Mar
10
2010
Deep-Rooted in Christ. The Way of Transformation, published by InterVarsity Press, is the first book I’ve read by Joshua Choonmin Kang. I don’t imagine it will be my last.
Throughout the book, Kang uses the metaphor of our spiritual lives being like the life of a tree. As healthy trees and other thriving living plants require nourishment and the right kind of conditions, so our lives require the best possible spiritual conditions and disciplines to be in place if we are to be able to live the abundant life that God desires us to have. Kang skillfully writes about such conditions and practices.
Here are two passages taken from the book:
“Our spirits are living; they need care, attention and cultivation. Then they’ll bring forth healthier, more gracious results.”
“How do our souls grow? Our souls thrive on silence. When does our spirituality build a deeper root system? When we make space for silence; in the quiet they revel and grow.“
The book is broken into 52 short readings of three to four pages. The combination of Kang’s simple writing style and the profound truths about which he writes makes this book a very easy read. It would probably be best read one section at a time with additional time spent meditating on the scriptures that are referenced and on the truths found in the section. I, however, found his material so easy to read and so interesting and relevant to my vocation that I read the book in four sittings. Surely I’ll be rereading the book again at a much slower pace very soon.
And as I finished the book I found myself saying, “If I could implement what he (Kang) has written about, my life would be more fruitful and I’d be so much more effective as a disciple for Christ.”
Kang’s target audience is those in ministry. He writes about his insights of biblical truths that will help people grow in their faith and that will subsequently help them be more effective in ministering to others.
Deep-Rooted in Christ is a valuable read. For that reason, I’ve suggested it be on the recommended reading list for prospective life coaches who are enrolled in the Christian Coach Institute’s training programs. As well, churches might want to consider using it as a book study for their lay ministers.
Mar
02
2010
Occasionally I pass along relevant devotions that I receive. Below are a few lines from tow of David Wilkerson Today devotions on “The Danger of Guilt.”
Day One
“Guilt can eat away at the spiritual vitality of a Christian like a raging cancer. It causes a person to lose control of life; it leads to a desire to quit or retire from spiritual activity; and, finally, it brings on physical pain and disease. Like cancer, guilt feeds upon itself until all spiritual life is gone, and the end result is weakness and a sense of shame and failure.”
Read this brief devotion about guilt and the importance of the spiritual exercise of forgiveness. David Wilkerson Today – March 2, 2010
Day Two
“Lay down your guilt, my friend. You don’t need to carry that load another minute. Open up the doors and windows of your heart, and let God’s love in. He forgives you—over and over again! He will give you the power to see your struggle through to victory. If you ask—if you repent—you are forgiven! Accept it—now!”
Read this second brief devotion online – David Wilkinson Today – March 3, 2010
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9
Have a terrific day!
Resources Related to Guilt
Article – Forgiveness: A Spiritual Exercise for a Healthier Life
Mar
01
2010
The 2010 Winter Olympics are over. Over the course of 17 days of this year’s competition, Team USA earned 37 medals — the most ever by one country in one Games, besting Germany’s mark of 36 set at Salt Lake. The feat was even more impressive considering it was the first time the U.S. earned the most medals in a Winter Olympics since 1932 at Lake Placid. Germany won 30 medals and Canada, the host country, won 26 total medals.
Medals Made of Recycled Material
And here’s a piece of trivia for you. This year’s 549 medals contained metal from recycled TVs, computers, and keyboards that might have otherwise ended up as e-waste. (More on this here.) I suspect that over a period of enough time, these medals will likely become tarnished.
Physical Conditioning and Discipline
To be good enough to win an Olympic medal, whether it be bronze, silver or gold, takes a tremendous amount of talent, skill and, for most of the events, a high degree of physical conditioning. Preparing for an Olympic competition requires discipline and perseverance. In the end the award that athletes receive is a medal, along with the distinction of being recognized as the world’s best athlete in their respective sport.
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
Running the Race of Life
Our life as a Christian is like an Olympic athlete training to win a medal. Whereas the prize for the athlete is a medal, our prizes are at least two-fold.
One prize is the abundant life that we are able to live because we are walking day to day with Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The more disciplined we are at incorporating spiritual exercises into our lives on a daily basis, the more rewarding and fulfilling our life can be. The more we live according to the guidebook that God gives us, the Bible, the sweeter our life can be. God has this “prize” for us on this side of heaven.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Paul encourages the Corinthians to run the race of life with endurance and that the crown we will receive will last forever. He encourages us to press on, to persevere, to endure. As athletes require discipline in physical training and in what they eat to be competitive enough to win an Olympic medal, we must be disciplined in various forms of spiritual exercises to win the crown of a full and abundant life. ( Corinthians 9:24-25 )
The more disciplined and consistent we are in our spiritual exercises, the more abundance we will tend to receive this side of heaven. This is one reason Jesus died on the cross for you and for me.
