Acts 2:44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising GOD.
[Living Bible Translation]
Summary
According to the Bible, the early church was extraordinary. They were “believers.” They believed in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. They believed in the WORD OF GOD. And, they believed in demonstrating GOD’s love in the community. The Bible states that there was “a deep sense of awe on them all.” See, Acts 2: 43 (Living Bible translation) And, there were many miracles. Acts 2:43.
The world around them was turbulent. These Christians lived in evil times. There were all sorts of reasons to be afraid for their personal safety and their souls, if they were bent toward following the practices of the world or if they looked to the world for their hope and salvation.
Instead of dependence on their world leaders, they became a community of believers. They devoted themselves to GOD. They showed the city around them what LOVE looked like, by responding to those in need, by sharing, and by believing GOD. And, because they believed, others started to believe too, and GOD added to their number.
Believing is Important- In Exercise
Not only is exercise good for you but believing that exercise will have a positive effect is important too.
In a study performed by psychologists from the University of Freiburg’s Department of Sport Science, researchers found that subjects derive more benefits mentally and physically from exercise if they already had a positive mindset about the exercise.
The researchers found that those test subjects who believed that exercise would have a positive effect on their health before exercising enjoyed exercise more, the exercise improved their mood more and reduced their anxiety about exercise more than the less optimistic subjects. The brain measurements showed that the participants with the greater expectations were also more relaxed.
The researchers concluded that beliefs and expectations can possibly have long-term consequences in terms of a person’s motivation to participate in a sport and that belief may even be a determining factor in a person’s willingness to exercise next time or “decide instead to stay home on the couch.” See, “Believe It or Not: Exercise does more good if you believe it will,” August 11, 2016, Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat Freiburg, www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine.
In other words, like a self-fulfilling prophecy, you may be undermining your own exercise program or the benefits you could derive from exercise by the “negative” things you may be thinking or saying even before you start to exercise. Don’t let it happen to you!
So, STOP saying negative things about exercise, yourself, and your body. Believe….
Superwoman/Superman – Exercises
Alternating Arm and Leg Super Exercise
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- Lie stomach-down on a mat with your hands outstretched in front of you like Superman. Your legs should be stretched out behind you.
- Raise your right arm and left leg about 5 or 6 inches off the ground and hold for about 3-5 seconds. Then exhale as you lower and relax.
- Now raise your left arm and right leg about 5 or 6 inches off the ground and hold for about 3-5 seconds. Then exhale as you lower.
- Repeat opposite leg and opposite hand.
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For a visual: See, https://www.verywellfit.com/alternating-superman-exercise-3120060
Superman/Superwoman Pullback
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- Lie with your stomach down on a mat with your hands outstretched extended in front of you and your feet behind you touching the mat.
- Simultaneously, raise your arms, legs, and chest off the floor as you inhale.
- Then extend your elbows back toward your hips and squeeze your shoulder blades on the exhale.
- Slowly return your hands to their start position and lower your arms, legs, and chest on the inhale. Then Repeat.
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For a visual: See. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzEWOb17Of4
If you have a medical condition or need additional guidance about exercise, be sure to consult your personal physician. If any of these exercises cause pain, discontinue immediately.
BELIEVE
Today consider where you “need to be.” Consider “what your church needs to do.” Consider “what needs to happen in your community.” Believe and pray that GOD will also make you an instrument of GOD’s WORD. Pray to become an active believer, like the members of the early church.
Let the HOLY SPIRIT guide and direct you.
Exercise your belief…and BE BLESSED!
