Living Under God’s Protection

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been dominating the world news, economy, stock markets, air travel, and life as we know it. There is fear and panic among people everywhere. But as believers, we can not only survive but also thrive through these turbulent times. 

Living under the protection of God is a big topic in the Scriptures. God has made specific provisions for those who choose to live under His protection. While many people are motivated by fear, the people of God can rest in peace, knowing that He is in control of our lives. He will not let any evil to come near us. We are not ignorant or condescending, but we do not have to let a virus dictate our lives. Let us look at seven things you can know/do during this time!

1. Do not fear. God is in control. He does not do anything random. He has a plan and a purpose. No matter what happens in our world, it must pass through the courts of heaven. God does not bring evil upon us but works through situations that we face. Do not get God mixed up with the devil. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). The affairs of our lives do not catch God by surprise. He is not wringing His hands thinking, “What am I going to do now?” He is not calling on the angels to discuss a bailout plan. No. He already has a solution before the problem began. God said, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).

2. You have insurance. Before the various plagues struck the Egyptians, God said, “I will make a clear distinction between my people and your people…” (Exodus 8:23 NLT). One of the benefits of following Christ is that we are immune from the crisis around us. A ship does not drown when it is surrounded by water. A ship’s integrity is compromised only when water gets inside it. In the same way, you may be surrounded by plague but do not let it get inside of you. God promised, “So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you” (Exodus 23:25 NKJV). 

 

3. Spend quality time with your loved ones. There is never enough time to spend with the people we love and care for. During this time of limited movement, take the time to bond with your family and loved ones. Sometimes the people who sacrifice the most for us are least appreciated. Why not pick up the slack and start serving your family a little more. Love and assist your family by being available and doing chores together like cooking or cleaning. Spend one-on-one time with your kids and let them know how important they are to you. 

 

4. Protect yourself. We are in the world but not of this world. Just because we’re Christ-followers does not mean we have to throw away our brains. Protect yourself by washing your hands frequently with soap. Avoid physical contact such shaking hands and giving hugs. Keep a distance of four to six feet between you and others. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Take vitamins and supplements to boost your immune system. 

 

5. Have a personal revival. When we are forced to distance ourselves from others and when we cannot even go to church for fellowship, it makes for a great time to experience a personal awakening. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Let us use this time of isolation to grow closer to God. Be still and ask the Holy Spirit if there are areas in your life where you can come up higher. When we are vertically strong, we will be horizontally successful also. 

 

6. Talk about Jesus. Seasons of uncertainty and crisis are some of the best times to share the gospel as many hearts are open, willing, and receptive to the things of God. You do not have to be obnoxious about it. Nor do you have to barge into people’s lives waving a Bible, preaching guilt and condemnation. Be sensitive and on the lookout for those who are distressed and overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. We are the salt and light of the world. Let us use these opportunities to bring hope, healing, and wholeness through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

7. Declare God’s Word. Step away from the news and social media and tune into God’s promises. Shield yourself and your family by proclaiming Psalm 91 as often as you can. Let me say a prayer of peace, protection, and provision over your life: “Father, I declare that fear and anxiety leave your people immediately. I command the death and destruction of Coronavirus around the world. I proclaim sickness, disease, crisis, calamities, and plagues to flee from us. I thank you for protecting our children and senior citizens from catching anything that would be detrimental to their health. I thank you for strength and speedy recovery over those who have been infected. I declare that the only thing we will catch is the goodness of God, mercy, strength, health, longevity, favor, abundance, and a satisfied life.” You said, “The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV). Lord, we believe and receive your peace and protection in Jesus’ Name Amen.” 

 

“A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you” (Psalm 91:7 NKJV).

 

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Aging with Grace

 

Everybody wants to live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives. But like everything else, the good life does not just come knocking on your door automatically. We have to be proactive if we want to age with grace.

