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Showing posts from July, 2024

Your Health Is Like a Garden, Do You Know How to Cultivate It?

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  Why is the Immune System so important? The immune system is the only system that defends the body against infection and everything that does not belong inside of you. It also protects the body’s own cells.  It is your body’s first-line defense against invaders. Without an immune system, we would have no way to fight harmful things that enter the body from the outside, or harmful changes that occur inside the body. Strengthening the immune system is not only a good idea, but a necessity. The healthy functioning of the immune system is dependent to a large extent on proper nutrition. Here are some practical and helpful recommendations for strengthening your immune system.  Eat fresh fruits in abundance every single day. Some examples of fruits that strengthens the immune system are citrus fruits, berries, pomegranates, apples, pineapples, seeded red grapes.  Eat raw leafy greens and vegetables in abundance every single day.  Some examples of vegetables to strengthen the immune system a

The Importance of a Spiritual Diet

Balancing Spiritual Nourishment Our spiritual well-being mirrors our physical health: both require a balanced diet and self-discipline. Proverbs 25:27 and 25:28, alongside Matthew 5:13, offer profound insights into why maintaining a healthy spiritual diet is crucial. Proverbs 25:27 cautions us, “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.” This verse underscores the need for balance in our spiritual lives. Just as overindulgence in honey is unhealthy, becoming overly consumed with complex or speculative spiritual matters can lead to confusion and imbalance. A balanced spiritual diet focuses on core principles of faith and practical application rather than getting lost in unproductive debates or esoteric questions. The Role of Self-Control Similarly, Proverbs 25:28 illustrates the importance of self-control: “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Without self-discipline, our spiritual lives

The Race for Medals: Which One Are You Training For?"

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  As the world turns its eyes to the 2024 Olympics in France, we witness athletes who have dedicated years of their lives to this moment. Their journey is marked by relentless training, unwavering discipline, and a clear vision of victory. These Olympians inspire us with their stories of perseverance and passion. Watching them compete on the world stage, we see the epitome of dedication and commitment to achieving greatness. Just as these athletes prepare for the race of their lives, we too are called to prepare for a far more significant race—the spiritual race of faith. The Apostle Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24, ESV). This verse challenges us to strive with purpose and determination in our spiritual journey. Are we dedicating time to strengthen our faith, deepen our understanding of God's word, and build our relationship with Him? Execution in our spiritual race

Does Your Rest Look Like This? Getting The Right Rest IS More Than A Luxury

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  Rest is not just a luxury; it’s a life necessity deeply rooted in our physiology. When we take time to truly rest, our bodies undergo remarkable transformations. Physiologically, rest helps to lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, leading to a reduction in anxiety and an overall sense of calm. Our muscles repair, inflammation decreases, and our immune system strengthens. The heart rate slows, blood pressure drops and the brain clears away toxic by-products accumulated during periods of activity, enhancing cognitive function and emotional resilience. The evidence of achieving true rest is reflected in our overall well-being. Signs include improved mood, increased energy levels, better sleep quality, and a heightened ability to handle stress. Additionally, a restful mind often translates into increased creativity and productivity, revealing that rest is not idleness but a powerful tool for holistic health. The concept of rest is deeply embedded in scripture. Genesi

What Does it Truly Mean to Take a Sabbath Rest?

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In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of Sabbath rest often feels out of reach. Yet, God’s command to observe the Sabbath offers a crucial reminder of our need for spiritual rejuvenation. But what does true spiritual "rest" look like on the Sabbath? Spiritual rest on the Sabbath isn’t merely about physical relaxation, though that’s certainly a part of it. More importantly, it’s about setting aside our daily routines and distractions to refocus our hearts and minds on God. It's an intentional pause to delight in His presence and the world He created. This rest allows us to recharge spiritually and strengthen our relationship with the Creator. Engaging in spiritual rest means immersing ourselves in activities that draw us closer to God. This could include spending extended time in prayer, diving into Scripture, or participating in worship services. It’s about creating space to listen to God’s voice and reflect on His goodness and faithfulness. Another aspect of Sabbath r

Spiritually Synergistic People Don't Neglect This One Thing That Deficient Believers Do"

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 In the same way that nutrients must work in harmony within our bodies for optimal health, there are vital elements that must synergize for something far more profound. Just as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes interact to fortify our physical well-being, our lives also demand a balanced interplay of specific practices to truly thrive. The Analogy: Iron and Vitamin C Require Synergy Imagine how iron needs vitamin C for better absorption. What if our spiritual journey required similar relationships for optimal growth? "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Could it be that, just as a deficiency in one nutrient can impact our overall health, neglecting one aspect of this synergy might hinder our development spiritually? The Harmony of Spiritual Practices Think about the harmony required. Prayer without scripture is like consuming protein without fiber—it may sustain you temporarily, but it won't provide long-term nourishment. Sim

If You Do This With Your Nutrients, You'll be Ahead of the Pack!

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The health benefits of individual nutrients are well researched and documented; but in recent times, there’s mounting evidence that the combination of certain nutrients found in the same food or across different types of foods produced better results when it comes to their overall effect on our health. Nutrient synergy is the concept of combining foods for greater health benefits than if the individual foods were eaten on their own.  Let’s take a look at some synergistic food and nutrient pairings that help increase the healthfulness of our meals. Iron and vitamin C: Iron aids oxygen transport to cells and prevent anemia. When foods high in vitamin C are paired with iron-rich foods, studies suggest that 67% more iron is absorbed than if the iron-rich food was eaten alone. Vitamin D and calcium: Calcium regulates heartbeat and mineral balance. To increase the absorption of calcium, vitamin D is needed. If there’s not enough vitamin D to help increase calcium, your body will take it from

Resilient People Do One Thing Desperate People Don’t: Beryl's Reminders

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 As storms like Beryl approach, the question isn't if another storm will come, but when. In life, we face similar unpredictability, where waves of despair, anxiety, and depression can crash into us without warning. The consequences of being unprepared for these emotional tempests can be devastating, leading to spiritual and emotional ruin. Imagine you're standing on the shore, watching dark clouds gather on the horizon. The air grows heavy, and you know a storm is coming. Your mind races: Do you have enough supplies? Is your shelter secure? Similarly, when life's storms loom, do you feel confident that your inner foundation is strong enough to withstand the onslaught? What Keeps You Grounded? When the storms of life hit, what keeps you from being swept away? Are your core beliefs solid, or are they like sand, easily washed away by the first wave of trouble? Jesus spoke of building our lives on rock-solid foundations: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine a

People Who Do These Things Embrace Calm After the Storm Instead of Calamity

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Hurricane Beryl's furious winds and relentless rain left a trail of destruction in its wake, uprooting lives and causing widespread devastation. For many, the aftermath of such a calamity can feel overwhelming, a stark contrast to the calm that follows. Yet, it is precisely in this aftermath that we can find God's peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." In the quiet after the storm, amidst the rubble and ruin, we are called to lean into this divine promise. The physical calm that follows a hurricane can mirror the spiritual calm God offers us—an invitation to trust in His sovereign control and unfailing love. Finding peace post-disaster begins with acknowledging our pain and loss. It's natural to grieve and question, but in these moments, we can also draw closer to God, seeking His comfort and guidance