Spiritual Needs

In John 7:37-38, Jesus uses water and thirst to talk about spiritual needs. Just as each of us has a need for water to satisfy a physical need, we have deep spiritual needs that only Jesus can meet.

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38

An important aspect of this scripture is that we musty recognize our need – our thirst – for Jesus. We must be aware that we have deep spiritual needs such as to be loved, accepted, feel worthy, and to be forgiven to name a few.  So often we turn to other people and things to satisfy these deep needs, but only Jesus can meet these deep needs.

The Holy Spirit and Living Water

God designed us to be in relationship with him. He gave us his Son so that, through Jesus, we could know God.  When we believe in Jesus and accept him into our hearts, his Holy Spirit begins to live in us. (Read John 7:39) As we learn to live less from our sinful, “self” nature and allow the Holy Spirit to be fully alive in us, we are able to realize the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. (Galatians 5:22-23) And the greater these fruits are ‘alive’ in us, the more love, patience, gentleness and kindness will be flowing thorough us to other people. That’s what Jesus was referring to when he said that “living waters” will flow from within us.  The Spirit of God will flow through us to other people.  And not just drops of water…. but streams of water.

Drinking From Jesus

But, we must drink from Jesus to have these living waters flow through us. In John 15:5 Jesus gives us another key in how we can experience this fruit in our lives.  He tells us “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.“  The key is to stay close to Jesus.  We do this by reading the Word that he gives us, the Bible.  We meditate on what the Word says throughout the day. We pray. We sit quietly in his presence. We do what we can to “drink” Jesus into our souls and spirit.

Questions to Reflect On

What deep spiritual needs might you have that only Jesus can meet?

How may you have been attempting to meet these deep needs apart from Jesus?

How is God’s Spirit flowing through you to other people?

Helpful Resources

Article – It’s About the Relationship

Article – Loving God

Our life is like a long distance run or race and we’re all participating in it.

Over the years, I’ve competed in distance races from between 400 yards and 50 miles. In the 50 mile event, I ran along the American River in California for most of the way. The first 30 miles or so were on an asphalt path. It was smooth and very, very gradual in it’s steepness. We were running up the river so there was a slight grade when we were on the path. Eventually, the route made its way off the asphalt and onto a dirt path. This narrow path was often rocky, crossed over many small spots of water and was uneven – very unlike the smooth asphalt. One could have easily stumbled and fallen. The race of our life is so much longer than than the longest ultra-marathon run. And it’s like the uneven path that I described above. There are many opportunities to become tripped up as we live in this world day to day.

Jesus and Your Faith

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the best way to run this race of life is by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Jesus is the person on whom our faith depends from the very start of our race until the end. Our race on earth will end only when we die or when Jesus comes to take us away in the rapture, whichever comes first. It is only by keeping focused on him that we have any chance of living the kind of life that God calls each of us to live. Jesus tells us that he came into the world so that all people could have an abundant and full life. (John 10:10) Paul somewhat describes what a full life looks like when he lists the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. These “fruits” become evident when the Spirit of Jesus is manifested in our lives.

As we regularly reflect on what Jesus did on the cross so that our sins can be forgiven – which makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God – we are encouraged and don’t get as weary in our race. We also need to stay close to or abide in Jesus so that we can draw strength from him and so that his Spirit is reflected in our life. (John 15:5) I have identified this as an essential Spiritual Exercise for a healthier life.

Each step you take, every conversation you have, each glance you take – all of your actions and behaviors – is a part of your race here on earth. You can only run and finish your race well if you keep your eyes on Jesus.

Questions to Reflect On

How frequently are you reading the Bible as a way to keep connected with Jesus?

How evident are the fruits of the spirit in your life?

Are you regularly being “tripped” up by the same sin? If so, what will you do to get back on a ‘smoother path’ in the race of your life?

Ministry Through Service

The Greek for the verb form of the word minister is diakoneo meaning to serve or to help. Ministry can occur in numerous ways. It can be accomplished by practical ministry or by spiritual ministry in the church, community, small group or in a one-on-one setting. It could mean serving by giving practical support or finances, or by teaching others biblical truths.

Paul tells us in verse six that it is important for a minister to be instructed in the truths of his/her faith. As ministers, we must know what scripture says about the basics of the Christian faith – the Gospel. We must be able to distinguish between biblical truths and “old wives tales.”  And it’s only through the study of scripture that we can distinguish God’s truth as compared to what the “world” wants us to believe is true.  Only then can we be effective teachers of others.

Spiritual Fitness

This chapter of Timothy also tells us that godliness, or ‘spiritual exercise,’ as it reads in the first edition of the New Living Translation, promises a reward in this life and the next. God wants us to live out our faith daily.  We do this by incorporating spiritual disciplines and practices, as taught in scripture, into our life.

