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The first workshop I went to at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine conference this week, was entitled “Fitness That Works”. It was one of the best lectures I’ve ever been too.

During the course of his talk, the instructor, Sean Foy, the author of The Burst Workout and co-author of The Daniel Plan, pointed out most people don’t succeed in their fitness or weight loss plans. The reason? They have not identified their “Why”.

Why did they want to lose weight? Why did they want to get in shape? Why did they want to run a marathon? Foy’s experience was, once his clients found their “why”, they found a “way”.

Victor Frankl said, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear with almost any ‘how’.”

If you know your ‘why’ you can push that extra mile, do another 10 reps, swim another lap. The impossible becomes possible. No matter what comes your way, you find a way.

Some days it can be a little hard to sit down at the computer and write another post for Encouraging Words for Today. I’m tired, have too many irons in the fire, or just can’t think of anything to say. But, when I’m feeling that way, my “Why” keeps me going.

What is my “Why”? I love you!

I love each and every one of you and I hope my little posts will in some way help you “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:18, 19 NIV.

And why do I love you? Because Jesus first loved me. (1 John 4:19).

How about you? Have you been struggling to lose those extra pounds or get up and exercise each day? Is there a habit you’ve been trying to break or a goal you can’t seem to reach? Is there someone you just can’t seem to forgive?

If the above sounds like you, ask God to show you your “Why”. If you do, He will not only show you your “why”, but also show The Way.

Why? Because He loves you!

My meetings over, I’m headed home. Right now I’m sitting in Seattle, waiting for my connecting flight to Wenatchee. It was a good conference, but I’m glad to be going home. I missed my wife.

My mind is overflowing with facts and statistics. It is amazing what a difference a plant-based diet can make in a person’s health! Less risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression…the list goes on and on.

I also enjoyed being with a bunch of other professionals who share my passion for making the world a better place by helping their patients make positive choices about their health. These people were on fire!

Last night the American College of LIfestyle Medicine gave T. Colin Campbell, the author of The China Study, a Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an amazing, yet very humble man, who lives what he teaches. He was walking with a cane, because he’d broken his hip recently while playing racquetball with his son. He’s 84 years old!

As amazing as it is to see people like T. Colin Campbell able to stay incredibly active late into life, the fact of the matter is, no matter how well we take care of ourselves, eventually the sands of time run out for all of us.

Thinking about that sad fact made me realize it’s not enough to tell people how to live healthier, happier lives on this earth, because no matter what we do we all eventually die. But Christians have the cure for sickness and death within our grasp – Jesus Christ. John 3:36 promises, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”

How can we not share this Good News with everyone we meet? To not share it is tantamount to a physician withholding a life-saving drug from a patient. It’s malpractice!

Today, everywhere you go you will meet people “without hope and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:12 NIV. Ravaged by a terminal illness, sin, they long for a cure. You have that cure!

Lifestyle medicine offers real hope, but it is a temporary solution. Christians have the real Cure! Let’s share it with the world today!

It had been an interesting experience eating at the bar Sunday evening. While I ate I was reading in Whisper, by Mark Batterson, how God puts us in a specific place, at a specific time, for a specific reason. I thought, “Why do you have me here, Lord, of all places?” Turns out he was just setting me up for what happened on the way back to the hotel.

I’m a country boy in the big city, so I was a little apprehensive walking back to my hotel. I kept glancing down dark alleys for possible threats. Imagine my surprise, then, when a disheveled man on a bike suddenly appeared out of the dark and pulled up next to me.

Speaking rapidly, as if knowing my first inclination was to send him packing, he spun a tale of not being from Indy, needing to catch a bus to make it to a Bible study, but being $17 short.

Initially, I told him “no”, but then I remembered what I’d just read, back in the bar. Maybe this was what Batterson was talking about.

We talked a bit and I learned his name was Bob. I doubted he was telling me the truth, but I ended up giving him the last $11 I had in my wallet. Before he left I asked if I could pray with him. He enthusiastically agreed and, taking his hand, I prayed for God to guide and care for him.

As I was turning to leave, Bob shouted, “Read Psalm 91!” I laughed and replied, “And you read Jeremiah 29:11! It says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you…. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Bob waved and pedaled away.

As I watched Bob go, I wondered if I’d made a huge mistake. He was probably going to go blow the money on alcohol or something worse. But then again, maybe not. Maybe our encounter will make Bob think. Maybe he’ll take a new direction. I’ll never know.

One thing I do know – unless we are willing to give people a chance, to look beyond their exterior, to take a risk on them, we’re never going to have a chance to share God’s love with them. And that’s too big a risk not to take – even if it does cost me a few bucks!