 

Recently I spoke to a group of men that I meet with regularly. One of them said, “When you cross fifty, you should accept that things are going to start falling apart. Aches and pains are the new norm.” I was disturbed by his comment and quickly answered, “Yeah, everybody except me! I’ll age well and live in divine health as long as I can because the Bible has promised me that.” My dear friend replied, “Well, you’re in denial!”

 

So what does the Bible teach about getting old? The Bible says, “Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years" (Genesis 6:3 NIV). There are many people in the Bible who lived much longer. Noah lived to be 600 years old even after God's declaration, and his sons lived hundreds of years as well. Generations later, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived well past the age of 120 years. “Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NKJV). Moreover, people today are reported to live longer than 120 years old on some occasions. 

 

You may say, “Brother Sandy, are you serious about living 120 years?” The truth is that I used to scoff at this notion but after researching the Bible, I started to believe it. Now I thank God every day for giving me 120 good years! My attitude is to shoot for the moon and even if I fail, I will fall among the starts, rather than aim low and make it. You do not have to start breaking apart under aches, pains, and chronic illnesses. Nowhere in the Bible God has promised that. That is just not His plan for your life.

                                                                                                                      

So what can we do to live a long, satisfied life, free of sickness, disease, aches, and pains? Let me share four practical things you can do to increase your longevity and natural vigor.

 

1. Grey matters. I am not talking about your hair color. I am talking about your brain cells. Age is a matter of mind. The number one secret to a vigorous life is taking care of your mental health. What you feed your mind will determine the quality of your life. No matter how accomplished you are, focus on personal development and continue to grow. Join a computer, art, or craft class. Attend cultural festivals and events. Learn a language. Travel and go see the world. The Brazilian author Paulo Coelho said, “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.” Keep your mind fresh and occupied with stimulating and wholesome information.

 

2. Build new relationships. People are always cycling out of our lives so you have to make sure to add new people in to your life. This is especially true as you get older. Do not let your world shrink by withdrawing from society. My friend Ron is 83 years old and extremely smart. He has done well in life and has plenty of resources. Nevertheless, he just picked up a job at Lowe’s because he wanted to interact with people and expand his circle of acquaintances!

 

3. Protect your heart. Solomon, the wisest man ever said, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV). Keep your heart free from offenses. Forgive in advance and let go of grudges. Give generously—not just your money but also your time, wisdom, gifts, and talents.

 

4. Take care of yourself. Your body is not only where you live but the Holy Spirit lives in you! How you look correlates to how you feel. Remember that you are an Ambassador of Christ. Do not let yourself go! Dress well. Talk well. Eat well. Sleep well. Exercise well regularly. Even fifteen minutes a day will have you feeling invigorated and energize. Make sure to get your heart pumping each day. Hang around young people. Mentor them and pass on your wisdom to them. 

 

Let me give you a few promises that you can declare over your life every day. “With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation” (Psalm 91:16 NKJV). “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV). “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green” (Psalm 92:14 NLT).

 

Do not fear death! When you are fully satisfied with this life, you will go to sleep and wake up in heaven.  The scripture says, “The memory of the righteous is blessed.”

 

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16 NLT).

 

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God’s Plan for Your Life

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is important that we know God’s will for our lives. Many people are uncertain about God’s love for them and what He wants them to do with their lives. I have Good News for you. God’s wants to give you a hope and a future that you could have never comprehend.

Today we will discuss God’s thoughts on five areas of our lives. If we can grasp the concepts of these pillars, we will excel and exceed in every area of our lives.

Get cozy with God. If you want to gather honey, don’t kick the beehive. Our vertical life on earth will only be as fruitful as our horizontal life with God in heaven. When we do our best to honor God with what we know and what we have, we invite God’s unprecedented blessings upon our lives. When we hold on to things that displeases our Maker, we delay our own promotion. God is poised to take you to the next level but you must deal with what’s He’s showing you. If we take time to connect with God in the morning (or any other routine time suitable for you) then God will bring us people to connect with all day long. Put God first and you’ll do a roaring trade in life.

