absence. I remained on the sandbar, rolling through the grass, laughing so profusely and with such ferocity that tears poured from my eyes. And maybe I was the one seeing things by then, for I thought that the alligator gar was chuckling as well.
Application: Laugh at yourself. Quit taking everything so seriously. Learn to laugh…and to live.
Nutrition Tip: Pack your lunch. Not only do you save money by bringing your lunch to work or school, you save a nutritional guilt trip later. When most of us eat out, we tend to engorge ourselves on high calorie, high fat, synthetic foods rather than a healthy dose of a turkey sandwich, an apple, and a handful of almonds. Food for thought (pun intended).
Exercise Tip: Find an accountability/workout partner. Much like you need encouragement and direction in your spiritual walk, you need it when it comes to fitness as well. If possible, work out with a partner. You can push one another to new height with a little friendly competition. No partner? Find someone to be accountable to. Text, call, or talk to them about being consistent and helping you do the same.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
The dramatic conclusion…
…We pounced, circling our helpless victim, knives and spears drawn over our heads, appearing like Piggy and the boys from Lord of the Flies. (If you’ve never read it, read it before your next camping trip). Maybe we would kill the mysterious creature, then roast his meaty carcass on the fire pit, and impale its grotesque head at the edge of the campsite to discourage any and all trespassers, let them know that we were real mountain men, hunters, trackers, killers…hear us roar!
The roar of our instinctive survival surrendered to the whimper of disappointment. We stood stark still, the mad rush of adrenaline wilting, once again frozen, this time in disbelief. There, laying amidst the grass and pebbles of the sandbar was an alligator gar…a DEAD alligator gar. It was so dead in fact, that it had been dead a while. I will not get graphic in my description, but I will say that the level of its decay gave one the impression that it had been deceased for weeks.
Confusion rippled through the group.
“Huh?”
“What do you know? Already dead.”
“Do you know what this means?”
“Yeah, that means that something else is lurking out here.”
“No way!”
“So you think this thing ran through the woods, died, and wasted away, all before we got down here.”
“No, but…”
“Guys, guys! Quit fighting! I hear something, something is out there, I can sense it.”
It was at this most opportune time that I removed a stone from my pocket and stealthily lobbed it down the creek. As soon as the rock penetrated the calm waters, the boys spun on their heels, already cognizant that the blurry movement had been a setup for an elaborate ambush. With a fluidly erratic motion, they all sprang off the sandbar and scurried back up the bluff, slipping and sliding all long the way. Not until they crested the sheer of the bluff did they realize my absence. I remained on the sandbar, rolling through the grass, laughing so profusely and with such ferocity that tears poured from my eyes. And maybe I was the one seeing things by then, for I thought that the alligator gar was chuckling as well.
Application: Laugh at yourself. Quit taking everything so seriously. Learn to laugh…and to live.
Nutrition Tip: Pack your lunch. Not only do you save money by bringing your lunch to work or school, you save a nutritional guilt trip later. When most of us eat out, we tend to engorge ourselves on high calorie, high fat, synthetic foods rather than a healthy dose of a turkey sandwich, an apple, and a handful of almonds. Food for thought (pun intended).
Exercise Tip: Find an accountability/workout partner. Much like you need encouragement and direction in your spiritual walk, you need it when it comes to fitness as well. If possible, work out with a partner. You can push one another to new height with a little friendly competition. No partner? Find someone to be accountable to. Text, call, or talk to them about being consistent and helping you do the same.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Laugh Daily #1
Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Like John (the Pastor, not the Baptist), my head is slam packed with stories, most of which bring me great joy. Laughter is the mark of a healthy person. It releases chemicals which make you feel good, lower blood pressure, sink depression, and cause relaxation. And if you laugh hard enough, you even get an ab workout. So, without further ado, a humorous story from years past.
Author’s Note: some of you may recognize a name or two so you can connect faces. If not, hope it still causes you to chuckle.
This is an excerpt from a camping trip I took some youth on some years ago:
We failed to have long to recover from this ordeal when the next chapter of our saga unfolded. We had now covered about three-fourths of the trail and were at the point were it overlooks a tranquil creek. The slow moving creek, which is a tributary of the Yalobusha River, ribbons its way along the right side of the trail before disappearing into the dark woods. As we were hiking the rim of the bluff, gazing down at the still waters and muddy banks, something diverted our attention. Movement, followed by a blur.
“Did you see that?”
“Yeah.”
“What was it?”
“I don’t know, it was blurry.”
“I saw it. It was a baby bear.”
“That was no bear…it was a panther. They have those in these woods.”
“I think it was a wolverine.”
“You guys are stupid. It’s none of that stuff. But let’s go have a look.”
“Just watch from here guys and let it be.” ***Guess who said this? If you guessed the once again overly concerned, environmentally conscious youth pastor, you would be correct.***
Something rushed through the underbrush near the water. Instantly, we froze, our ears perked and our eyes feverishly scanning the area, attempting to ascertain what the mysterious blur was. Our minds and imaginations were already generating images of hideous mutated creatures that would sneak up on us and massacre us, leaving no remains to remind anyone that were out here. (I think I have read to much Frank Peretti lately.) A few seconds elapsed in utter silence before we heard the rustling again. Stricken with the rush of adventure and throwing caution to the wind, we split from the main trail and scurried down a secondary trail that tapered down the bluff and came to rest at the banks. If we were to be slaughtered, it was to be on our own terms. Besides, between all of our Swiss Army knives and Austin’s meat saw, we could hold our own. And if that failed, I knew I could outrun all of them, with the possible exception being Josh. If our offensive ended badly, maybe the demented circus monkey or whatever it was would be full before he could catch me.
Once we had maneuvered to the bank, it appeared that the movement had crossed a sliver of the creek and was now in the knee length grasses on an overgrown sand bar. Crouched covertly behind our respective trees, we kept our communication silent, using elaborate hand gestures to share the plan. Everyone pulled their knives out. Ryan whittled a makeshift spear. And I think I remember Austin finally succumbing fully to his “Rambo complex” and smearing dirt over the exposed skin of his arms and face. I stood back a step, not to run, but clearing the path for them. I would swoop down like a hero and rescue my brothers if the crap hit the fan. We quietly crawled through the brush to the edge of the water, leaped over the separated arm of the creek, and landed on the bank of the sand bar. Evidence of footprints lay splayed in the mud. Opinions varied about what creature made the tracks depending on who you ask, but they ranged from the Lochness Monster to a rabid, man eating coyote-wolf mix. To me, they looked like deer tracks. But who am I? I am no hunter, which of course means I know absolutely nothing about nature!
Anyway, the grass swished again. Movement, a blur, then…
To be continued...
Application: Learn to laugh. Write down your own funny adventures so when you have a bad day, you can always reminesce.
Nutrition Tip: Don’t eat after 7. Many people make the mistake of eating a big meal close to bedtime. Because you’re heading right to bed, you’re not able to burn any of those calories like you would going about the business of your day. Or by exercising.
Exercise Tip: Give GOD and your family the best part of your day. Then, choose exercise. I prefer mornings, because after a long day, the last thing I want to do is punish my body for an hour. Work it into your schedule while you still have some energy.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Like John (the Pastor, not the Baptist), my head is slam packed with stories, most of which bring me great joy. Laughter is the mark of a healthy person. It releases chemicals which make you feel good, lower blood pressure, sink depression, and cause relaxation. And if you laugh hard enough, you even get an ab workout. So, without further ado, a humorous story from years past.
Author’s Note: some of you may recognize a name or two so you can connect faces. If not, hope it still causes you to chuckle.
This is an excerpt from a camping trip I took some youth on some years ago:
We failed to have long to recover from this ordeal when the next chapter of our saga unfolded. We had now covered about three-fourths of the trail and were at the point were it overlooks a tranquil creek. The slow moving creek, which is a tributary of the Yalobusha River, ribbons its way along the right side of the trail before disappearing into the dark woods. As we were hiking the rim of the bluff, gazing down at the still waters and muddy banks, something diverted our attention. Movement, followed by a blur.
“Did you see that?”
“Yeah.”
“What was it?”
“I don’t know, it was blurry.”
“I saw it. It was a baby bear.”
“That was no bear…it was a panther. They have those in these woods.”
“I think it was a wolverine.”
“You guys are stupid. It’s none of that stuff. But let’s go have a look.”
“Just watch from here guys and let it be.” ***Guess who said this? If you guessed the once again overly concerned, environmentally conscious youth pastor, you would be correct.***
Something rushed through the underbrush near the water. Instantly, we froze, our ears perked and our eyes feverishly scanning the area, attempting to ascertain what the mysterious blur was. Our minds and imaginations were already generating images of hideous mutated creatures that would sneak up on us and massacre us, leaving no remains to remind anyone that were out here. (I think I have read to much Frank Peretti lately.) A few seconds elapsed in utter silence before we heard the rustling again. Stricken with the rush of adventure and throwing caution to the wind, we split from the main trail and scurried down a secondary trail that tapered down the bluff and came to rest at the banks. If we were to be slaughtered, it was to be on our own terms. Besides, between all of our Swiss Army knives and Austin’s meat saw, we could hold our own. And if that failed, I knew I could outrun all of them, with the possible exception being Josh. If our offensive ended badly, maybe the demented circus monkey or whatever it was would be full before he could catch me.