One critical principle or practice is to transform your mind (Romans 12:2) by understanding the fullness of the Gospel message and by adopting the Gospel, and associated scriptures and principles, as a mindset.  When you do this, it will radically change your outlook on life and influence your personal behavior and lifestyle. This in turn will affect how well you are able to minister to others.

Yes, we must train, or exercise, ourselves to be godly.  As an athlete disciplines himself to run and win a race, we must be rigorous and apply self-discipline in studying scripture and applying what we learn to our lives. We must practice our faith personally. The more we believe in the truths of the Bible and incorporate them into our life, the more whole we can become in spirit, mind and body. This in turn will better enable us to minister to others through practical service and teaching.

Questions to Reflect On

Are you effectively ministering to others? If so, how? If not, why not?

How spiritually fit are you?

What spiritual exercises – principles, beliefs or practices of the Christian faith – require attention in your own life?

Resources on Spiritual Exercises & Spiritual Fitness

Spiritual Fitness Assessment

Article – An Introduction to Spiritual Exercises

About a year ago I was asked a very thought provoking question by my oldest son.  His question was something like this – “What is the single belief you have that has the greatest impact on how you live your life?”

That is a tough question and I had never been asked that or pondered my beliefs in such a way. How would you answer this question? Think about that for a bit before you continue reading. Really now….. pause and think on this for a minute or two.

Okay. Would your response be something like one of the following? God loves me. I am a child of God. Because I treat others like I want to be treated, I am treated well.  I trust God no matter what happens in my life.

Drew, my son, shared his answer to this question with me and for the last year, I have adopted it as my answer.

The Bible is Truth

That is how I answer the question now. The single belief that I have that most impacts on how I live my life is that the Bible is truth.  This belief has profound impact on my life in many, many ways.

Because I believe that the Bile is truth I desire to know what it says so I read it almost daily.  I study it.  I think about it, or meditate on what it says, throughout the day when I can.  Because I understand that what I think about strongly affects my speaking and behavior, I write out and speak affirmations that are based on scripture….. and send them out over Twitter for others to receive. (See the right sidebar on my blog)

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The truths that I read in the Bible give me hope, strength and wisdom for daily living.  Knowing that God inspired men to write the books of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17) helps me know that the Bible contains God’s guidelines on how he wants me to live my life. It teaches me how to handle the stressful circumstances that life throws at me.  It teaches me how to be in relationships with other people, including my wife, my children and my parents and siblings. The Bible gives me principles for taking care of my emotional and physical health.

The Bible also reveals to me how to have a full and abundant life here on this earth and how I can be assured of living eternally – forever and ever – after I die here. (John 3:16 and John 10:10)

Because I believe - I know – that the Bible is truth, I have a deep, deep peace, joy and love in my heart and this motivates me to share what I believe… what I know… with others.

Questions to Reflect On

What is the single belief that you have that most impacts on how you live your life?

Are you being true to that belief?  Are you “living it out?”

Are you sharing this belief with others? If so, what impact is it having on their lives?

Related Resources

Christian Principles that are Health-Promoting

Scriptures Related to Strength, Stress and Health

His Instruction Manual – Our Guidebook for Healthy Living

Bible Scriptures as Affirmations

An Invitation

• I invite you to share your most important belief in the comment section so that others might benefit.
• Forward this post along to others or use the social media buttons below to share.

On July 9th of 2009, I made a blog entry about running shoes and the bible being two pieces of fitness equipment that I most frequently use. The Nike Air Max shoes I blogged about then and that I have enjoyed using for a little less than a year blew a tire so to speak.  Two of the ‘air bubbles’ burst and this resulted in reduced cushioning. My daughter urged me to return them to Nike with a request for a replacement pair.  The replacement shoes arrived this morning.  The runner in me felt compelled to lace them up and take them for a spin… a slow four mile run along my favorite rural route.  So, I then grabbed my iPod and headed out the door.

As usual, my thoughts wandered to many topics while I was running.  One thing I thought about was walking. I wondered how many years of running I still had in my knees and ankles.  I turn 60 later this year and have been running since I was 16.  Thankfully, I made a conscious decision about 15 years ago to pull way back on my running in hopes that I’d be able to keep at it longer than I would otherwise. Who knows, God willing I’ll be able to run throughout my 60′s into my 70′s!

I’ve been meaning to blog about walking with God for a while and on the run, I was inspired to do it today.

The Bible tells us that Noah and Enoch both walked with God.  It doesn’t say they ran with God… but walked with him.  It’s interesting isn’t it? The picture we imagine in our minds of walking with God is certainly different than of running with God. Running suggests a quicker, more hurried pace.  Walking suggests a slower, more relaxed and intentional pace.

