“And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” – Exodus 23:25
Journeys to better health always begin with food. As I think about improving my health status, I know I must make food choices based upon what is beneficial to attaining my goal, not upon what I happen to be craving at the moment. I must choose lean meats and vegetables and nutritionally balanced meals over fast food lunches, sweets, and “empty-calorie” snacks. As I incorporate wiser choices in my food, my heart and lungs will become more efficient, my muscles will become stronger, and I will have more energy! Over time, I hope to establish healthier habits when it comes to choosing and preparing my food, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
My spiritual life is much the same as my physical life. If I want my mind and my soul to be at their best, I must be wise about how I “feed” them. If I spend my time inputting ungodly materials into my mind, the results will be a soul that is starving for the things of God. John 6:35 records Jesus saying, “… I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” When I take the time to nourish my soul with the Word of God, my faith will grow strong. If I should neglect my time of Bible study and prayer, my soul will suffer. I will lack the strength I need to do what God desires of me, and I will be easily waylaid by sin and the world’s temptations. I won’t have the ability to “stand against the wiles of the devil” or “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:11,16) With a sound spiritual diet of godly habits, I will develop the faith I need to “…take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
As I incorporate healthy servings of Bible study, prayer, and personal worship into my life each day, my faith in God will grow strong and healthy. I will have the spiritual energy I need to run the race set before me (Hebrews 12:1), and to run it well.
Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word!
Thou art the bread of life, O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth that saveth me;
Give me to eat and live with Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy truth, for Thou art love.
(from “Break Thou the Bread of Life” by Mary A. Lathbury and Alexander Groves)
“For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” – John 6:33
**********
Need a coach in your corner? Jesus is right there, waiting to help you in every aspect of becoming healthier in body and soul!