"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man."
Dozing off on the job? Studies show that many Americans do not get enough sleep at night, due to insomnia, staying up too late at nights, fatigue and burn out. Consequently, we are always feeling tired and lethargic during the day, when we should be awake and alert! This constant state of fatigue and tiredness causes us to underperform at our jobs, and makes us poor workers. The key to a productive day on the job is therefore a good night's rest that leaves us energized and refreshed the next day. Cut out the late night snacking, and late night watching of TV. Remove the TV from the bedroom. Engage in something relaxing and soothing before bed, such as taking a hot bath, listening to soft soothing music, inhaling aromatic oils, etc. Make your bedroom a haven of rest and relaxation, so that you will be energized for work the next day.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Devotional of the Week October 26-November 1
1 Corinthians 12: 4-20
"Now there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, wheter we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore no to the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where where the smelling? But now God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body."
"United we stand divided we fall" so the saying goes. In unity there is indeed strength, because it is when we are divided that we are at our weakest. One of the easiest ways in which to destroy a home or nation is to cause strife between people within that home or within that nation. Currently, our country is going through a financial crisis and an election. People are divided on the issues, and plenty of attacks have gone forth between the two opposing sides. While the competition to gain our votes is a natural part of elections, it does nothing to improve the state of our ailing economy. A lot of good energy which could have been used productively is wasted when we fight with one another. Instead of channelling our energies towards negative actions and deeds, let us channel our energies instead into doing what is right, and what is good. By coming together in a spirit of unity, we can do GREAT things!
"Now there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, wheter we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore no to the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where where the smelling? But now God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body."
"United we stand divided we fall" so the saying goes. In unity there is indeed strength, because it is when we are divided that we are at our weakest. One of the easiest ways in which to destroy a home or nation is to cause strife between people within that home or within that nation. Currently, our country is going through a financial crisis and an election. People are divided on the issues, and plenty of attacks have gone forth between the two opposing sides. While the competition to gain our votes is a natural part of elections, it does nothing to improve the state of our ailing economy. A lot of good energy which could have been used productively is wasted when we fight with one another. Instead of channelling our energies towards negative actions and deeds, let us channel our energies instead into doing what is right, and what is good. By coming together in a spirit of unity, we can do GREAT things!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Stock Market Crash
"Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labor shall be increased" (Proverbs 13:11).
We are living in a time when people are very nervous about the stock market. The ups and downs of the stock market is causing an emotional roller coaster in the minds of many. Here is the thing. We need to stop watching the stock market! Instead of depending upon the stock market to increase our wealth, we need to go back to old, tried and proven methods of prosperity, which is hard work and investing in real assets, instead of these so-called "paper assets" that are so prevalent on Wall Street. Trading and betting on the price of commodities and futures has its risks, and would have come crashing down sooner or later.
As God's children we need to handle our finances in a way that is based upon solid principles. The Bible is a great source of information, that puts the Believer on a firm financial foundation.
We are living in a time when people are very nervous about the stock market. The ups and downs of the stock market is causing an emotional roller coaster in the minds of many. Here is the thing. We need to stop watching the stock market! Instead of depending upon the stock market to increase our wealth, we need to go back to old, tried and proven methods of prosperity, which is hard work and investing in real assets, instead of these so-called "paper assets" that are so prevalent on Wall Street. Trading and betting on the price of commodities and futures has its risks, and would have come crashing down sooner or later.
As God's children we need to handle our finances in a way that is based upon solid principles. The Bible is a great source of information, that puts the Believer on a firm financial foundation.
Devotional of the Week October 19-25
Matthew 28: 16-20
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Jesus will leave us or forsake us. He will always be here with us through the good times and the bad times. We are never alone. No matter what trials we are facing in life, we can take great comfort knowing that God will always be there to help us through. We worship God, but we doubt him. We doubt whether He will do anything to help us. Let us however put our minds at ease, because according to His word, we don't have to face life all alone. We don't have to try to fix our problems on our own. God is here - Jesus is here. Let us therefore cast our cares upon Him, for Jesus will carry us through, and right through to the end.
