God is God and we are not!

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

What do you dream of doing that your body won’t let you do right now?

Virginia’s destiny is to become the healthiest state in the nation by the end of 2007. I am so thankful that Matt Gregory, my pastor, has started 2007 off with a long sermon series about the essentials of highly healthy people. Today’s devotional is a summary of Matt’s sermon preached yesterday.

In his book “The Maker’s Diet,” Jordan Rubin discusses the importance of fasting, exercise, and rest. Today, we’ll discuss the latter two.

1) Get moving! God designed our bodies to move. Some benefits of exercise include living longer and healthier, sleeping better, having more energy, better brain function, and stable emotions.

To start exercising, pick any activity that you like and gets you moving. Find a partner. Continue that activity until it is a habit, then a lifestyle.

2) Quit moving! It’s important to balance rest with exercise and work. God ordained a seven day work week with one of those days for rest. People fail to rest because they thin they won’t have something they need if they stop. They don’t stop because they think something will go wrong without their 24/7 attention to it.

When we work 7 days per week, we are in essence saying the world revolves around us. We think if we won’t do it, it won’t get done. Let me assure you, if God won’t do it, it shouldn’t be done. Remember that God is God and you are not. Keeping the Sabbath holy is a sign of patience and trust in God.

The Bible contains numerous verses emphasizing the importance of waiting for the LORD. For example Ezekiel 20:20, Psalm 25:5, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 130:5, Isaiah 30:18, Psalm 127:1-2, Psalm 46:10, and Psalm 16:7-9.

Some ways to rest and maintain balance in your life include scheduling a day of rest and worship, meditating on God’s Word, praying, journaling, breathing deep, taking a nap, walking outside, and going to bed early.

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for Pastor Matt Gregory and his message about the importance of balancing work, exercise, and rest. Bless those who read this message to apply these principles in a way that honors You and helps us finish the race strong. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Wait on the LORD [http://jesus-is-the-way.com/Wait.html]

Blessings to balance work, exercise, and rest!