Invest in your family. Our relationship with our family is an indicator of our relationship with our God. When we love, cherish and value the family God has given us, we’re watering our own garden. Often we’re readily available to help others. Don’t advance your career at the expense of your family. Wise King Solomon lamented, “They made me keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.” Spend time with your family. Love and serve your spouse. Speak positive words of encouragement and affirmation over them. Give them something to live up to. People are not mind readers – compliment them frequently. Forgive quickly and add honor to each other. Kids spell love T-I-M-E. Don’t just give your best to your company and bring your leftover to your family. Live a balanced life. At the end of your days you will not ask for another day at the office but your loved ones to be with you. Your family is the greatest treasure you have. Invest now, reap later.

Make new friends. It’s comfortable to be friends with people you know. If your friends look all the same, eat the same food, speak the same language and listen to the same type of music, you’re living a very shallow life. Enlarge your circle of friends. Meet new people. Network, go to church, and celebrate with others. Be in the marketplace. Be visible. Communicate. The more you’re investing in others the more God will open doors for you. Make new friends but remember it’s better to have a few good and Godly influences than to drown with the ungodly. Seek out positive, life-giving, lifter-uppers who will cry with you when you’re down and dance with you when you’re up.

Master your money. Money isn’t everything in life but it touches everything important you want in life. If we’re going to be unruly and undisciplined about money, we won’t go very far in life. Our material society has elevated money to be a deity. Never set making money as your goal or let money be a motivator. Instead of wanting money, seek to bless others. The Kingdom of God works in reverse – the more you give the more you’ll receive. Beginning of this year, decide how much you want to give away and then watch God channeling funds through you like never before. Become a conduit. The only thing going to heaven is people; invest in them. Pay your bills ahead of time. Chip away at your debt; you’ll overcome. Believe God for explosive financial blessings from unknown sources. Make God your Source!

Get active. Your body is not only where you live but it is where God lives. When we honor God with our body by doing proper exercise, sleeping enough hours and paying attention to what we eat and drink, we will reap the benefits thereof. Health is wealth. What you do now with your body is how good you’ll look, feel and enjoy in the years to come.

Let me leave you with God’s promise for your life. “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Ephesians 3:20 The Message).

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Health is Wealth

God created us in different shape, size and form. We’re not supposed to look like Barbie doll but we’re all supposed to live healthy. Our body is not only where we live but it is also where God lives. We’re responsible to take care of our health.

We’re all made up of body, mind, spirit and soul. Therefore, it is not just enough to focus on physical exercise we need to also pay attention to our mental and spiritual health. Today, let’s discuss some of the major areas we can improve our health.

Get active. There’s a tremendous awareness in our society about the benefit of staying fit. Many of you my friends are shining example of staying fit. Facebook is full of entries of exercise triumphs. I love it! Some of my friends are exercising both for them and me. Most of us however need to make an effort for it. I’m not greatly motivated to exercise but I’ve realized this, if I don’t do what’s needed now, I’ll live shorter and unproductive life. Here’s the simple key. Exercise! No matter what you do, how long and how often – get active. Anything you do is better than nothing.

Don’t worry! Worry and stress will send you early to grave. We’re all tempted to worry about something every day. When we worry, we change nothing. A Nepalese proverb says, “The tiger in our mind is bigger than the tiger in the jungle.” We often worry about things that have no basis for it.

Yesterday, I had lunch with an old friend. I had brought my laptop with me to show him some pictures of what God was doing on the mission field. I had put my computer down by my chair and when we got done visiting, I completely forgot about my laptop. I drove almost fifteen minutes before I remembered my laptop. I start to worry. I took a sharp U-turn but I was distraught. I had all my important documents in my laptop. Negative stories of my friends loosing stuff began to flood my mind. The tigers in my mind were becoming bigger and bigger. Finally, I remembered what I often advise people to do – prayer! I prayed briefly and asked God to protect my laptop. When I returned to the restaurant, I looked under my table and there was no computer. I panicked! When I asked the staff at the counter, she said, “What color is your computer?” I said, “It’s an HP, gray color.” Immediately, she handed me my computer. I was so relieved! I thanked God and walked away happy. The point of this story is: we can worry or we can pray. Prayer brings results worry destroys our health.

