21 Days To A New and Improved You - Day 14

GOD'S PLAN

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them

the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity,

and their children will inherit the Promised Land.

~

Psalm 25:12-13

FOCUS FOR TODAY

God has a plan for your spiritual, physical,

and emotional health.

The journey toward improved health is not only a common-sense exercise in personal discipline, it is also a spiritual journey ordained by our Creator. God does not intend that we abuse our bodies by giving in to excessive appetites or to slothful behavior. To the contrary, God has instructed us to protect our physical bodies to the greatest extent we can. To do otherwise is to disobey Him.

When you make the decision to seek God's will for your life - and you should - then you will contemplate His Word, and you will be watchful for His signs. God intends to use you in wonderful, unexpected ways if you let Him. Bur be forewarned: the decision to seek God's plan and fulfill His purpose is ultimately a decision that you must make by yourself and for yourself. The consequences of that decision have implications that are both profound and eternal, so choose carefully. And then, as you go about your daily activities, keep your eyes and ears open, as well as your heart, because God is patiently trying to get His message through...and there's no better moment than this one for you to help Him.

The only way to keep your health

is to eat what you don't want, 

drink what you don't like,

and do what you'd rather not.

~ 

Mark Twain

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

JUST SAY NO TO JUNK FOOD

We live in a junk-food society, but you shouldn't let your house become junk-food heaven. Make your home a haven of healthy food. And remember, it's never too soon to teach your kids good habits...and that includes the very good habit of sensible eating.

MORE FROM GOD'S WORD

Romans 8:28

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Psalm 37:23-24

New International Version (NIV)

 ²³ The LORD makes firm the steps
   of the one who delights in him;
²⁴ though he may stumble, he will not fall,
   for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Philippians 2:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Psalm 32:8

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
   I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 18:28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;
   my God turns my darkness into light.

MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT

GOD'S PLAN

With God, it's never "Plan B" or "second best." It's always "Plan A." And, if we let Him, He'll make something beautiful of our lives. - Gloria Gaither

God has a plan for the life of every Christian. Every circumstance, every turn of destiny, all things work together for your good and for His glory. - Billy Graham

When the dream of our heart is one Gos has planted there, a strange happiness flows into us. At that moment, all of the spiritual resources of the universe are released to help us. Our praying is then at one with the will of God and becomes a channel for the Creator's purposes for us and our world. - Catherine Marshall

God's all-sufficiency is a major. Your inability is a minor. Major in majors, not in minors. - Corrie ten Boom

God wants you

to give Him your body.

Some people do foolish things

with their bodies.

God wants your body

as a holy sacrifice.

-

Warren Wiersbe

ACTIONS REFLECT BELIEFS

English clergyman Thomas Fuller observed, "He does not believe who does not live according to his beliefs." These words are most certainly true. We may proclaim our beliefs to our hearts' content, but our proclamations will mean nothing -to others or to ourselves - unless we accompany our words with deeds that match. The sermons that we live are far more compelling than the ones we preach.

Like it or not, your life is an accurate reflection of your creed. If this fact gives you cause for concern, don't bother talking about the changes that you intend to make - make them. And then, when your good deeds speak for themselves - as they most certainly will - don't interrupt.

WORKING IT OUT

IT'S PART OF GOD'S PLAN FOR YOU

Do you think God wants you to develop healthy habits? Of course He does Physical, emotional, and spiritual fitness are all part of God's plan for you. But it's up to you to make certain that a healthy lifestyle is a fundamental part of your plan, too.

DOING THINGS HIS WAY

Do you want to experience a life filled with abundance and peace? If so, here's a word of warning: "your way" and you must commit, instead, to do things God's way.

Just for the record, here are the facts: 

1. God has plans for your life that are far grander than you can imagine.
2. It's up to you to discover those plans and accomplish them...or not.

Sometimes, God's plans are crystal clear, but other times, He may lead you through the wilderness before He delivers you to the Promised Land. So be patient, keep praying, and keep seeking His will for your life. When you do, you will be amazed at the marvelous things that an all-powerful, all-knowing God can do.

STRENGTHENING YOUR FAITH

FOLLOW HIS LEAD

MORE FROM GOD'S WORD
ABOUT VALUES

1 Corinthians 4:20

New International Version (NIV)

²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

1 Thessalonians 2:12

New International Version (NIV)

¹² encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

¹ Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 

Galatians 6:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Matthew 5:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.

NOTES TO YOURSELF 

Write down some of the things you think God wants you to do today, this week and this year.