Well-Being from the Word: April 2012

Monday, 30 April 2012

Go for Gold!

“I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” Philippians 3:14, The Bible (Amplified Version)

They say that nothing in this life is for free and that you have to work hard.

There is some truth in this saying, but there are some things that you can’t disregard.

The things that you have for free are your dreams and level of self-belief.

Your level of motivation is free, no matter if you are happy or have grief.

This scripture reminds us to press towards our goals to win.

Through Christ, our unique callings and purposes can develop and begin.

Keep your dreams and desire to help others close to your heart.

Keep pressing forward – go for Gold! Today, decide to make a start!

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

A Prayer to Prosper

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.” 3 John 1:2, The Bible (Amplified Version)

Wishing others well opens up doors for us to also be blessed;

for the words that that we speak can bring peace, prosperity and rest.

Speaking good things over a friend or to someone dear can invite joy and light.

The words that we speak to one another can cause good things to stay or to take flight!

This scripture reminds us of the type of words that we can say to another.

Encouraging words of good will and prosperity have power like no other!

Make a decision today to pause and to think of ways to speak a prosperous prayer.

There is enough goodness, good health and wellness for all of us to share.

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

How to end a fight

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1, The Bible (New Living Translation)

There is something about words that can cause us to be angry or stay calm.

Words have a form of permanence that can either create peace or harm.

We have all been there – in the moments where all we see is red.

Instead of pausing and thinking it through, we just want our point to be heard instead.

This scripture reminds us that a gentle answer can cool anger down.

Instead of adding to the heated moment, our calm words can iron out any frown.

It’s not easy to be calm when we may feel jealous, de-valued, angry, insulted or hurt.

But we are the only ones who can decide what to say and a fight we can avert.

Monday, 23 April 2012

The power of pleasant words

“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.” Proverbs 16:24, The Bible (Amplified Version)

Words are powerful and they can influence us to shine or to hide.

I heard once that “words are containers” and they hold the power of life or death inside.

Sometimes we say things to others – not realising what we have actually said.

We don’t always think about the impact...do our words encourage or cause hurt instead?

This scripture reminds us of the power that pleasant words contain.

They have the power to bring sweet calm to our minds and to our personal domain.

Pleasant and positive words can bring peace of mind and internal healing too.

May the world’s mission be to speak good things – why not start with me and you?

Saturday, 21 April 2012

You can have it all!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33, The Bible (King James Version)

Putting someone else first can be a challenge in the world that we live in now.

We would rather “run after all we can get” or as much as the world systems will allow.

Sometimes we forfeit our health as we chase after all that we think we need.

But when we look closer, some of the things we only buy because of our greed.

This scripture reminds us that we can have it all by placing God first.

We only have one chance at life to live – the time gone by can’t be rehearsed.

To live righteously means to live according to God’s guidance alongside his grace.

We can be in a position to be blessed if we make a choice to be in the right place.

Friday, 20 April 2012

Anger Management

“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32, The Bible (English Standard Version)

It can be easy to “see red” when things are not going our way

or maybe we are angry about a certain cause or we despise the course of our day.

Maybe somebody stepped on our toe and didn’t say sorry or gave us an angry glare.

Maybe someone said something hurtful or maybe life just isn’t fair!

This scripture reminds us that being slow to anger is much better than we think.

It shows that we have a depth of self-control that can bring us back from the brink.

Having self-control has a higher value than controlling other things.

So let us pause before we get angry and see what changes a positive attitude brings.

Thursday, 19 April 2012

The Green-Eyed Monster

“A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.” Proverbs 14:30, The Bible (Amplified Version)

The various systems in the world, set our pace for want and sometimes greed.

Glossy adverts and the air-brushed lifestyles, consistently plant this seed.

Going down this route of obsession will never get us to the place where we want to be.

We have to re-focus ourselves to work for what we want and to be financially free.

This scripture reminds us that envying others for what they have can destroy the soul.

