Feb
04
2010
Affirmations Using Scripture for Your iPod
I’m working on organizing the several hundred affirmations I’ve tweeted over the last six months into categories. Upon completion, I’ll be making them available to download in MP3 format.
Listen to a sample of three affirmations using scripture.
To be notified when they’re ready, simply send me a quick email and I’ll reply back to you with a link.
Have an awesome day!
Dec
09
2009
Lately, I have found that I’m frequently using the word wholeness, and since the byline of this ministry is “teaching spiritual truths for health and wholeness,” I thought it would be a good idea to explore what wholeness means.
Wholeness
Used as an adjective, the word whole comes from the Greek words of holos and holokleros meaning all, entire and complete. These two words come from the noun holokleria meaning completeness.
In the biblical context of health and wellness, wholeness might mean being well in spirit, mind and body. In Paul’s letter of encouragement to the Christians living in Thessalonica, he addresses an aspect of their wholeness when he prays for them:
“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Spirit, Soul and Body
Paul refers to the three major aspects of man’s being – his spirit, soul and body. We are not beings of separate and distinctively different components, but a whole person. We are a spirit who has a soul that lives in a body. All of these aspects of man are inextricably interwoven. To be whole, to be complete, each aspect of a person must be well. When any aspect of our being is not well, the other aspects are adversely affected.
Medicine today focuses on the care for a person’s body. Physical health is important so that we can function and do the things God would want us to do with our body. Being physically active, eating well, getting enough sleep and being addiction free are some of the more important things we ought to do to care for our bodies.
It’s also important to care for our soul – to manage our emotions the best we can, to monitor our thinking patterns and to make healthy choices. Our soul-life is impacted by our spirit and the ‘gateway’ through which this primarily happens is in our mind. I think this is why Paul reminds us that we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) Our mindset and our thinking patterns can truly and radically transform us. For the good or for the worse. For life or for death. The only way we can understand the key truths of life is to be exposed to what God’s guidelines for living are as found in the Bible. The Bible holds the keys to being whole and living well. We must not only understand God’s principles, we must live them to be whole.
Finally, since we are first and foremost a spirit, our spirit must be well because this aspect of us is our core. When God breathed into Adam the breath of life, he became a living being. (Genesis 2:7) It is the spirit of man that gives him real life. We live out this life and interact with the physical realm with the five senses of our body. And it is deep in our soul that our emotions and our minds impact our our choices and subsequent physical behavior.
We are sinful by nature. We inherit a spirit of death and this sinful nature as it is passed down by Adam’s original sin. (1 Corinthians 15:22) Before salvation, our ingrained habits and lifestyle choices give us certain natural tendencies. Our life experiences contribute to our personalities. After salvation and we are born again spiritually, our challenge is to allow the Spirit of God to transform us into being the kind of person he calls us to be. We must consciously choose to have an attitude of submission to God and a dependence on him to become whole, starting with our spirit.
Being Transformed and Becoming Whole
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, God’s Spirit, his Holy Spirit, begins to live inside us. As we willfully allow, our spirit is affected by the Holy Spirit. Our spirit begins to take on the attributes of the Holy Spirit. This new nature will begin to affect our soul. Our entire mindset about God, our self, others and life can be transformed. Our thought patterns can become different. In turn, we can radically change many of our emotions and how we react to life circumstances. As we are guided by God’s principles as found in the Holy Bible, our resulting choices and behaviors will become more and more in line with how God wants us to live. This is how we become sanctified and holy. This is how we become a complete or whole person in spirit, soul and body.
So often, we try to make major changes in our life on our own strength. We leave God out of the picture. You can not achieve a good degree of wholeness in your own strength and abilities. The type of transformation that brings a sense of wholeness can only be done by the one who created you – by God himself. If we are to be whole, we must invite God into the deepest part of who we are – into our spirit and into our soul – so that from the inside out, we can be transformed into the type of person God wants us to be.
