Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Healthy Living”
Our Bible verse for today: “Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165 (NKJV)
Our thought for today: “Strong faith is good for your health.”
Many years ago Henry Blackaby and Dr. Henry Brandt co-authored a book written specifically for pastors entitled, “The Power of the Call”. The book was intended to encourage pastors to stay focused on their call from God and to stand strong in the face of all the pressures and challenges which are part of the pastoral ministry. It’s a very helpful book and it’s one I re-read very 4-5 years.
In one chapter, in an attempt to impress upon his pastor-readers the importance of what they do, Dr. Brandt wrote, “You are the custodian of the most important information in the world. How does that statement grab you? You are a specialist in what God has to say to people through the Bible. Your divine calling far supercedes all other professions.”
Dr. Brandt then goes on to explain that as good and as helpful as medical treatment can be, it is still only physical and it is still only temporary. Someday that person will get sick again and someday they will die. That being the case, spiritual care is much more important than physical care.
The reason I’m sharing that with you is not to pump up and promote pastors, but to illustrate the importance of what happens in our churches every week. The teaching, worshiping, and ministering that takes place within our church facilities is much more important than the medical care that takes place in our medical facilities.
In the context of our theme of “healthy living”, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to go to church. Physical health is important, but spiritual health is more important.
The condition of your physical health is mostly determined by the things you do or do not do everyday. But still, in order to be truly healthy you can’t skip your regular doctor’s appointments either. Likewise, your spiritual health is largely determined by your private practices of prayer, Bible reading, etc. But the regular gatherings of the church are also a crucial part of it. Spiritually you will not be healthy and strong if you’re not part of a good church.
Strong faith is good for your health. Being part of a good church helps to keep your faith strong. If you don’t already have a good church family you’re a part of, I invite you to visit with us at Oak Hill Baptist.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 