The other “prize” that God makes available for us is the crown of eternal life that we’ll spend with Jesus after we leave this earth. It becomes available to us when we accept Jesus in our heart as our Savior. Isaiah 35:10 tells us that everlasting joy will crown the heads of those who walk with Jesus in a personal way. Unlike the tarnish that will probably occur with the metal of the Olympic medals, our crown of everlasting life and our joy will continue forever.
I encourage you to be disciplined in applying the principles of the Bible in such a way that you’re experiencing a full and rewarding life – the kind God desires for you. And I pray that you are confident that you’ll live eternally in the presence of God because of a choice you’ve made to invite Jesus into your heart.
A Few Questions to Consider
What disciplines in your life contribute most to your level of spiritual fitness?
Are you experiencing an abundant life in the way Jesus has made it available for you?
What spiritual exercises could you incorporate into your life to give you a more full life?
Where will you spend eternity after you die?
Additional Resources for Running the Race of Life
Article from this Ministry – An Introduction to Spiritual Exercises… for a Healthier Life
Website Page from this Ministry – Spiritual Exercises and a Spiritual Fitness Assessment
Website – How to be assured of an eternal life with God.
Website Page from this Ministry – Accept Jesus Into Your Heart
Jan
25
2010
The grace of God gives us strength and the corresponding ability to do the things we otherwise could not do. This happens as a result of being in an intimate relationship with God, through his Son Jesus and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit. The more intimate we are with God, the more time we spend quietly with him, and the more we yield to him and depend upon him the more empowered we become.
Power from God does not come by way of religious-type activity and service. It comes as a direct result of abiding in God’s presence and being connected to him in a very real and meaningful way. Jesus tell us this when he says -
“Remain in me and I will remain in you…. apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Jesus gives us a great example of how he received power from his Father, God. Shortly before his death on the cross, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was sorrowful and full of grief-filled emotions as he prepared to do the will of God by dying on the cross for our sins. The “man” in him did not want to die. What did he do? Jesus went away to be alone with God…. to be in earnest prayer with him one-on-one. When he finished his prayer time with God, Jesus was prepared, equipped with the strength he needed to be able to die for you and me. Matthew 26:36-46
The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus prayed to his Father that just as he and God were one, that we all would “be in them.” John 17:20-21 This serves as a reminder that God desires us to remain as close as possible to him. He knows that for us to be able to do his perfect will, we need to maintain an intimate relationship with him.
‘Abide in God’s Presence’ is one Spiritual Exercise that is conducive to a healthy life. The more we are in God’s presence, the more power the Holy Spirit gives us to make healthy choices and to change our behavior. We are able to do things that we otherwise might not be able to do.
Questions to Reflect On:
How close to Jesus are you?
How much time do you spend in prayer with God on a daily basis?
How much time each week do you spend reading the Bible and meditating on what you’ve read?
Scriptures Related to Intimacy:
“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3
Helpful Resources
Article – It’s About the Relationship
Blog Posts About Strength
Booklet – Experiencing Intimacy With God, RBC Publications
Website Page – Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life
Dec
16
2009
When I work with a client I am coaching, I remind them that the most important aspect of fitness training is the frequency, or regularity, in which they engage in exercise. The same holds true for the spiritual exercise of Abiding in God’s Presence.
Principles of Exercise
A common acronym in the fitness training arena is FITT. This stands for frequency, intensity, time(or duration) and type. It’s important to address each of these four areas when one is putting together an exercise program. Over the long haul, I believe that the frequency in which an individual engages in exercise is the most important of these. And, when we look at the overall components of fitness, regularity is considered to be one of the key components. The research will show that it is very important to be consistent with exercise if a person desires to become more physically fit. When I work with a client, I try to help them get to the point where they are working out at least three or four days a week. Even if the person is not able to be this consistent, it will certainly pay dividends to be consistently exercising two to three days a week over the long haul.
Spiritual Exercises
Abiding in God’s Presence is one of 18 Spiritual Exercises I have identified that are practices of the Christian faith that may have some relevance to an person’s overall well-being and health. Reading the Bible, praying and meditating or are different ways that we can be in God’s presence and feel a connection to him. I recommend to my clients that they create time every day for these spiritual practices. As with being consistent and regular with physical activity, consistently spending time with God in a way that is meaningful will pay great dividends as it pertains to one’s faith journey.
The more consistently that you spend some time with God, the more opportunity you will have to hear his small voice and to understand his will for you. Making a practice of reading the Bible is another way that you can hear from God and understand his will for your life. In fact, I’d have to say that this is the number one way that God speaks to us — through his Word.