Once we had maneuvered to the bank, it appeared that the movement had crossed a sliver of the creek and was now in the knee length grasses on an overgrown sand bar. Crouched covertly behind our respective trees, we kept our communication silent, using elaborate hand gestures to share the plan. Everyone pulled their knives out. Ryan whittled a makeshift spear. And I think I remember Austin finally succumbing fully to his “Rambo complex” and smearing dirt over the exposed skin of his arms and face. I stood back a step, not to run, but clearing the path for them. I would swoop down like a hero and rescue my brothers if the crap hit the fan. We quietly crawled through the brush to the edge of the water, leaped over the separated arm of the creek, and landed on the bank of the sand bar. Evidence of footprints lay splayed in the mud. Opinions varied about what creature made the tracks depending on who you ask, but they ranged from the Lochness Monster to a rabid, man eating coyote-wolf mix. To me, they looked like deer tracks. But who am I? I am no hunter, which of course means I know absolutely nothing about nature!
Anyway, the grass swished again. Movement, a blur, then…
To be continued...
Application: Learn to laugh. Write down your own funny adventures so when you have a bad day, you can always reminesce.
Nutrition Tip: Don’t eat after 7. Many people make the mistake of eating a big meal close to bedtime. Because you’re heading right to bed, you’re not able to burn any of those calories like you would going about the business of your day. Or by exercising.
Exercise Tip: Give GOD and your family the best part of your day. Then, choose exercise. I prefer mornings, because after a long day, the last thing I want to do is punish my body for an hour. Work it into your schedule while you still have some energy.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Freedom in Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15 (NLT)
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I, like you maybe, had no idea that forgiveness was an issue for the physical body. Allow me to enlighten you, just as I was once enlightened. Holding a grudge or unforgiveness not only wreaks havoc on your spirit, mind, and heart- but your body as well. Unforgiveness, along with the accompanying anger and bitterness, causes muscle tension, strain on the heart, blood pressure issues, risk of heart attack or disease, hypertension (and many other enormous medical words I don’t understand). Harboring unforgiveness wraps a chain around you that keeps you locked up, miserable, and confined. And there’s no lock on the chain- we hold onto the chain.
Envision my sermon illustration from a week ago, where I had Chris and Sean gripping either end of a chain and pulling. We choose to clutch onto it. We may even have some justifiable reasons for doing so. But we have the power (like Chris in the illustration)to let go. Forgiveness is for our benefit. If the person accepts it, that’s even better. But if not, we still become free of it. When we release it, all tension melts away. We breathe easier. We relax. We give people what Jesus so freely gave us. And, we enjoy greater health.
Application: Forgive someone today. Someone that harmed you…or yourself.
Nutrition Tip: Don’t eat when emotional. No matter the emotion- anger, depression, ecstasy- we tend to bury them in something. Many times its food. We eat to “fell better,” when in reality the binge ends up hurting us even more physically and emotionally.
Exercise Tip: Exercise to release emotions. Bad day? Use a boxing punching bag to let out any anger or anxiety in your body. Or do yoga and calmly release it. Or best case scenario, use a combination of both (like yin and yang for you martial arts types).
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I, like you maybe, had no idea that forgiveness was an issue for the physical body. Allow me to enlighten you, just as I was once enlightened. Holding a grudge or unforgiveness not only wreaks havoc on your spirit, mind, and heart- but your body as well. Unforgiveness, along with the accompanying anger and bitterness, causes muscle tension, strain on the heart, blood pressure issues, risk of heart attack or disease, hypertension (and many other enormous medical words I don’t understand). Harboring unforgiveness wraps a chain around you that keeps you locked up, miserable, and confined. And there’s no lock on the chain- we hold onto the chain.
Envision my sermon illustration from a week ago, where I had Chris and Sean gripping either end of a chain and pulling. We choose to clutch onto it. We may even have some justifiable reasons for doing so. But we have the power (like Chris in the illustration)to let go. Forgiveness is for our benefit. If the person accepts it, that’s even better. But if not, we still become free of it. When we release it, all tension melts away. We breathe easier. We relax. We give people what Jesus so freely gave us. And, we enjoy greater health.
Application: Forgive someone today. Someone that harmed you…or yourself.
Nutrition Tip: Don’t eat when emotional. No matter the emotion- anger, depression, ecstasy- we tend to bury them in something. Many times its food. We eat to “fell better,” when in reality the binge ends up hurting us even more physically and emotionally.
Exercise Tip: Exercise to release emotions. Bad day? Use a boxing punching bag to let out any anger or anxiety in your body. Or do yoga and calmly release it. Or best case scenario, use a combination of both (like yin and yang for you martial arts types).
Monday, January 21, 2013
A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Not until recently did I fully understand this passage. (And truthfully, I probably still have no idea. So, let me now say a fuller understanding.) When we choose Christ, we choose to lay our lives down not only as a sacrifice, but as a living one. That means at least two things to me:
1. Because I’m a living sacrifice, I can get up off the alter anytime I want.
2. I am not here to merely exist, but to live!
In order to live life to the fullest and minister to others as part of our reasonable sacrifice, we must live. Be healthy and well. Barring anything from GOD and beyond our control, Christ-followers should be the healthiest people in the world. A healthy lifestyle and eating habits should be part of that light we shine to the world. GOD desires his people to be fit and well so we can accomplish his purposes for us.
Like with salvation, YAHWEH gives us the choice. He plainly unfurls his health plan out in the Scripture, names the best foods to eat, relates the benefit in physical exercise, promises to answer our prayers, heals us, speaks of the freedom in forgiveness, and much more. Its up to us to follow through (faith-in-action, not faith inaction).
As a whole, we’re failing to shine in this department. According to numerous studies, Christians outweigh their Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist friends in obesity and lack of exercise levels. With Baptists being the top denomination. Good thing we’re not Baptist, huh?
Application: Quit existing and start living! Being healthy and fit is like having a new body and a second chance at life. It will give you the energy and vitality to be and do everything YAHWEH has for you.
Nutrition Tip: Avoid pork whenever possible. (I know this one will make me very unpopular). In case you haven’t noticed, pigs aren’t the cleanest animals in the world. You won’t listen to me here, but do your research and see if you still fancy those pork chops… The good news: I highly recommend deer!
Exercise Tip: Be a kid! Knock the dust off the old bike (or pick one up at a carport sale) and ride with your kids. You get family time and another fun way to squeeze some exercise into the schedule. No bike? You can still be a kid. Play chase with the kids at the playground. Just remember that the tubes are smaller than they used to be (or are we bigger?). And who cares what people think. You only get one go around with both life and your kids. Make the most of it!
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Not until recently did I fully understand this passage. (And truthfully, I probably still have no idea. So, let me now say a fuller understanding.) When we choose Christ, we choose to lay our lives down not only as a sacrifice, but as a living one. That means at least two things to me:
1. Because I’m a living sacrifice, I can get up off the alter anytime I want.
2. I am not here to merely exist, but to live!
In order to live life to the fullest and minister to others as part of our reasonable sacrifice, we must live. Be healthy and well. Barring anything from GOD and beyond our control, Christ-followers should be the healthiest people in the world. A healthy lifestyle and eating habits should be part of that light we shine to the world. GOD desires his people to be fit and well so we can accomplish his purposes for us.
Like with salvation, YAHWEH gives us the choice. He plainly unfurls his health plan out in the Scripture, names the best foods to eat, relates the benefit in physical exercise, promises to answer our prayers, heals us, speaks of the freedom in forgiveness, and much more. Its up to us to follow through (faith-in-action, not faith inaction).
As a whole, we’re failing to shine in this department. According to numerous studies, Christians outweigh their Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist friends in obesity and lack of exercise levels. With Baptists being the top denomination. Good thing we’re not Baptist, huh?
Application: Quit existing and start living! Being healthy and fit is like having a new body and a second chance at life. It will give you the energy and vitality to be and do everything YAHWEH has for you.
Nutrition Tip: Avoid pork whenever possible. (I know this one will make me very unpopular). In case you haven’t noticed, pigs aren’t the cleanest animals in the world. You won’t listen to me here, but do your research and see if you still fancy those pork chops… The good news: I highly recommend deer!
Exercise Tip: Be a kid! Knock the dust off the old bike (or pick one up at a carport sale) and ride with your kids. You get family time and another fun way to squeeze some exercise into the schedule. No bike? You can still be a kid. Play chase with the kids at the playground. Just remember that the tubes are smaller than they used to be (or are we bigger?). And who cares what people think. You only get one go around with both life and your kids. Make the most of it!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Gratitude For Health
Philippians 4:11 (NLT)
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
In a superficial world where our airbrushed role models are muscled men or toned women, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters- the health we do have. I understand you want to drop a few pounds (or a few dozen) or turn the spare tire into a washboard. But as I sit the doctor’s waiting room awaiting my battery of mission trip shots, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to YAHWEH for allowing me such excellent health. No, I don’t look in the mirror and see the body of Jesus Freak and CrossFit champion Rich Froning, or my martial arts hero Jason Statham. But I live virtually pain free, eat well, have no disabilities, full use of my legs and other parts. I only visit the doctor for my yearly physical. Today was a reminder that no matter what I think I should be- I’m healthy. And I know most of you who read LifeTogether devotions. You may have some health issues and I certainly don’t want to discount them. However, in the grand scheme of things, you’re healthy. You show up for worship services and gatherings. You’re able to visit a doctor or get the treatment you need. And not everyone enjoys such. Be thankful today for what you do have…not what you do not.