Watch your intake. A great emphasis has been put on our eating intake. It’s important that we eat and drink healthy. A lot more sinister enemy is what we feed our minds. When we watch negative news reports over and over, when we indulge in trash TV and internet we damage ourselves much greater than bad choices of food. It’s ok to stay current with news and world affairs but don’t get addicted to negative media or attitude. Keep a positive picture of yourself and the world. Protect your mental health by guarding what you read, listen and watch. The movies that play in your mind most frequently will be the reality you’ll live in life. Turn off the negative feeds.

Serve others. One of the most selfish things you can do for yourself is to serve others. When you help others, you release a happy hormone called endorphin. A sense of purpose, self-worth and significance will rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Reach out to at least one person every day. When you’re a blessing to others, God Himself will bless you. Friends, let’s take care of our body. Our health is our wealth!

“Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you” (Exodus 23:25 NIV).

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Broadcast Yourself

We live in the age of media, social networks and webcams that bring instant attention to whatever we want to promote. Often things we see are not very wholesome. But there’s a way you can broadcast yourself without costing you a dime.

Smile.

Yesterday, I got the biggest compliment when someone said to me, “You always have a smile on your face!” I’m not conscience of it anymore but yes there was a time when I made it my personal growth plan to “learn to smile.” Our smile has powerful implications. Researchers say it take forty seven muscles to frown but only four to smile. Today we’ll look at many benefits of smile and laughter.

Our smile is the billboard that either draws people to us or repels people from us. When we smile, we’re saying, I like you; I’d like to get to know you better. If our eyes are the window to our soul, our smile is the window to our heart. When we smile, we express the joy in our hearts. A smile breaks down barrier and makes us welcoming to strangers.

When I was in “smile training” I made me think happy thoughts or a funny incident to get me going. I’m sure, at times, people thought I was stupid. But that didn’t stop me from my smile exercise. Soon it became so part of me that I was smiling naturally. I didn’t have to fake it or manufacture it. I had a cheerful continence without making any effort. Now, everywhere I go people are drawn to me because they feel welcomed to talk to me.

I’ve always felt awkward watching Christian movies where Jesus is characterized as a serious, mystical figure. Sometimes even his voice is altered and it sounds very fake and religious. In a recent version, Jesus is smiling when He comes out of the waters of baptism. He plays with the kids and jokes with the disciples. I believe that Jesus was a lighthearted man. People felt safe to be around him. His smile made people comfortable.  His smile broadcasted His heart.

Modern medical science is finding out the benefits of smile, laughter and a cheerful continence. The neuroscience section of the Discovery Channel lists some of the advantages of laughter. It lowers blood pressure. It reduces stress hormones. It increases disease-killing cells. It releases endorphins – a feel good hormone that reduces stress. It strengthens the immune system. It improves memory and creativity. I don’t know about you but I’ll smile all day just to get the benefit of any one of these. I love it when medical science proves age-old truths in the Bible. God’s Word says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs. 17:22 NLT). Did you know in many nursing homes, old comedies are being played? It’s bringing healing and lengthening the days of its occupants. Laughter brings longevity.

In our recent missions trip to China, we’re standing in a long line trying to enter the Great Wall. It was a very hot day and there were no covers anywhere. Hundreds of people were packed like sardines. My team and I were all very uncomfortable. Suddenly, I spotted a little Chinese boy and his sister who were with their mother and grandparents. They were being impatient like us. I smiled and made some friendly gestures and immediately they responded. Soon we’re laughing, tickling, playing and providing entertainment to at least couple of dozen people standing in the line around us. The time passed must faster. When we’re about to enter the gate those two kids made their way in front of us to say bye to us. I put my hands on them and prayed a silent prayer for them to know Jesus and serve Him someday.

Smile my friend. It suits you. It will add years to your life. When we broadcast ourselves with a smile, people know we’re open for business. They feel safe to befriend us. We can be healing balm to those who are hurting. A smile, laughter and a merry heart does good like a medicine. Smile!

