21 Days To A New and Improved You - Day 5

THE RIGHT KIND OF

EXERCISE FOR YOU

He gives strength to the weary

and strengthens the powerless.

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Isaiah 40:29 

FOCUS FOR TODAY

Your exercise regimen should be sensible,

enjoyable, safe, and consistent.

If you want to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to engage in a consistent exercise program. Implementing a plan of regular, sensible exercise is one way of ensuring that you've done your part to care for the body that God has given you.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper observed, "Physical activity achieved at any level is an essential ingredient in slowing down the process of aging and turning life into a far more useful, enjoyable - and independent - affair."  So what is the right kind of exercise for you? That's the question for you and your doctor. But whether you're running marathons or walking around the block, it's important to stay as active as you can, as long as you can.

No one can force you to exercise...you'll need to make that decision on your own. And if you genuinely desire to please God, it's a decision that you will make today.

 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

MODERATION DAY BY DAY

John Maxwell observed, "The key to healthy eating is moderation and managing what you eat every day." And he was right. Crash diets don't usually work, but sensible eating habits do work, so plan your meals accordingly.

MORE FROM GOD'S WORD

2 Corinthians 12:9 (New International Version)

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Timothy 2:1

¹ You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

 Exodus 15:2 (New International Version)

 ² “The LORD is my strength and my defense;
   he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
   my father’s God, and I will exalt him. 

Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version)

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Ephesians 6:10 (New International Version)

 ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

People who exercise  at least 3 hours a week tend to eat a more balanced and healthier diet.

- Dr. Walt Larimore

Give at least two hours every day to exercise, for health, must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes a mind strong. - Thomas Jefferson

It is remarkable how one's wits are sharpened by physical exercise. - Pliny the Younger

And early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. - Henry David Thoreau

Fitness is a state of body and a state of mind: if your mind leads, your body will follow. 

- Marie T. Freeman

When ever I read the words of Isaiah that say those who "wait on the Lord" shall "run and not be weary" and "walk and not faint," I am reminded of how naturally spiritual development and endurance exercise go together. - Dr. Kenneth Cooper

We have a world to explore and master, and we can't do it if our bodies are accumulating fat and our muscles, joints, and internal organs are breaking down. We need to exercise. -  Dr. Jordan S. Rubin

People who exercise frequently, even if it's weeding in the garden or walking around the block, enjoy  better over all health - physically and emotionally. - Dr. Walt Larimore

Having good health is very different from only being not sick. - Seneca the Younger

Health is not valued until sickness comes. - Thomas Fuller

HOW MUCH EXERCISE?

How much exercise is right for you? That's a decision you should make in consultation with your physician or health expert, like me! But make no mistake: if you want to be a thoughtful caretaker of the only body you'll ever have in this world, exercise is important.

The benefits of exercise are not only physical but also psychological. Regular exercise allows you to build your muscles while you're clearing your head and lifting your spirits. So, if you're not already working out, talk to your doctor and then start an exercise regimen that is right for you. When you do, you'll be doing your body and your mind a favor...and they will both thank you for it.

WORKING IT OUT

REMAKE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

If you're trying to remodel your self, you'll need to remodel your environment, too. In order to decrease temptations and increase the probability of success, you should take a long, hard, look at your home, your office, and the places you frequently visit. Then, you must do whatever you can to move yourself as far as possible from the temptations that you intend to defeat.

SENSIBLE EXERCISE

A healthy lifestyle includes regular, sensible physical exercise. How much exercise is right for you? That's a decision that you should make in consultation with your physician or health expert. But make no mistake: if you sincerely desire to be a thoughtful caretaker of the only body that God has given you, exercise is important.

Once you begin a regular exercise program, you'll discover that the benefits to you are not only physical but also psychological. Regular exercise allows you to build your muscles while you're clearing your head and lifting your spirits.

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.

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Luke 12:34 

MORE FROM GOD'S WORD ABOUT 

YOUR PRIORITIES

Proverbs 4:6 (New International Version)

⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
   love her, and she will watch over you.

Philippians 1:9 (New International Version)

 ⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

Luke 9:23-24 (New International Version)

 ²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

STRENGTHENING YOUR FAITH

GOD REWARDS OBEDIENCE

God's instructions are clear: He rewards wise behaviors and He punishes misbehavior. A commitment to a sensible exercise and nutrition program is a way of being wise, and it's also one way of pleasing God every day. 

NOTES TO YOURSELF 

Make notes to your self about spiritual, psychological, and physical benefits you experience when you exercise.

