Flourishing in Body, Soul and Spirit

Flourishing in Body, Soul and Spirit
Pastor Adrian Rogers

"...dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves...." 2 Corinthians 7:1

You were created to know three worlds - the spiritual, psychological, and material worlds. These can be considered the world above us, the world within us, and the world around us.

These worlds are related to the three parts of our human nature - spirit, soul, and body. When you are rightly related to the material world with your body, you are healthy. When you are rightly related to the psychological world with your soul, you are happy. And when you are rightly related to the spiritual world in your

spirit, you are holy. God's aim is that ultimately you are to experience all three realities: health, happiness, and holiness.

Take a snapshot inventory of your life. Where do you need to start making changes to live a healthier lifestyle? What is your emotional barometer telling you about how you see others and yourself? Do you know of any area in your life where you are not living in obedience to the call of holy living?

For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, please visit www.lwf.org.

An Original
Bayless Conley

1 Samuel 15:19 and 24 provide us with real insight into an area of anxiety for many people. One that may control your life today.

This is Samuel talking to Saul,

"Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?"

Saul gives his answer in verse 24,

Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice."

Hmmm! "I feared the people and obeyed their voice." Saul confessed that he was worried about what other people thought of him and what other people would say about him. As a result, he made a horrible decision that was counter to what God wanted.

Too many people, even good Christians, are eaten up with worry over what other people think and say about them. Let me tell you, the worst place to have your peace is in somebody else's head. As Proverbs 29:25 says, The fear of man brings a snare.

Saul is a perfect example. He never fulfilled his destiny, he never fulfilled his purpose in life, because he was too worried about what people thought about him even though God chose him to be king.

Someone wisely said this:

"It is not what I think I am that molds me and drives me, and it is not what you think I am that molds me and drives me. It is what I think that you think I am that molds me and drives me."

Is that your concern today? If so, let me give you some advice: Be yourself. You were created by God as an original, and it would be a shame if you died a copy.


Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God





Staying Close to the Almighty
Dr. Charles Stanley

Isaiah 41:10-14

As children of the Most High, we are called to walk with Him whether circumstances are delightful or difficult. Both can be challenging.

In times of relative ease, we may lose sight of how dependent we are on God. Of course, we still desperately need His direction and care, but pleasant "seasons" can cloud that reality and lull us into a self-sufficient mindset. To prevent this, we should discipline ourselves to fill our minds with God's Word, pray for direction, and listen for His answer.

Strenuous times, on the other hand, can draw us to our Creator for sustenance and help. With Christ by our side, we can walk fearlessly through any situation. As Jesus warned, hardship is inevitable (John 16:33). Yet we have a choice about how to respond. We can either let painful situations trigger increased dependence upon the Lord, or we can allow doubt, depression, and anger to fill us.

The Lord promises to give all that we need to endure difficulty well. Our responsibility is to stay by His side, follow where He leads, and obey even when we don't like or understand what is happening. Our goal should align with the apostle Paul's: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).

Where are you today—in the midst of a trial or pleasant circumstances? Be aware of temptations like discouragement or apathy that could pull you away from a close walk with your heavenly Father. When you emerge from this period, will you be able to say with Paul that you finished well?

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.



Manna-Fest: America - Israel the Final Redemption Cycle