40 DAYS OF PRAYER: DAY 29
LIVING HEALTHY
Genesis 1:29 Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you;
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
We live in the most amazing country in the world. We have access to food, water, exercise, doctors and hospitals. We are truly blessed, or are we? Self reflection… how good are our eating and exercising habits? Gluttony is our most tolerated and in all honesty the most abused sin in America. Have you ever noticed that on ingredients listed on a food product it says “suggested” servings. Thats silly! How many of us really pay attention to serving sizes and portions?
Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.
Proverbs 3:8 It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.
Is it really a big deal? I would say so, I would also say that its a struggle for me as well. Who wants to eat a 6oz filet when you can have a 26oz porterhouse? Gluttony seems to be a sin that Christians like to ignore. Smoking, drinking, are seen as worse for some reason, even labeled as an addiction. Many Christians that would abstain from smoking or drinking alcohol don't have a problem bellying up to the dinner table and gorging themselves.
Proverbs 23:20-21 Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.
OUCH! I know, you are wondering why I would choose gluttony as a subject to pray over? Our physical appetites are a great precursor of what the rest of our lives are about. If we cannot control our eating habits, we will most likely struggle with other habits, with our minds (lust, covetousness, and anger) out of our mouths as we gossip or enter into verbal strife. We must not let our appetites control our actions, we are to control appetites. Holding the flesh in check, holding every thought captive as unto the Lord. If we are to be a Spirit filled believer, we must say “no” to anything of excess, not just food.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
God has blessed us in so many ways, we have a HUGE selection of pleasurable foods that are delicious and nutritious. We can and should honor God by respectfully eating the appropriate servings with a thankful heart. God is calling us to be in control of our appetites, not to let them control us. What is our focus? Love and feed the flesh? Or as it should be…The two greatest commands…loving God and loving people…
Luke 10:27 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Do you love Him? Don't just tell him, show Him that you love Him.
Prayed for you all today!
Much love and prayer, Pastor Scott