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Jesus will leave us or forsake us. He will always be here with us through the good times and the bad times. We are never alone. No matter what trials we are facing in life, we can take great comfort knowing that God will always be there to help us through. We worship God, but we doubt him. We doubt whether He will do anything to help us. Let us however put our minds at ease, because according to His word, we don't have to face life all alone. We don't have to try to fix our problems on our own. God is here - Jesus is here. Let us therefore cast our cares upon Him, for Jesus will carry us through, and right through to the end.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Financial Health
The current economic crisis that the country is going through is getting everyone real jittery. People are panicking, and are in a real state of distress with the news of the job losses, failing banks, and the plunging stock market. It is during times like these that people go through severe psychological and mental stress, as they try to come to grips with the fact that they may lose everything they have worked so hard for over the years. The anxiety and stress associated with financial hardship is real, and can have a detrimental effect on the health of the body on a whole. Stress and anxiety has been associated with multiple health conditions such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, adrenalin overload, chronic fatigue, strokes, mental illness, depression, and suicide. The purpose of my next series of blogs therefore is to bring words of comfort, faith, and assurance from scripture, that will help us get through this economic crisis, with our minds, bodies, and spirits intact. For spiritual, mental, and financial health, we need to "trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths" (Proverbs 3: 5-6). Do not try to understand it all. Do not worry about how you are going to figure it all out. Trust God and go to Him, so that He can guide you and direct you along the path of prosperity.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sex and Functionality
Here is my final post on the series SEX AND SPIRITUALITY. I hope my posts have proven useful and informative so far, and it is my wish to continue bringing informative posts from time to time, to help others in finding health, happiness, and wellness in God.
In my profession of Physical Therapy, one of the functions of life that seems to diminish with ill health is sexual function. When people are sick and laid up in the hospital, sex is usually the last thing on the minds of patients and Physicians, unless of course the illness is sexually related. Illnesses however, that result in physical impairments/disablities, can have a devastating effect on sexual function, regardless of the health of the sexual organs. People who suffer from stroke, Parkinsons disease, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and severe arthritic conditions, may find themselves with decreased sexual function, or none at all in some cases. That is because there is a direct relationship between sexual function and physical function.
The sexual act is an activity that requires physical action on the part of the participants. Persons with disabilties, whose physical abilities have been decreased, may find the physical aspects of sex challenging to say the least, due to physical weaknesses and impairments. Sexual performance is a whole body exercise,which involves ALL body systems. For optimal performance, one needs flexibilty in joints and muscles for optimal positioning. One needs strength in muscles to provide movement and intensity. A good working nervous system is needed to provide feedback about quality of movement, and to send correct messages to the brain to register pain or pleasure. One needs to have a good cardipulmonary and circulatory system for optimal function as well. The heart provides blood to all the vital organs for proper functioning, as well as to muscles, joints, bones, and nervous system. Persons with strong, healthy hearts will have the endurance needed to perform, and will be able to 'work' harder and longer. Persons with weak hearts will quickly run out of steam and may even become short of breath during performance, and run the risk of having a heart attack! I am sure many of you have heard of persons who had died from a heart attack during the act (think Anna Nicole's late husband according to gossip)!
Proper lungs are essential to provide the increased oxygen uptake needed for sexual physical activity, and the cirulatory system is essential for the distribution of of oxygen to all body systems, including the brain. They say the brain is the greatest sexual organ, and this may be true, because while the other body systems are involved in the physical aspects, it is only the brain that registers whether sexual activity is pleasurable or not. Before we enter the act, it is our minds that determine our desire for sex or not. If we desire sex, then our bodies will seek it out; but if we do not desire sex, then our bodies will not seek it out. The difficulty that many of us have in controlling our sexual appetites is therefore a condition of the mind and not the body. Once sex is controlled at the mind level, then we will have control of the sexual destiny of our bodies.
Sex is a gift of God meant for our enjoyment. He has given us the faculties and physical strength needed to enjoy this gift, but it is up to us to keep our bodies in good physical health for us to continue enjoying this gift from God. We must also keep our minds in good spiritual health as well, so we can develop a healthy and wholesome attitude towards sex, that creates pleasure for us, and that pleases God.
In my profession of Physical Therapy, one of the functions of life that seems to diminish with ill health is sexual function. When people are sick and laid up in the hospital, sex is usually the last thing on the minds of patients and Physicians, unless of course the illness is sexually related. Illnesses however, that result in physical impairments/disablities, can have a devastating effect on sexual function, regardless of the health of the sexual organs. People who suffer from stroke, Parkinsons disease, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and severe arthritic conditions, may find themselves with decreased sexual function, or none at all in some cases. That is because there is a direct relationship between sexual function and physical function.