Our spirit, soul and body are constantly interacting together, as a whole, as a complete person. That’s the way God designed us. And Paul, inspired by God’s Spirit, shares the secret to being whole. It’s God himself who can change us through and through, in our entire being, if we desire this and ask him to. Paul tells us that “the one who calls us is faithful to do this.”
Questions to Reflect On:
To what degree are you whole in spirit, soul and body?
What behavior changes might you be attempting to make in your life? Are you trying to change from the outside in, or from the inside out?
Are you asking God to make a transformation first in your spirit, by the power of his Spirit?
Resources on Wholeness
Web Page – How God Designed Us – A Three-Part Whole
Article – God Wants You Whole
Wellness Coaching - Faith-based one-on-one coaching to assist with behavior changes
Oct
05
2009
Read these positive affirmations I’ve tweeted using Twitter during the last month. Follow me on Twitter to receive them.
Read my blog post on how to use Bible scriptures to make affirmations in your own life.
Scripture Affirmations
“God’s truth – his Word – stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
“God gives me power when I am worn out and strength when I am weak.” Isaiah 40:29
“God’s principles are perfect. They are entirely worthy of my trust.” Psalm 119:138
“With God in my life, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“Jesus keeps pruning me so that I will be even more productive for God.” John 15:2
“The water Jesus gives takes away my thirst altogether.” John 4:14
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” Psalm 139:14
“I follow God’s principles because I love him.” John 14:15
“I can never be separated from the love of God.” Romans 8:35-39
“God’s love is made complete in me when I obey his principles.” 1 John 2:5
“As I draw near to God, he draws near to me.” James 4:8
“God’s discipline is always good for me because it means I share in His holiness.” Hebrews 12:10
“I display a new nature because I am a new person, created in God’s likeness – holy and true.” Ephesians 4:24
“The secret is that Christ lives in me and I have assurance of sharing his glory.” Colossians 1:27
“Nothing can separate me from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:39
“God satisfies me when I am thirsty and fills me with good things when I am hungry.” Psalm 107:9
“I keep God’s words in my heart. They are health to my whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22
“It is God’s Spirit that gives me eternal life. My human effort accomplishes nothing.” John 6:63
“God is for me so no one can ever be against me.” Romans 8:31
“In God I live and move and exist.” Acts 17:28
“I defeat this evil world by trusting Christ to give me victory.” 1 Peter 5:5
“By God’s grace and through faith in Jesus, I have a full and eternal life.” Ephesians 2:8
“Through prayer, the peace of God guards my heart & mind.” Philippians 4:7
“By God’s grace and through faith in Jesus, I have a full and eternal life.” Ephesians 2:8
“I find strength in the Lord my God.” 1 Samuel 30:6
“God strengthens me because my heart is fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
“I have rest in my soul because I go to Jesus when I am weary.” Matthew 11:28-29
“Because I have been born again, I will see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3
“I do not fear because God strengthens me.” Isaiah 41:10
“I am full with the joy of the Lord.” Isaiah 42:10
Read more positive affirmations using Bible scriptures.
Read more about positive affirmations based on scripture regarding health and strength.
Sep
21
2009
Whatever challenges you may find yourself in, remember that God is a god of strength and power. As he did for the people of Israel long ago, he wants to lead you out of any bondage or struggle you may be in. He also wants you to remember times in the past that he may have used his strength and power in your life.
“And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place…” Exodus 13:3
A devotion of David Wilkerson, Founder of World Challenge, Inc., based on this scripture, speaks to this issue of finding new strength.
When we need additional strength, God reminds us that he can be our source. When we humble ourselves ( James 4:7) and acknowledge that God is the God of strength, we can receive supernatural power through his Spirit and by his hand.
Resources on Strength:
Affirmations About Strength We Receive From God.
More Blog Posts About Strength.
