Flesh and spirit can't live in harmony ("For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for they are opposed to one another," Galatians 5:17).
It is good news that Christ has given us everything we need for victory, and the Spirit will prevail over us. Everyone has been discouraged at times on their journey to better health. If you're feeling disheartened today, I want to remind you of some truths. First, you can succeed if you don't...
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Did you ever notice how many of Jesus' blessings were a direct response to faith on the part of the recipient? Jesus did not tell the leper, "By my power, I will heal you." He didn't tell the bleeding woman about the Father's will for healing. He always...
"The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” Proverbs 13:4
As a parent, I try to teach and model the concept of “doing the difficult things first.” It's challenging because it's the opposite of our human nature. We tend to go in the direction of the easy path. However, it isn't always the most fruitful path. It is rare that the things worth doing are also the easy ones. Taking on the difficult tasks in your day, to-do list, and your...
“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
As a child, my mother used to warn me, “Be careful with your friends. You become like the people you spend most of your time with.” Now that I have my own kids, I am even more aware of this. Choosing our company carefully is critical. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we tend to emulate and act like the people we...
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27 (NLT)
Have you ever experienced a relationship where the other person did most of the talking? In such situations, chances are you never felt that they truly knew you. Establishing a solid connection is difficult if they never ask or inquire about you and your life. My spiritual journey has taught me that sometimes the most beneficial thing we can do is zip it when we are with the Lord to grow closer to Him.
It is not...
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
There is nothing more spectacular than fall in the Midwest. The spectrum of colors is difficult to describe. I stood in awe yesterday morning, gazing at a painted sunrise sky and rainbow of changing leaves. As I tried to take it all in, I praised God for His great love for us. What a wonderful gift He...
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7
I find few things more uncomfortable than not being able to control outcomes. Letting go of what I can’t control is a daily act of surrender for me. When deeply invested in something or someone, trusting God with the details, timing, and result can be desperately difficult.
Maybe for you, trusting Him with the health journey you’re on challenges...
“Sometime later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is a pool in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Many disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’” John 5:1-15
This...
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Who else is in full fall mode? Most of us with little (and big) kiddos offered school send-offs and now have a moment to establish another year of new routines. I always have mixed feelings this time of year. While I’m sad to say goodbye to long summer days with my kids, the added structure and routine are water for my systematic soul.
As you evaluate your new schedule this year,...
“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
You are so much more than a body. You are a masterfully...
Nourish: Discover God's Perfectly Balanced Plan for Your Body and Soul Encouragement and practical knowledge for living a healthy spiritual & physical lifestyle, inspiring you to get healthy from the inside out.
Devotions for a Healthier You A devotional filled with scriptures, encouraging stories, and tips on keeping a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
100 Simple & Delicious Recipes for Clean Eating An inspirational cookbook chock-full of healthy, innovative yet simple recipes.
