Sunday, May 02, 2004

 

 

Dear Family:

 

There appears to be a new diet on the market each and everyday. Each promises to reduce the bad and increase the good we get from the things we put in our mouths and bodies. Some diets promise to cause us to lose weight, some reduce cholesterol, some increase stamina and others build up the body and make us strong while others simply serve as bulk to increase the body mass.

 

I have found one that works every time and keeps on working. The very best part is that it always leaves you totally satisfied. This diet builds you up, improves your strength, endurance and stamina. It fills you to overflowing and puts a song in you heart. It improves the heart, mind and body. It gives knowledge and wisdom and it is totally free. Regardless of your location or condition it is readily available and easily attained. It takes a little time, requires a little self-discipline and may require a change of lifestyle but looking back, the rewards always far outweigh the sacrifice. Beware however this diet may be habit forming.

 

It is best to implement the diet alone; however, you may from time to time include others in various parts of the diet. Even those who do not commit to the diet as you do will receive much benefit from your having stayed on the diet. One of the greatest benefits of this diet is the benefit everyone you come in contact with receives as a result of your having been on this diet. It is generally noticeable by all those around you from the very first day you begin this diet. It produces immediate results with the results compounding daily.

1.         Select a secluded place where you can be away from the phone and other distractions. Many have actually chosen a closet or secluded room, bathroom or study.

2.         Select a place where you can be comfortable, i.e. to sit or kneel.

3.         Some may choose to have soft music. (I personally enjoy music, not necessarily aerobic).

4.         Sometimes you may require a well lit area and others may be dim or even dark.

5.         It is advisable to keep a pen and paper close at hand to record parts of your activity.

6.         Determine to commit to at least 30 minutes daily. Be sure to start on time so that you are not rushed to finish. If you feel rushed or in a hurry to finish, start 2 or 3 minutes earlier. Never let yourself become anxious for what you must do after you finish this 30 minutes.

7.         Choose a comfortable chair with a small desk if you wish to sit or a good cushion if you choose to kneel and be sure to have a chair or stool you can lean on.

 I, personally, like to spend the first 2-5 minutes in prayer asking God to remove from me anything that will prevent me from receiving His message. I ask Him to speak to and give me some direction for the day ahead.

 

I then read a few verses from the Bible. I recommend 5-10 minutes at first. I recommend the book of Psalms or the gospel of John. Simply read it slowly asking yourself what it is actually saying. Then read each verse again but this time read each one slowly stopping after each verse and again asking yourself what it is saying. Then ask yourself if there is a warning, promise or command in the verse. Then read the verse again. This time placing emphasis on the first word and consider the meaning of the emphasized word. Follow this procedure for each word in the verse.  Make notes if you wish to. Then ask yourself if there is a message here for me. What is it saying about me and just to me? Record anything you feel it is saying to you. Now pray the words of the verses you have read. Spend about 10 minutes on this. Make a list of things you would like God to give you help with in your life. Make a list you would like God to help others with in their life. Then ask God to direct you this day, ask him to protect you and guide your activities so you can accomplish only the things that He feels are most important. Ask Him to clear your mind from clutter so you can complete the assignments He has selected for you for this day only. Ask Him to reveal the most important things to accomplish this day. Write them down in order of importance. Now thank God and praise Him for who He is and what He has done. Your prayer can be 2-5 minutes and then simply sit quietly for 1 minute and then go about your day.

 

Below I have listed a few example of some who have used this diet and found it most successful. 

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.   (NKJ)

 While Christ defined His choice food it does not point out the secret of His success in accomplishing His finished work.

 

Christ always spent time in prayer and meditation. Throughout the gospels the writers record that Christ went to a quiet place to be alone in prayer and meditation.  

Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (NKJ)

In looking at this one individual's life and the effect He had on the history of mankind should give us a hint as to what can be accomplished using this diet.

 

David, the leader of the children of Israel, stated that he rose early to spend time in meditation and prayer. In fact it was the benefit of this discipline that he contributes the success of his kingdom.

Ps 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.   (NKJ)