Questions to Reflect On:
Have you spent some quiet time with God today? How frequently are you spending time with God? How often do you read the Bible? Are you as consistent in spending time alone with God as you are in engaging in physical activity?
Resources on Spiritual Exercises:
Article – An Introduction to Spiritual Exercises
Article – Get FITT Spiritually and Physically
More blog posts on Spiritual Exercise
Change unhealthy behavior with Wellness Coaching
Nov
03
2009
When I first saw this painting, it really got my attention… especially the nature of the corpse on the ground. My heart sank for a moment as I reflected on the souls of people that have not experienced God’s grace as a result of accepting his love. This picture inspired this blog post.
A War for Our Souls
There is a war going on for the souls of so many, many people. The evil one, or Satan, represented by a demon in the picture above, wants us all to spend eternity in hell and he wants our life on this earth to be a ‘living hell.’ God, on the other hand, represented by the angel, wants us all to live a full and rewarding life and to be with him in heaven for eternity after we leave this earth. In the painting, God is watching over the battle that is taking place daily in our lives.
This is a life-long, prolonged war that we are in with the devil, not a short-term battle like those fought between opposing forces of two armies that last a period of hours or several days.
Be assured that Satan is roaming around throughout our entire lifetime looking to take us down. Scripture tells us that ‘our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.’ (1 Peter 5:8) We are also told that he deceives and leads the whole world astray in Revelation 12:9.
If we get caught up in listening to and believing the lies of Satan, it can take away the identity that God wants us to have in his Son, Jesus. We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we are a new person when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Satan wants us to believe otherwise. He wants us to develop thinking patterns that reinforce his lies and to have low self esteem that results from those lies.
How to Engage in the War
The good thing is that the Bible instructs us on methods to engage in the war with Satan. One of 18 ‘Spiritual Exercises’ I’ve identified is that of Thinking Spiritual Thoughts. The Apostle Paul provides us guidance about what our thinking ought to be like on a daily basis.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
We are told in Ephesians 6:14 to “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth.” When we put on the belt of truth we are reminding ourselves of the truths of God found in the Holy Bible. The more we can fix our minds on these truths, day in and day out, the more we will be successful in repelling the lies that Satan sends our way.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12
Our Reward – Full Salvation
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls…. therefore, prepare your minds for action.” (my italics) 1 Peter 1:8-9, 13
God wants you and me to not only live eternally with him but to experience a full and complete life when we are are this side of heaven!
To receive God’s full salvation… the full and complete wholeness that he wants you to experience, including a life of living well, you must guard against the lies of Satan and think on the truths found in God’s Word – the Holy Bible.
Questions to Reflect Upon:
Do you make a practice of monitoring your thinking patterns and are they in line with God’s guidance found in Philippians 4:8
Do you know what God says about you as his child and as a new creation once you’ve received his love by accepting Jesus as your Savior?
Where is your soul headed after you die on earth?
Additional Reading on the War for Our Souls
Article – Thinking Spiritual Thoughts – Renewing Your Mind
Read more about The Armor of God.
Blog Post – The Value of Speaking Positive Affirmations
An Invitation to Join God’s Family
Aug
07
2009
Monterey, California - 1981
Today I went for a short run before the summer heat and humidity rose too much. The forecast high in Charlotte is 93. On many of my runs I get ideas for my posts on my blog and that was the case today.
The thought popped into my mind that I have been running over 40 years. It’s actually been 42 years as I started in the 10th grade in Atlanta, Georgia. Through high school, prep school, college and then for a time afterwords, I enjoyed success as a long distance runner… the longer the distance the more competitive I was. My last major run in a competition was the Louisville Marathon in 1985. Since that time, I’ve run primarily to stay healthy, fit and manage my stress. I also enjoy it.
As my thoughts during my run continued, I wondered how many miles I might have run over the years. I suspected that I could come up with a pretty good estimate because I kept good records when I was competing in school and afterwords for a while. When I finished my run, showered and ate, I went upstairs to pull my running logs off the shelf of my bookcase. I used 3-ring spiral notebooks, typically using one page to log my running efforts during each week.
High School Running Log
Looking over the notebooks revealed some neat facts and memories. On Sunday, September 1, 1968, I ran my 1000th mile. During three years of high school, I logged 1,914 miles. The most covered in one day was 18 and the most in a week was 60. At West Point, I ran during cross country, indoor and outdoor track. At the peak of my competitiveness, I was averaging close to 8 miles/day and on Thursday, December 13th, 1973, I passed the 10,000 mile mark!
