Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man (from Luke 2:52).
Does that boggle anyone's mind but mine? Besides physically, God the Son was capable of growing mentally, spiritually, and socially. Don't ask me to explain that. I just know that if Jesus grew in every area of His life, we would do well to recognize our own need to grow in all these areas as well.
Often in Scripture we find times when Jesus, even as an adult, came apart from the crowds and even His closest friends to be alone with God, His Father. We also need to allow our minds, spirits, souls, and bodies to be refreshed and renewed in His presence through His Word, prayer, and the almost paradoxical convicting/comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit.Sometimes we miss the forest for the trees. Here are some very basic ideas to start with:
devote one hour out of 24 for your health, then YOU ARE TOO BUSY! Learn to say this tiny, little word that for some people
is perhaps the most difficult word in the world to say--in any language: NO. Then just practice good, old fashioned discipline.
Often in Scripture we find times when Jesus, even as an adult, came apart from the crowds and even His closest friends to be alone with God, His Father. We also need to allow our minds, spirits, souls, and bodies to be refreshed and renewed in His presence through His Word, prayer, and the almost paradoxical convicting/comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit.Sometimes we miss the forest for the trees. Here are some very basic ideas to start with:
- Have one day each week that is devoted to God and rest. Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night, the hours before midnight being the most important.
- Meditate on Scripture daily and LISTEN to God. Start with 15 minutes. Work up to 30. Keep a prayer journal. It will amaze you!
- Exercise regularly. Check with your doctor if you have health concerns. Start with 15 minutes. Work up to 30.
devote one hour out of 24 for your health, then YOU ARE TOO BUSY! Learn to say this tiny, little word that for some people
is perhaps the most difficult word in the world to say--in any language: NO. Then just practice good, old fashioned discipline.
- Be an active member of your local church. Join a small group (Sunday School, Bible study, interest group). Serve. It's rewarding!
I understand that I have not said anything new. You already know that you should be taking care of your mind, body, soul, and spirit. But do you do these fundamental things? If not, do you have an action plan? Make one now. There is a huge difference between knowing and doing. If I may be so bold as to reference Dr. Phil, I heard him say something of great value on his show when I was on break at work not long ago. He mentioned that the difference between a dream (nice idea) and a goal is an action plan and a timeline. I do not equate what Dr. Phil says with what God says, but when you're right, you're right!
Write down one specific thing in each area that you can do on a regular basis. Keep it on your bathroom mirror to remind you. Maybe you are already doing well in all all these areas. Good for you! Keep up the good work. If you are having trouble finding a way to fit it all in, brainstorm with a friend. Maybe you can keep her kids while she exercises, and she can watch yours while you exercise. A friend of mine and I did that when we were stay-home moms years ago. That doubles the time, but it is just one idea. Being as fit as you possibly can be will make it easier for you to redeem the time by fulfilling God's purposes for your life. You are not alone in this, so keep putting forth your part of the effort, and know that God is going to be the One at work in you, giving you both the desire and the ability to do His good will (from Philippians 2:13). Remember: no one is perfect, but we should all be improving. I share information about my own personal diet in my blog dated 3-31-12. |
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