Jun
29
2009
These are affirmations I’ve tweeted over the last few weeks. Speak and claim them for yourself. Have a terrific day!
“I follow the light of Jesus so I don’t stumble in the darkness. His light leads to life.” John 8:12
“I don’t hide my light under a basket. Instead, I put it on a stand for all to see… for the glory of God!” Matthew 5:15
“I believe that Jesus is the Messiah so I have life.” John 20:31
“I use well what is given me by God, so He gives me more.” Luke 19:26
“I looked for God in earnest, and sought Him, so I found Him.” Jeremiah 29:13
“The Lord is my light & salvation. I shall fear no one.” Psalm 27:1
“I am forever free from condemnation.” Romans 8:1-2
“I do not cling to worthless idols so I have much grace.” Jonah 2:8
“I am blessed because I trust in the Lord and make Him my hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7
“The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to my heart.” Psalm 19:8
“I recognize Jesus’ voice and follow Him. He’s given me eternal life and I will never perish.” John 10:27-28
“The Lord is my salvation and my strength.” Isaiah 12:2
“God has poured out His love to me by the Holy Spirit.” Romans 5:5
Jun
23
2009
I was hungry for lunch and immediately thought of having a grilled-cheese sandwich with a slice of tomato. Not a store-bought tasteless tomato but a juicy, sweet, home-grown one.
Without hesitation, I walked outside to where I’m growing two tomato plants. One is a grape-shaped cherry tomato and the other is a larger Big Boy brand. They’ve been ripe for a little over two weeks now and I’ve already enjoyed a few dozen cherry tomatoes.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and A and the anti-oxidant lycopene. They are my favorite fruit during the summer. Yes, botanically, a tomato is the ovary, together with its seeds, of a flowering plant – therefore it is a fruit.
As I was rinsing off the tomato I picked and preparing to cut it, the thought came to me quickly that as a tomato is a very healthy fruit to eat, as a person stays closely connected to Jesus, he/she will exhibit much fruit in their life. (See John 15:5) Paul explains this to us in Galatians 5:22-23 – the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Then the thought came into my mind that Jesus is the path to perfect fruit. The more we stay connected to Him and partake of Him, the more fruitful our life will be… and it probably will be healthier. When our lives are rooted in Jesus, then we will bear these kinds of fruit. That’s what the Bible says. And any physician will tell you that a life that exhibits the fruits of the spirit mentioned in Galatians is likely to be healthier than a life absent of such fruits.
Points to Ponder
So, on this second day of Summer, are you incorporating healthy fruits and vegetables into your daily diet? You can get some pretty healthy fruits and veggies at your local market.
More importantly, how are you nourishing your spirit so that your life will exhibit the kind of fruit that Paul mentions in Galatians? Are you remaining close to Jesus? Do you know Him in a personal way?
Helpful Links
Get to know Jesus
Other blog posts on diet and fruits
Jun
17
2009
“When individuals, regardless of their faith, incorporate these powerful biblical principles of the Christian faith into their lives, the spirituality and health connection occurs and they will tend to enjoy better health and well-being.”
This is the conclusion to a recent presentation I made at Duke University. Read more of this article »
Jun
15
2009
The Grey Reef on North Platte River
Last week I was in Casper, Wyoming helping a friend conduct fitness standards testing for the city’s Police Department. I’d driven through Wyoming before but never spent any time in the state.
It so happens that this area is home to some of the best trout fishing in the United States, if not the world! The North Platte River runs right through Casper. I love to fish but don’t do it too often. I did not take any of my fishing gear on the trip because I did not know if I’d have enough free time to get out on the river.. and I was unsure of where to fish.
By good fortune, one of the police officers we tested during the first day there is not only an avid fisherman but a fishing guide sponsored by Orvis, a leading manufacture of fly fishing gear. Jeremy was gracious enough to loan me his gear – flies, waders and a rod. Read more of this article »
Jun
04
2009
I’m at Duke University the next 3 days attending the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Spirituality, Theology and Health.
Along with 30 others, I’m presenting a poster presentation. The title of my presentation is The Spirituality and Health Connection: Why It Exists – A Christian Faith Perspective.
As I mentioned to a few people yesterday, I guess I’ve tried to capture the essence of the Christian faith – as it relates to health and well-being- and the 66 books of the Bible onto one 36″x48″ piece of paper! Yikes!
After the conference, I’d add a link on my site with my material.
“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator.” Blaise Pascal, French Physicist and Philosopher
Have an awesome day.
Jun
02
2009
A CNN article reports that a group of singers in London have formed a group called Sing for Joy. It’s a community choir for people with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and others recovering from conditions including stroke or cancer. Many of their friends and caregivers are also members of the choir. What they have in common is an illness or that they care for someone with an illness. They believe that singing with others makes them feel better.
Doctor Wendy Magee, International Fellow in Music Therapy at London’s Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, describes music as a “mega-vitamin for the brain,” capable of influencing and improving motor function, communication and even cognition. “When neural pathways are damaged for one particular function such as language, musical neural pathways are actually much more complex and much more widespread within the brain,” Magee told CNN. “Music seems to find re-routed paths and that is why it is such a useful tool in terms of helping people with different kinds of brain damage because it can help to find new pathways in terms of brain functioning.”
It’s not surprising that researchers have documented the health benefits of singing songs of joy. In the Bible, there are countless exhortations for us to sing out songs to God.
“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.”
“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2
“Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” Isaiah 49:13
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
God knows the impact that singing songs of joy has on our health. If you’re suffering from a health issue, lift up a song to God, thanking Him for who He is and what He’s done in your life. Sing out to him in praise. He wants your praises regardless of how you’re feeling.
Songs of praise to God glorify Him most importantly. A secondary affect may be that they have a positive impact on your health.
Be well!!
