2008 Daily Devotionals

Health

Friday, December 26, 2008 by

Reference(s): 3 John 2

Scripture

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is.  (3 John 2 NLT)

Observation and Application:

John’s little letter to Gaius is a letter from a friend to a friend.  It’s customary to greet a friend with a “How are you?” or “Hope you and your family are in good health!”

I’ve been more conscious of the blessings of good health as I get older and we experience the challenges of aging.  I tire more easily.  It takes a little longer to snap back from weariness or minor illness.  Prescription bottles gather on the top of the microwave in the kitchen.

Good health is such a blessing!

So John’s greeting to Gaius makes me think about Soul Health.  How healthy is my soul?
• Am I free from the low-grade fever of greed?
• Is there any intestinal infection of jealousy?
• Am I free of the cancer of unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness?
• Am I feeding my soul a healthy diet of God’s Word, daily applied to my life?
• Am I exercising my faith until it hurts a little?
• Is my heart selfishness-free and compassion-full?

John, thanks for the check-up.

Prayer:

Father, thanks for good health.  Every little episode of ill-health makes me more grateful for years of physical strength and health.  Help me keep my soul healthy.  My body may weaken with the years, but I’m contending for a healthy soul for life.  Amen.