Application: Find contentment in the health you do have. Then, pray and push yourself to even better health.
Nutrition Tip: Sip water. Forget 8 glasses. All day,everyday. Stay hydrated. The minute you find yourself, the dehydration process has already begun.
Exercise Tip: Drop the dumbells. Use your body weight. Push, pull ups, speed squats, lunges, and core (ab) work are among the best respected and effective exercises. What do they all have in common? They work without weights. Push (and pull) yourself – literally-to better health.
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
In a superficial world where our airbrushed role models are muscled men or toned women, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters- the health we do have. I understand you want to drop a few pounds (or a few dozen) or turn the spare tire into a washboard. But as I sit the doctor’s waiting room awaiting my battery of mission trip shots, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to YAHWEH for allowing me such excellent health. No, I don’t look in the mirror and see the body of Jesus Freak and CrossFit champion Rich Froning, or my martial arts hero Jason Statham. But I live virtually pain free, eat well, have no disabilities, full use of my legs and other parts. I only visit the doctor for my yearly physical. Today was a reminder that no matter what I think I should be- I’m healthy. And I know most of you who read LifeTogether devotions. You may have some health issues and I certainly don’t want to discount them. However, in the grand scheme of things, you’re healthy. You show up for worship services and gatherings. You’re able to visit a doctor or get the treatment you need. And not everyone enjoys such. Be thankful today for what you do have…not what you do not.
Application: Find contentment in the health you do have. Then, pray and push yourself to even better health.
Nutrition Tip: Sip water. Forget 8 glasses. All day,everyday. Stay hydrated. The minute you find yourself, the dehydration process has already begun.
Exercise Tip: Drop the dumbells. Use your body weight. Push, pull ups, speed squats, lunges, and core (ab) work are among the best respected and effective exercises. What do they all have in common? They work without weights. Push (and pull) yourself – literally-to better health.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Reflection
1. Scriptures:
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Two weeks ago, you were to write down several fitness goals for this month. Take an honest inventory. Are you on the path to reach those goals? Or have you already relented?
6. Prayer
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and continue to give him your fitness goals. Remember: He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Two weeks ago, you were to write down several fitness goals for this month. Take an honest inventory. Are you on the path to reach those goals? Or have you already relented?
6. Prayer
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and continue to give him your fitness goals. Remember: He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Running the Race
Philippians 3:12-16 (NLT)
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
A couple of weeks ago, John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) spoke about endurance and used the aforementioned passage to get his point across. Reminded me not only of spiritual things, but our physical health as well.
In my humble estimation, there are three types of “runners” when it comes to health and fitness goals.
1. The Fireball (jump on a routine quick, then burn out before February)
2. The Too-Little-Too-Late (Wishy-washy, then they get busy but its too late)
3. Mr./Mrs./ Ms. Consistent (keep a steady, disciplined pace until the race is over)
1. Perhaps toes will get mashed here but the truth will set you free. The Fireball is the person who makes a host of new year’s resolutions, is the first in the gym for the first month of the year, eats somewhat healthier, and makes early positive gains. They burst out of the gate, then somewhere between late January and Valentine’s Day, they’ve fallen off the horse. Until next new year’s.
2. Another is the Too-Little-Too-Late type. They are those who wait until they’re old or having surgery and say something along the lines of, “I wish I’d taken better care of myself before getting to this point.” While its never too late to begin a healthier lifestyle, doing so earlier in life will give you a higher quality of life for more of your life. Don’t be one of those people imagining “what could have been” in a hospital or deathbed.
3. The Consistent one may not make new year’s resolutions, eat an all-organic diet, or beat down the doors of the gym, but makes small steps over time which make them healthy, well, and fit. They choose Subway over McDonald’s here; or play football with the kids in the yard instead of plopping down in front of the TV there; or cooking a meal for the family rather than ordering a pizza; or replacing worry and anxiety with a prayer and some deep breathing…And then they make the best choice again…and again…and again. Until it becomes ingrained habit. And before long, they’ve run the race. From start to glorious finish.
P.S. The same works with your spiritual life!
Application: Patiently endure. Take the uncomfort of life and push through it. With joy, knowing that Christ has done it also!
Nutrition Tip: Small changes lead to big gains. Love your mayo? Try the fat-free version. Like flavored sodas? Try the real juice. Love your burgers? Try using deer meat and turkey bacon. As my AA buddies say, “It works if you work it.”
Exercise Tip: Variety in the spice of life. Tired of doing push ups and squats? Switch your way of doing them. There are dozens of modifications to basic exercises. Place your hands/legs out wider. Then bring them close together. Put one hand/foot in front of the other. Check prayfit.com or other sites to get pictures of these variations.
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
A couple of weeks ago, John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) spoke about endurance and used the aforementioned passage to get his point across. Reminded me not only of spiritual things, but our physical health as well.
In my humble estimation, there are three types of “runners” when it comes to health and fitness goals.
1. The Fireball (jump on a routine quick, then burn out before February)
2. The Too-Little-Too-Late (Wishy-washy, then they get busy but its too late)
3. Mr./Mrs./ Ms. Consistent (keep a steady, disciplined pace until the race is over)
1. Perhaps toes will get mashed here but the truth will set you free. The Fireball is the person who makes a host of new year’s resolutions, is the first in the gym for the first month of the year, eats somewhat healthier, and makes early positive gains. They burst out of the gate, then somewhere between late January and Valentine’s Day, they’ve fallen off the horse. Until next new year’s.
2. Another is the Too-Little-Too-Late type. They are those who wait until they’re old or having surgery and say something along the lines of, “I wish I’d taken better care of myself before getting to this point.” While its never too late to begin a healthier lifestyle, doing so earlier in life will give you a higher quality of life for more of your life. Don’t be one of those people imagining “what could have been” in a hospital or deathbed.
3. The Consistent one may not make new year’s resolutions, eat an all-organic diet, or beat down the doors of the gym, but makes small steps over time which make them healthy, well, and fit. They choose Subway over McDonald’s here; or play football with the kids in the yard instead of plopping down in front of the TV there; or cooking a meal for the family rather than ordering a pizza; or replacing worry and anxiety with a prayer and some deep breathing…And then they make the best choice again…and again…and again. Until it becomes ingrained habit. And before long, they’ve run the race. From start to glorious finish.
P.S. The same works with your spiritual life!
Application: Patiently endure. Take the uncomfort of life and push through it. With joy, knowing that Christ has done it also!
Nutrition Tip: Small changes lead to big gains. Love your mayo? Try the fat-free version. Like flavored sodas? Try the real juice. Love your burgers? Try using deer meat and turkey bacon. As my AA buddies say, “It works if you work it.”
Exercise Tip: Variety in the spice of life. Tired of doing push ups and squats? Switch your way of doing them. There are dozens of modifications to basic exercises. Place your hands/legs out wider. Then bring them close together. Put one hand/foot in front of the other. Check prayfit.com or other sites to get pictures of these variations.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
One in Body and Spirit (Breathing and Stretching)
Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.
In life, with its ups and downs, blessings and stressings, we bend and stretch. We feel discomfort, take a deep breath, push a little further. Either that, or we succumb to the burning and pain, and quit. Like when we’re wrestling with a big spiritual decision. You may even notice that when you grapple with the decision or circumstance, that the tension is so deep it wreaks havoc on your body. Your neck tightens. Hot spots flare up in your back. Pain flashes through your legs. Headaches. Lack of sleep. Anxiety. And on and on it goes.
Despite the body’s propensity to pass away, its inevitably tied to the spirit. One effects the other. A healthy spirit will bring about a healthy body. A healthy body goes a long way to achieving a healthy spirit.
So, here’s a thought: why don’t we release the physical tension in our bodies through stretching, breathing, and meditating as we release the spiritual tension by submitting it to GOD?
Now, you may shy away from such terms as “yoga,” “pilates,” or “meditation.” So let me water it down and say SBR- stretching, breathing, and releasing. Stretching creates elasticity in the muscles and tissues, which makes them looser and less prone to injury and tension. Breathing slows down the body, increasing oxygen both to the lungs and bloodstream and creating a relaxed state. Like a natural high. And releasing. Releasing the tensions in the body. Live in the moment. Imagine the soreness or tension as water and allow it to flow out of your body. Let it go. And enjoy the effect it has on your health.
Application: Open your mind (a little). Mediate on GOD during your quiet time to get you spirit where it needs to be. Then spend sometime just stretching your muscles and taking deep, slow breaths to get your body where it needs to be.
Nutrition Tip: Homemade Smoothies. Some use them as meal replacements; some as snacks. But as long as you’re consuming them, you’re doing well. The beauty of a homemade smoothie is you can mix and match fruits, vegetables, protein powers, and a host of other things until you learn what you like. My favorite is: 1 cup of soy milk, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1 cup of fresh/frozen berries, ½ cup of baby spinach (remove stems), 1 scoop of Green Superfood powder, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, and a squirt of honey.
And remember homemade is better than (most) store bought, due to their adding sugary sweeteners and preservatives to them.
Exercise Tip: Us what you have. People almost always think they have to go buy the latest fitness videos (P90X or Insanity anyone?) or equipment in their quest to get in shape. Look around your house. You probably have equipment your using for a clothing rack rather than its intended purpose. Or knock the dust off that gym membership and actually show up. As the second most popular brand in soccer says, “Just Do It!”