21 Days To A New and Improved You - Day 4

RESPECTING YOUR BODY

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,

I urge you to present your bodies A  living sacrifice,

holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

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Romans 12:1

FOCUS FOR TODAY

If you are not determined to be the master of your body...

then you might just become the slave of your impulses.

In the 12th chapter of Romans, Paul encourages us to make out bodies "holy and pleasing to God." Paul adds that to do so is a "spiritual act of worship." For believers, the implication is clear: God intends that we take special care of the bodies He has given us. But its tempting to do otherwise.

We live in a fast-food world where unhealthy choices are convenient, inexpensive and tempting. And, we live in a digital world filled with modern conveniences that often rob us of the physical exercise needed to maintain healthy lifestyles. As a result, too many of us find ourselves glued to the TV set, with a snack in one hand and the remote in the other. The results are as unfortunate as they are predictable.

How do you treat your body? Do you treat it with the reverence and respect it deserves, or do you take it more or less for granted? Well, the Bible has clear instructions about the way you should take care of the miraculous body that God has given you. 

God's Word teaches us that our bodies are "temples" that belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are commanded ( not encouraged, not advised - we are commanded!) to treat our bodies with respect and honor. We do so by making wise choices and by making choices  consistently over an extended period of time.

Don't you know that you are

God's sanctuary and that the 

Spirit of God lives in you?

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1 Corinthians 3:16 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

BECOME AN EDUCATED CONSUMER

Educate yourself on which foods are healthy and which foods aren't. Read labels and learn the basics of proper nutrition. Then, use common sense and discipline in planning your diet.

MORE FROM GOD'S WORD

 

2 Corinthians 5:1

 ¹ For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 

Psalm 139:13-14 (New International Version)

 ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 

Hosea 10:12 (New International Version)

¹² Sow righteousness for yourselves,

   reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
   for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
   and showers his righteousness on you. 

MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY

Our body is like armor, our soul like the warrior. Take care of both, and you will be ready for what comes. - Amma St. Syncletice

Food ought to be a refreshment to the body, and not a burden.- St. Bonaventure

Eat to live, and not live to eat. - Poor Richard's Almanac

In general, mankind, sine the improvement of cookery, eats twice as much as nature requires.  

- Ben Franklin

Attention to one's lifestyle, especially in the direction of reducing emotional tensions, a modest but regular program of daily exercise, a diet low in salt and sugar and reasonably free of fatty meats and fried foods, and plenty of good drinking water - all these are useful and indeed essential. 

- Norman Cousins

WHAT KIND OF EATER ARE YOU?

Take a few minutes to examine your eating habits. Do you gobble down snack foods while watching TV? Id so, STOP! Do you drink high-calorie soft drinks or feast on unhealthy snacks like potato chips or candy? If so, you're doing your self a disservice! Do you load up your plate and then feel obligated to eat every last bite? If so, it's time to form some new habits.

 Poor eating habits are usually well established, so they won't be easy to change, but change them you must if you want to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

WORKING IT OUT

WHEN IT COMES TO EXERCISE,

PERSISTENCE PAYS

An exercise program that starts slowly and builds over 

time is far better than an exercise program that starts - and ends - quickly.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES

Life is a series of choices. Each day, we make countless decisions that can bring us closer to God...or not. When we live according to God's commandments, we earn for ourselves the abundance and Peace that HE intends for us to experience. But, when we turn our backs upon God by disobeying Him, we bring needless suffering upon ourselves and our families.

Do you see God's peace and His blessings? Then obey Him. When you are faced with a difficult choice or a powerful temptation, seek God's counsel and trust the counsel He gives. Invite God into your heart and live according to His commandants. When you do, you will be blessed today, tomorrow, and forever. 

God has given you a guidebook for righteous living called the Holy Bible. It contains through instructions which, if followed, lead to fulfillment and salvation. But, if you choose to ignore God's commandments, the results are as predictable as they are tragic.

So here's a surefire formula for a happy, abundant life: live  righteously.

And for further instructions read the manual.

MORE FROM GOD'S WORD ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS

Habakkuk 2:4 (New International Version)

 ⁴ “See, the enemy is puffed up;
   his desires are not upright—
   but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness

2 Timothy 2:22 (New International Version)

 ²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Deuteronomy 10:12 (New International Version)

 ¹² And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 

STRENGTHENING YOUR FAITH

HAVE FAITH AND GET BUSY

Here's a time-tested formula for success: have faith in God and do the work. It has been said that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going, and those words apply to your physical fitness too.

There are simply no shortcuts to a healthy lifestyle.

 And the world is passing away,

and the lust of it;

but he who does the will of God

abides forever.

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1 John 2:17 

NOTES TO YOURSELF

Makes notes thanking God for the body He has given you.