Sep
09
2009
A speaker in the door panel of my car has been blown and I’ve wanted to replace it so the quality of the stereo would be better. Having been successful in changing out a rear sub-woofer speaker in between the back seat and the trunk of this car, I was optimistic that I’d be successful in getting to this one.
I had researched on the internet and found a site where I could download the instructions – for a $4.99 fee. However, always liking a challenge, I decided I would give it a go and see if I could solve this on my own. I’d download the file if I really needed to.
I found the 5 screws holding the panel to the door frame and took them out. I then gently pried with a screwdriver around the outside of the panel, hoping that it would just “pop” out. It would not pop off. It was clear that the small area around the electric buttons controlling the door and windows was connected in some way to the door… and I was not able to determine how to loosen that spot. The last thing I wanted to do was to damage the panel and break something.
I was at a decision point. Do I continue to pry and poke around in an attempt to force the panel off or do I pay a small fee to receive what I hoped would be detailed, step-by-step instructions. I made a decision to do the later. Sure enough the instructions included a technique to pry down on a certain spot around the inner door handle which released the last area that was keeping the panel from coming off. With this information in hand, the panel was off in 30 seconds. With the panel off I was able to access the speaker that was blown. It was a breeze. Now my challenge will be to find a replacement speaker… actually it’s the small tweeter.
Wellness in the Bible
Where’s all this headed? It was a reminder for me of the importance of having the right instructions for my specific challenge. In this case, it was the need to learn of a technique I had not used before to repair an aspect of my car. I suspect most all of you own a car… and many of you own a house. There are typically the two most valuable items that a person owns. But there’s something that each of us has that is even more valuable than these two items and that’s our body. A gift from God, our body enables us to function and relate to our world in a physical way. When we purchase a new car, it includes a detailed set of instructions or guidelines on how to maintain it. There are also detailed instructions available on how to repair it or how to replace broken components, as in the case with my broken speaker.
God has given us guidelines on how to care for all aspects of our self – body, soul and spirit. The Holy Bible includes his complete set of instructions on how to live a rich and rewarding life. God has made his truths available for us so we can be equipped to do what he intended us to do on this earth. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
The more I read and study the Bible, the more I am appreciative how much wisdom I can learn from it. It is chock full of instructions on how to live life and with information to help us understand God.
If you want to be reminded of the value of reading and living by God’s principles, read Psalm 119: 1-176. Over and over the author tells us of the benefits of obeying God and aligning our life with his instructions.
Can you relate to my need for obtaining a set of detailed instructions to replace a speaker from my car? If so, I hope you can relate to reading God’s instructions to caring for your body and for living life.
A Few Questions to Consider:
Are you regularly reading the Bible to understand how God intends for you to live life?
When you find yourself in a life situation and needing guidance on making a decision, where or to whom do you tend to turn to for wisdom?
Some Helpful Resources:
Article – His Instruction Manual – Our Guidebook for Healthy Living
Web Page – How God Designed Us – Spirit, Soul and Body
Web Page & Booklet – “Spiritual Exercises for a Healtheir Life”
Aug
26
2009
Does God Have Your Heart?
Are you searching or looking for strength? Well, God is looking for people who desire the kind of strength that only he can give, but there’s a catch. He’s looking to strengthen those who’s hearts are really committed to him.
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
In the few verses before this, we are told that if we put our trust in people instead of God, that we will not have the full favor of God. King Asa put his trust in the king of Aram instead of God and so he missed the chance to destroy his opposing army. But, in an eralier time, when Asa relied on the Lord, God handed over the vast armies of Ethiopia and Libya to him and they were defeated. We see that, in the later case, God strengthened Asa because his “heart” was fully turned to God.
When times get really difficult and we need extra strength, God wants to come to our aid…. and he will if our heart is committed to him. When our hearts are turned to other “idols” then we forfeit the favor that could be ours if we had turned to God. (See Jonah 2:8)
God wants to reward you with the strength you need for your life circumstance, and he promises that he will, if your heart is fully committed to him.
