Archive for June, 2008

Weekly Faith and Health Scripture - Heb. 12:1-3 Run Your Race

Published by Dale on June 30, 2008 in Faith and Fitness and Weekly Faith and Health Scripture. 0 Comments

Running Animated

“…. since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-3

The US Olympic Trials are underway. As I watch some of the highlights on television, I’m reminded of my competitive running days. What a good time that was. No, I would not have been competitive with the athletes vying for spots on this year’s US team, I just loved the hard training runs and enjoyed the competition.

This week’s verse in Hebrews urges us to run our race of life with endurance. To strip off everything that might hold us up, slow us down or get in our way. The author is talking about whatever might be dragging us down or preventing us from living the full life that Jesus wants us to have…. that He died on the cross for. He is especially talking about the sin that entangles us. The less sin we have in our life the smoother our strides will be and God will be glorified more.

How do we best minimize the sin in our life? By keeping close to Jesus, and looking toward Him to help us. We do it by surrendering, day in and day out. Jesus is the champion. He’s the only man who ran the “race of life” on this earth without sin and He knows more than anyone else what it takes to live the abundant life He wants for us. He calls you to run the race with Him.

We can also all have a wonderful prize when we finish our race on this earth…. we can be rewarded with eternal life…. if we acknowledge that Jesus died for our sins and rose from His grave. He did this to give us not only an abundant and rich life on earth, but an eternal one in heaven.

Believe in Him. Keep your eyes on Him. And remember, others are watching how you live out your faith. Be a good example for them. Run with Jesus during your race He’s set before you. He’ll be waiting at the finish line to throw His arms around you!

Have a terrific day!

Conference of the Society for Spirituality, Theology and Health

Published by Dale on June 28, 2008 in Fitness and Health Professionals and Spirit Mind Body Health. 2 Comments

This week I was fortunate to attend the first international conference of the Society for Spiritual Exercises Poster Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University in Durham, NC. The theme of the conference was “Spirituality, Health and Human Flourishing: Meaning? Measurement? Implications?”

The leaders of the research in this field were present. In addition to the keynote addresses and plenary sessions, there were approximately 60 poster presentations and 40 papers presented. If you’re interested in viewing the major presentations you can check back at their site as there will be videos available.

I was fortunate to present a poster titled “A Spiritual Fitness Assessment and 18 Spiritual Exercises.” It was a blessing to interact with many of the 250 attendees of the conference and to have dialog with those who viewed my poster.

Fletcher and KoenigTwo leaders of the field were present, Harold Koenig, MD and Jeff Levin, PhD. Having the opportunity to speak with each of them was a treat. I’ve included a photo of me and Harold Koenig. Jeff Levin urged the participants to explore the concept of human flourishing.

I left the conference inspired to roll up my sleeves even further to better understand the spirituality/religion and health relationship and to share with others what I learn. Benefits of membership in the society can be found at this link.

Weekly Faith and Health Scripture: Psalm 119:143 - Finding Delight in Times of Stress

Published by Dale on June 16, 2008 in Bible, Spirit Mind Body Health and Weekly Faith and Health Scripture. 0 Comments

I think that each of us knows instinctively that if we remain stressed for a long period of time, our health will suffer in some way. Bible ReadingNot surprisingly, that’s what the research shows as well. Headaches, asthma, the common cold, high blood pressure, ulcers and eczema are just a few conditions that may come about because of the body’s exposure to chronic stress. We each have a different response, but if stress is long term and intense enough, our bodies will pay a price.

There are many conventional ways in which we can alleviate the stress we are under. Getting enough sleep, exercising, muscle relaxation, deep breathing and connecting with close friends are some ways to manage stress. More about these and other techniques can be found at this website on Medline.

In today’s scripture, the psalmist indicates that he is troubled and distressed. Yet he proclaims that “your commands are my delight.” He’s saying that the principles and guidelines for living found in the Bible are a delight to him. When he is stressed, he is delighted by following God’s commandments.

The message for us is that in our lives, we will have stress. Yet, amidst the stressful situations and events, if know the principles in the Bible and live by them, we can find delight. As we are delighted, instead of feeling internally stressed for long periods of time, our health will be impacted in a positive well.

Are you intimately familiar with God’s commands and principles? Do you find delight in following them?

Have a wonderful week. And to all you father, a belated ‘Happy Father’s Day!’