Text: Exodus 20:8-11
Memory text:
“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Bible is the wisdom book for a happy, healthy, and long life. Though ancient, the Bible is never outdated. Its principles are relevant and applicable for all times ‭‭(Prov‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬).
The word of God teaches us the importance of physical exercise for a healthy life. “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way because it promises life both for the present and for the future.” (1 Tim 4:8 GNT). Paul is not despising physical exercise here but only making a comparison between physical and spiritual exercises. He clearly recognizes the value of physical exercise.
Physical exercise is valuable for maintaining a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Scientists have established that physical exercise strengthens the heart and the lungs, enhances immune function, and strengthens bones and muscles. It also has emotional and mental health benefits. Heart related diseases, immune system damage, and bone diseases can be prevented with physical exercise. Generally, physical exercise promotes long-term well-being and equips us to serve God better and longer. Contrarily, sedentary lifestyle or inactivity can mitigate against one’s wellbeing, triggering so many diseases.
Another principle of health established in the Bible is rest. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: …” ‭‭(Exo‬ ‭20‬:‭9‬-‭10). Beyond the religious adherence to a day, as the Sabbath day of rest, don’t miss the principle here – rest is essential for well-being. In Psalms 127:2, God encourages His children to rest instead of working excessively and not resting. He doesn’t justify laziness, idleness, or oversleep, but He blesses us in our sleep when we choose to trust Him and to rest after labour. On the other hand, labouring without resting is to trust in ourselves and that can’t receive His blessing. This is the kind of blessing that adds sorrow. It impoverishes a person financially, depreciates his health, and may eventually shorten his life.
Friends, while you pray and live in sanctification, also practice the principles of healthy living, and you will enjoy a peaceful, prosperous, and healthy long life. Know that righteous living can’t make up for a violation of these principles. Beware!

Prayer points
1. Father, I receive grace to be balanced in my spiritual walk, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, help me to be a doer of all that I have learned so I can be blessed in all my deeds, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. It’s folly not to pay attention to my health in a bid to get wealth but thereafter to use my wealth to seek for my health, which could have been lost.
2. I will no longer live in ignorance nor violate these principles of healthy living.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng