FOODFORTHOUGHT

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect
will." Romans 12:2


I recently decided to get into better physical shape because I've been
gaining some weight and feeling out of sorts. My body seemed lifeless
and there was little spunk in my step. I wasn't sleeping well and
day-to-day activities were becoming difficult.


So, I've been working out in an effort to get fit. My routine now
consists of drinking lots of water, walking every day and making
better choices in the foods I eat. Sounds easy, but it's not. I find
myself wanting, even craving foods that are not on the menu. I'm
lusting after chocolate-covered pretzels or cake dripping with icing.
I would give anything for a big, fat _mocha cappuccino with a mound of
whipped cream on top. But, it's not on the menu and I have to choose
what's best for me. There have also been days that I just haven't felt
like walking, especially on a treadmill that doesn't even go anywhere.
Sometimes, after drinking ten glasses of water, I feel like my insides
are ready to burst. But, I push on and continue doing the right thing
for the sake of my physical wellness.


On the other hand, what about my Spiritual wellness? How is that
doing? Have I been "working out" lately and choosing what's best for
me? I think about my new fitness routine filled with exercise, water
and good food choices. But, when it comes to my walk with God, am I
falling short?


Am I being filled every day with the boundless supply of living water
that Jesus offers to cleanse my soul and give me refreshment for my
Spirit? Have I spent time feasting on the Bread of Life found in God's
Word? Or have I satisfied my hunger with other foods not on the menu,
stuffing myself with the pleasures of life that offer nothing but a
sick aftertaste of its bitter root? Perhaps instead of walking in
stride with my Lord, I have found a pathway of sin filled with crags,
obstacles and gaping holes to fall into. Does my body ache from the
weight of burdens I choose to carry around? Is my heart beating
without joy, feeling weakened from the pain of hopelessness? Have I
become content with this routine of waywardness and being Spiritually
unfit?


If you are at this place, I'd like to recommend a brand new routine
including workouts that will refresh, revive, restore and reenergize
your life. It is a workout plan for your mind, heart and soul, and the
best part is that it is free. It is paid in-full by the atoning blood
of Jesus Christ at the Cross. This workout will give you back life a
hundred-fold and place you on a path that is paved with righteousness.
It is found in everyone's heart and is called "repentance". It's a
place where you can find rest and forgiveness. You can drink from the
wellspring of living water and be sustained forever by God's truth and
love.


If you're wondering where to find this valuable, life-changing manual
to help you get Spiritually fit, I have good news for you! It is found
in God's book of life: the Bible. It's all there waiting for you to
read, learn and put into practice. It's a new routine for the rest of
your life that will never grow old or monotonous. It will give back
your smile, your joy, your hope and a satisfying everyday workout with
our precious and gracious God, the ultimate fitness instructor.


Contributed by Diane Check: calvarycheck@comcast.net Diane has enjoyed
writing short morning "thoughts for the day" for associates at her
insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown,
Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. She is currently working on
her first prayer devotional.

PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue. Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory. May I witness to those around me the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection."

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© 2006 FoodForThought
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A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son
is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several
times before the patient's eyes opened. Heavily sedated because of the
pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine
standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand.

The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp
ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement. The nurse brought a
chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed.

All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted
ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and
strength.

Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest
awhile. He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine
was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the
clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members
exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now
and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said
nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now
lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While
she did what she had to do, he waited. Finally, she returned. She started
to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her. "Who was
that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father" she answered.

"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my
life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed
his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too
sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed
me. I stayed."

The next time someone needs you...be there. Stay. You'll be glad you
did.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, take away my doubts, anxieties and fear. Teach me to have more faith in you and the Father. Amen.

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You received this message because you are subscribed to the daily "F O O D F O R T H O U G H T". To subscribe: subscribe@dailyfoodforthought.org or to unsubscribe from this group, send email to DailyFoodForThought-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

For more options, visit this group at:
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DISCLAIMER: FoodForThought shared this message as submitted and do not claim to own any copyright privileges on it. All the messages are believed to be free for circulation or public domain. All messages come in either by email in original form or copied from the internet sites. The work was submitted to us as an item for distribution, and it was posted solely on the basis of its quality. It's a FREE service.

© 2006 FoodForThought
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