VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well and healthy. I imagine that many of You have started a New Year’s fitness regime or diet, like the Squires, and that therefore these days are not as indulgent for You as they might be otherwise.

This week let us all pray for good health. One can be the richest man or woman in the world and yet with poor health, what is the benefit to enjoying such wealth? Health is truly golden. In ourselves and in those we love most.

Rather than turning to the latest diet or detox books why not turn to the Bible? Through scripture, we can find God’s guidance to good health, as it is considered of high importance. Many Bible verses show us God’s rules for good physical, mental, and spiritual health. Try and read and pray over these scriptures on health to learn how God can heal our iniquity and illness.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors. 13 He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you. 14 You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young. 15 The LORD will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.

Deuteronomy 7:12-15

God Bless You all. I shall think of You as You embark on an alcohol free future or try to give up cigarettes. Have a peaceful and fulfilling Sunday and an excellent week to come.

Gracious God, I have a goal and a desire to be more healthy. I know only true health comes from you. While it may be tough, I know if I stay the course I will succeed. However, some moments and even days are tough for my mind wants what will cause me to fail. Help me fight off those temptations. Help me to stay the course. I need your strength, and I need you to provide my determination. Help me to find clever ways to stay focused and on the path, for you are the Creator of all and You know what I need. Thank you always. Amen.