P.S. That quote (and half of sports) is copyrighted to Nike. Used with permission.
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.
In life, with its ups and downs, blessings and stressings, we bend and stretch. We feel discomfort, take a deep breath, push a little further. Either that, or we succumb to the burning and pain, and quit. Like when we’re wrestling with a big spiritual decision. You may even notice that when you grapple with the decision or circumstance, that the tension is so deep it wreaks havoc on your body. Your neck tightens. Hot spots flare up in your back. Pain flashes through your legs. Headaches. Lack of sleep. Anxiety. And on and on it goes.
Despite the body’s propensity to pass away, its inevitably tied to the spirit. One effects the other. A healthy spirit will bring about a healthy body. A healthy body goes a long way to achieving a healthy spirit.
So, here’s a thought: why don’t we release the physical tension in our bodies through stretching, breathing, and meditating as we release the spiritual tension by submitting it to GOD?
Now, you may shy away from such terms as “yoga,” “pilates,” or “meditation.” So let me water it down and say SBR- stretching, breathing, and releasing. Stretching creates elasticity in the muscles and tissues, which makes them looser and less prone to injury and tension. Breathing slows down the body, increasing oxygen both to the lungs and bloodstream and creating a relaxed state. Like a natural high. And releasing. Releasing the tensions in the body. Live in the moment. Imagine the soreness or tension as water and allow it to flow out of your body. Let it go. And enjoy the effect it has on your health.
Application: Open your mind (a little). Mediate on GOD during your quiet time to get you spirit where it needs to be. Then spend sometime just stretching your muscles and taking deep, slow breaths to get your body where it needs to be.
Nutrition Tip: Homemade Smoothies. Some use them as meal replacements; some as snacks. But as long as you’re consuming them, you’re doing well. The beauty of a homemade smoothie is you can mix and match fruits, vegetables, protein powers, and a host of other things until you learn what you like. My favorite is: 1 cup of soy milk, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1 cup of fresh/frozen berries, ½ cup of baby spinach (remove stems), 1 scoop of Green Superfood powder, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, and a squirt of honey.
And remember homemade is better than (most) store bought, due to their adding sugary sweeteners and preservatives to them.
Exercise Tip: Us what you have. People almost always think they have to go buy the latest fitness videos (P90X or Insanity anyone?) or equipment in their quest to get in shape. Look around your house. You probably have equipment your using for a clothing rack rather than its intended purpose. Or knock the dust off that gym membership and actually show up. As the second most popular brand in soccer says, “Just Do It!”
P.S. That quote (and half of sports) is copyrighted to Nike. Used with permission.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Busy Bodies #2
1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
If you’re not too upset with me for giving you the rope to hang yourself yesterday, permit me a few observations in response to the questions.
1. We’ve all used the “I’m too busy” excuse. More than being too busy, we either don’t manage our time well or are just too lazy to exercise and eat right. No one- no matter who they are- is too busy to exercise. Even President Obama, arguably one of the busiest people in America, finds time to play basketball. So, quit wallowing in denial and making excuses. Get busy…for real.
2. With all of our technology, I’m sure there is some sort of way to check on how long you’ve been on Facebook per day. Write down the time you spent on Facebook, TV, or the internet today. Tonight, ask yourself if you were really too busy to exercise or eat right. Then try to look at me with straight face and tell me you couldn’t carve out 15 minutes to workout.
3. All of you were intelligent enough to know where I was going. If not, you’re in denial. Come out of Egypt.
4. Think of the important things in your life. Family. Church. Work. The Big Game. How do you make sure you don’t forget these things? You put them on your mind, you schedule time for them, you remember and act on it. Your workouts should be the same. Make it an appointment to exercise. Or cook your healthy meals ahead of time. By doing so, you’re less likely to miss it or make excuses.
5. Functional fitness is basic, body-weight only exercises you can do in minutes a day. They are things which will help you strengthen muscles you use everyday as you go through your routines. These exercises keep you in shape and injury free as negotiate such feats as moving boxes or house and yard work.
Application: When all your excuses run dry (which they will), admit your powerlessness to help yourself and ask GOD to help you manage your time better, make an effort to work out, and become all He would want you to be.
Nutrition Tip: Portion Sizes. Don’t Supersize your meals. Even if you’re not eating at McDonald’s. Whatever food is the centerpiece of your meal- let’s say a chicken breast- should be no bigger than the palm of your hand. Side items no bigger than your fist. Still hungry after the first plate? Drink another glass of water after your meal. It will trick your body into believing its full, thereby sparing you the extra calories, heartburn, and guilt later.
Exercise Tip: Introduce functional fitness into your day. Need a list of exercises fitting the criteria- you can Google it or go to prayfit.com. The Prayfit team have a wealth of nutrition and exercise information, as well as a captivating devotion of their own.
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
If you’re not too upset with me for giving you the rope to hang yourself yesterday, permit me a few observations in response to the questions.
1. We’ve all used the “I’m too busy” excuse. More than being too busy, we either don’t manage our time well or are just too lazy to exercise and eat right. No one- no matter who they are- is too busy to exercise. Even President Obama, arguably one of the busiest people in America, finds time to play basketball. So, quit wallowing in denial and making excuses. Get busy…for real.
2. With all of our technology, I’m sure there is some sort of way to check on how long you’ve been on Facebook per day. Write down the time you spent on Facebook, TV, or the internet today. Tonight, ask yourself if you were really too busy to exercise or eat right. Then try to look at me with straight face and tell me you couldn’t carve out 15 minutes to workout.
3. All of you were intelligent enough to know where I was going. If not, you’re in denial. Come out of Egypt.
4. Think of the important things in your life. Family. Church. Work. The Big Game. How do you make sure you don’t forget these things? You put them on your mind, you schedule time for them, you remember and act on it. Your workouts should be the same. Make it an appointment to exercise. Or cook your healthy meals ahead of time. By doing so, you’re less likely to miss it or make excuses.
5. Functional fitness is basic, body-weight only exercises you can do in minutes a day. They are things which will help you strengthen muscles you use everyday as you go through your routines. These exercises keep you in shape and injury free as negotiate such feats as moving boxes or house and yard work.
Application: When all your excuses run dry (which they will), admit your powerlessness to help yourself and ask GOD to help you manage your time better, make an effort to work out, and become all He would want you to be.
Nutrition Tip: Portion Sizes. Don’t Supersize your meals. Even if you’re not eating at McDonald’s. Whatever food is the centerpiece of your meal- let’s say a chicken breast- should be no bigger than the palm of your hand. Side items no bigger than your fist. Still hungry after the first plate? Drink another glass of water after your meal. It will trick your body into believing its full, thereby sparing you the extra calories, heartburn, and guilt later.
Exercise Tip: Introduce functional fitness into your day. Need a list of exercises fitting the criteria- you can Google it or go to prayfit.com. The Prayfit team have a wealth of nutrition and exercise information, as well as a captivating devotion of their own.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Busy Bodies #1
1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
Recently, several studies were conducted to see why Americans don’t exercise more, especially given the opportunities and blessings we enjoy here. The overwhelming number one answer was “I’m too busy.” (More on that momentarily).
A companion study with those all discovered that those who exercised regularly reported that they felt like they had more time in their day, not less.
Both studies are enlightening and interesting.
Allow me also to convict you this morning with the following questions. Ponder them, then answer honestly. And we’ll elaborate tomorrow.
1. Have you ever used the excuse, “I’m too busy” to avoid exercise (or eating right)?
2. On the same day as this excuse, did you find time to watch TV, surf the internet, or update your Facebook status?
3. Do you already know where I’m going with this?
4. Would you agree that unless we make exercise (and eating right) a priority- like making it an appointment- we will always fail?
5. Are you aware that functional fitness can be done in minutes a day with no gym equipment whatsoever?
Have fun. See you tomorrow.
Application: In order to meet our goals, whether physical or spiritual, we must be honest with ourselves. And others. Think deeply about these questions. Maybe you’ll discover the single greatest thing holding you back.
Nutrition Tip: Choose wisely. With our schedules the way they, we all eat out. And that’s okay…if we’re choosing wisely from the menu. Just because you stop for fast food doesn’t mean you have to stop for junk food. These days, almost every food joint has healthier menu options. Opt for those items. And choose water instead of the sugary beverage.
Exercise Tip: Take breaks. Many of us work in offices, job sites, or classrooms. Often, we get so involved in our work, we skip much needed breaks. Use your breaks to get up, move around, get some fresh air, stretch, meditate, or hit the gym (on lunch break). Its more productive for both your health and your job for you do take frequent breaks. (This is NOT an excuse to get on your Facebook page!
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
Recently, several studies were conducted to see why Americans don’t exercise more, especially given the opportunities and blessings we enjoy here. The overwhelming number one answer was “I’m too busy.” (More on that momentarily).
A companion study with those all discovered that those who exercised regularly reported that they felt like they had more time in their day, not less.
Both studies are enlightening and interesting.
Allow me also to convict you this morning with the following questions. Ponder them, then answer honestly. And we’ll elaborate tomorrow.
1. Have you ever used the excuse, “I’m too busy” to avoid exercise (or eating right)?
2. On the same day as this excuse, did you find time to watch TV, surf the internet, or update your Facebook status?
3. Do you already know where I’m going with this?
4. Would you agree that unless we make exercise (and eating right) a priority- like making it an appointment- we will always fail?
