3 John 1
Ezra 7-8
Psalm 94
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Thoughts and Commentary on Today's Reading
In 3 John 1:2, we find a beautiful assurance: it is Yahweh's Will for His people to prosper physically as well as spiritually. This means that Yahweh wants us to be in good health!"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
For optimum health (and healing), follow your Designer's hand-book: The BIBLE.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."There are 8 principles for health that are given in Scripture:
The Bible has a lot to say about what to eat - and what not to eat. Following the Bible's instructions is vitally important to good health - and spiritual wellness also. Remember Daniel would not eat the king's meat as it would have "defiled" him. The word "defiled" is a word meaning spiritual corruption. Clearly, our eating habits can effect our relationship with Yahweh. This gives us all the more reason to follow Biblical counsel on what we eat.
2. EXERCISE
1 Timothy 4:8 informs us, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Notice that the verse does not negate the need for exercise. Rather, it says that exercise is valuable, but it prioritizes exercise correctly by saying that godliness is of greater value.
Paul also mentions physical training in illustrating spiritual truth in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. He equates the Christian life to a race we run to “get the prize.” But the prize we seek is an eternal crown that will not tarnish or fade. In 2 Timothy 2:5, Paul says, “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.”
Paul uses an athletic analogy again in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” While the focus of these Scriptures is not physical exercise, the fact that Paul uses athletic terminology to teach us spiritual truths indicates that Paul viewed physical exercise, and even competition, in a positive light. We are both physical and spiritual beings. While the spiritual aspect of our being is, biblically speaking, more important, we are to neglect neither the spiritual or physical aspects of our health.
So, clearly, there is nothing wrong with a Christian exercising. In fact, the Bible is clear that we are to take good care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). At the same time, the Bible warns against vanity (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Our goal in exercise should not be to improve the quality of our bodies so that other people will notice and admire us. Rather, the goal of exercising should be to improve our physical health so we will possess more physical energy that we can devote to spiritual goals.3. WATER
Drinking sufficient water is important to good health also.
You may have heard that you should aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. How much you should actually drink is more individualized than you might think. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) currently recommends that men should drink at least 104 ounces of water per day, which is 13 cups. They say women should drink at least 72 ounces, which is 9 cups.
4. SUNSHINE
It's the health message that comes around every year with the first warm day: beware of the sun. The dangers of skin cancer from unprotected sun exposure are now well known. But that's only half the story.
The health value of sunlight, lauded by the ancient Greeks and Romans, has been largely eclipsed in recent years by concerns about skin cancer. But while this is a very real, and increasing, problem evidence is also emerging that small to moderate amounts of exposure are positively healthy.
Sunlight plays a vital role in the production of vitamin D in the body, and it's believed that the vitamin may have a role in stopping or slowing the growth of tumors by preventing the overproduction of cells, as well as in boosting bones. Vitamin D is available in some foods, but it is estimated that up to 90 per cent comes from exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to osteoporosis and bone health and growth, and may contribute to bone fractures. Low levels of the vitamin have also been associated with rickets. According to research at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Japan, 100 to 200 units of vitamin D need to be obtained each day from sunlight: "Considering the risks of skin cancer caused by sunlight exposure, short trips outside on sunny days, and 30-60 minutes on rainy days, would be appropriate,'' they say.
5. TEMPERANCE
Temperance is one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, also known as self-control. We need to exercise temperance in not partaking of too much- for even a good thing is not good if done in excess. We also need to exercise temperance in choosing to abstain from all that is not good.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."6. FRESH AIR
Humans need fresh air because it cleanses the lungs and improves metabolic rate, blood pressure and heart rate, according to Pillars of Health. Fresh air also strengthens the immune system, soothes nerves, stimulates appetite and digestion, facilitates sleep, improves concentration, and clears the mind.
Proper ventilation results in fresh air in homes. Pillars of Health discourages smoking at home and encourages regular breathing exercises. Good posture, such as sitting straight, allows the lungs to take in enough fresh air. Natural air fresheners, such as essential oils, should be used in homes instead of artificial fragrances. Plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and toxic pollutants and releasing oxygen. This is why plants should be placed in homes and workplaces.
Spending time outdoors also improves levels of oxygen in the body. Fresh air improves energy levels because sufficient oxygen is required for energy production. Air purifiers can be used in homes to remove air contaminants and prevent upper respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, allergy and colds. A polluted environment should be avoided to prevent health implications.
7. REST
Sleep is a vital indicator of overall health and well-being. We spend up to one-third of our lives asleep, and the overall state of our "sleep health" remains an essential question throughout our lifespan.
Most of us know that getting a good night’s sleep is important, but too few of us actually make those eight or so hours between the sheets a priority. For many of us with sleep debt, we’ve forgotten what “being really, truly rested” feels like.
To further complicate matters, stimulants like coffee and energy drinks, alarm clocks, and external lights—including those from electronic devices—interferes with our "circadian rhythm" or natural sleep/wake cycle.
Sleep needs vary across ages and are especially impacted by lifestyle and health. To determine how much sleep you need, it's important to assess not only where you fall on the "sleep needs spectrum," but also to examine what lifestyle factors are affecting the quality and quantity of your sleep such as work schedules and stress.
8. TRUST IN GOD
Trust in Yahweh is the most important element for good health. This is because health is more than physical well-being - it is also spiritual. God wants His people to have the whole package. When we trust in Yahweh, we have peace instead of fear, rest instead of stress, and faith instead of worry.
3 John 1:2 "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
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