This week, I mentioned in the announcements that I would put up a challenge during this church meeting and that is what I plan to do. I challenge you all to take these next two weeks to care for your physical and spiritual temples and see how you feel. I hope that taking care of your physical temple will become habit and easier. Now, but this I'm not saying that everyone takes poor care of themselves. I am saying that we can always improve something in our lives and do better and taking care of our physical temple is something that we can often get better at.
What is Our Physical/Spiritual Temple?
Our physical temple is our physical body. The body we use to maneuver around this world and complete our tasks. Our body is simply a shell when we walk around this earth, and it harbors a soul, which is inside.
Why Must We Take Care Of Our Physical/Spiritual Temple?
Our bodies and souls mean a lot to God, so we need to take care of our body and our soul:
Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Psalm 139:13 - 15 NIV:
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Jeremiah 1:5 NIV:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Job 33:4 NIV:
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Isaiah 64:8 NIV:
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
We are called to do so through scripture. We are called to take care of our bodies and souls and not to harm them:
1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20 NIV:
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV:
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
2 Corinthians 4:8 - 10 NIV:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
1 Thessalonians 4:4 NIV:
that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable,
Romans 14:7 - 8 NIV:
For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
We also need to take care of our spirit/soul (the soul is an important part of our body):
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV:
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
John 3:5 - 7 NIV:
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
Job 32:8 NIV:
But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 NIV:
and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Scripture That Brings Physical and Spiritual Health Together!
Proverbs 3:5 - 8 NIV:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 17:22 NIV:
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 NIV:
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Peter 2:24 NIV:
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NIV:
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
How Do We Take Care Of Our Physical/Spiritual Selves?
To answer this question, we need to identify what is not taking care of ourselves. Here is a basic list covering a few of these topics that do not honor the body nor the soul:
~Drunkenness ~Substance Abuse ~Self-harm (such as cutting or burning oneself) ~Overeating ~Not eating enough (or starving our bodies in a way that isn't improving our relationship with God) ~Not sleeping Enough ~Oversleeping ~Not eating healthy (we should try our best to eat healthy whenever we possibly can) ~Extreme dieting (such as starving oneself or leaving healthy aspects out of your diet) ~Laziness ~Smoking (the Bible doesn't have a specific verse on this, but most are aware that it is harmful to the body and isn't a health benefit) ~Addictions (this would be any type of addiction that harms our physical/emotional or spiritual well-being) ~Anything else that would harm us physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
Now, I'm not saying that we should all be super extreme health fanatics and be super picky about every single thing by avoiding fast food places, by avoiding eating at people's houses, avoiding relaxation from time to time, etc. Just take it easy, but ask ourselves, "Is this good for my temple? Does this honor God?"
Consequences Of Not Taking Care Of Our Physical/Spiritual Temples
1 Corinthians 3:17 NIV:
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
Matthew 10:28 NIV:
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Now, How Does This Challenge Of Yours Work?
Right now, indicate in your life, "What do I do that causes harm to my physical body?" and for an example list let's say it's:
~Oversleeping ~Laziness/Not Exercising ~Poor diet
I would find a way to help stop the oversleeping by getting on a better sleeping schedule and waking up in the morning instead of sleeping in those extra few minutes and get started with the day. Stop the laziness by getting out and taking a walk or going on a jog or perhaps even witness to some people. Stop with the poor diet by trying to find veggies and fruits (also, be aware that a lot of fruits in grocery stores have pesticides/chemicals on them so it might be better to grow some of your own fruits and veggies at home so you know where they came from and what is on them) and avoid artificial sugars, and perhaps even avoid refined sugars as well as other preservatives whenever possibly.
Your list may be different than that and you don't have to limit it to 3 things, you can have less than 3 things you need to work on, or more than 3. You can add things that you know aren't good for your physical temple on your list and work on those!
While working on what is best for your physical temple that would honor God, we also need to work on our spiritual temple/our soul by building a closer relationship with God (refer to the last church meeting if needed since that one was about building a closer relationship with Jesus). We need to read God's word daily, pray, honor God in everything we do, repent of our sins if we have sinned, forgive others and ask for forgiveness, spread the gospel to others, follow God's word and commands, etc.!
When we pair taking care of our physical temple and spiritual temple (our body and soul) - we will feel better in our life. If we take care of our body as much as we are able the result is that we will feel healthier if not in tip-top shape. If we take care of our soul, we feel that our soul is right with God and His will. Think about how good we can all feel if we pair the two together? To feel physically and spiritually healthy!
Feel free to keep a journal to see how better you'll feel day by day if you keep with everything! Feel free to share those results here to encourage others!
I will also be joining in this challenge with you all and on the last day, I will post the differences and changes that I have noticed in my own life and how much better I feel.