Rather than to focus on our own efforts, we make the envy of others our goal.

The impact of being calm and focused in our minds and heart helps jealousy disappear.

Avoid the Green-Eyed Monster and the life that you want will become near.

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Now-Now! There’s no need to fight!

“But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:22, The Bible (King James Version)

It is easy to get caught up in things that never concerned us before.

We get heated (without knowing the facts) and march in military style to the door.

We are determined by distorted views and ready to fight back hard.

Our pride and lack of wisdom pushes us, telling us that this matter we can’t disregard.

This scripture reminds us that we do not need to fight because God is our defence.

When we allow troubles to hurt our minds, God helps us to see sense.

Don’t take things on when you don’t need to – it will only interrupt your day.

Instead hand it over to God and he will be your refuge AND make a way.

Thanks God.

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Ah...it’s oh so quiet...

“He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.” Psalm 23:2, The Bible (Amplified Version)

There is a personalised haven that is available to us all.

We can find it in God’s pocket – if we listen and answer his call.

In the midst of our busy, daily lives while we continue to rush around.

There is a place available for us to just sit, relax and not hear a sound.

This scripture reminds us of God’s promise to give us quietness and peace.

He provides a personal service for us to be calm and for us to find sweet release.

He gives us a place to rest and a place for us to be still;

and he will not let us go until we are restored and until we have had our daily fill.

Thanks God.

Monday, 16 April 2012

Forget about it!

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33, The Bible (English Standard Version)

Sometimes we carry our troubles around with us everywhere we go.

People add their own opinions - then your troubles begin to grow.

Then you can’t sleep at night as different thoughts parade around in your head.

You get up to distract yourself when really you want to sleep in bed.

This scripture reminds us that we will have testing times, but also to take heart!

God’s peace is available if we believe in him and his word – these two things can’t be apart.

Forget about your worries, troubles and testing times that cause unease.

God has overcome the world and your troubles he will appease!

Saturday, 14 April 2012

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

“Give to everyone who asks you...don’t ask for it back.” Luke 6:30, The Bible (New Century Version)

Generosity surprises people in these days of economic challenge and recession.

People don’t expect others to lend a helping hand, but rather to cling to every possession.

Rather than to accept help, brave faces are shown to pretend that everything is OK.

When in reality the pressures of life seem to build and cause us to sway.

This scripture reminds us we should give to those who ask.

To exercise patience and to not ask for it back – is not an easy task!

Generosity is one of God’s habits that we shouldn’t dismiss but instead try to follow.

It’s easier said than done but when we live this way, it will not be a bitter pill to swallow.

Friday, 13 April 2012

Keeping up with the Joneses...

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:1, The Bible (New Century Version)

It seems that everybody wants the “Good Life” no matter the cost.

We want to keep up with the Joneses – which impacts how much money is lost.

We run after the illusion that we just simply do not have enough.

So we strive and over-work ourselves, as we struggle to pay for mountains of stuff.

This scripture reminds us that when we have God we have all that we need.

God promises to be our shepherd or guide and he provides for us with speed.

Living above our means causes trouble, worry and unnecessary pain,

but understanding that all we need is in God can bring relief over and over again.

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

What money can’t buy

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27, The Bible (New Living Translation)

If we have the right amount of money, we can buy almost anything.

We can buy posh clothes and strike a model-like pose or even a diamond ring.

Yet all the money in the world cannot buy the one sure thing we need...

...we think that what we own is enough or sometimes it’s just all about greed.

This scripture reminds us that God has a gift that money cannot buy.

His peace is priceless and we cannot replicate it – no matter how hard we try.

The only way to receive peace is to ask God to grant it to us each day.

With his peace, we don’t need to be troubled; his peace is only one prayer away.

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Better than Superman

“The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” Psalm 91: 14, The Bible (New Living Translation)

We cannot control the thoughts, words and actions of people in this life.

We can only do our best to maximise peace and to squash any strife.

