April 15-16 -

“Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1b-2 NIV).

I have been watching a programme on TV, presented by Angela Rippon. The theme of the programme is on living healthier and longer, and how to stay looking young, You’d probably pay a lot of money for a pill that promised to add years to your life – wouldn't you?. As Christians we don't need to pop anti-ageing pills, we already have the key to a long life – free, no strings attached. - the same key used by the following doctor

Episode One of the programme contained footage of a visit to Loma Linda, a town in California America, where they interviewed an ex-surgeon, Dr. Ellsworth Wareham, who had reached the grand old age of 100 years. Physically and mentally intact, and looking 30 years younger than his age, this gent had worked full-time up to the age of 95 years. He puts all of this down to his 50 year diet as a vegan. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/16/100-year-old-surgeon-wwii-vet-who-retired-at-age-5-shares-secrets-to-longevity.html

God has given us all of the principles for health management in his Word, the Bible. The diet God gave people at the beginning of Creation was fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds (Genesis 1:29, 2:16; 3:18). The Bible is the owner’s manual for your body. As David says, “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 TLB). And in Deuteronomy, it says, “These instructions are not empty words — they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land” (Deuteronomy 32:47a NLT, second edition). God says, “If you do what I tell you to do with your health, you will enjoy a long life.”

Our key verse today says, “Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life” (Proverbs 3:1b-2a NIV). What are some of those commands? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing” (Proverbs 3:5-10a).

These verses highlight some factors that you probably don’t think about but that will keep you healthy: tranquility, trust in God, integrity, humility, and generosity. These things will cause your health to be better, because your physical health is influenced by your spiritual health. Speaking of physical health, the programme tested various forms of exercise to discover the best all-rounder to maintain muscle and cardiac strength. The result? - dancing. Dancing gave every muscle and organ in the body, a good work-out.

That, combined with a Mediterranean diet was said to add a number of years to our lives. Worth a try? I think I'll go now and give the calypso a whirl!

Music today is by George Jones “Choices” - with lyrics – thank you Bryn. Click on the picture to listen.