So, I encourage you all to take care of your physical and spiritual temples/body and soul and to continue beyond these two weeks and through the rest of your life! 3nodding
Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 3:28 pm
I absolutely love this verse: If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. It makes me feel special and safe <3
3 things I need to work on is getting on a better sleeping schedule, going to bed earlier so I can get more sleep. And I need to eat healthier and stop eating out. And...reading my Bible more. Part of the reason I haven't this whole week is because of my sleeping schedule, I don't get up early enough because I go to sleep to late, and so I don't have time in the morning to read.
Thank you for the church meeting as always, and I look forward to seeing your progress!
I absolutely love this verse: If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. It makes me feel special and safe <3
3 things I need to work on is getting on a better sleeping schedule, going to bed earlier so I can get more sleep. And I need to eat healthier and stop eating out. And...reading my Bible more. Part of the reason I haven't this whole week is because of my sleeping schedule, I don't get up early enough because I go to sleep to late, and so I don't have time in the morning to read.
Thank you for the church meeting as always, and I look forward to seeing your progress!
Eating out isn't exactly bad for you - it depends on what you get. Even at fast food restaurants, by law you can request a nutrition information pamphlet that includes the nutrition facts about everything on their menu. Not sure if you can request this at eat-in restaurants, but it's possible. Eating out isn't always bad smile it just depends what you order.
If it makes you feel better, I've tried with this challenge and a few things have made it difficult so far. I have a horrible time oversleeping even if I go to bed at a decent hour, it's so frustrating. I get up and scold myself about it. I know if I can get on a good sleeping schedule and go to bed at wake up in exactly 8 hours, it can be done.
I also got sick this past week so keeping my sleeping schedule in check like I wanted to didn't work out too well with being in bed and stuff. I wanted to start exercising more, but due to being sick - that didn't exactly happen right away.
I've been guilty of not reading the Bible every day and memorizing scripture as I have been wanting to gonk I feel like I've failed on this topic, but I will definitely keep on trying! I don't want to give up.
You don't have to read in the mornings, although it is easiest while the troubles of the day aren't on our mind and before we get wrapped in everything else - the mornings are far easier for Bible reads. Especially since it's a pick me up and an inspiration and encouragement before facing the day. At times when I had free time before bed, I'd read my Bible because reading makes me tired, especially if I'm a little tired already. I feel a lot of peace before I sleep, which I definitely need.
You're welcome 3nodding it's exciting to post church meetings ^_^
Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 5:20 pm
Aquatic_blue
Eating out isn't exactly bad for you - it depends on what you get. Even at fast food restaurants, by law you can request a nutrition information pamphlet that includes the nutrition facts about everything on their menu. Not sure if you can request this at eat-in restaurants, but it's possible. Eating out isn't always bad smile it just depends what you order.
If it makes you feel better, I've tried with this challenge and a few things have made it difficult so far. I have a horrible time oversleeping even if I go to bed at a decent hour, it's so frustrating. I get up and scold myself about it. I know if I can get on a good sleeping schedule and go to bed at wake up in exactly 8 hours, it can be done.
I also got sick this past week so keeping my sleeping schedule in check like I wanted to didn't work out too well with being in bed and stuff. I wanted to start exercising more, but due to being sick - that didn't exactly happen right away. I've been working a lot on my bad posture, though. As difficult as it is because it's a bad habit, I'm getting better, I think.
I've been guilty of not reading the Bible every day and memorizing scripture as I have been wanting to gonk I feel like I've failed on this topic, but I will definitely keep on trying! I don't wnt to give up.
You don't have to read in the mornings, although it is easiest while the troubles of the day aren't on our mind and before we get wrapped in everything else - the mornings are far easier for Bible reads. Especially since it's a pick me up and an inspiration and encouragement before facing the day. At times when I had free time before bed, I'd read my Bible because reading makes me tired, especially if I'm a little tired already. I feel a lot of peace before I sleep, which I definitely need.
You're welcome 3nodding it's exciting to post church meetings ^_^
Have you tried setting an alarm? I can understand how frustrating it can be. When you try and try and do everything you can and still don't get the desired result, it can be extremely unnerving.
Do you not sleep well then, if you need peace?
I'm glad you still think so. I was worried that you would feel discouraged because no one has been posting in them. I still sort of am.
Eating out isn't exactly bad for you - it depends on what you get. Even at fast food restaurants, by law you can request a nutrition information pamphlet that includes the nutrition facts about everything on their menu. Not sure if you can request this at eat-in restaurants, but it's possible. Eating out isn't always bad smile it just depends what you order.
If it makes you feel better, I've tried with this challenge and a few things have made it difficult so far. I have a horrible time oversleeping even if I go to bed at a decent hour, it's so frustrating. I get up and scold myself about it. I know if I can get on a good sleeping schedule and go to bed at wake up in exactly 8 hours, it can be done.