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15 ESV).

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Family Matters

With back to school fever, parents, grandparents and children are shifting into new gear. Summer holidays were fun but now it’s time to settle back into the routine. Our family is a gift from God and we should not take it for granted.

One reason the family has been so much under attack is because it represents God the most. For decades now the family values have been reduced to shreds. But a family belongs to God and He will not allow it to fizzle out. Fads come and go but our families are here to stay. Therefore, we might as well learn to get along with each other. We shouldn’t just endure our family but enjoy them.

Everything God does have an order. The solar system circles in a certain motion. The waves of the sea have rhythms and even the law of nature operates in a certain order. If a family has to be healthy it must also have God’s order at home. Today let’s discuss a few principles from God’s Word about family matters.

First, the husbands! It is God’s plan for the husband to be the head of the family. Let me assure you, men did not come up with this idea. God did! Many men have abdicated their role as the leader of the family and that’s why we have such havoc in our society. Leadership is not to be confused with dictatorship. Leadership is making sure the right person is making the right decision. Involve your wife in important decision making process. It’s smart because if the plan fails you have someone else to share the blame with! Men it is not enough to be lions in your career but now it is time for you to lead your family in spiritual things. Don’t just provide for our family financially but provide for their emotional, mental and social needs also. You’ve got to make her feel secured of your love and provision in every area. Your wife and children need your praise, understanding and validation. Give up control and allow your wife freedom. More is caught than taught. Children become what they hear. Lavish them with affirmation. Catch them doing something right and brag about it. Teach your children responsibilities, Godly values and establish healthy boundaries. Discipline is still in God’s Book. Unconditional love is like glue that binds your family together. If we want our women to follow us as the church needs to follow Christ then we must also lay down our lives in service to our family God gave us. Remember, no man was awarded for what he received but what he gave.

Ladies, you’re beautiful so your job is to make everything beautiful. God has given you incredible gift to love and nurture your family. You look most beautiful when you operate as the “helper.” A woman’s value is the same as of the husband but our roles are different. Don’t assume the roles of your husband, it makes him feel inadequate. The most important thing your husband need from you is respect and honor. The more you brag about him in private and in public the better he will perform. Remember, men are little boys trapped in large bodies. Don’t focus on the 20% your husband may not be best at rather focus on the 80% he’s good at. Let God change him. He’s got a heavy Hand! When you create an atmosphere that is filled with fun, peace and laughter, everybody will want to hang around the house. Just the opposite is also true when a home is filled with strife and stress. Don’t sweat the small stuff. You don’t always have to agree on everything. When you cannot agree on an issue with your husband, yield and let him make the final decision. Be comfortable but look your best at home as you do in public. Your tenderness mixed with gracefulness and prayers are mighty weapons that will melt every heart. You are the most valuable treasure in the family!

The scripture says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord.” Turn down the volume and turn up the respect. There will be authorities you’ll have to submit to all your life; start practicing at home. You’ll live long and it will go well with you. Your parents are the only free life lessons you’ll have. Take their advice; it will save you a lot of heartaches. Learn, grow, belong - your family is the only thing God chose for you. Accept and admire your family. Dedicate yourself to the things of God and high ambitions and you’ll see success in every step of your life. Don’t like what I have to say about today? Talk to God! These are His ideas.

God’s thoughts on family: (Ephesians 5:22 – 6:4, Colossians 3:18-21, I Peter 3:1-12).

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Receive the Son

One of the things that separate Christianity from all other religion is grace. Religion is man’s ways to reach out to God Christianity is God reaching down to man. It is by receiving His grace we can inherit the Kingdom of God.

Millions of believers today think that in order to be on God’s good side, we have to perform. What’s dangerous about this theology is you can never be good enough to buy God’s favor. It’s a gift. The only way we can have God’s unmerited favor is to accept the finished work on the Cross.

