Today's reading

No one ever hated his own body. Instead, he feeds and takes care of it, as Christ takes care of the church. –Ephesians 5:29 GW

December 30, 2022

Your Body, God’s Vessel

No one ever hated his own body. Instead, he feeds and takes care of it, as Christ takes care of the church. –Ephesians 5:29 GW

It’s wise that we learn to love and respect our bodies in a healthy way, not rejecting nor neglecting them. Keeping ourselves as healthy as possible is a form of spiritual discipline because we are God’s workmanship, and we belong to Him. Therefore, it’s our duty to manage our physical bodies with regard to how much and what we put into them daily.If we are living a healthy lifestyle, we are to keep up the good work. Studies have shown that people who are relatively fit recover from sickness, illness, and injury more rapidly than those who are less physically fit. If we’ve been lax in taking care of our bodies, we must realize that it’s not too late to begin. God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed our bodies to restore themselves as we take proper care of them.When we know that we’re taking good care of the vessels God has given to each of us, our self-images improve too. We’ll also reap the benefits of living long enough to carry out the wonderful plans God has destined for us to achieve. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV), “…you yourselves are God’s temple and…God’s Spirit dwells in your midst…” We must refuse to settle for anything less than God’s best for each of our body, mind, soul, and spirit.

prayer focuses

Father God, pardon me for all the times that I’ve carelessly mistreated, abused, and sadly despised my body, Your vessel.

Holy Spirit, help me care for the body You have entrusted to my care. Reveal choices that aren’t healthy and help me to omit them.

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about the

Author

Barbara Alpert

Barbara was a wife, mother, and grandma who sought to love the LORD with all her heart, soul & strength. She has authored several books for adults and children. She has enjoyed mentoring other writers and seeing them turn their manuscripts into published masterpieces for God's glory. She believed that every person has a God-story within them to be told and shared. Barbara passed away peacefully in November 2023, but Bayside continues to remember and honor her legacy by sharing devotionals written by her in order to inspire and encourage others.