I also got sick this past week so keeping my sleeping schedule in check like I wanted to didn't work out too well with being in bed and stuff. I wanted to start exercising more, but due to being sick - that didn't exactly happen right away. I've been working a lot on my bad posture, though. As difficult as it is because it's a bad habit, I'm getting better, I think.
I've been guilty of not reading the Bible every day and memorizing scripture as I have been wanting to gonk I feel like I've failed on this topic, but I will definitely keep on trying! I don't wnt to give up.
You don't have to read in the mornings, although it is easiest while the troubles of the day aren't on our mind and before we get wrapped in everything else - the mornings are far easier for Bible reads. Especially since it's a pick me up and an inspiration and encouragement before facing the day. At times when I had free time before bed, I'd read my Bible because reading makes me tired, especially if I'm a little tired already. I feel a lot of peace before I sleep, which I definitely need.
You're welcome 3nodding it's exciting to post church meetings ^_^
Have you tried setting an alarm? I can understand how frustrating it can be. When you try and try and do everything you can and still don't get the desired result, it can be extremely unnerving.
Do you not sleep well then, if you need peace?
I'm glad you still think so. I was worried that you would feel discouraged because no one has been posting in them. I still sort of am.
Yes, I have tried setting an alarm. With alarms, though - I have been known to turn them off in my sleep whether it's beside me or across the room. If I have to get up to turn off an alarm clock and it wakes me up and I still feel tired - I will get up, turn it off, and get back into bed. The whole way back to bed I will tell myself, "Don't you dare!" and do it anyway >_<
Alarms help me know what time it is when they go off, but the feeling of trying to get up sometimes feels impossible, even when I'm fully rested. It takes a lot of motivation to get up.
Some nights, I feel a bit restless and not exactly because I'm not tired. Sometimes I feel it's a lack of peace because I find it much easier to sleep when I have read my Bible that day. Sometimes I have so many thoughts on my mind that I need to read or write in order to stop thinking so much and just sleep.
I have quite a few topics on a list to post about. If I think of a good topic during my week I'll write it down and think, "I'll talk about (subject here) next week!" and be excited to post them. It's all good because generally what I post I can use as well 3nodding
Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 7:59 pm
Aquatic_blue
Yes, I have tried setting an alarm. With alarms, though - I have been known to turn them off in my sleep whether it's beside me or across the room. If I have to get up to turn off an alarm clock and it wakes me up and I still feel tired - I will get up, turn it off, and get back into bed. The whole way back to bed I will tell myself, "Don't you dare!" and do it anyway >_<
Alarms help me know what time it is when they go off, but the feeling of trying to get up sometimes feels impossible, even when I'm fully rested. It takes a lot of motivation to get up. Like, in the morning, if I don't have much to do that day but chores, I'll want to stay in bed and sleep the day away. Although, if I made plans with another person and have to be some place at a specific time I will get up on time no problem because if I don't show up on time, it won't be good.
Some nights, I feel a bit restless and not exactly because I'm not tired. Sometimes I feel it's a lack of peace because I find it much easier to sleep when I have read my Bible that day. Sometimes I have so many thoughts on my mind that I need to read or write in order to stop thinking so much and just sleep.
I have quite a few topics on a list to post about. If I think of a good topic during my week I'll write it down and think, "I'll talk about (subject here) next week!" and be excited to post them. It's all good because generally what I post I can use as well 3nodding
Have you ever considered...maybe you have a sleeping disorder? :T If you knew what was causing this need to sleep all the time, you could treat it better.
I know how you feel about sleeping in when you have nothing except chores around the house to do. That's exactly what I do. but when I need to go somewhere, I get my booty movin. It's just easier that way. Sometimes I prefer to be busy with someone really early, because it gets me moving, so I don't waste most of the day sleeping, which I could easily do.
I learned in Psychology that when you're a young adult, it's natural to need more sleep than others, and our minds work better at night, and we sleep in (I'm not sure how old you are....). like, 10 hours, I think is what she said, sometimes more. and when you get older, you'll require less and less sleep, and you'll wake up earlier.
Maybe God is giving you that restlessness because He wants you to spend time with Him. I think He's been doing that with me, making me feel like something isn't right in our relationship. Tomorrow I'm definitely reading my Bible. I don't like feeling like something fuzzy is blocking my relationship with God. It makes me really uncomfortable, especially when I don't know why.
That's awesome! You truly are a great captain, and I know you'd make a great pastor too.