The Bible says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. When we realize that everything we need has been given to us, we will not strive anymore. We don’t have to live a performance based life. We don’t have to think, “Lord please bless me with a good job because I’ve been going to church for six months straight.” We don’t have to plead, “Bless me God financially or heal my sickness because I’ve been a faithful tither.” Nothing wrong with works but if we mix grace with works, we’re walking on dangerous ground. Receive grace by faith plus nothing and then bring forth the works of righteousness.

I heard a story about a wealthy father and his son who loved great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out the son went to war. There he died trying to rescue another soldier. Upon receiving the news of his son’s death, the father grieved deeply for his son. After about a month there was a knock on his door. It was the soldier who was saved by his son. After expressing his sorrow and the valor of the son, the solider handed a large package to the father.

When the father opened the package it was a large portrait of his son painted by the soldier-armature artist. As he looked at his son’s eyes the father’s own eyes welled up in tears. Gaining his composure quickly the father offered to pay the artist for his work. The soldier quickly refused by saying "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift." The father proudly hung his son’s portrait next to the expensive arts of Van Gogh and Picasso.

Several months later, the father also died and his whole estate went up for auction. The auctioneer started, “We’ll start by bidding with the picture of the son. Who will bid for this painting?” There was silence. A bidder spoke up with irritation, “We didn’t come for the painting of the son; we’re here for the Van Gogh.” The auctioneer continued, “The son! The son! Who will take the son?” Finally a voice came from the back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the family. He said, “I can afford only $10 for the painting of the son.” Excited, the auctioneer began to shout, “We have $10, who will bid $20!” There was no taker. Finally a bidder said, “Give it to him for $10, we’re here to see the masters.” The auctioneer pounded the gavel, “Going once, going twice, sold for $10.” With a sigh of relief the crowd shouted, “Now let’s get on with the real masterpiece items.” The auctioneer replied, “Sorry, the auction is over.” You see, there was a stipulation by the owner that I couldn’t reveal before. His will said, “Whoever takes the son, gets it all.”

My friend, don’t spend your whole life chasing a Van Gogh or a Picasso. The most valuable things in life are friends, family, health, relationships and God’s eternal gift of Salvation. God has made provision for our every need through Christ. Whoever receives His Son, gets it all. Don’t try to achieve, just receive. When you accept God’s free gift of salvation - love, joy, peace, promotion, health and prosperity will come chasing after you. The measure of success in our lives is not determined by what we achieve but what we’re willing to receive from God. In Him there’s fullness of everything. Don’t spend the rest of your life trying to achieve; simply receive His grace by faith. Remember, whoever has the Son, has it all!

 

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17 NIV)!

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The Value of Friendship

Fear gripped one of the two World War I soldiers when he saw his life-long friend fall in the battle. Bullets flying in every direction, he asked his lieutenant if he could go to the trenches and retrieve his fallen comrade.

“You can go,” said the lieutenant, “but I don’t think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw away your own life.”

Immediately the young soldier took off running towards the trenches and miraculously he returned to his own company hoisting his friend on his shoulders. As they stumbled together to the bottom of the trench, the officer looked intently at the young soldier.

“I told you it wouldn’t be worth it. Your friend is dead and you’re fatally wounded.”

“Yes sir,” the solider replied, “but it was totally worth it because when I got to him he was still alive.” I had the satisfaction of hearing him say, “I knew you’d come!”

This Memorial Day, let’s honor all the service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our family, friends and country.

Today, I also want to take this opportunity to talk about the value of friendship in our lives. Often we take our friends for granted. We expect them to be there for us even if we don’t invest in them. True friendship is a two way street. Here are a few thoughts on developing long-lasting friendships.

Seek for ways to deposit into your friends. When we are aware of what our friends mean to us, we will find ways to add value to their lives.

Visit or call your friends for no reason. Life gets busy and we get carried away with our daily activities. If our “contacts” only reflect the people we do business with we’re living in a very small world. Drop by at a friend’s home or work place. Give a call just to check on them.