I had an interesting evening yesterday after my meetings. I was hungry, so I went searching for a place to eat. It was almost 10 PM, so not much was open. I ended up in a bar in downtown Indianapolis.

Now most of you know I don’t drink alcohol, so this was a strange place for me to spend an evening. Don’t worry, I didn’t get soused. Hard to get drunk on a Sprite!

I did enjoy the experience, however. The food was excellent and I got to watch some football and commiserate with fellow Buffalo Bill fans over their loss to the Colts.

As I sat there, I realized I’d never eaten in a bar my life. I also realized, because of that, I’ve probably missed a lot of opportunities to get to know people and maybe even to share Jesus with them. After all, where better to reach the hurting, but where they go to drown out their pain?

I think we Christians spend way too much time hiding in our homes or huddling together in our churches, afraid we’ll be contaminated by the very world we’ve been called to help. After all, Jesus did tell us to “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15 NLT. “Everyone” includes people in bars.

Galatians 6:1 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.”

Sometimes to save a drowning person you have to get into the water with them. But if you do, remember Paul also cautions you to “be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” In other words, if you already have a problem with alcohol, a bar may not be your best mission field.

Jesus was condemned by the Pharisees for associating with sinners, but I have a feeling He took that as a compliment, because He replied, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:13 NKJV. Their comment confirmed He was doing what He was called to do.

It’s time for us to start following His example. We need to stop spending all our time with “righteous” and go where the people are. Just make sure, wherever you go, you invite Jesus to come along!

God bless and have a great day!

I’m reaching a point in my life where the goodbyes are starting to outnumber the hellos and I don’t like it!

I had a wonderful time yesterday visiting with my aunt and uncle, Hazel and Ben Sowers. We talked and talked, probably more than we have in our whole lives. Aunt Hazel fed me great food and Uncle Ben took me on a 4-wheeler tour of their 200 acre farm. To top off the visit, my cousin, Brent Sowers, who I haven’t seen in at least 30 years, went out of his way to stop in and say, “Hello”, something I really appreciated. It was a very special day!

Unfortunately, as with all visits in this life, there came a time where we had to say goodbye. That was hard. I hope we get to see each other again soon, but with us living thousands of miles apart, that probably isn’t going to happen. The thought makes me sad, but, as they say, that’s life.

The thing is, for all of us there comes a time when the goodbyes outnumber the hellos, when we must say farewell knowing there may be no tomorrow. The older we get the more goodbyes we say and the fewer hellos. It’s a depressing thought, but there is good news. A better day is on its way!

On that day, “Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.” (Isaiah 60:20 NIV). When that day comes, God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4.

When Jesus comes again, when His glory splits the skies, “…the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) On that day there will be no more goodbyes, only hellos. That’s a day I can hardly wait to see.

This morning, if you, like me, are tired of goodbyes, say “Hello” to Jesus. Give Him your heart. Give Him your life. Accept Him as your Savior and know that, when you belong to Him, goodbye is not forever. “Hello” is coming soon!

Have a wonderful day and remember to “encourage one another with these words.” God bless!

Have you ever stared up at the night sky and considered the vastness of space? Have you looked closely at the intricate detail of a daisy? Have you contemplated a sunset or felt the blast of a winter wind? If so, you’ve caught just a glimpse of God’s power.

Yesterday I flew over majestic mountains, lifting their snow-covered peaks to the sky and vast plains which seemed to go on forever. I drove past green forests and lush fields. I felt the rain on my face. I heard a gentle whisper in the wind and wondered, was that His voice?

The beauty of this earth, the vast complexity of creation, the unfathomable reaches of space, leave me breathless at times. And yet, “these are but the outer fringe of his work; how faint the whisper we hear of him!” Job 26:14 NIV.

The wonder and majesty of God, His awesome power, His matchless love, are beyond human comprehension. All the beauty we see around us if but a “faint whisper” of who He is. No wonder David wrote, “What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that you visit him?” Psalm 8:4 NKJV

Yet, in spite of our insignificance in the vast landscape of creation, in spite of our rebellion and indifference, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV

This Sabbath morning, take a moment to ponder God’s majesty and power, His creative power, His limitless wisdom, and wonder anew that He loves you.

God bless and Happy Sabbath!

“Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!” Psalm 55:6 NLT

As I wait in SeaTac Airport for my flight to Indianapolis, this text seems especially appropriate. It’s been a very busy summer. Mom and Dad came to visit in the spring and since then life has been a little hectic. I can use some rest!

I’m going to Indy for a Lifestyle Medicine Conference. Lifestyle Medicine uses diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to dramatically affect a patient’s health; including controlling and even reversing diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases. It’s the kind of medicine I’ve always wanted to do and I’m really looking forward to this conference.