Yes, I have tried setting an alarm. With alarms, though - I have been known to turn them off in my sleep whether it's beside me or across the room. If I have to get up to turn off an alarm clock and it wakes me up and I still feel tired - I will get up, turn it off, and get back into bed. The whole way back to bed I will tell myself, "Don't you dare!" and do it anyway >_<
Alarms help me know what time it is when they go off, but the feeling of trying to get up sometimes feels impossible, even when I'm fully rested. It takes a lot of motivation to get up. Like, in the morning, if I don't have much to do that day but chores, I'll want to stay in bed and sleep the day away. Although, if I made plans with another person and have to be some place at a specific time I will get up on time no problem because if I don't show up on time, it won't be good.
Some nights, I feel a bit restless and not exactly because I'm not tired. Sometimes I feel it's a lack of peace because I find it much easier to sleep when I have read my Bible that day. Sometimes I have so many thoughts on my mind that I need to read or write in order to stop thinking so much and just sleep.
I have quite a few topics on a list to post about. If I think of a good topic during my week I'll write it down and think, "I'll talk about (subject here) next week!" and be excited to post them. It's all good because generally what I post I can use as well 3nodding
Have you ever considered...maybe you have a sleeping disorder? :T If you knew what was causing this need to sleep all the time, you could treat it better.
I know how you feel about sleeping in when you have nothing except chores around the house to do. That's exactly what I do. but when I need to go somewhere, I get my booty movin. It's just easier that way. Sometimes I prefer to be busy with someone really early, because it gets me moving, so I don't waste most of the day sleeping, which I could easily do.
I learned in Psychology that when you're a young adult, it's natural to need more sleep than others, and our minds work better at night, and we sleep in (I'm not sure how old you are....). like, 10 hours, I think is what she said, sometimes more. and when you get older, you'll require less and less sleep, and you'll wake up earlier.
Maybe God is giving you that restlessness because He wants you to spend time with Him. I think He's been doing that with me, making me feel like something isn't right in our relationship. Tomorrow I'm definitely reading my Bible. I don't like feeling like something fuzzy is blocking my relationship with God. It makes me really uncomfortable, especially when I don't know why.
That's awesome! You truly are a great captain, and I know you'd make a great pastor too.
Nah, I don't have a sleeping disorder or disorder that causes extreme fatigue and drowsiness. I've had sleeping schedules before that have worked out fantastic! I truly felt a lot better. Even a month or two ago I had a sleeping schedule and a good one, but staying up late a few too many times started me back to square one. I know I'm capable of a sleeping schedule, I just need to get used to it and make sure I get up and out of bed and do something productive.
Generally, yeah. Those that are grade school into early jr. high age need about 7 - 8 hours, while teenagers generally need up to 10 - 14 hours of sleep. Although, the funny thing is I may require less sleep now than when I was a teenager, but I'm sure I sleep more than most teenagers - especially those who are sleep deprived due to staying up all night, sleeping a few hours, then go to school the next morning.
Perhaps so at times, but I know that oversleeping is not exactly good for anybody. I know that God wouldn't want us to harm our temples or do things that aren't good on our bodies. Oversleeping is one of the things I feel I shouldn't do - I feel like I dishonor my temple when I stay up, or end up staying all night to fight drowsiness through the next day in an attempt to get my sleeping schedule back on track. There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to get up and read my Bible in the morning. It's something I need to get myself back into. It was a good habit and I felt a lot more peace, comfort, and closeness to God during the day. I'll keep working toward a good sleeping schedule again 3nodding
Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2013 3:50 pm
Aquatic_blue
Nah, I don't have a sleeping disorder or disorder that causes extreme fatigue and drowsiness. I've had sleeping schedules before that have worked out fantastic! I truly felt a lot better. Even a month or two ago I had a sleeping schedule and a good one, but staying up late a few too many times started me back to square one. I know I'm capable of a sleeping schedule, I just need to get used to it and make sure I get up and out of bed and do something productive.
Generally, yeah. Those that are grade school into early jr. high age need about 7 - 8 hours, while teenagers generally need up to 10 - 14 hours of sleep. Although, the funny thing is I may require less sleep now than when I was a teenager, but I'm sure I sleep more than most teenagers - especially those who are sleep deprived due to staying up all night, sleeping a few hours, then go to school the next morning.
Perhaps so at times, but I know that oversleeping is not exactly good for anybody. I know that God wouldn't want us to harm our temples or do things that aren't good on our bodies. Oversleeping is one of the things I feel I shouldn't do - I feel like I dishonor my temple when I stay up, or end up staying all night to fight drowsiness through the next day in an attempt to get my sleeping schedule back on track. There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to get up and read my Bible in the morning. It's something I need to get myself back into. It was a good habit and I felt a lot more peace, comfort, and closeness to God during the day. I'll keep working toward a good sleeping schedule again 3nodding
What you say about oversleeping is hurting your temple reminds me of a verse in Romans, where it says, if you feel like it could be a sin and do it anyways, you're sinning. Have you asked God for help getting back on a good schedule?