Questions to Reflect On:
Has your heart and mind been turned to other sources of strength instead of towards God? If so, confess this to him, tell him you’re sorry, and turn more earnestly to God.
How can you demonstrate to God that your heart is fully committed to him?
More Resources on Strength
Blog Post – Find Strength in God When Stressed
Blog Post – God Gives Strength
Web Page – Bible Verses on Stress, Strength, Health and Healing
Aug
14
2009
Bible Scriptures on Health & Wholeness
Wellness in the Bible
I spent most of today updating a list I have of scriptures related to health and wellness. It now includes over 66 verses.
To see this listing of scriptures and their contents, click on the following link:
Bible Scripture, Verses & Quotes on Health, Wellness & Wholeness
See this link to a page on my site for other lists of Bible Verses and Quotes Related to Weight Loss, Stress, Strength and Healing.
Aug
04
2009
People are looking for strength in their lives today as much as any time in the recent past. I see this played out in the number of times that people have landed on my site with searches for strength using search engines.
Take a look at the graphics below which summarize landings on my site over the last year with searches using the keyword “strength.” True, some of this has to do with the content I have added to the site, but nonetheless, the data is pretty convincing.
What this represents to me is that a whole lot of individuals are looking for information, especially scriptures, on how they can receive strength during difficult times. Fortunately, scriptures in the Bible are a great source of strength. Scriptures are the Word of God and truth – something we can all benefit from when times get tough.
Earlier today, I read a teaching from David Wilkerson’s World Challenge Pulpit Series titled – “If Foundations Are Destroyed, What Can the Righteous Do?“ Wilkerson reminds us that God is to be a source of strength during difficult times. “Go home, my people, and lock your doors! Hide yourselves for a little while until the Lord’s anger has passed.” Isaiah 26:20 Wilkerson suggests that the “secret hiding place” is a chamber in your mind.
If that is so, how can that spot in your mind be comforting? I would propose that the only way your mind can really be a respite for what’s happening in the world around us is for it to be filled with the truth of God’s Word. Reading the Bible is the most ’sure-fire’ way that ou can get to know God and His character and nature. It’s in the Bible that the disciples and other authors write about their experiences with Jesus and their interactions with God.
Paul tells us in one of his letters to Timothy that “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
This scripture reminds us that the Bible prepares us and sustains us for living and for handling the stress we encounter. It’s through reading scripture that we can get a better understanding of who God is and how He wants to work in our lives. When we read the Bible, we have an opportunity to draw close to God and to sense His presence. And it’s when we are in God’s presence that we can have peace and receive strength that will sustain us through tough times.
The more frequently we read scripture, the more likely we can recall the truth that we read when we need to be reminded of who we are in God and His Son, Jesus. Frequent reading of the Bible will cause the ‘chambers in your mind’ to more likely be filled with His truths rather than the lies of the enemy. It’s what you constantly think about that really impacts on whether you are at peace or whether you are fearful and anxious. And, over the long haul, these two mindsets will have radically different impacts on your emotional and physical health status.
Yes, God can be a source of strength in your life … and one of the best things you can do is to regularly read the Bible so that you can be reminded of His truths. Hopefully, your thinking patterns will also be affected in a positive way.
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
Questions to Ask Yourself
To what degree is God a source of strength during your difficult times?
How often are you reading the Bible to better understand the nature of God and to be reminded of how much He cares for you?
What is one scripture that is a source of great strength for you?
Related Material I’ve Written on This Topic
Blog Post – Find Strength in God When Stressed
Blog Post – God Gives Strength
Blog Post – Spiritual Empowerment for Healthy Living
Web Page – Bible Verses on Stress, Strength, Health and Healing
Article – Are Your Thoughts Causing Health Problems?
Jul
17
2009
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.
A Few Scriptures or Bible Quotes Related to Weight
“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
A Weight Loss Resource
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!
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
