Introduction
I created this devotional book out of a desire to become more
physically healthy. As a former personal trainer, I knew all about exercise and
nutrition, however, I still missed something. Or should I say, Someone.
In the past, I’d never included God in my health and fitness
plan. I thought it wasn't something worthy of His attention. However, God
checked my spirit and told me that He wants to be part of everything in my
life; even something as small as losing a few pounds.
How can you become a woman of strength today?
You can honour your body by taking care of it – both
physically and spiritually. Women of
Strength is the perfect companion for your health program. There are four divisions
to follow the seasons – winter, spring, summer, autumn. Each season is further
divided into 6 sections that include an inspirational devotional, a fact on
common health and fitness questions, a reflection, a prayer, a Bible verse, and
an energizing exercise.
My prayer is for you to improve your spiritual and physical
health through the seasons!
I gained a pound in the last week. It really is remarkable
how a small number on the scale can have such great significance. Last week, I
didn’t gorge and eat with gluttonous hunger. I didn’t sit down to seven-course
meals and midnight snacks. No, the error I made wasn’t in the big sense but
rather in the small. I neglected to mind what I ate. That is, I didn’t pay
attention. I ignored my body signals of hunger and fullness. I ate food while
tending to other matters – as if eating were second to other activities. I ate
food for the mere taste of it and, more often than not, I ate without fully knowing
I was eating.
When I am mindful of what I eat I truly enjoy it. I look to
it as a source of pleasure and nourishment. When I treat food with respect I
treat my body with respect. It is the same with my Christian behaviour. Some
days, I tend to get lazy with my worship of God and just go through the
motions. I may go to church but my mind is tending to other matters. When I’m
not mindful of my prayers and pay lip service to them, they come only from my
mind but not my heart. It’s not enough to practice spiritual rituals. I must
worship God with my heart as well as my mouth.
My intentions may be good but if I don’t pay enough attention
to the Word, I realize that I haven’t lived up to my true call as a Christian.
Although I didn’t commit a horrendous sin, my behaviour isn’t reflected in the
large events. Instead, it’s the small details. Was I patient and slow to anger?
Did I respect the clerk behind the counter, obviously overwhelmed by the volume
of customers? Was I kind and gentle with my children? I realize that my misbehaviour
hurts God more than anyone else.
I pray that I won’t be like those spoken of in Isaiah 29:13,
“The Lord says: These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with
their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up
only of rules taught by men.”
I don’t want to go through the motions, but rather, I want to
pay attention to the details of my heart. God is in the little things. He is in
the every day. If I look to Him in my everyday life, I’ll grow spiritually
strong. I want to be healthy in body, mind and spirit.
Exercise Your Funny Bone
The Best Vitamin for a Christian: B1
You Asked
Q: Do I need to spend hours in the gym to see results from an
exercise program?
A: Even if you don’t have time for a formal workout during
your day, any exercise is better than none. Try to take three 10-minute walks.
For strength training, three 20-minute sessions a week will do the job.
Faith Lift
Dear Father – I pray that You will provide me with the
courage to accept Your power and make the changes You ask of me. In Jesus’
name, I pray.
Reflection
Yesterday, I spent the majority of my time outdoors playing
in the snow. I got some good cardio activity from clearing the front walkway
and back deck. Then I built a snow fort to play war with my son and his best
friend. And, if I may say so myself, the fort looked fantastic!
What are you doing to enjoy the season your in now?
Top Tip
Check with your doctor – You should get medical clearance
from your physician before making any significant changes in your physical
activity level.
Bible Truth
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that
God’s Spirit lives in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV)?
Challenge
Drink one less caffeine beverage every day.
Praise Move: Legs - Lunge
Stand holding a dumbbell in each hand, your hands next to
your thighs and palms facing your body.
Keep your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent,
abdominals contracted.
Take a long stride forward so that your knee is directly over
your heel and your thigh is almost parallel to the floor.
Your rear leg should be relaxed and bent so that the knee
almost touches the floor.
Hold this position for a moment, and then push back to the
starting position. Repeat 10 times.
Repeat for other leg.
Tips
1. The forward flexed knee should not extend past the forward
foot.
2. Keep your upper body in line with your hips.
3. Learn proper technique before adding weight.
About the Author
Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author and writer on spiritual & physical fitness topics. Her devotional writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire people to live healthier lives that glorify God. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com