David gives his account of walking with God in Psalm 56:13.

“For you have rescued me from death;
you have kept my feet from slipping.
So now I can walk in your presence, O God,
in your life-giving light.” Psalm 56:13

What does it meant to walk with God? There are two spiritual exercises that come to mind.  One is that we will obey him.  The other is that we will be in his presence.

Noah was obedient to God when he built the ark.  By his obedience, his family was saved and the entire human was was able to continue here on earth. (See Genesis 6:8-9) Talk about the importance of following God! If you want to be reminded of the value of God’s commandments and of following them, read Psalm 119.  In almost every verse in the chapter, we are reminded of why God’s instructions to us are important.

When we are walking with God, when we are obeying his guidelines, we are also living a Holy life.

“And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
It will be named the Highway of Holiness.
Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
fools will never walk there.”    Isaiah 35:8

To walk with God is to be obedient to him and his ways.

When we know that we are in God’s presence, we are in a special place spiritually. Lingering in God’s presence while reading the Bible, or praying, or listening to inspiring music, or by walking outside in nature is a great place to be in.  The more I sense his presence, the stronger I feel spiritually. Being in God’s presence enables me to better handle the difficult times and bumpy roads that come my way. As David writes in the Psalm above, walking in God’s presence gives us life.

Another image I have when I think of walking is a path, not unlike the picture I have added in this post. A path is a way we take to get from one place to another. This reminds me that there is one path, one way, to God in heaven – to be assured of an eternal life.  Jesus tells us what path to take in John 16:6 – “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  It’s pretty clear here that the only way to be connected with God the Father is through his Son, Jesus.

Finally, the last book of the Bible tells us of an outcome of “walking in God’s way” on earth.  We will walk with God in heaven.

“Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.”  Revelation 3:4-5

I don’t know about you, but I want to be walking with God in as many ways as I can. There sure are numerous benefits while we are on earth. And, I want to be dressed in white walking with God in heaven some day.

Questions to Reflect On:

Are you walking with God?

Are you running such a fast-paced life that you don’t leave time for personal time with God?

Helpful Resources:

Article – His Instruction Manual: Our Guidebook for a Healthy Life

Article – Get FITT Spiritually and Physically

Article – An Introduction to Spiritual Exercises

Other Blog Entries About Running

Many of the water products on the shelf are using the word “life” in their marketing of the water.  Nestle suggests that their purified water is “Pure Life.” When I see this printed on a bottle of water, I’m reminded of the truth of the matter. The Bible tells us that there is one source that provides us true life – Jesus, the Living Water.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1

“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?”Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  John 4:10-14

After I have been working in the yard on a hot day, I’ll typically go to the refrigerator and grab a bottle of water to quench my physical thirst and to replace the water I’ve lost through sweating. Drinking pure water is probably the best way to satisfy the need to rehydrate physically. But what about satisfying spiritual needs?

Sometimes we try to meet our inner spiritual thirst through external means that do not satisfy like food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other forms of unhealthy or addictive behaviors. These earthly things will not truly satisfy the need that God has given each of us for a Savior. Only Jesus can satisfy this need.

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.‘”  Jesus in John 7:38

Questions to Reflect On

Do you have a deep inner thirst that has not yet been quenched?

Are you daily drawing on Jesus as your Source of Living Water?

Related Resources

Bible Verses Related to Health and Wellness

I imagine many of us have had a debilitating form of migraine headache over the years.  I can remember when I was under some chronic and severe stress years ago and how I suffered from frequent cluster headaches. They were a pain! Among the materials provided on the above site is a guide to preventing and alleviating the pain associated with migraines. Many prevention methods are mentioned.

They report that the most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches are due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. Therapies to reduce stress that they mention are biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, deep breathing and creative visualization. At the end of the paragraph they say “techniques discussed use the mind’s own power to change the central nervous system in a manner that can stop a migraine attack before it progresses to the pain phase.” I find it interesting that the National Headache Foundation uses the term “alternative” treatments in describing these prevention and treatment techniques.

Sadly, there’s no mention of God’s primary therapy for the prevention of headaches. Do not worry.  In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus outlines his teaching on worry. He reminds us that God will provide for our most basic needs.  Jesus further instructs us to make the Kingdom of God and his righteousness our primary concern.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

It’s our nature to worry about the things of life, but God reminds us in his guidelines for living, the Bible, to give our worries to him.  To trust him fully.  When we are able to do that we are able to give him our cares and concerns and trust that he is in control of our circumstances. This certainly seems to be the very best prevention method for headaches.

Questions About Stress and Worries to Reflect On

What do you frequently worry or have anxiety about?

