Mark 6:7 And HE called to HIM the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. [Revised Standard translation]
Luke 10:1 After this the LORD appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where HE HIMSELF was about to come. [Revised Standard translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
When JESUS commissioned HIS disciples to go out HE sent them in pairs. He wanted them to partner with one another so they could support each other, encourage each other and be a demonstration of the unity of their faith. Their work together would be a testimony. When one was weak, the other could pray. Each would be there to help the other, should one stumble or fall. There is strength in unity.
The church was never meant to be individualistic. We were never meant to go it alone.
1 Corinthians 12 tells us that the church is "a body," with many parts. We are "one body." We are all put together to accomplish HIS will. We are all filled with "one SPIRIT." We are to help one another as "one body" in CHRIST.
PARTNERING FOR HEALTH
Whatever our fitness goals might be, none of us need go it alone. We can all partner for health. There are partners everywhere! For example, WebMd, an online health information service has partnered with Healthy Child Healthy Worlds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of children from toxic environmental exposure, to create "Health e-Home." Health e-Home provides tips and information about health and safe green living. Some of the topics on their interactive website include:
- Decoding Product Labels;
- 5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality;
- Safer Foods for a Healthier You;
- Going Green for the Holidays;
- Pots, Pans & Plastics: A Shopper's Guide;
- 10 ways to Make Your Home Healthier;
- Safer Bug Spray: Natural Bug Repellents;
- Antibacterial Soup;
- Tips for an Eco friendly workout;
- Best Non-Toxic Ways to Clean Your Home.
See, www. webmd.com/health-ehome-9/about. In the article "Safer Foods for a Healthier You," Matthew Hoffman, M.D. notes that according to FDA data some of the foods with the highest levels of pesticide residue include:
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet bell peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Imported grapes
- Spinach
- Lettuce
Dr. Hoffman states that one way to reduce exposure to high pesticide items is to buy organic. According to Dr. Hoffman, whether you buy organic or conventional, it is always best to reduce contamination of fresh food by pesticide or bacteria by:
- Always washing fresh produce thoroughly.
- Peeling produce reduces pesticide residue and bacteria, although it also can remove valuable nutrients.
See: "Safer Foods for a Healthier You," by Matthew Hoffman, M.D. www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/pesticides-hormones-in-food. The article also discusses the pesticides, hormones and antibiotics in meat and milk and the risks posed especially to children.
You can find other partners for physical health at a gym (including trainers); at your church (e.g. exercise programs); and you can be a partner in your home. You can walk with a neighbor or a co-worker or exercise with a friend. You can coach or play sports with your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren or a youth group. You can start family holiday meal hikes or institute other healthy family habits. The possibilities for partnership are endless.
PARTNER FOR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH
This Wednesday fellowship is also a partnership ---a prayer, information and activities partnership. Every prayer counts. So, please keep praying! Every effort you make to improve your physical and spiritual health strengthens the "body of CHRIST." So, continue to encourage someone else and yourself. Don't get weary of well-doing! Every effort counts. We are all in this together!
So, be faithful and be vigilant. And, Be Blessed!
