(continued from last week)
- Proper rest is vital for our health and well-being. Would you drive your car until it runs out of gas? Hopefully not. Yet many of us drive ourselves to the point of sheer exhaustion. All too often, we’re so busy taking care of others that we neglect ourselves. Insufficient sleep and wearing yourself ragged renders you lethargic and ineffective to God, others and yourself. After the demands of a busy day, Jesus instructed His disciples to come away with Him and rest (Mark 6:30-31). Be sure your schedule includes daily Bible reading and quiet time with the Lord to allow Him to replenish you.
- Regular checkups (physicals, dental, eye, mammogram, pap smear, prostate, etc.) are crucial for temple maintenance. Just as preventive maintenance can prolong the life of your vehicle; it can extend the life of your temple. Don’t wait until you’re sick to visit the doctor. When problems do arise, heed the warning signs of pain and other physical symptoms your body exhibits. Seek medical attention promptly.
At the outset of this year I committed to be the change I want to see in me. It seems like January has flown by in the blink of an eye. The second month of 2017 is well underway and I’ve gotten off to a slow start. I could continue to bemoan my situation, or I can make the choice to do something about it. Procrastination leaves you wondering where all the time went as you remain stuck in the same old debilitating habits. The behaviors I engage in today will yield either positive or negative consequences later on. The Bible states it this way, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). It’s not too late for me or you to begin the process of properly tending our temples.
I admit I generally have a host of excuses for not taking better care of myself (too busy, too tired, I’ll get started tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and on and on…). Excuses never amount to anything worthwhile. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want a life filled with just words and no actions, good intentions and nothing to show for it. I can’t afford to waste any more time. I’ve got too much to do to be weighed down by an unhealthy lifestyle. I’ve challenged myself into action.
I’m embarking on a journey of taking better care of me that will result in becoming a better me. One thing I’ve learned is that “when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” To combat failure and set myself up for success, I’ve armed myself with an action plan that covers all four areas of temple maintenance. My diet includes eating a variety of foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Moderation is key! My plan entails gradually working my way into an exercise routine to help build up strength and endurance. I’m incorporating activities I like to do so I’ll stick with it. Staying up until the wee hours of the morning will be the exception rather than the rule; lack of sleep fuels eating and hinders exercise. While I’ll continue to get regular checkups, I’ll start following the instructions I’m given.
I’ve committed to practicing preventive maintenance when it comes to my health this year. I have all the necessary equipment on board for the journey – the Holy Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of hosts.” God has given me the power of His Spirit to achieve my health goals. My job is to exercise the power He’s given me.
This year promises to be an incredible year! Living a healthy lifestyle will set the tone for this new season of my life. What are your health goals for 2017? Drop me a line and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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