I’m also looking forward to seeing my aunt and uncle, Hazel and Ben Sowers, who I haven’t seen in many years. They live just an hour away, so I’m going to drive there tonight and spend the weekend with them. It’ll be good!

Most of all, I’m looking forward to the chance to just unwind and rest. This busy life we all lead can wear us down and we all need a chance to stop and rest. And no rest is sweeter than that found in Jesus’ arms. He says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT

Maybe life has clipped your wings right now. Maybe you’re too busy to “fly away and rest”. That’s okay, because no matter where you are, even if you’re sitting in a noisy airport like me, God is near. Bow your head right now and steal away with God in prayer. In your mind “fly away and rest”.

Today, Jesus is calling to you, inviting you to “Come aside…and rest a while.” Mark 6:31. Why not take Him up on the invitation. Take his yoke upon you and “…you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29. And may“the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7.

Until tomorrow, God bless and have a wonderful day! Gotta fly!

A while back I had a couple rough days. There was nothing really wrong, but I couldn’t seem to shake the gloom. I had an important decision to make and I desperately needed God to light my way, but instead found myself stumbling in the dark.

This experience reminded me of the time I was lost in the Adirondacks with some other youth from our church. The night was so dark we couldn’t see each other, although we were standing close enough to touch. The darkness seemed to press in on every side, smothering us, filling our minds with dread. When all you can see is nothing at all, you really understand what it means to be lost.

I think most, if not all of us, have experienced similar times in our lives, days when you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light. God seems distant, your prayers unheard. You seem to have wandered into, as Job describes it, “the land of gloom and utter darkness, the land of deepest night, of utter darkness and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.” Job 10:21, 22.

The Spanish cleric, St. John of the Cross, called these times “the dark night of the soul.” He described them as “a dense and burdensome cloud which afflicts the soul and keeps it withdrawn from God.”

Although difficult to go through, “the dark night of the soul” can be a blessing. It makes us aware of our utter helplessness, blinds us to the distractions of the world which separate us from God, and makes us seek the Light like never before. And God promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV.

Moments like these teach us to “trust in the Lord and rely on your God.” Isaiah 50:10 NLT. He promises to turn the darkness into light before you and smooth out the road ahead of you, guiding you by ways you have not known. (Isaiah 42:16).

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

In the dark night of your soul, do not despair. Instead reach out in faith and grasp the hand of the Unseen and let Him lead you safely into a glorious new day! Put your faith in Him today and He will light your way!

This morning, if the darkness of night seems to have followed you into the day, if God seems distant, hope has fled and you feel lost and alone in “the dark night of the soul”, do not give up. Remember “in the face of darkness light is near.” Job 17:12.

God bless and have a beautiful day!

Have you ever bitten into an apple, which looked perfect on the outside, only to discover it was bruised and rotten on the inside? It’s not a pleasant experience, is it?

On the other hand, consider the Ugli Fruit. It’s not the prettiest fruit out there; with its wrinkly, greenish-yellow skin; but inside, this Jamaican tangelo has a sweet, citrus flavor.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:7, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

In this world, where so often we are judged by our outward appearance; where politicians act like school children, insulting their opponents looks; and where someone may call the cops on you just because of the color of your skin, I’m glad our Heavenly Father looks deep inside and judges us, not by our looks, but by our heart.

Today, as you interact with others, ask God to “give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you….” Pray that he will “remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh,” a heart which beats only for Him and with love for others.

And while you’re at it, ask God to also give you “salve to put on your eyes, so you can see” past a person’s outward appearance to the hurting child of God trembling within.

Remember none of us are all that pretty in God’s eyes, but we are all precious in His sight. Let’s treat each other that way today.

Remember that old children’s rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? If only that were true. Unfortunately words can hurt, sometimes worse then sticks and stones and the scars can be longer lasting.

A study done at Harvard University found verbal abuse, including, swearing, ridiculing, and criticizing, could be as harmful to children as physical and sexual abuse. Children who had been verbally abused were more prone to physical aggression, PTSD, delinquency and difficulty getting along with others. Verbal abuse may cause delayed mental development, depression, and negative self image.

Even adults are not immune. A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found verbal abuse of postmenopausal women was associated with increased depression, anxiety and decreased optimism. Verbal abuse in spousal and long-term relationships had similar psychological effect as physical abuse.

As I look back over the years I cringe at the number of times I have said something I later wished I could take back. Unfortunately, once a word is past the lips it’s impossible to suck it back in.

Words can hurt, but they also can heal. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

This morning let your prayer be, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” Psalm 141:3.

Determine, with God’s help, to speak only encouraging words to those you meet, spreading a little honey wherever you go today.

God bless and have a wonderful day!