5. Are you aware that functional fitness can be done in minutes a day with no gym equipment whatsoever?
Have fun. See you tomorrow.
Application: In order to meet our goals, whether physical or spiritual, we must be honest with ourselves. And others. Think deeply about these questions. Maybe you’ll discover the single greatest thing holding you back.
Nutrition Tip: Choose wisely. With our schedules the way they, we all eat out. And that’s okay…if we’re choosing wisely from the menu. Just because you stop for fast food doesn’t mean you have to stop for junk food. These days, almost every food joint has healthier menu options. Opt for those items. And choose water instead of the sugary beverage.
Exercise Tip: Take breaks. Many of us work in offices, job sites, or classrooms. Often, we get so involved in our work, we skip much needed breaks. Use your breaks to get up, move around, get some fresh air, stretch, meditate, or hit the gym (on lunch break). Its more productive for both your health and your job for you do take frequent breaks. (This is NOT an excuse to get on your Facebook page!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Live[r] in the Fast Lane
Isaiah 58:6-8 (NLT)
No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
YAHWEH amazes me everyday. Only GOD could have created our bodies with such intricate detail and symbolism. Take this for example…
When you invite JESUS into your life, the Holy Spirit (GOD-in-you) becomes your life. It encourages your spirit and purifies your life (among many, many other things). Your physical body has something remarkably similar- the liver! The liver is of vital importance to the human body. Despite not receiving the hype of the brain, heart, or lungs, the liver is just as important. It performs over 500 functions for the body, including filtering the bloodstream, removing toxins, processing carbs, fat, and proteins, and eliminating waste. Even the hardest skeptic would agree with me that we should nurture it. But how?
1. Eat right
2. Fast
In previous LifeTogether devotions, fasting has been discussed- but only through a purely spiritual view. Today, we’ll see fasting in another light, from a physical standpoint. Fasting, you will recall, is abstaining from anything that can, and does, take time away from relationship building time with YAHWEH. The vast majority of time, people fast food (no pun intended). This is both Biblical (fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible) and beneficial. Fasting food not only allows you extra time to spend resting with the Redeemer in spirit; it also allows your body- and your liver in particular- to slow down and rest. To catch a break from having to digest and distribute all that food we cram down our gullet. Imagine your liver getting to taking a power nap and coming back stronger than ever, just like we have to do from time to time. Start with one meal or snack time. Spend that time praying. And watch as your whole life (body, mind, heart, and spirit) start aligning with that of GOD.
Application: Live life in the fast lane- for the benefit of your body and your spirit. Pick a meal to skip and pray or read your Bible instead. Thank GOD for changing your whole person to be more like Jesus.
Nutrition Tip: Digestive Probiotics. If you have stomach and/or digestive issues, invest in some Green Superfood Powder from GNC. Among its qualities, it contains digestive probiotics which will help you dispose of the junk in your system as well as alleviating medical ailments which plague many people. And without all those pills which treat the symptom not the problem!
Exercise Tip: Push yourself! Most people- even the athletic types- stop working much to early. Like your spiritual walk, which requires sometimes painful growth past your threshold, your exercise regimen should push you. If you lift, add a few reps. If you walk, go ¼ mile further. If you do 10 push ups, do 12. If you do Zumba, do one more Brazilian samba. Push yourself in all areas of your fitness and enjoy the results.
No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
YAHWEH amazes me everyday. Only GOD could have created our bodies with such intricate detail and symbolism. Take this for example…
When you invite JESUS into your life, the Holy Spirit (GOD-in-you) becomes your life. It encourages your spirit and purifies your life (among many, many other things). Your physical body has something remarkably similar- the liver! The liver is of vital importance to the human body. Despite not receiving the hype of the brain, heart, or lungs, the liver is just as important. It performs over 500 functions for the body, including filtering the bloodstream, removing toxins, processing carbs, fat, and proteins, and eliminating waste. Even the hardest skeptic would agree with me that we should nurture it. But how?
1. Eat right
2. Fast
In previous LifeTogether devotions, fasting has been discussed- but only through a purely spiritual view. Today, we’ll see fasting in another light, from a physical standpoint. Fasting, you will recall, is abstaining from anything that can, and does, take time away from relationship building time with YAHWEH. The vast majority of time, people fast food (no pun intended). This is both Biblical (fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible) and beneficial. Fasting food not only allows you extra time to spend resting with the Redeemer in spirit; it also allows your body- and your liver in particular- to slow down and rest. To catch a break from having to digest and distribute all that food we cram down our gullet. Imagine your liver getting to taking a power nap and coming back stronger than ever, just like we have to do from time to time. Start with one meal or snack time. Spend that time praying. And watch as your whole life (body, mind, heart, and spirit) start aligning with that of GOD.
Application: Live life in the fast lane- for the benefit of your body and your spirit. Pick a meal to skip and pray or read your Bible instead. Thank GOD for changing your whole person to be more like Jesus.
Nutrition Tip: Digestive Probiotics. If you have stomach and/or digestive issues, invest in some Green Superfood Powder from GNC. Among its qualities, it contains digestive probiotics which will help you dispose of the junk in your system as well as alleviating medical ailments which plague many people. And without all those pills which treat the symptom not the problem!
Exercise Tip: Push yourself! Most people- even the athletic types- stop working much to early. Like your spiritual walk, which requires sometimes painful growth past your threshold, your exercise regimen should push you. If you lift, add a few reps. If you walk, go ¼ mile further. If you do 10 push ups, do 12. If you do Zumba, do one more Brazilian samba. Push yourself in all areas of your fitness and enjoy the results.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Reflection
1. Scriptures:
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Last week, you were to write down several fitness goals for this month. Take an honest inventory. Are you on the path to reach those goals? Or have you already relented?
6. Prayer
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and continue to give him your fitness goals. Remember: He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Last week, you were to write down several fitness goals for this month. Take an honest inventory. Are you on the path to reach those goals? Or have you already relented?
6. Prayer
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and continue to give him your fitness goals. Remember: He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Asking For Health
Matthew 7:7 (NLT)
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Honesty Check. Have you uttered the following prayer…or one similar?
“GOD, please help me lose weight so I can fit into that hot little bikini this summer…or GOD, please help me get ripped with a six-pack I can wash clothes off of.”
While these are obviously superficial and selfish prayers, they bring up a valid Scriptural principle: We have not because we ask not. GOD is ever faithful to deliver our needs. So then, let us return to our example prayer. Although rippling abs or a flat stomach for a bikini may not be necessities, the overall health and wellness of the body is. In optimal health, the body functions as it should, as it was designed to do. So here’s a thought. Maybe we should pray something along the lines of “ GOD, please allow me to enjoy the greatest health possible, so that I can serve you, savor activity time with my family, and use my body to help others. This is sincere prayer and because you are asking not out of selfish gain (or at least less selfish gain), he will be faithful to deliver. He promised. And he has yet to disappoint.
Maybe you won’t grace the cover of Men’s Health Magazine or Redbook, but you’ll be healthy, happy, and on your way to being whole.
Application: We can’t do anything- especially health and wellness wise- without help. Ask GOD first. Then ask one (or many) people to hold you accountable to your health and wellness goals. Don’t get upset if they call you out!
Nutrition Tip: Unless you’re fasting (which will be discussed next week), breakfast is of absolute importance. Name your breakfast, or lack thereof, and I can tell you much about your health. A healthy, nutritious breakfast leads to sustained energy and focus. Think oatmeal, eggs/egg whites, turkey bacon, and fruit. Or if you’re on the go, a fruit smoothie with stuff added. Shipley’s every morning will leave you dragging, bloated, and awaiting your next sugar hit. (My apologies, Wesley.)
Exercise Tip: As funny as this may sound, give GOD your workout. Pray that you condition your body without bringing it harm and use your workout time as another opportunity to worship. The following music will enhance your workout by pumping up your adrenaline level and allowing you to lift your hands in worship between sets: Thousand Foot Krutch, The Classic Crime, Flyleaf, Project 86, Blindside, and TobyMac to name a few.
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Honesty Check. Have you uttered the following prayer…or one similar?
“GOD, please help me lose weight so I can fit into that hot little bikini this summer…or GOD, please help me get ripped with a six-pack I can wash clothes off of.”
While these are obviously superficial and selfish prayers, they bring up a valid Scriptural principle: We have not because we ask not. GOD is ever faithful to deliver our needs. So then, let us return to our example prayer. Although rippling abs or a flat stomach for a bikini may not be necessities, the overall health and wellness of the body is. In optimal health, the body functions as it should, as it was designed to do. So here’s a thought. Maybe we should pray something along the lines of “ GOD, please allow me to enjoy the greatest health possible, so that I can serve you, savor activity time with my family, and use my body to help others. This is sincere prayer and because you are asking not out of selfish gain (or at least less selfish gain), he will be faithful to deliver. He promised. And he has yet to disappoint.
Maybe you won’t grace the cover of Men’s Health Magazine or Redbook, but you’ll be healthy, happy, and on your way to being whole.
Application: We can’t do anything- especially health and wellness wise- without help. Ask GOD first. Then ask one (or many) people to hold you accountable to your health and wellness goals. Don’t get upset if they call you out!