When was the last time you quietly and expectantly asked God to take care of that issue?

How are you seeking God’s Kingdom on a regular basis?

Resources on Stress

Article – Manage Your Stress With God’s Help

Slide Show – Stressed? See How God Can Help

Blog Posts on Trust

I’ve been reading the daily devotionals the magazine from InTouch Ministries for over 10 years. Below is an excerpt of an article by Robert Bruce titled Confessions of a Couch Potato from this month’s issue.

“The most important thing I’ve learned since starting this (running and fitness) journey is that my health and my faith are not part of two separate worlds. For most of my life, I’ve pretty much eaten whatever I wanted and lived a fairly inactive lifestyle—all while trying to be a “good Christian.” I never saw the connection between physical fitness and faith, though the two are inextricably linked. Paul said that our bodies are temples designed to glorify God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). In other words, the way we manage our physical health affects our spiritual well-being.”

In the article, Bruce shares how he embarked on becoming fit through becoming a long distance runner.  I was able to relate well to his comments because I have been running since I was in high school for over 40 years.  More importantly I appreciated his insight into the connection between his health and his faith, as that is the focus of my writings and speaking.

Running is probably not the right choice of physical activity for everyone, but it’s one vehicle you can use to take good care of your physical health.  The important thing is that we do something on a regular basis to move our bodies… to care for the temple that they are for God’s Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

So, go move your body. Go for a walk. Then read Bruce’s entire article on page 26 of this pdf file in the June 2010 issue of InTouch Magazine.

Questions for Reflection on Spiritual Fitness

How physically fit are you?

How spiritually fit are you?

How well are you caring for and honoring your body, the temple of God’s Spirit?

Spiritual Fitness Resources

Article – Get FITT Spiritually and Physically

Article – Spirituality and Health – Understanding the Connection

Web Page – Spiritual Exercises and Spiritual Fitness Assessment

It seems to me that one of the most important Spiritual Exercises that we can engage in is to Spend Time in God’s Presence. When I am aware that I am connected to God, I have peace, hope and the spiritual strength that I need for whatever the day brings me.

For me, to be in God’s presence usually begins with intention.  I make a decision deep in my spirit to become connected to God. I remind myself of his special qualities and of his faithfulness. I often remember the scripture “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Luke 4:8  This is a promise that God gives us in his Word.

I frequently listen to music.  Sometimes I turn on my iPod or tune in to a Christian radio station or pull up a website that plays soft Christian music so that it plays in the background.  This is soothing to my soul and is a reminder of the loving nature of God. When I listen to this type of music I am inspired by the melodies.

Being in a beautiful place is another way in which I make a special connection with God. My wife and I are at a North Carolina beach for a week. As I am seated comfortably in a chair looking out at the ocean waves, I’m reminded of how God has gifted us with the beauty found in nature. I feel extra close to him in this setting.

And, maybe most of all, as I read scripture I am reminded of his nature and goodness and love. When I take time for an extended devotional and linger in the Bible I hear God speak to me softly through his Holy Spirit. He reminds me of his truths.

During these difficult times of high unemployment rates, financial stresses and other associated challenges, many people are looking for the inner strength needed to make it through the day, or the week. The best Source of strength I can think of is the strength that comes from being in the presence of God.

I hope that you are able to experience his presence regularly.

Scriptures Related to Spending Time in God’s Presence

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jerimiah 29:13-14

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10

“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

“Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:11

Questions to Reflect On

How are you intentional in being inGod’s presense? Do you have a favorite location you go to in your home or outside your house or in your neighborhood to sit quietly?

Do you have a favorite devotional that you read that connects you to God?

Do you have any special music that you listen to that helps you to quiet your soul and opens your heart in a bigger way to the Lord?

Related Resources

Read more about Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life

An article published this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that chocolate and depression go hand in hand. According to a study, people who feel depressed eat about 55 % more chocolate than their non-depressed peers. The more depressed they feel, the more chocolate they tend to eat.

Many people I know turn to sweets and other foods when they are emotionally depressed. When I get blue, I occasionally tend not to eat.

A better way to handle a depressed state of mind and other strong negative emotions is to turn to God. The writer of a popular Psalm recognized this years ago.

“You satisfy me more than the richest of foods.”  Psalm 63:5

God wants us to ask him to meet all of our deep inner needs.  If you have a habit of turning to chocolate or other foods when life is tough, try to begin turning to God in prayer and asking him to meet that deep emotional need. Take more time to sit quietly with him and share your deepest burdens with him. Cry out to him. He promises to satisfy those inner needs more than any food ever will.

Resources

Bible Scriptures for Faith in Times of Stress

Bible Scriptures Related to Health, Wellness  & Wholeness

One Page Article – How to Manage Your Stress With God’s Help