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Showing posts from January, 2025

Standing Firm in a World of Compromise

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In Daniel 1:12, we see a young man who refused to compromise his convictions, even when it would have been easy to do so. Daniel and his friends were taken from their homeland and placed in the king’s court, where they were offered luxurious food and wine. Yet, Daniel chose to remain faithful to God’s standards, requesting a diet of simple food and water. His decision was not based on rebellion, but on a deep desire to honor God above all else. Like Daniel, we live in a world that constantly pressures us to compromise—whether in our choices, values, or faith. Culture may tell us that success and status are worth any sacrifice, but Daniel’s story reminds us that true strength comes from unwavering faith. He knew that a life dedicated to God was far more valuable than the finest privileges the world could offer. Daniel’s faithfulness was rewarded. After ten days, he and his friends appeared healthier and stronger than those who indulged in the king’s food. More importantly, God granted t...

Lemons & Limes: The Unsung Fruit Heroes

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Lemons and limes are nutritious fruits that provide many health benefits. To start, lemons and limes support the immune system because they are a great source of vitamin C, which contributes to immune system defense and helps the body fight infection. They also help prevent scurvy. Did you know that one lemon offers about half of the recommended daily value of vitamin C? Another wonderful benefit from lemons and limes is that they act as an antiseptic, meaning they help prevent infections and putrefaction. They are also a wonderful stimulant to the liver; and they act as a solvent for uric acid and other toxins. Lemons and limes contain certain compounds in them that help to build not only a healthy body, but to also keep it healthy. For example, lemon and lime have a compound in it called limonene . This compound acts as an antioxidant in the body, absorbing and removing damaging free radicals before they can injure cells. It also helps lower the risk of certain cancers and signs of a...

Justice and Mercy: Can they be partners?

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  The Tension Between Justice and Mercy Picture this: a crime drama unfolds, and the villain is caught at last. You lean in, eager for justice to be served. But then comes the unexpected—leniency, or even a pardon. How does that sit with you? Does it feel satisfying, or does it stir frustration? Justice seems so clear when it’s someone else on trial. But what about when the tables turn, and you’re the one standing before the judge? Our justice system mirrors this tension. Pardons and commutations exist to temper justice with mercy. A pardon wipes the slate clean; a commutation lessens the penalty while leaving the record intact. These acts of grace provoke debate: Are they fair? Are they necessary? And more personally, when you’re the one in the spotlight, what would you want? Justice or mercy? Are Justice and Mercy Opposites? It’s a tough question because justice and mercy often feel like polar opposites. Justice demands fairness and accountability. Mercy offers forgiveness and co...

The Power of a Healthy 'Why': It's Your Choice

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  The Power of Daily Choices Each day, we’re presented with countless choices: what to eat, whether to exercise, how much sleep to get. These decisions might seem small, but they carry profound significance. Consider the story of Ester van den Hoven, a vibrant 93-year-old who commits to a 60-minute exercise class three times a week. Her secret? A mindset rooted in optimism, laughter, and a steadfast belief that her body is a temple of God’s Spirit. Now, picture a young professional, Alex, who also embraces this truth. Between the demands of work, social commitments, and daily life, Alex prioritizes fitness, nourishing meals, and rest—not just to stay healthy, but to honor the Creator. Both Ester and Alex exemplify a deeper “why” behind health: recognizing the sacredness of their bodies as vessels of the Holy Spirit. A New Perspective on Health When we see our bodies as gifts from God, our perspective shifts. It’s no longer just about losing weight, hitting a fitness goal, or fittin...

Times are Changing, Yet There is One Who Never Changes

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In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos around us. From personal struggles to political turmoil, the shifting sands of life can leave us anxious and unsure of what’s next. But as believers, we have a foundation that never changes: God is in control. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” When everything else feels unstable—our jobs, relationships, or even the state of the world—we can rest in the unshakable truth that God’s sovereignty is unchanging. He’s not surprised by our circumstances, nor is He limited by them. Governments rise and fall, leaders come and go, but God’s kingdom remains eternal. Isaiah 9:7 declares, “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” This reminds us that no matter who holds earthly power, the ultimate authority belongs to Him. Likewise, in our personal lives, the chaos may feel overwhelming. Yet, God is the same yeste...

Are you Fluent in the Language of Change?

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For some, a new year is a motivation for a fresh start, new commitments and goals. I have listened to people’s resolutions to be healthier for the start of a new year. Sadly, to say, those resolutions have fallen apart somewhere along the way. More often than not those resolutions become unfulfilled desires. But we should never give up or lose hope. Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline says “To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us.” Every life-changing commitment starts with prayer. Any change on the outside must first begin on the inside. This is the role of prayer in transforming us from the inside and empowering us with the will and the desire to be healthier in body, spirit and mind. Whatever your health goals are for this year, I encourage you to harness a power greater than your own; so great to actually change you at your core. This power only comes from a loving and powerful God. Health Commitment #1 Make a list of three unhe...

Rebuilding The Full Circle Of Life (360 degrees): Four Steps to a Stronger You—Body, Mind, and Spirit

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  Rebuilding The Full Circle: Four Steps to a Stronger You—Body, Mind, and Spirit We live in a world that pulls us in every direction—stress, busyness, poor eating habits, and a constant digital overload. It’s no wonder so many people feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and out of balance. But just like your body can recover from physical exhaustion and poor nutrition, your mind and spirit can also be restored. Let’s break it down into four simple yet powerful steps: Detox, Restore, Strengthen, and Nourish —a strategy that doesn’t just change how you feel but can redefine how you live. Step 1: Detox – Clear Out the Harmful Stuff When it comes to physical health, detoxing means removing harmful substances—processed sugars, toxins, and pollutants that drag your body down. But detoxing isn’t just physical; your mind and spirit need it, too. Negative thoughts, toxic relationships, and endless scrolling on social media can be just as damaging. Take intentional steps to unplug, set boundaries, ...

If You Want to Rebuild your Health, Follow These Four Steps

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The journey to rebuilding health is not an overnight pilgrimage. Just like how it takes time to rebuild a house, a car, a relationship or any other major project; so it is with rebuilding our health. There are many steps a person can take to help rebuild their health, but the following four steps should always be included. These steps are: Step 1: Detox . The path to health starts with internal hygiene. There is not a more powerful way to heal the body than through a cleansing program. It should include proper elimination and detoxification. This first step, done on a regular basis, will open the way for proper digestion, absorption, utilization and elimination.  Step 2: Restore . The restoring process involves bringing the body back to full function. This is done by a continual and consistent effort to implement the eight laws of health, following a specific diet regimen, and making lifestyle modification that encourages and supports healing. Step 3: Strengthen. A strong body is ...