Did you know that the majority of sickness plaguing the world today results from chronic illness and not infectious disease? Chronic Disease is defined as a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured. Chronic illness is a worldwide problem. As described by the Centers for Disease Control, chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
Lee Jong-wook, former Director General of the World Health Organization, stated in a 2005 report that of a projected 58 million deaths in 2005, approximately 35 million or 60% would be the result of chronic disease. He also projected those staggering figures to increase by another 17% by the year 2015.
Come to Jesus today and give Him your weaknesses, fears, cares and sicknesses. The scriptures say, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Wherever you are today, I want you to know that God is with you—and He hears you right now!
Scriptures: Acts 10:38
As a young businesswoman I remember sitting at my desk after having just received accolades for a very successful business deal that people of my age seldom experienced.
The president of the bank and my peers thought it was amazing, yet I sat there thinking, “I’ve obtained what people seek after for years…but is this what I want to do with the rest of my life??”
As I was pondering this decision the phone rang. It was a local pastor calling, and I remember telling him, “Funny you should call right now…I am pondering what to do with the rest of my life.” I recall his words so clearly. He simply said, “Let peace be the umpire of your heart.”
Hanging up the phone, I leaned back and thought, “Stay here? For the rest of my life?” NO joy, NO Peace! And in that moment I decided to pursue a second career. Perhaps today, you need courage to follow your heart.
Consider this: My mother-in-law always said, work at your career for 5 years, and if you find yourself bored, then do something else. Her observation: boredom was the great thief of happiness.
Life is too short to be bored!
I recently read an article in the Huffington post entitled: Redefining Happiness in India. In the article a young doctor stated,
“As Indian Americans, we have grown up hearing stories from our parents about how they left India in search of a better life. They came to the West to create new opportunities for themselves and for generations to come.
The younger generations have found more opportunities, more amenities and more comfort. But somewhere in always striving for more, we have also become more discontent. We have started asking the questions, “what brings real happiness?” and “what is the definition of a good life?”
She concluded that this is happiness:
– To STOP constantly thinking of ourselves and to find joy in service.
– To look WITHIN for problem solving instead of finding short term joy in outside things.
– To share our joy by sharing with others.
Recently a leading global medical research institute listed these benefits attributed to positive thinking:
- Longer life expectancy
- Increased resistance to the common cold
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower risk of heart disease and related death
- Better overall psychological health
- Lower stress levels
- Better stress management and coping skills
- Increased physical well-being
These facts alone should enthuse you about the real life benefits of thinking positively. One positive thought can indeed cultivate the dream that is in your heart! http://bit.ly/1FcdCOj
God has granted us access to a relationship far greater than a master and a slave. He set all things before us so that we might enjoy the very best that life has to give!
We are not mere servants of God, but through God’s Son Jesus Christ we become children of God. Jesus called God Father! Have you ever called God ‘Father’? Perhaps you have called Him Creator, or you identify Him with the cosmic universe. But I want you to know today you can call Him Father.
Trust begins with a simple decision to get to know God through His words. How can you know all the functions of your TV or your cell phone if you don’t spend some time in the search menus or with the instruction booklet?
God only requires one thing for trust. He tells us, get to know Me and My words, and I will get to know you.
As you embark upon your dream remember these four words: WORK, WORSHIP, REST & PLAY.
Work routines provide healthy self-esteem and a confidence that your dream is well underway. Worship is our expression to God for all that He has done in creating and preparing us for the life ahead. Worship helps us acknowledge that a source greater than ourselves is gently guiding and strengthening us each day.
Rest is the time required to recharge our physical and mental capabilities. We are complex beings that have a spirit, live in a body and function through our mind, will and emotions. Rest recharges our spiritual, physical and emotional energy.
My last encouragement is to remind you to PLAY! Allowing ourselves to play opens up a child-like spirit of creativity allowing us to dream as only a child can do. Go for a swing! Play! Ride the local carousel! Treat yourself to an ice cream! Tap into the supernatural reservoir of joy and energy that is resonant within!
PEACE is not resignation – but RESILIENCY. Psychological resilience is defined as an individual’s ability to properly adapt to stress and adversity. A scattered mind is, like the bible says, a wave tossed about by the wind of the sea.
Where does life find you today? You may be in the midst of a hurricane or a financial storm—perhaps you are facing other issues. Remember, peace is not the absence of turmoil. Peace is the rudder of the soul that provides solitude in the midst of turmoil. God promises to keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! http://bit.ly/1IzEZ40
Scriptures: James 1:6, Isaiah 26:3 NLT
After His resurrection, Jesus’ first words to those in the upper room were words of peace. Peace is one of the major topics of the New Testament! Peace is called the ‘umpire of our heart,’ and is used in all our decision making. Jesus is called the Prince of peace. Whenever Jesus appeared to people, He spoke peace first.
We must have peace in our soul to see real progress in our life. It is in the seedbed of peace and tranquility that creativity thrives and answers come forth. It is also the posture we must have to give us the inner assurance that stabilizes us for the storms. When Jesus spoke peace to His disciples, the bible says that they were glad. When you find that place of peace, you also will find a smile on your lips and a laugh in your heart!
Scripture: Colossians 3:15, Isaiah 9:6, John 20:9
Quote: “Those who are at war with others are not at peace with themselves.” – William Hazlitt
Is it possible to obtain inner peace? Some believe that inner peace is found in the tranquility of meditation or the absence of thought or feeling. Jesus opened the door to inner peace when He said, “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.”
What is Inner Peace? Inner peace (or peace of mind) refers to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace. The ancient scriptures define peace as being well, happy, healthy prosperous, restful, safe, whole, secure, quiet and set at one with God. Peace brings those created in God’s image back into harmony with the Creator. J. Donald Walters said, “You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory.”
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith! http://bit.ly/1HuIBWq
Scripture: John 14:27 NLT, 1 John 5:4
The Society of International Law in London states that during the last 4,000 years there have been only 268 years of peace in spite of good peace treaties. In the last 3 centuries there have been 286 wars on the continent of Europe alone.
According to the Global Peace Index, in 2013, 9.8 trillion dollars was spent on containing violence in the earth! This is 75 times the amount of money spent on foreign aid. Yet with all this money spent on containing violence we are no closer to a global solution for peace, and war rages on in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Congo, Afghanistan, and many others.
How important is the subject of peace? At the birth of Jesus, the angels said to the shepherds watching their flocks, “Peace on earth, good will toward all men.” Jesus’ first words to His disciples after His resurrection were, “Peace be with you.” God’s heart is to restore peace to humanity!
Scripture: Luke 2:14, John 20:19
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