Faith and Nutrition

I have the privilege of teaching three of my grandchildren science each week. We all look forward to spending this special time together learning and exploring God’s creation. This year we are looking at our bodies and how all the different parts interact and it has been amazing. This weeks lesson focuses on the importance of nutrition. As I was prepping for this lesson I heard the Holy Spirit whisper–this is one of the lessons that will stay with them for the rest of their life. It is ok to slow down and really help them understand what they eat or don’t eat impacts their bodies and ultimately their health life.

Then He began to tie it into our spiritual health. This is not a new thought by any means, but just a reminder we are what we spiritually eat. Most of us are aware the need to spend time in God’s Word every day–and it’s equated to eating every day etc. All the Word, we know is God inspired and fruitful. But what about making sure we are eating balanced portions of His Word?

We have the two major sections–the Old Testament and the New Testament–but each of those sections are subdivided as well. I want to encourage us to develop a taste for every section. I confess the prophecy sections are the most difficult for me to digest. I love history so re-reading the exploits of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the book of Genesis is inspiring to me! Watching God take Joseph through some very impossible and unfair situations strengthens my faith and encourages me to trust Him in my rough times.

Did you know there are five main books of Wisdom in the Bible? Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon all fall into this category. Have you ever read them looking for the wisdom they can impart? There are some very practical insights to be found in these books–I admit they can be challenging to implement!

Some can seem tedious, I get it. Numbers and Leviticus and its laws and instructions can seem very unrelatable at times–but one of the aspects of God’s character I have gleaned from this book is how incredibly detailed our God is! How He cared for His people in some very specific ways. It also makes me very thankful and grateful for the one and only sacrifice that Jesus paid for our salvation! Reading about all the individuals mentioned in the book of Numbers reminds me that He knows me also by name.

Don’t we all have comfort food? Food we go to during times of stress or difficulties–for most of us I believe we have found God’s Comfort food in the Psalms. I also find it in the gospels as I read about how Jesus touched the men and women while He walked this earth. Looking for His instructions and how he related to so many different people encourages me to live and act with His compassion as well. But that is not all there is to the book of Psalms–it inspires us to worship and look at God’s creation. It encourages us to see God as Creator, while bringing comfort during our struggling times.

The prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel influences us to understand God in our past, present and future. He has a plan for the universe and our part in it! Although some of the descriptive narratives may be hard to understand–just knowing someone has a plan brings me peace. The mysteries–the things I can’t figure out also show me He is bigger than myself, and that is what I not only want, but need in my God.

I love the gospels were God became flesh and dwelt among us. Reading each one reveals different aspects of the writers and their relationship to him. It helps me find my own walk with Him as well. I love the book of Acts where His power is unveiled in some unexpected ways through the very men who were touched by Him. Paul’s letters are full of stability, advice and encouragement as well. I love the personal letters he wrote to Timothy, Titus and others. The letters to the churches bring insight, instruction and hope as well. The early church was not perfect, but they were able to change their world in such a way that we are changed today.

The book of Revelation is another one I haven’t gotten figured out. But I read it in faith! I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and delve into an area of the Bible you may not have tasted for awhile–or ever. Pray before you begin. If you have questions there is probably an “app” for that! WE need His Word more than ever to show us the truth of ourselves and our world situation, at least I do! Father, help us develop a hunger for your Word. Teach us how to eat a balanced meal of your Word!

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (2 Ti 3:16–17). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.