Nutrition Tip: Unless you’re fasting (which will be discussed next week), breakfast is of absolute importance. Name your breakfast, or lack thereof, and I can tell you much about your health. A healthy, nutritious breakfast leads to sustained energy and focus. Think oatmeal, eggs/egg whites, turkey bacon, and fruit. Or if you’re on the go, a fruit smoothie with stuff added. Shipley’s every morning will leave you dragging, bloated, and awaiting your next sugar hit. (My apologies, Wesley.)
Exercise Tip: As funny as this may sound, give GOD your workout. Pray that you condition your body without bringing it harm and use your workout time as another opportunity to worship. The following music will enhance your workout by pumping up your adrenaline level and allowing you to lift your hands in worship between sets: Thousand Foot Krutch, The Classic Crime, Flyleaf, Project 86, Blindside, and TobyMac to name a few.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Good Stewards
Matthew 25:19-21 (NLT)
“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
Since the beginning (as in “In the beginning”), GOD has called the human race to become good stewards. Over the earth. Over the animals. Over our time and talents. And over our bodies. The LORD blesses us with these bodies (and time and talents) not so that we’ll cling to them tightly until we return to him the same way. Jesus made it clear that we are to invest our time, talents, and bodies into Kingdom work. So, then, by being good stewards over our bodies we are fulfilling part of our calling. Being a good steward has everything to do with taking care of that gift. Fuel it with nutritious, whole foods from the bounty of the earth. Condition the body through exercise so you’ll have the natural energy to serve your family and others. Rest it so you can continue to minister without running on empty. Stretch the muscles and conduct breathing exercises or meditation to relieve stress and worry. Pray for overall health and wellness. Take care of the one, and only, body you've been given. Start today, looking at the body not as the container for your organs, but as a one-time gift to be valued and nurtured.
Application: One Life to Live. This is the only thing the soap opera industry ever got right. Or as my cousin Eminem once so eloquently rapped, “you only get one shot, do not, miss your chance to blow, this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime, yo!” Make the most of this life.
Nutrition Tip: Go Nuts! Nuts like almonds and pistachios are slam packed with healthy fats. So, rather than snacking on that grossly fattening and carb-laden candy bar, snag a handful of these nuts. Yes, they cost more than candy bars, but only in the short-term. Pay more for nuts now…or more in healthcare bills later.
Allergic to nuts? Find an alternative. If you want to be healthy bad enough, you’ll find a way to substitute.
Exercise Tip: Find a sport you’re passionate about and get moving! Then get others to join in. I’m not the biggest American football fan in the world, but if someone organized a Refuge Bowl in the field beside the church, I’d play. Or volleyball. Or whatever. Exercise and Fellowship. We’ll call it “BellyOffShip!”
Come to think of it, I’ll begin organizing the Refuge Cup, a soccer competition between Refuge and Arms of Mercy. Who’s in?
“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
Since the beginning (as in “In the beginning”), GOD has called the human race to become good stewards. Over the earth. Over the animals. Over our time and talents. And over our bodies. The LORD blesses us with these bodies (and time and talents) not so that we’ll cling to them tightly until we return to him the same way. Jesus made it clear that we are to invest our time, talents, and bodies into Kingdom work. So, then, by being good stewards over our bodies we are fulfilling part of our calling. Being a good steward has everything to do with taking care of that gift. Fuel it with nutritious, whole foods from the bounty of the earth. Condition the body through exercise so you’ll have the natural energy to serve your family and others. Rest it so you can continue to minister without running on empty. Stretch the muscles and conduct breathing exercises or meditation to relieve stress and worry. Pray for overall health and wellness. Take care of the one, and only, body you've been given. Start today, looking at the body not as the container for your organs, but as a one-time gift to be valued and nurtured.
Application: One Life to Live. This is the only thing the soap opera industry ever got right. Or as my cousin Eminem once so eloquently rapped, “you only get one shot, do not, miss your chance to blow, this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime, yo!” Make the most of this life.
Nutrition Tip: Go Nuts! Nuts like almonds and pistachios are slam packed with healthy fats. So, rather than snacking on that grossly fattening and carb-laden candy bar, snag a handful of these nuts. Yes, they cost more than candy bars, but only in the short-term. Pay more for nuts now…or more in healthcare bills later.
Allergic to nuts? Find an alternative. If you want to be healthy bad enough, you’ll find a way to substitute.
Exercise Tip: Find a sport you’re passionate about and get moving! Then get others to join in. I’m not the biggest American football fan in the world, but if someone organized a Refuge Bowl in the field beside the church, I’d play. Or volleyball. Or whatever. Exercise and Fellowship. We’ll call it “BellyOffShip!”
Come to think of it, I’ll begin organizing the Refuge Cup, a soccer competition between Refuge and Arms of Mercy. Who’s in?
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Toxic Waste
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.
Much like sin destroys the soul, toxins wreak havoc on the body. More than ever, our environment- no matter how positive we are- is contaminated with all sorts of unhealthy toxins. The good news, however, is this: Jesus wipes away the sin from our soul, and we can rid ourselves of many of the toxins affecting our health now. Start by using a portion of your next paycheck or the remaining balance on that Wal-Mart gift card to invest in a Brita water filter. I know, I know, you've been drinking Greenville’s dirt-tinged water for years and you’re “fine.” But with cities pumping more and more chlorine and other chemicals into its systems, clean, pure filtered water is the way to go. (Plus, you’ll save money on bottled water and rid the environment of more needless plastic). Another way to remove toxins also takes a financial sacrifice but is well worth it for your health. When possible, eat organic foods. Organic foods are those in which no harmful pesticides, chemicals, or hormones are used in its growing process, thereby making it pure and wholesome. Studies have shown that cutting foods sprayed with pesticides from your diet- even in small amounts- leads to greater health.
Application: Drink plenty of water for your body…and your soul. Remember that Jesus is the “living water,” which will never run dry. So, with apologies to Max Lucado, come thirsty.
Nutrition Tip: Speaking of water. If you despise drinking plain water, there are healthy additives you can mix in for taste. Lemon. Lime. Or a variety of other flavors. Just make sure the ingredients in those drink mix packs don’t negate the benefits of your water.
Go buy a water filter and a drinking bottle. It may embarrass your spouse when you carry it around (like it does mine, who often forces me into pouring my water into a “regular” water bottle) but you’ll keep you body hydrated. And a bonus benefit if you’re trying to lose weight, water keeps you feeling full. So you’re less likely to swing through that drive-thru for nasty foods and a sugary soft drink.
Exercise Tip: Interval Training. Running (without a soccer ball) bores me. And most other people. For both your sanity and the health benefits, run wind sprints instead of jogging for half an hour. The starting and stopping does more for your heart and lungs than a steady pace stretched out for a longer amount of time. And bonus: you can complete them during commercials and be back in before [ insert your favorite TV program here] comes back on.
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.
Much like sin destroys the soul, toxins wreak havoc on the body. More than ever, our environment- no matter how positive we are- is contaminated with all sorts of unhealthy toxins. The good news, however, is this: Jesus wipes away the sin from our soul, and we can rid ourselves of many of the toxins affecting our health now. Start by using a portion of your next paycheck or the remaining balance on that Wal-Mart gift card to invest in a Brita water filter. I know, I know, you've been drinking Greenville’s dirt-tinged water for years and you’re “fine.” But with cities pumping more and more chlorine and other chemicals into its systems, clean, pure filtered water is the way to go. (Plus, you’ll save money on bottled water and rid the environment of more needless plastic). Another way to remove toxins also takes a financial sacrifice but is well worth it for your health. When possible, eat organic foods. Organic foods are those in which no harmful pesticides, chemicals, or hormones are used in its growing process, thereby making it pure and wholesome. Studies have shown that cutting foods sprayed with pesticides from your diet- even in small amounts- leads to greater health.
Application: Drink plenty of water for your body…and your soul. Remember that Jesus is the “living water,” which will never run dry. So, with apologies to Max Lucado, come thirsty.
Nutrition Tip: Speaking of water. If you despise drinking plain water, there are healthy additives you can mix in for taste. Lemon. Lime. Or a variety of other flavors. Just make sure the ingredients in those drink mix packs don’t negate the benefits of your water.
Go buy a water filter and a drinking bottle. It may embarrass your spouse when you carry it around (like it does mine, who often forces me into pouring my water into a “regular” water bottle) but you’ll keep you body hydrated. And a bonus benefit if you’re trying to lose weight, water keeps you feeling full. So you’re less likely to swing through that drive-thru for nasty foods and a sugary soft drink.
Exercise Tip: Interval Training. Running (without a soccer ball) bores me. And most other people. For both your sanity and the health benefits, run wind sprints instead of jogging for half an hour. The starting and stopping does more for your heart and lungs than a steady pace stretched out for a longer amount of time. And bonus: you can complete them during commercials and be back in before [ insert your favorite TV program here] comes back on.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Energy and Efficiency #2
John 12:25 (NLT)
Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.
Yesterday, we left with a dangling principle: when we use our energy (or anything else for that matter) for God, He multiplies it in return.
So number two is this: Whatever we give the LORD, whether large or small, he multiplies it and gives it back in greater quantities. Over and over again. I believe if we take an honest look at our lives, we’re witness to this.
