Health & Wholeness
Spiritual Fitness

Your Cure May Be
Prayer
by Gail Rodgers

It has long been
documented that strong
faith affects our physical
bodies. There are proven
health benefits of prayer.
It is believed that even
just occasional private
prayer and Scripture
meditation help people
live healthier and longer
lives. The person who
prays has an outlet for
stress and anxiety.  Blood
pressure can improve.
Recovery after surgery is
shown to significantly
improve in those who find
comfort in religious faith.
Hope and peace are
more prevalent in
pressing times when one
has a strong religious
commitment. Yes, prayer
definitely brings with it a
physiological and
physical benefit.
Jeremiah 15:16
“Your words were found, and I did eat them; and
Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my
heart: for I am called by Your name, O LORD
God of hosts.” [Christian = Christlike]

We are what we eat, so the effect of “eating” the
words of the Son of God is to become like Him.  
As He was, so we should be. (1 John 3:2.)

There is a life-sustaining power in the words of
the Bible.  Christ Himself GIVES the life – the
words SUSTAIN it.

So, just as the physical food we consume
gradually makes its way into our system and
keeps our bodies in physical health either well
or badly depending on whether we eat healthly
or junk foods, so reading and digesting the
words of the Bible can keep us spiritually
healthy if we do not partake of “junk” words on
the side.  

Jesus said,
John 10:10 “I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly.”

One of the ways in which He does this is
through the Bible.  Therefore, we want to make
sure we not only read our Bibles, but "
study to
show ourselves approved; rightly dividing the
word of truth
."
Reading God's Word









When Jesus spoke about fasting, he didn't
say if you fast, but "when you fast"
(Matthew 6:16).
Our Lord assumes that Christians will fast.


Some Benefits of Fasting

Purification - More energy
Rejuvenation - Better sleep
Revitalization - More relaxation  
Rest for digestive organs - Better attitude
Clearer skin - More clarity, mentally
Antiaging effects
Improved senses—vision, hearing, taste  
Inspiration -  Creativity
Reduction of allergies - New ideas
Weight loss - Clearer planning
Drug detoxification - Change of habits  
Better resistance to disease - Diet changes
Spiritual awareness - Right use of will
Nine fast patterns are:


The Disciple's Fast:
Fasting for freedom from addiction

The Ezra Fast:
Fasting to solve problems

The Samuel Fast:
Fasting to win people to Christ

The Elijah Fast:
Fasting to break crippling fears

The Widow's Fast:
Fasting to provide for the needy

The Saint Paul Fast:
Fasting for insight and decision making

The Daniel Fast:
Fasting for health and physical healing

The John the Baptist Fast:
Fasting for an influential testimony

T
he Esther Fast:
Fasting for protection from the evil one.
FASTING
 
 
Physical Fitness
 
 
 
 
 
I wish above all that
thou wouldest
prosper and be in
 
good health
even as
thou soul doth
prosper.
3 John 2

Because man is more
than a physical body,
growing physically is
not enough.
Your
mental health
soon deteriorates
if
spiritual health is
lacking.  
This deterioration
eventually leads to
poor
physical health.
Spiritual Development - A Personal Challenge

As a child I remember wanting to learn how to swim.  In the beginning, I would just wade and splash around in the
shallow water.  I challenged myself and eventually learned how to swim.  Consequently, I am able to enjoy the beautiful
lakes and beaches.  Some Christians never go beyond the wading stage; they're still wading in shallow water.  
Challenge yourself today by getting out into the deep with God.  Find out what exciting things He has planned for you!
 
 

Getting active helps keep your bones, joints and muscles in good condition.
It can also help boost your metabolism, counter stress, and help fight
depression.  Aim for a half hour of exercise, for three to five days a week.

Three Types of Exercise
1. Aerobic - Walking, running, swimming...  Improves lung capacity and circulation, promotes heart health, boost
immunity, benefits digestion, helps maintain joint health, and fosters weight control.
2. Strength Training - Lifting weights, cycling...  Prevents lower back pain, increase bone density, encourage weight
loss, lessens the risk of muscle injury.
3.
Stretching - Any activity that involves stretching.  Prepares muscles for activity, prevents and relieves muscle
stiffness after exercise, reduces the risk of muscle injury, and prevents repetitive strain injury.  
Exercising Safely

* Choose an activity suitable for you
* Warm up and cool down for 10 minutes before and after exercise.
* Consult your doctor if you are new to exercise, have an existing              
medical condition, or if you don't feel well after exercise.
* Get expert advice from a doctor after any exercise-induced injury.
Balanced Diet
 

The food you eat is the source of energy you need to fuel the activity of every cell in your body.  
It also provides the nutrients required for physical growth and repair.  

A
balanced diet must contain carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, mineral salts and Fiber.
It must contain these things in the correct proportions.

Carbohydrates: these provide a source of energy.
Proteins: these provide a source of materials for growth and repair.
Fats: these provide a source of energy and contain fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamins: these are required in very small quantities to keep you healthy.
Mineral Salts: these are required for healthy teeth, bones, muscles etc.
Fiber: this is required to help your intestines function correctly; it is not digested.
 
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have
from God.  You are not your own; you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body.
                                                                                                   1 Cor. 6:19-20
                    
Emotional Health
 
STRESS
Why is it important to reduce stress?
Stress is the body’s natural response to challenging situations, causing muscles to tense and the mind to be more alert.
The burst of adrenaline gives you energy to meet your goals. However, if stress does not subside and continues to upset
your daily life, the effects can be serious. You may experience problems eating or sleeping, headaches, neck aches,
backaches, increased use of alcohol and/or other drugs, upset stomach, fatigue, poor concentration, nightmares, and
frustration. Stress affects many bodily functions, especially your immune system. Excessive stress is believed to be a factor
in illnesses ranging from colds and flu to heart disease.

Methods to Reduce Stress

Set realistic goals
Find a mode for release. Exercising, writing in a journal, and talking to friends .
Learn relaxation techniques.
Make a to-do list: plan activities by priority and consolidate similar tasks, trips, and errands. Let paper hold the things you
want to accomplish so you don’t have to worry about them. Focus on one item from your list at a time.
Schedule for interruptions. Allow about 10 minutes per hour for unplanned interruptions.
Eliminate clutter from your day.  
Schedule breaks.  
Stay healthy. Get good sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a balanced diet.
Think positively. An optimistic view of the future will help you stay relaxed now.
Don’t dwell on the past. Learn from mistakes and move on.
Let go of things you cannot control and instead focus on what you can.
Learn to say “no” and set healthy limits and boundaries.
Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall   
we wear?"  For after all these things the Gentiles seek, For your heavenly Father knows that     
you need all these things.                                                                                        Matthew 6:31
My desire is to help people learn how to
maintain their health so they can truly fulfill
the number of their days according to Ex.
23:26.  
Jesus wants us healed, and God's covenant
to every born-again believer is divine health.
 

The Keys to Healthy Living

A good diet, regular exercise, and managing  
stress
are the main ways to maintain
health naturally.  
For Your Information
Anxiety may under-lie an obsessive-compulsive disorder. In which the person needs to keep doing
something, such as washing hands, checking that lights are off, or repeating distressing thoughts.  
Seek professional help if  this type of behavior is disrupting normal life.  
13 Healing Scriptures
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