Exodus 3:14: And GOD said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and HE said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. [King James translation]
John 6:32, 35: JESUS said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my FATHER who gives you the true bread from heaven.…”Then JESUS declared, “I am the bread of life….” [New International translation]
John 14:1, 6: “Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting GOD, now trust in me…. I am the Way---yes, and the Truth and the Life. No man can get to the FATHER except by means of ME….” [Living Bible translation]
1 Corinthians 6:19 Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the HOLY SPIRIT GOD gave you and that HE lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. [Living Bible translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
GOD seeks a relationship with you and me.
In Exodus 3:14, GOD doesn’t just state that “I AM,” but HE specifically instructs Moses to tell the children of Israel, “I AM hath sent me unto you.”
In the “I AM” sayings of JESUS in the book of John, JESUS also describes who HE is in terms of HIS relationship to you and me. For example, in John, chapter 6, JESUS explains that: “I AM [your] true bread from heaven.” In John 14, HE is saying: “I AM [your] WAY, [your] TRUTH and [your] LIFE.” In John 10:14, HE is saying: “I AM [your] gate for I AM the Gate.”
David understood the idea of living “in relationship,” in GOD, when David states, “THE LORD is my SHEPHERD.” See, Psalms 23.
This idea of living in a relationship in GOD is further emphasized in the other “I AM” sayings of JESUS as wells as 1 Corinthians 6:19. All of these verses remind us that GOD seeks a relationship with you and with me.
PARTNERING FOR HEALTH
Whatever our fitness goals might be, none of us need to go it alone. We can all partner for health. For example, there are a wide variety of group fitness classes offered at many gyms, community centers, and other fitness outlets. Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Cycling, Swimming, Jazzercise, Strength Training, HIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and others.
But, if you don’t have a gym membership, are on a tight budget or just want to “ease” into an exercise program, or have other restrictions, be creative. Remember, walking is always a free exercise. Places you might consider walking with a friend, children, nieces, nephews, elderly relatives, neighbors or other “partners” included the following places:
- Your local zoo or botanical garden;
- An indoor shopping mall (If you are there to exercise, stay focused);
- Your neighborhood park;
- Your local large city markets;
- Museums;
- Your city’s historical places and sights;
- An animal shelter;
- Fruit picking farms (which can involve walking, stretching and lifting);
- Your city library;
- Your city’s colleges or universities (Most children should not have to be close to high school graduation to go on their college tour. Take the children in your life to college early. Remember, introducing a young child to a college campus could be a life-altering experience.);
- An aquarium;
- Your city’s civic center (Many city civic centers have events, talks, exhibits, and other events.);
- A city walking tour (Many cities have tour guides for walking tours.);
- Going on a downtown walk; or
- Going on a public art walk. (Many cities have statutes, murals, plaques, and other street art. Go on an art “treasure hunt” in your city.)
Remember, to bring water, so you stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. If you are step counter, this can also be another way of getting your quota of steps for the day/week/ or month. Remember, the idea is to partner up, have fun and exercise!
PARTNERING 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—one for another! Every effort you make to improve your physical and spiritual health strengthens someone else---your family, your church and others. You also strengthen your body, the home of the HOLY SPIRIT. So even when you walk “alone,” you are never really alone.
And, if we allow HIM to live in us, and we follow HIM, and take care of those things we should steward, one day HE will say: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” See, Matthew 25:23.
So, be a good, faithful and vigilant partner! And, BE BLESSED!
