Who knows you better than God? He not only made you...He knows how to keep you well. I believe many Christians lack understanding of what God said about caring for our bodies. Often, we look to God for physical healing or relief from problems or pain we are having. Instead, we should first realize that He already told us how to properly care for ourselves in His Word.

My life has been changed as I have come to understand the principles of health found in the Word of God. The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

God has created our body, and it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We bring destruction to our body when we defile it with foods that are bad for us, and God's Word says He will judge us. 1 Corinthians 3:15-17 declares. "...Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

Here are three important principles that I want you to remember in this teaching:

1. We are responsible for our body.

Many people abuse their bodies unknowingly through improper diet or overwork. But when a problem develops or a sickness comes, they ask God to heal them. However, their actions and choices may be at the heart of the matter, and asking God to take away the problem may not be the answer. The answer may be found in the natural realm. In this day with fast foods and a fast pace of life, many people take the "short cut" for meals that end up causing them health problems. You must honestly take an account of what you are eating and come to understand how it makes you feel.

I have a much healthier heart if I do not eat foods that make my body work harder to digest them. I now realize certain meats, fruits, and vegetables are much better for me. Heart disease and health issues have become very important to us today. But God, from the very beginning, instructed people in this area of

their lives.

2. The Bible has much to say about our health and how to care for our bodies to stay well.

My good friend, Dr. Reginald Cherry, in his book, The Bible Cure, has a fascinating study on this subject. He has said that "every single thing we are discovering in science today parallels and bolsters what the Bible says about nutrition."

Today, we hear about foods that can work to fight cancer and reduce heart disease. But in the beginning, God said, "...See, I have given you every plant yielding seed...and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food." (Genesis 1:29 AMP)

In studies of cultures around the world, it is interesting to discover that when people follow diets that parallel what is found in the Bible they live longer, healthier lives. Certainly, they are much healthier than those who consume the processed foods and fat-heavy foods so easily available in modern society.

Also, today there is much interest in what is called the "Mediterranean Diet" - a group of foods which prevent and cure diseases. These are foods used in the Middle East and are also found in scripture where God instructs His people about diet. Here is a partial list:

* Clean, lean meat from certain animals (Leviticus 11:2-3).

* Fish with scales (Leviticus 11:9; Deuteronomy 14:9).

* Cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic (Numbers 11:5).

* Wheat, barley, grapes, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey (Deuteronomy 8:8).

* Dark grainy bread is high in fiber and gives protection from both heart disease and cancer (Exodus 12:8,15; Ezekiel 4:9).

* Yogurt, milk of cows, sheep, goats (Isaiah 7:15,22; Proverbs 27:27 AMP).

* Beans (Ezekiel 4:9).

* Garlic contains cancer-fighting chemicals and also raises good cholesterol levels (Numbers 11:5).

* Olive oil which can "clean" the artery walls and strengthen the immune system (Deuteronomy 8:8).

And little things, like washing your hands can make a big difference as well. Science tells us that today, but God talked about it thousands of years earlier in Deuteronomy 23:11. This simple action is one of the most important things I do to stay healthy. I am among sick people all the time, but I wash my hands often and do not get sick.

3. The Bible shows us that healing and health can come through an instantaneous miracle or through progressive healing and nutrition.

You must take care of your body. And the more you learn about what is good for you and put it into practice, the better you will feel. You honor God as you care for your body, for the scripture tells us in Psalm 139:14, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Remember, the biblical road to healing may come through a miracle...or it may be that God helps you change your lifestyle, and as a result, your health is restored.

Exodus 23:25 declares, "And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee." Believe God for His best in your body, but also take care of His creation by what you eat and how you rest.

If you desire more information on this subject of what the Bible has to say about nutrition I encourage you to write or call the ministry to order two outstanding books - Dr. Cherry's The Bible Cure or Maureen Salaman's Foods that Heal. I believe these books will open your eyes to the blessings of better health as you understand God's plan for your body.

Speak Things into Existence
by Dana Ramsey

Many of us forget, or simply don’t know that we have the power and authority given from Christ to "speak things into existence" Matt.11:20, Mark 11:23, Luke 23:30

So we need to stop speaking to our pains..."I’m sick, I got arthritis, I’m broke, I can’t find a man, I can’t find the right woman, I, I, I.....” etc.

We speak ourselves into poverty rather than wealth, and/or financial freedoms.

We forget that we were made in God's perfect image (free of disease),
and that "The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

We may not know that "everything, all things, work together for the good of those who Love the Lord."

Stop wining, crying, complaining, murmuring, etc. and use your tongue like a pencil or pen.

Practice daily these exercises, SEVERAL TIMES A DAY IF NEEDED. Look in the mirror and say.

1. "I AM STRONG"
2. "I AM PROSPEROUS"
3. "BY HIS STRIPES (the marks left on Him after the beating He received) I AM HEALED, SICKNESS (CALL IT BY NAME) LEAVE MY BODY.
4. "I AM  VICTORIOUS , AND NO ONES VICTIM"

BE SURE TO END EACH STATEMENT WITH..."IN JESUS NAME"

Now act like the BELIEVER you are, and get ready to be blessed.
Fact:  When praises go up, blessings come down.