Over the last 25 years or so, my runs have been about 2-3 miles and I’ve gotten out two or three times a week. By my calculations, I have covered approximately 39,000 miles over these last 42 years. Wow! I had no idea. I am amazed that my joints, especially my knees, have held out. It’s a good thing that I have not continued with the competitive running. I can’t imagine that my knees would still be hanging in there if that was the case.
I have had a major shift in my overall motivation for working out and staying in shape in the last handful of years. It’s so that I can stay healthy which helps me better do the work that God calls me to do. I know that I am more alert, have more energy and can stay better focused when I work out on a regular basis. Keeping fit also contributes to reducing my chances of the many lifestyle-related diseases that could set in and hamper my efforts to do things for God.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 that “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.” Certainly, it is a miracle in itself that God designed the human body so that it could run 39,000 miles and more over a lifetime. He has put our bodies together in unimaginable ways. My Heart has beaten at least 1.8 trillion times over the last 58 years. Imagine that! Another miracle.
In 1 Timothy 4:7-8 we are reminded by Paul “Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.” (New Living Translation – First Edition)
Personalized License Plate
Clearly there is much benefit to being physically fit, but it is even more important to be spiritually fit. Spiritual exercises like reading the Bible, praying, surrendering to God, serving others and forgiving others are all important aspects of one’s spiritual fitness program.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to run the race that God has set before us and we are to do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. (See Hebrews 12:1-2) In the middle of the 12th chapter, we are encouraged to mark out a straight path for our feet so those who follow us will not stumble and fail but will become strong.
I’m thankful to God that I’m still able to enjoy my short runs and that while I am on them, He gives me the inspiration and creativity from which I can share spiritual truths with my readers. I’m also thankful that He has given me the ‘work’ to encourage others of the faith to “remain on a straight path.” I pray that He is also using me to share the Gospel with those who do not know Him.
In the ‘race’ of your life, don’t give up. Stay the course. If you are a believer, others are watching you and many need to experience the love of Jesus that flows through you. Go deeper in your faith. If you don’t know God in a personal way and are looking for spiritual strength to help you cope with the stressors of life, consider accepting Jesus into your heart and receive His strength, peace and joy.
Questions to Ask Yourself
What ‘work’ has God called you to do? Is your health an obstacle for doing this ‘work?’
How spiritually fit are you? Are you engaged in meaning spiritual exercises throughout each week?
Do you have real peace, joy and hope because you experience Jesus’ love?
Related Material I’ve Written on Spiritual Fitness and The Connection
Article – An Introduction to Spiritual Exercises
Article – Assessing Your Spiritual Fitness
Article – Surrender: A Spiritual Exercise For a Healthier Life
Web Page – 18 Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life
Scriptural Basis for the Faith and Health Connection Ministry
“For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.” Galatians 5:6-8
Jul
19
2009
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 »
May
06
2009
I have just completed a new presentation that I’m making available as a resource to educate others on the link between faith and health from a Christian perspective. This workshop can be presented in 2 1/2 – 3 hours.
This presentation can be customized to meet the organization’s needs. It would be a helpful add-on to any class on wellness or health behavior change.
Workshop Goal: Participants will be better equipped to live their life purpose by understanding God’s path to personal wellness in Christ and growing deeper in their faith.
Topics Included:
- God’s design of man and woman
- Life, stress and your health
- Faith and your health
- 18 Spiritual exercises
- The research on faith and health
- Spiritual fitness assessment
Package Materials Included:
- 85-slide PowerPoint Presentation – fully customizable
- Spiritual Fitness Assessment – addressing 18 Spiritual Exercises – permission to administer to groups
- Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life – A 25 page booklet with an explanation of the 18 Spiritual Exercises w/ scriptures
- and more……
More information and a preview of 32 of the 85 slides can be seen at the link that follows.
Wellness and Faith Presentation Package
Don’t hesitate to inquire if you have any questions about the package.
Mar
26
2009
Today we likely face more stressors and strains than usual as times in the world are really tough. Since we are in such tough times with the economy, unemployment and the like, you are probably experiencing a high level of stress due to the associated challenges – in your work, personal life and family life.
During times like this, it’s critical that your level of strength, wisdom and resilience be very high. And it’s vital that you receive this from the Lord.
This requires spending quality alone time with Him. Alone time to be still with Him and to hear from Him. Just time to sit in His presence. To be in His Word so He can speak to you as a son or daughter of God.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:29-31
My “To Do” list is always long. Daily, I am tempted to get right to work and plunge into whatever needs my attention. After all, there’s work to be done! This is a daily temptation most of us face I imagine.
However, it’s in the waiting… being quiet with God in His presence… that we gain His strength for living. This is a discipline, a spiritual exercise, that has to be practiced over and over and over again.
I encourage you, at all costs, spend personal quiet time with the Lord! He will equip you for living today.
Be well!