Permit me to share a personal story. As you know from reading this devotional, I enjoy writing. Whether it be poetry, a novel, a memoir of my time at the shelter, whatever. I have to write. Whether or not people read it doesn't matter. Writing began as a catharsis during my time in recovery and hasn't stopped since. A few years ago, I saw my writing time cut to almost nothing. With a new baby and a family devoted to serving others through our church, shelter, and school, little time or energy remained for my writing. This bothered me so bad that I brought it up in a conversation with my mentor. Being the Godly, wise man he is, he shared with me the Scriptures above and told me to continue to be faithful to GOD first and that He would provide time and energy for my passion in due time. I gritted my teeth and followed his advice. Months later, I found myself with more responsibilities than I’d ever had before- yet I was writing more than I had in years! Not only that, I was able to factor in more family adventures and more time to run around the yard with the soccer ball exercising (and dreaming I finally led FC Dallas to their elusive MLS Cup and Supporter‘s Shield) . I’m not relating this to say “Hey, look how well I mange my time” but to lift my voice in saying, “Put GOD first in everything, devoting all of your energy to him, and watch as he miraculously adds time and energy to your days!” There is no better investment for you health.
Application: Make a commitment to give GOD the best part of your day- morning, afternoon, or evening. Do your devotion then. Read your Bible. Pray, both talking and listening. And watch as you give him a little, and he gives eternity in return.
Nutrition Tip: Be faithful to small changes in your diet. Eating organic whole foods can be both an adjustment for your body and your pocketbook. On your next trip to the grocery store, simply replace one or two of your “old” foods with something more nutritious. (Example: oatmeal with fruit rather than Fruit Loops). If you eat out often, steer toward Subway or a healthy salad and a bowl of chili at Wendy’s.
Exercise Tip: Sleep. Yes, I realize this is an odd tip when the devotional dealt with energy. But science (and experience) tells you the more sleep you get during the night, the better. Seven to eight hours is ideal, but let’s face it, many of us do good to get six. Sleeping though allows the body to “shut down” and “recharge,” thus helping us increase our energy levels.
Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.
Yesterday, we left with a dangling principle: when we use our energy (or anything else for that matter) for God, He multiplies it in return.
So number two is this: Whatever we give the LORD, whether large or small, he multiplies it and gives it back in greater quantities. Over and over again. I believe if we take an honest look at our lives, we’re witness to this.
Permit me to share a personal story. As you know from reading this devotional, I enjoy writing. Whether it be poetry, a novel, a memoir of my time at the shelter, whatever. I have to write. Whether or not people read it doesn't matter. Writing began as a catharsis during my time in recovery and hasn't stopped since. A few years ago, I saw my writing time cut to almost nothing. With a new baby and a family devoted to serving others through our church, shelter, and school, little time or energy remained for my writing. This bothered me so bad that I brought it up in a conversation with my mentor. Being the Godly, wise man he is, he shared with me the Scriptures above and told me to continue to be faithful to GOD first and that He would provide time and energy for my passion in due time. I gritted my teeth and followed his advice. Months later, I found myself with more responsibilities than I’d ever had before- yet I was writing more than I had in years! Not only that, I was able to factor in more family adventures and more time to run around the yard with the soccer ball exercising (and dreaming I finally led FC Dallas to their elusive MLS Cup and Supporter‘s Shield) . I’m not relating this to say “Hey, look how well I mange my time” but to lift my voice in saying, “Put GOD first in everything, devoting all of your energy to him, and watch as he miraculously adds time and energy to your days!” There is no better investment for you health.
Application: Make a commitment to give GOD the best part of your day- morning, afternoon, or evening. Do your devotion then. Read your Bible. Pray, both talking and listening. And watch as you give him a little, and he gives eternity in return.
Nutrition Tip: Be faithful to small changes in your diet. Eating organic whole foods can be both an adjustment for your body and your pocketbook. On your next trip to the grocery store, simply replace one or two of your “old” foods with something more nutritious. (Example: oatmeal with fruit rather than Fruit Loops). If you eat out often, steer toward Subway or a healthy salad and a bowl of chili at Wendy’s.
Exercise Tip: Sleep. Yes, I realize this is an odd tip when the devotional dealt with energy. But science (and experience) tells you the more sleep you get during the night, the better. Seven to eight hours is ideal, but let’s face it, many of us do good to get six. Sleeping though allows the body to “shut down” and “recharge,” thus helping us increase our energy levels.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Energy and Efficiency #1
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Scrawled on many a New Years Resolution list every year are entries such as: lose weight, relax more, get closer to GOD, have more energy…
Energy is a lot like time, in that it eludes us, slips through our fingers, gone before we have time to fully harness it. And with work, personal time, family, church, volunteering, and a host of other responsibilities , it's no wonder that most of us are running on empty. And we’re not alone. The market is flooded with things designed to boost our energy level- Red Bull “energy” drinks, B-12 shots, 5-Hour-Energy slugs, and so on. These “solutions” however, are temporary, lasting only long enough for the burst of caffeine to wear off and bottom you out. Then we feel worse and have to slam another. Addiction anyone?
So, does GOD care anything about our energy level and what we pour down our gullet to increase it? The answer is a resounding yes! He created us! He loves us! He cares about every minute detail of our lives. If not, he wouldn't have told us to love Him with all of our energy! (The Message paraphrase). Allow me to help you tap into greater energy with a few Biblical principles…
1. Love GOD first. No matter which translation we read, this principle is crystal clear. Place Jesus first and everything else falls into place. When we put all we are- our whole person (body, mind, heart, spirit)- in Jesus, He will add innumerable things, including a greater natural energy to worship Him and serve others. Our tendency is to think more service and worship will exhaust us further when in fact, as usual with the things of GOD, the opposite is true. We often find ourselves with even more energy. (Which will lead us to our next principle tomorrow.)
Application: Spend your energy today focusing on others: family, friends, co-workers, random strangers. When you lay your head down tonight, ask yourself if you were more (rather than less) energetic as usual.
Nutrition Tip: Discover natural energy. Contrary to what the Red Bull people would have you believe, a balanced diet and exercise regimen increases your energy level. By fueling our body with healthy foods and conditioning it into stronger growth, you’re gaining a lifetime of Red Bull feeling without the hangover and 3 dollar hole in your pocket.
Exercise Tip: Get up a few minutes early to get your workout in. Studies have shown that exercising in the morning while your body is rested helps you sustain energy levels throughout the day. Plus, bonus, it also increases productivity and optimism. Then, you won’t have to worry if you’ll have time later to make it to the gym or family obligations come up or you have to work late.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Scrawled on many a New Years Resolution list every year are entries such as: lose weight, relax more, get closer to GOD, have more energy…
Energy is a lot like time, in that it eludes us, slips through our fingers, gone before we have time to fully harness it. And with work, personal time, family, church, volunteering, and a host of other responsibilities , it's no wonder that most of us are running on empty. And we’re not alone. The market is flooded with things designed to boost our energy level- Red Bull “energy” drinks, B-12 shots, 5-Hour-Energy slugs, and so on. These “solutions” however, are temporary, lasting only long enough for the burst of caffeine to wear off and bottom you out. Then we feel worse and have to slam another. Addiction anyone?
So, does GOD care anything about our energy level and what we pour down our gullet to increase it? The answer is a resounding yes! He created us! He loves us! He cares about every minute detail of our lives. If not, he wouldn't have told us to love Him with all of our energy! (The Message paraphrase). Allow me to help you tap into greater energy with a few Biblical principles…
1. Love GOD first. No matter which translation we read, this principle is crystal clear. Place Jesus first and everything else falls into place. When we put all we are- our whole person (body, mind, heart, spirit)- in Jesus, He will add innumerable things, including a greater natural energy to worship Him and serve others. Our tendency is to think more service and worship will exhaust us further when in fact, as usual with the things of GOD, the opposite is true. We often find ourselves with even more energy. (Which will lead us to our next principle tomorrow.)
Application: Spend your energy today focusing on others: family, friends, co-workers, random strangers. When you lay your head down tonight, ask yourself if you were more (rather than less) energetic as usual.
Nutrition Tip: Discover natural energy. Contrary to what the Red Bull people would have you believe, a balanced diet and exercise regimen increases your energy level. By fueling our body with healthy foods and conditioning it into stronger growth, you’re gaining a lifetime of Red Bull feeling without the hangover and 3 dollar hole in your pocket.
Exercise Tip: Get up a few minutes early to get your workout in. Studies have shown that exercising in the morning while your body is rested helps you sustain energy levels throughout the day. Plus, bonus, it also increases productivity and optimism. Then, you won’t have to worry if you’ll have time later to make it to the gym or family obligations come up or you have to work late.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Reflection
1. Scriptures:
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Write down a list of your fitness goals for this month. Make them realistic but challenging. (For example, if you haven’t exercised since high school, you may set a goal of walking every morning, doing 10 push-ups daily, and cutting back to one soda a day.)
6. Prayer
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and give him your fitness goals. He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
P.S. Don’t go out and splurge on a Happy Meal for meeting your goals this week. Choose Subway instead. And yes, I would love to join you. Thank you.
Reread the Bible passages used in this week’s LifeTogether. Which one of these meant the most to you personally? Why?
2. Devotions:
List three things that stuck out to you during the week. Why did these grab your attention?
3. Applications:
Which of the applications are you having the easiest time with? The most difficult?
4. Nutrition Tips:
Which of the nutrition tips from this week have you (or will you) started?
5. Exercise Tips:
Write down a list of your fitness goals for this month. Make them realistic but challenging. (For example, if you haven’t exercised since high school, you may set a goal of walking every morning, doing 10 push-ups daily, and cutting back to one soda a day.)