Expand the landscape of your friendship. Don’t just make friends with people who look, talk and act like you. How boring is that? Cultivate friendship from various groups of people regardless of their color, culture or ethnic background. Try different types of food with your friends. Go to their cultural events. Watch a movie or listen to music in different languages. Visit your friend’s church. You’ll be amazed how your life will be enriched simply by expanding the landscape of your friendship.

Express your feelings in writing. Written notes, cards and letters have a special meaning. It can have a multiple impact. When you express your friendship in writing, it can be appreciated many times in the years to come. Handwritten notes are a rarity today. Send postcards or a picture of your times together.

Another way you can solidify friendship is to give gifts. Little gifts that convey the message “I’m thinking about you or I care about you” can mean the world to a friend who is going through a rough patch. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive but I’ve never met a person who doesn’t want to receive a gift.

Be loyal. Friendship starts with trust but loyalty is the glue that keeps a friendship together. Loyalty simply means that you stick with your friend through thick and thin and take up for them. A loyal friend will advise you to do the right thing no matter how hard it is. Speak the truth in love.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17 NLT).

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Developing Healthy Eating Habits

Many of us struggle with ideal weight, health conditions and lack of adequate energy. This is why it is so important to keep up with our body, spirit and soul. Because we’re a three part being, what happens in one of these areas will affect the other.

The Bible says that our body is the temple of God. It is not only where we live but it is also where God lives. One of my friends says, “You are what you eat.” That is why it is so important to pay careful attention to our eating habits. What we put in our body is what we’re going to get out of it. Today we will discuss developing better eating habits so we can feel and look better while our spirit operates in high octane.

First thing about developing better eating habits is to have the right attitude towards food and our wellbeing. If we want to be healthy, we have to have the right mental picture of our ideal weight and health condition. How we see ourselves internally is how we will become externally.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Eating breakfast is like taking your vehicle for a drive. If it doesn’t have gas in it, it’s not going to go very far. A healthy breakfast gives our body the fuel and energy we need to perform better through the day.

Eat from a small plate. A lot happens to our brain when we’re eating. When we eat from a small plate it looks like we’re eating from a full plate and thus it helps us to reduce our total intake. Eat large bowls of salad and small plates of food.

Eat slowly. When we gorge ourselves eating quickly in order to “save time,” we’re sending the wrong message to our brain. Did you know our brain sends signal how much we should eat? When we’re eating too fast we’re bypassing our brain.

Cut down on meat. You may not like to hear this but you’ll live longer. If you’re a meat lover, cut down on the red meat. Replace meat with fish and more vegetables.

Eat fresh food and fruits. God created food to be enjoyed. Whenever we buy packaged and processed food we may save time but we’ll destroy our body. Read what the label says. Fruits and nuts are great healthy snacks. Cut down the sugar.

Drink more water. Did you know sixty percent of our body consists of water? This is why we must keep our body hydrated with water. Water is life. Water purifies the toxin and impurities in our body. You can drink whatever you want but make sure that eighty to ninety percent of your liquid intake is water. It is the original health drink!

Get active. A great way to enhance your health is to put regular exercise on your diet. No matter what your preference is, get active. You can work out, work in the garden, walk, run, and swim or play other sports. When we’re breaking sweat, we release endorphin or the “happy hormone” that releases stress and puts us in good mood. Exercise will not only make you look good it will make you feel good.

Sleep is another vital part of health and wellness. A minimum of eight hours of sleep is recommended to operate in our optimum level. Your body is the only machine you’ll have. No engine can operate 24/7. Sleep is like rebutting your computer. It gets rid of all the fatigues and revitalizes your body. Sleep makes you look beautiful.

I know these may not seem like very spiritual insight. But how we feel has greatly to do with our spirit. When we’re developing healthy eating habits, we’re making our spirits more beautiful. Let us honor God with what we eat and drink for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for taking this as a gentle reminder to act on what God has already been dealing with you. I declare that you’ll live long, healthy and fulfill the number of your days on earth.

“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” (I Corinthians 6:19 NIV).

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