Healthy Body and Spirit in Christ

1 Timothy 4:8



For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (KJV)


Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come (NLT)




Being a service member, staying physically fit is a must. We constantly (or some of us should be) doing some form of physical activity to keep in shape and stay mentally focused at all times. Our fitness even plays an integral part in our evaluations and promotions. Have you considered your spiritual fitness lately?

I remember my brother Reggie Mackey in Afghanistan speaking one Sunday about being fit. He said, "If you are breathing heavy when you go up a flight of stairs and breathe hard, you know you are out of shape." He went on to add being out of shape spiritually. If you don't stay in shape spiritually how will you be able to fight spiritually (paraphrase). It made sense. In fact, God cares deeply about the condition of both your body and your soul. Spiritual exercise should be as purposeful and strenuous as physical exercise. But remember that the benefits of spiritual fitness last for eternity. It's the benefits of physical fitness last only as long as your body. After all, when we leave our temporary home, our body stays behind. But that doesn't mean not to get and stay in shape. So don't get it twisted! Our body is a temple of Christ. However, knowing the eternal benefits of spiritual exercise should motivate you to keep your physical and spiritual health in wholesome balance and help you experience a vibrant relationship with your Creator... the Almighty God.


Poem: Health Of The Mind
by Jerry Brundies

The body can be a source of wealth
Train it right for your health.
When the body is ready
Your mind will steady.

A peace will surround your being
and your face will give off a glow
as your training has brought the healing
your mind and body know



Are you getting enough spiritual exercise?

Accomplishments In and Through Christ

Romans 1:17



This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." (NLT)



Salvation is truly the greatest of accomplishments ever told and believed. Ironically, it is not accomplished through your own work - it only comes through the work of God in your heart. Salvation is simply a matter of faith, of believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins so that you can live forever with Him in heaven. Now that's a good feeling inside and out. And, you should thank God for accomplishing this tremendous work in and through you daily!


Song: Glory To God, Whose Sovereign Grace

Glory to God, whose sovereign grace
Hath animated senseless stones;
Called us to stand before His face,
And raised us into Abraham’s sons!

The people that in darkness lay,
In sin and error’s deadly shade,
Have seen a glorious gospel day,
In Jesus’ lovely face displayed.

Thou only, Lord, the work hast done,
And bared Thine arm in all our sight;
Hast made the reprobates Thine own,
And claimed the outcasts as Thy right.

Thy single arm, almighty Lord,
To us the great salvation brought,
Thy Word, Thy all-creating Word,
That spake at first the world from naught.



Have you shared your life's greatest accomplishment with those you lead?

LIFTED IN GOD

Isaiah 40:26:a


Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things … (KJV)

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? (NIV)

Look up to the skies. Who created all these stars? (NCV)


As a young girl I wanted to be various people and I looked up to them (admired them). My grandfather (aka Daddy), Mary Poppins, Miss Lilly (elementary music teacher), Laura Ingalls, Mary McLeod Bethune, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Oprah Winfrey and Doris Day just to name a few. Then I guess my biggest idol was Whitney Houston. Boy was I devastated to see her life spiral down without any regard to doing what's right in spite of. Notice I said "idol". Like time, my bruises were healed. And so will yours. You see, God allows us to awaken from a state in our lives to where we have to look up. And as you look up, you have to face whatever that is eye-to-eye. God was right there in the midst of all my happiness, trials and tribulations. I had to look Him right in the eyes and stake hold in His power. Once I did that, all that craziness didn't matter. I can say with every step, tear, and shout - victory was declared in the name of Jesus. So whenever you have an issue or you feel like saying something … look up and talk to Him. He's there always willing to listen come rain or shine.

Song: Love Lifted Me

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I'll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul's best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!


When you look for strength, do you see God? When you just want to share your joy, is it with God first?