6. Prayer
Thank YAHWEH for seeing you through the week and give him your fitness goals. He cares for you…even when it comes to your body conditioning and healthy eating.
P.S. Don’t go out and splurge on a Happy Meal for meeting your goals this week. Choose Subway instead. And yes, I would love to join you. Thank you.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Spirit of Supplements
Ezekiel 47:12 (NLT)
...The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.
When most of us think of supplements, we envision either condiments or dessert. Things to add taste or flavor to our meals. Ketchup, mayo, mustard, cake, pie, ice cream. But I’m referring to supplements such as vitamins, oils, and green food and protein powders. The purpose of such supplements, however, is not to increase taste so much as increase the nutritional value of what we shove down our gullet. Why are such things a good idea? Quite simply, because we’ve gotten away from eating whole, healthy, GOD-created foods and substituted them with greasy, processed, pseudo-food which may taste great but has little, if any, nutritional value. It’s the equivalent of throwing trash down your throat. In our relationship with Jesus, we don’t shove rubbish and sin into our spirits. So why do we do it to our bodies, which currently house the spirit? Supplement your spirit with the Savior; supplement your body with valuable nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Ditch the mayo, pop a vitamin (Flintstones anyone?)
Application: Change comes with small steps. Do a small thing today (popping a vitamin) which will make big opportunities for tomorrow (overall health and wellness).
Nutrition Tip: Start swallowing a multi-vitamin every morning. Unlike our caffeine packed coffee, a vitamin will provide an all day energy boost, without the caffeine crash later. Even get the kids involved. Just get past the superhero on the cover and make sure the vitamin has the recommended goods for kids.
Exercise Tip: Time Management. Time is valuable so incorporate functional fitness into your day. Pick you kids up and down several times when playing with them. Do a cardio or Zumba routine as you watch your favorite TV program. Do push-ups during the commercials for the bowl games. Walk briskly from one end of the church to the other (a long way by the way).
...The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.
When most of us think of supplements, we envision either condiments or dessert. Things to add taste or flavor to our meals. Ketchup, mayo, mustard, cake, pie, ice cream. But I’m referring to supplements such as vitamins, oils, and green food and protein powders. The purpose of such supplements, however, is not to increase taste so much as increase the nutritional value of what we shove down our gullet. Why are such things a good idea? Quite simply, because we’ve gotten away from eating whole, healthy, GOD-created foods and substituted them with greasy, processed, pseudo-food which may taste great but has little, if any, nutritional value. It’s the equivalent of throwing trash down your throat. In our relationship with Jesus, we don’t shove rubbish and sin into our spirits. So why do we do it to our bodies, which currently house the spirit? Supplement your spirit with the Savior; supplement your body with valuable nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Ditch the mayo, pop a vitamin (Flintstones anyone?)
Application: Change comes with small steps. Do a small thing today (popping a vitamin) which will make big opportunities for tomorrow (overall health and wellness).
Nutrition Tip: Start swallowing a multi-vitamin every morning. Unlike our caffeine packed coffee, a vitamin will provide an all day energy boost, without the caffeine crash later. Even get the kids involved. Just get past the superhero on the cover and make sure the vitamin has the recommended goods for kids.
Exercise Tip: Time Management. Time is valuable so incorporate functional fitness into your day. Pick you kids up and down several times when playing with them. Do a cardio or Zumba routine as you watch your favorite TV program. Do push-ups during the commercials for the bowl games. Walk briskly from one end of the church to the other (a long way by the way).
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Mirror, Mirror
1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Life can be summarized in many one word conclusions. And one I tend to use a great deal is: “balance.” Yes, I know it sounds very eastern- religious of me, as if I've been consulting the Buddha too long. It's important as we become mindful of the health and wellness of our bodies that we find a balance. What is meant by this? When we stand in front of the mirror to brush our teeth every morning, we shouldn't look away in disgust, mumbling such phrases as, “I’m too fat, how can anyone love me, or I’ll never be able to be fit.” Nor should the opposite be true of us, leering at the mirror, stroking our six-pack, and flexing our muscles in admiration of our glorious image. Rather, we should be able to smile, say “I’m a child a GOD and a work in progress,” thank him for such things as your ability to stand in front of a mirror (legs) and be able to see your visage (eyes), then give him your body in the day ahead, as a living sacrifice. Then be patient with the change. Your health is important to GOD!
Application: Find balance today. Realize Jesus loves you just as you are…but also too much to let you stay the way you are.
Nutrition Tip: Add honey to the grocery list. There’s a reason this is a staple food at Arms of Mercy. Of its many qualities, perhaps its best are soothing stomach ailments (worry anyone?), preventing cancer, and reducing the risk of heart disease. It's also mankind’s oldest- and healthiest- sweetener.
Exercise Tip: Switch up routines. Get bored easy? Many a new year’s resolution bites the dust due to boredom. So keep your body guessing, and engaged, by switching your workouts often. Walk one day. Lift weights another. Chase the kids at the park. Kick the soccer ball around (its fun people, I’m telling you). Speed walk, rather than casual walk, through the mall. Jog, rather than riding the four-wheeler, to the deer stand. (If you kill something, muscle it back to camp. You won’t have to workout of for weeks after that!)
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Life can be summarized in many one word conclusions. And one I tend to use a great deal is: “balance.” Yes, I know it sounds very eastern- religious of me, as if I've been consulting the Buddha too long. It's important as we become mindful of the health and wellness of our bodies that we find a balance. What is meant by this? When we stand in front of the mirror to brush our teeth every morning, we shouldn't look away in disgust, mumbling such phrases as, “I’m too fat, how can anyone love me, or I’ll never be able to be fit.” Nor should the opposite be true of us, leering at the mirror, stroking our six-pack, and flexing our muscles in admiration of our glorious image. Rather, we should be able to smile, say “I’m a child a GOD and a work in progress,” thank him for such things as your ability to stand in front of a mirror (legs) and be able to see your visage (eyes), then give him your body in the day ahead, as a living sacrifice. Then be patient with the change. Your health is important to GOD!
Application: Find balance today. Realize Jesus loves you just as you are…but also too much to let you stay the way you are.
Nutrition Tip: Add honey to the grocery list. There’s a reason this is a staple food at Arms of Mercy. Of its many qualities, perhaps its best are soothing stomach ailments (worry anyone?), preventing cancer, and reducing the risk of heart disease. It's also mankind’s oldest- and healthiest- sweetener.
Exercise Tip: Switch up routines. Get bored easy? Many a new year’s resolution bites the dust due to boredom. So keep your body guessing, and engaged, by switching your workouts often. Walk one day. Lift weights another. Chase the kids at the park. Kick the soccer ball around (its fun people, I’m telling you). Speed walk, rather than casual walk, through the mall. Jog, rather than riding the four-wheeler, to the deer stand. (If you kill something, muscle it back to camp. You won’t have to workout of for weeks after that!)
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Gospel of Health
Matthew 9:12 (NLT)
When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.
Whether you’re a baby believer or a seasoned saint, you've read the Bible. (At least you did today). Perhaps you read it out of a greater desire to know the lover of your soul, for guidance, for encouragement, for conviction, for entertainment, for peace, for empathy, or for a hundred other reasons. But I’d be willing to bet (if I did that sort of thing) that you haven’t picked up your Bible to see GOD’s health plan for your life. The Bible is a wealth of knowledge and information about how to make our lives healthy and well- straight from the One who created and healed our bodies. Within the confines of the Word is diet, nutrition, exercise, meditation, rest, supplements, and energy. During this month, as you desperately attempt to cling to your new year’s resolutions of weight loss and exercise machines, view the Bible not only as a road map for the soul…but the body as well. Drop the diet books. Pick up the Bible.
Application: Change your perceptions. Add “Health Book” to your descriptions of the Bible.
Nutrition Tip: Eat small fruit. (Figs, grapes, berries, pomegranates). Loaded with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, these tasty GOD given miracles control blood pressure, healthy weight, and prevent memory loss. Now you can remember more of the sermon!
Exercise Tip: Warm up before stretching and exercise. Getting your heart rate up and your blood pumping before stretching, jogging, or heavy lifting will prevent injury, which is the guilty party in ending many a new year’s workout program.
When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.
Whether you’re a baby believer or a seasoned saint, you've read the Bible. (At least you did today). Perhaps you read it out of a greater desire to know the lover of your soul, for guidance, for encouragement, for conviction, for entertainment, for peace, for empathy, or for a hundred other reasons. But I’d be willing to bet (if I did that sort of thing) that you haven’t picked up your Bible to see GOD’s health plan for your life. The Bible is a wealth of knowledge and information about how to make our lives healthy and well- straight from the One who created and healed our bodies. Within the confines of the Word is diet, nutrition, exercise, meditation, rest, supplements, and energy. During this month, as you desperately attempt to cling to your new year’s resolutions of weight loss and exercise machines, view the Bible not only as a road map for the soul…but the body as well. Drop the diet books. Pick up the Bible.
Application: Change your perceptions. Add “Health Book” to your descriptions of the Bible.
Nutrition Tip: Eat small fruit. (Figs, grapes, berries, pomegranates). Loaded with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, these tasty GOD given miracles control blood pressure, healthy weight, and prevent memory loss. Now you can remember more of the sermon!
Exercise Tip: Warm up before stretching and exercise. Getting your heart rate up and your blood pumping before stretching, jogging, or heavy lifting will prevent injury, which is the guilty party in ending many a new year’s workout program.
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