In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
This verse came to my attention in two differnet manners today – through an email and in one of my devotionals. So, I’ve decided it ought to be a part of the blog post today. Perhaps it will be meaningful to you.
Hope you have a wonderful day and a great weekend!
One daily devotional I use is In Touch Magazine, written by Charles Stanley. The verse for today’s devotional is Matthew 11:28-30, a verse I almost refer to when I speak on the topic of faith, stress and health. Because Stanley does such a wonderful job of addressing these verses, I thought I’d share today’s devotion with you. The following is today’s devotional.
Jesus - "Take my yoke upon you" Matthew 11:29
Jesus invites all burdened individuals to come to Him for rest, yet so often we misunderstand what He is offering. When stresses and problems weigh us down, the most natural response is to ask God for relief: “Lord, I can’t carry this anymore. I’m going to leave it here with you.” Having dumped the burden like a bag of garbage, we walk away but remained unchanged inside.
God doesn’t operate that way. Christ’s invitation is to join Him in the yoke so you can walk and work together. He doesn’t want just your burden; He wants you! The yoke of Christ is a symbol of discipleship, characterized by submission and obedience to Him. God’s goal isn’t simply to give relief by removing a weighty trial or affliction; He longs to draw you to Himself in a close and trusting relationship. Those who take Him up on His offer will be transformed and won’t ever return to their old ways. Read more of this article »
In late August I’ll be starting a 4-week webinar series addressing unhealthy behaviors and the role of faith in changing those behaviors. I’ll be sharing my insight about the faith and health link from the Christian perspective and equip you with skills and knowledge to change unhealthy behaviors – with God’s help.
The first session of the 4-week series will be an introduction to the spirituality and health connection and will be free.
Help me determine which of two focuses to have during the remainder of the series by answering the poll below. I’ll announce the series focus and provide details on how to register soon. Stay tuned.
If you have a loved one or a friend who struggles with unhealthy behavior, perhaps you’ll consider forwarding this post to them in an email.
From PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, the work of Andrew Newberg at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Spirituality and the Mind is explored and discussed in an interview. Here are a few excerpts:
DR. NEWBERG: We’ve learned that being religious or spiritual has a very profound effect on who we are, has a very profound effect on our biology and on our brain, and what we’ve found more recently is that not only does it have a profound influence on who we are, but it actually can change our brain and to change ourselves over times.
Dr. NEWBERG: The more you use a part of the brain the more blood flow it gets and the brighter or more red it looks on the scans.
Follow the link below to read the interview or view it in a video.
“For as he(a man) thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 KJV
Are Your Thoughts Causing Health Problems?
Think Spiritual Thoughts/Renew Your Mind – A Spiritual Exercise for a Healthier Life
Over the last week I have enjoyed watching the Tour de France and Lance Armstrong’s return to the sport after a three year break. The competition has been terrific. One reason I enjoy watching the Tour is because of the beautiful mountainous locations of some of the daily rides or stages. This is a map of the route.
Today and the next few days, the riders will be traversing over the Swiss Alps, a gorgeous part of Europe. I was stationed in southern Germany for one of my Army assignments and we lived about 45 minutes north of Innsbruck in the foothills of the Austrian Alps. My last day of skiing in Europe was on a Swiss mountainside so I can appreciate that the scenery in that area of the world is breathtaking. It’s easily the prettiest place I have ever been. Read more of this article »
Summer can be a little slower than other times of the year for ministry leaders and pastors. With that in mind, I encourage you to take a few minutes and reflect on these areas of your life, and consider making adjustments as necessary.
1. How often do you engage in the Bible study not related to the practice of ministry?
2. How often do you participate in private worship?
3. Are you active in an accountability/support group?
4. How many “days off” are you consistently taking each week?
5. How much time each week is reserved for home life?
6. If married, how often do you have “date” nights or other regular opportunities for special time with your spouse? If single, do you spend time with friends or other family on a weekly basis?
7. Are you up to date with your annual physical?
8. Are you getting regular physical activity/exercise?
9. Is your diet balanced and in moderation?
10. Do you engage in interests or hobbies outside the church?
*Adapted from material provided by Rev. Christian Dominic Boyd, www.celtichound.org
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2 (NIV)
If you’d like to receive a monthly email of encouragement, visit the link and select the appropriate newsletter.
Earlier today I received a call requesting a listing of scriptures related to weight management and weight loss. The lady is leading a Bible study and searching for Bible verses and came across my web site.
After looking through my material, I consolidated many scriptures I had identified and developed a listing. They are now on the Scriptures Page of the site and available as a PDF file at this link: Scriptures Related to Weight Loss and Weight Management.
“You satisfy me more than the richest of foods.” Psalm 63:5
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
“For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.” Psalm 107:9
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Jesus in John 15:5
Soul Food (a book) – “Food won’t fill a God-sized hole.” Terri Lykins, R.D., author
Have a terrifc day and a great weekend!
This Q and A with Billy Graham appeared in the Charlotte Observer newspaper today.
Question: I’ve tried every trick in the book to get rid of some of my bad habits. A friend tells me to try God. What difference would God make?
Answer: You’ve learned you don’t have the strength to overcome these habits. No matter how hard you try, their grip on you is too strong.
Even if you’ve never thought about him very much or had him as a part of your life, down inside you know God is much stronger than you are. You need him, because he can give you the strength you need to overcome these habits. He wants to help you – and he will, as you turn to him and submit your life to Christ.
Begin by telling God that you know you have sinned, and you know you need his forgiveness and help. Then ask Christ to come into your life and help you. He’ll give you a new desire to live the way you should, and strength to resist temptation.
Then surround yourself with friends who will help you instead of pull you down. Flee from temptation when it first appears. In addition, fill your life with good things that will push out the bad.
Read more answers to health-related questions by Billy Graham.
Adidas Rom Running Shoe
I’ve been running for about 42 years and my estimate is that during that time, I’ve probably broken in a new pair of shoes about every two years. Using that logic, my guess is that I’ve run through more than 21 pairs of shoes. Who knows. The number could be much higher. Earlier this week, I began breaking in my latest pair of shoes during the summer’s heat. I’ve always thought that breaking in a new pair of shoes was a neat thing to do and I thought it would be fun to capture the experience in a post. So, here’s a brief look back at a bit of my running shoe history and a connection between these shoes and my Christian faith. Read more of this article »
On this Independence Day weekend, today’s church service was a little different. No teaching or sermon, but lots of patriotic songs about our country and the Christian faith. If there was a theme to the service and songs, I’d say it was freedom. In that light, I’m going to share some random thoughts I have about freedom. Here we go:
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1
Once I was a captive to my sin. I am now free in Christ Jesus.
God is the Deliverer from our sin and the bondage it brings us.
The cross is to Christians as the Statute of Liberty is to Americans.
Our freedom from sin was accomplished by Jesus on the cross over 200 years ago. The choice is ours whether to receive this freedom associated with His death and resurrection. We are free to choose life or death. (Deuteronomy 30:15-19)
We have freedom in our country to worship and pray as we desire. Read more of this article »
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