The sexual act is an activity that requires physical action on the part of the participants. Persons with disabilties, whose physical abilities have been decreased, may find the physical aspects of sex challenging to say the least, due to physical weaknesses and impairments. Sexual performance is a whole body exercise,which involves ALL body systems. For optimal performance, one needs flexibilty in joints and muscles for optimal positioning. One needs strength in muscles to provide movement and intensity. A good working nervous system is needed to provide feedback about quality of movement, and to send correct messages to the brain to register pain or pleasure. One needs to have a good cardipulmonary and circulatory system for optimal function as well. The heart provides blood to all the vital organs for proper functioning, as well as to muscles, joints, bones, and nervous system. Persons with strong, healthy hearts will have the endurance needed to perform, and will be able to 'work' harder and longer. Persons with weak hearts will quickly run out of steam and may even become short of breath during performance, and run the risk of having a heart attack! I am sure many of you have heard of persons who had died from a heart attack during the act (think Anna Nicole's late husband according to gossip)!
Proper lungs are essential to provide the increased oxygen uptake needed for sexual physical activity, and the cirulatory system is essential for the distribution of of oxygen to all body systems, including the brain. They say the brain is the greatest sexual organ, and this may be true, because while the other body systems are involved in the physical aspects, it is only the brain that registers whether sexual activity is pleasurable or not. Before we enter the act, it is our minds that determine our desire for sex or not. If we desire sex, then our bodies will seek it out; but if we do not desire sex, then our bodies will not seek it out. The difficulty that many of us have in controlling our sexual appetites is therefore a condition of the mind and not the body. Once sex is controlled at the mind level, then we will have control of the sexual destiny of our bodies.
Sex is a gift of God meant for our enjoyment. He has given us the faculties and physical strength needed to enjoy this gift, but it is up to us to keep our bodies in good physical health for us to continue enjoying this gift from God. We must also keep our minds in good spiritual health as well, so we can develop a healthy and wholesome attitude towards sex, that creates pleasure for us, and that pleases God.
Devotional of the Week October 12-18
Galatians 1: 11-24
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the tradition of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them who were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me."
The power of a changed life is the greatest testimony of the power of God. The apostle Paul was a fierce opposer and persecuter of the Christians, but through the power of God and his 'Damascus experience,' Paul became the greatest and foremost evangelist to the Gentile world.
God is reaching out to those of us who are seeking a spiritual makeover in Him. Are you struggling with bad habits that you just cannot break? Are you struggling with addictions and obsessions? You have tried everything, and have gone through those '12-step programs,' attended group meetings, support groups, and seen shrinks and counsellors. Nothing is working for you. You find that you cannot change yourself, no matter how hard you try. Sheer will power is weak in breaking the strongholds in your life.
Today there is hope. Hope in the God of changed lives. He will turn your life around and change your circumstances. He will give you the power to break even the most strongest addictions. All you have to do is submit your life to Him, and put your trust in His power to change.
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the tradition of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them who were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me."
The power of a changed life is the greatest testimony of the power of God. The apostle Paul was a fierce opposer and persecuter of the Christians, but through the power of God and his 'Damascus experience,' Paul became the greatest and foremost evangelist to the Gentile world.
God is reaching out to those of us who are seeking a spiritual makeover in Him. Are you struggling with bad habits that you just cannot break? Are you struggling with addictions and obsessions? You have tried everything, and have gone through those '12-step programs,' attended group meetings, support groups, and seen shrinks and counsellors. Nothing is working for you. You find that you cannot change yourself, no matter how hard you try. Sheer will power is weak in breaking the strongholds in your life.
Today there is hope. Hope in the God of changed lives. He will turn your life around and change your circumstances. He will give you the power to break even the most strongest addictions. All you have to do is submit your life to Him, and put your trust in His power to change.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Devotional of the Week October 5-11
Acts 1: 3-11
" To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
"Jesus is coming soon" is the eternal Christian hope for a better life than what is offered here on Earth. With all the economic turmoil in the world, many are seeking for a way out of the financial crisis but are unable to find none. Jesus offers us the hope that one day this turmoil will all be over, and we will finally get to enjoy true prosperity and peace of mind. Imagine a world where there is no care, no worries, no lack, no fear. That is what Jesus is offering to us today, and forevermore.
" To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
"Jesus is coming soon" is the eternal Christian hope for a better life than what is offered here on Earth. With all the economic turmoil in the world, many are seeking for a way out of the financial crisis but are unable to find none. Jesus offers us the hope that one day this turmoil will all be over, and we will finally get to enjoy true prosperity and peace of mind. Imagine a world where there is no care, no worries, no lack, no fear. That is what Jesus is offering to us today, and forevermore.
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