It is deeply sad when we learn of murders, stabbings and events that cause shame

and then we watch families and communities fade as they become hostage to pain.

This scripture reminds us that if we love God, then he will be our rescue plan.

He promises to protect those who trust him – he’s better than superman!

His super powers do not fade when any form of kryptonite is around

because God is the ultimate super hero – his eternal powers will always abound.

Monday, 9 April 2012

What to expect from your personal motivator

“The Lord God is my strength. He makes me like a deer that does not stumble so I can walk on the steep mountains.” Habakkuk 3:19, The Bible (New Century Version)

Travelling through this life can bring us things we don’t expect,

like a new relationship, a new career, “blasts from the past” or more respect.

But at other times, life can have moments of pain and tough trials to face

and sometimes all we can do is stand firm – covered by God’s grace.

This scripture reminds us that there is a motivator who can help us out.

God can be our strength in times when we feel alone or are in doubt.

Steep mountains of life can cause our outlook and well-being to suffer,

but remember that God is your strength and your eternal buffer.

Saturday, 7 April 2012

The perfect medicine

“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;” Ecclesiastes 3:12, The Bible (English Standard Version)

There are all sorts of medicines to help us deal with things as well as lots of pills.

We can’t sleep well or we have to stay awake during a long shift to pay the bills.

We get tired and bogged down with everyday life only to spend it all on drink.

We try to have fun, be happy and laugh - leaving little time to deeply think.

This scripture reminds us that there is nothing better than to be joyful and happy.

It prevents us from being horrible to others or to be moody or snappy.

If we focus on doing as much good as we can while we are still alive,

then we will see the benefits to our health, mind and soul as we continue to survive.

Friday, 6 April 2012

Every day is a new day!

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, The Bible (New Living Translation)

The past has a way of corrupting our minds and raising its ugly head.

Thoughts and doubts plague you and all you can think about is negative things instead.

The things people may have said or the things that people may have done,

come to run like riots in your mind and attempt to steal your peace and fun.

This scripture reminds us that each day is a new day

and God who made it has the power to wash all past pains away.

The instruction is that we should be glad and rejoice -

your mind, spirit and soul will align themselves if you make this choice.

Thursday, 5 April 2012

The impact of a happy heart

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” Psalm 16:19, The Bible (English Standard Version)

Having a joyful or happy heart can have a great impact on us overall.

Even if we feel down or if we have had a bad day, we can pick ourselves up if we fall.

When we smile, laugh and bless others, we bring sunshine and we brighten the day.

It feels good to have a happy heart and to share this with others along the way.

This scripture reminds us that a happy heart causes our whole being to rejoice.

It’s good to know that instead of feeling low – we have a different choice.

There may be many reasons to feel under pressure or to feel really down.

But remember that wearing a smile is much better than wearing a frown!

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

How to overcome

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12, The Bible (English Standard Version)

Life has its good times, but it can also have its challenging times too.

Sometimes, your trials seem so large – as if they have the power to swallow you!

People show their true colours and problems line up at your door.

Your head hurts, your heart hurts and you don’t want to see anyone anymore.

This scripture reminds us of a way to deal with life when these things occur.

Get your pain out of your system – write it down, then throw it away or cry if you prefer.

When life decides to throw some problems and challenges your way,

remember that how to overcome is to rejoice, have patience and to pray.

Monday, 2 April 2012

Are you “Bubbling Over?”

“May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” Romans 15:3, The Bible (Amplified Version)

There are some things in this world that money cannot buy.

You could be a Billionaire or Millionaire and you still wouldn’t be able to try!

Hope, joy and peace can only be stocked from one eternal source.

These things cannot be attained by “good deeds”, lies or by bribery and excessive force.

This scripture reminds us that God has this unlimited stock to give.

If we believe in Him, by having faith then by His power can we flourish and live.

In fact, God’s promise states that joy, peace and hope will always abound.

Our well-being and our lives will be “bubbling over” – evidence that God is always around.