Full Armor of God Diet

Did you know the Bible promises a special blessing for those who honor their parents? It's one of the 10 commandments, and it comes with a promise of long life.

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 (New King James Version)

While we're focusing on living long and living well by eating nutritious food and exercising, we shouldn't forget the extra blessing God has promised to those who honor their parents.

Have you ever wondered why the temptation to indulge appetite is so strong. Appetite is one of the strongest temptations known to man. Even the original human pair, Adam and Eve, failed on the test of appetite.

Genesis 3:1-6
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."

This reminds us that Satan is crafty. He loves to twist the truth and deceive us. Using the belt of truth as part of the armor of God will help us recognize the lies. It's important to put on the belt of truth every day. If we can develop self-control around food, we will build up spiritual strength to resist temptations in other areas as well.

I have always loved Proverbs 3:5,6.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV)

These two Bible verses provide encouragement if we don't know which direction to head or if we're facing life decisions. It's comforting to know that God will direct our paths. All we have to do is trust Him and rest in His peace. But there is more to this passage in the Bible if we read the next two verses.

"Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:7,8 (NIV)

This is a reminder about how trusting in God and following His ways leads to good health.

Are you like a city with strong walls, or are your walls broken down? In the book of Proverbs, Solomon compares a person who lacks self-control with a broken down city.

Proverbs 25:27,28
"It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control."

I feel like a broken down city when I lose my self control, either by eating too much honey (sugary sweets) or losing my temper, or even taking on too much work. I am so happy that God is always there for us and that He is able to build us back up when we become like a city with broken down walls.

Another part of the armor of God is described in Ephesians 6:15. Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to stand firm against the enemy (Satan) who wanted to destroy their lives with "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Because Paul used military images to describe other parts of the armor, when discussing feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, Bible interpreters have suggested that he was referring to boots worn by the Roman army. Roman footwear was designed to ensure a strong grip on the ground. So, this part of the armor suggests that Christians need to stand with a firm grip in the gospel truth in order to be victorious during spiritual battle.

The Contemporary English Version of the Bible describes this part of the armor in this way: "Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet."

Since the gospel is the good news about our salvation through Jesus, spreading the good news about what Jesus has done in your life is part of the armor.

My prayer for each of you is that you will experience victory in your quest for good health and that you will then share your story with others about how Jesus has helped you overcome temptations for unhealthy lifestyle habits. Sharing the good news is part of the armor. If you have a story, please send it to me, or post it as a comment. If you'd like to email me directly, let me know if you give me permission to share your story with others here on this blog.

I have often wondered if eating too much is a form of coveting. In her comment to my February 21 post, Sandra reminds us that sometimes in response to stress we might turn to junk food to gain some momentary peace. I think being at peace is similar to being content. If we are content with the food God has provided to build our bodies up and sustain our health, then we'll be at peace, not having an internal struggle to overcome tempation to eat more than we need or to indulge in junk food.

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' ” Hebrews 13:5 (New King James Version)

If I could remember to be content with an appropriate amount and type of food (single servings instead of seconds, skipping out on ice cream, etc.), I'll experience much more contentment in the long run with the blessing of good health.

Isn't it interesting that Jesus compared our physical hunger with the emotional longings in our hearts? Whether we have cravings or actual physical hunger pangs, sometimes we humans feel such a strong desire for food that we can hardly think of anything else. It's difficult for me to concentrate on my work or think about anything other than food when my stomach is growling.

Jesus knows how strong hunger for food can be, but He also knows that there is something we need much more than food. The day after Jesus performed the miracle of feeding 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish, people sought Jesus. In John 6, Jesus told them that they were seeking him because they had eaten their fill of the loaves of bread. He then compared Himself to bread, saying that He is the bread of life.

"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal" John 6:27 (Revised Standard Version)

They reminded Jesus that their forefathers had eaten manna in the wilderness, saying that God had given them bread from heaven to eat. To this Jesus replied "...my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world." John 6:33 When the people asked Jesus to give them that special bread, always, Jesus replied "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:35

We need to go to Jesus and believe in him to have the life which God gives to the world. When we're with Jeus, He will satisfy our longing.

We are complete in Him. Colossians 2:10

If you're wondering why it is important to take care of your body, you will find the answer in 1 Corinthians.

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." 1 Corinthians 3:16,17 (NIV)

Because God's Spirit lives in us, we should build up our bodies as temples for the Lord. By taking care of our health, we show respect for the Lord's dwelling place within us. On the other hand, when we destroy our health, we are destroying God's temple.

Maybe it's the winter blahs and the greyish color of the sky that has been making me grumpy. Or, maybe Satan has been giving me an extra dose of "get angry quick" temptation. It could be that I'm not as relaxed because I haven't been getting my exercise outside in the fresh air. Whatever the reason, I realize that I need to focus on being cheerful as much as I need to focus on good health.

In fact, here is a Bible verse to remind me that being cheerful is another way to contribute to good health.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 NIV

When I realize that snapping at my children or husband can crush their spirits and actually dry up their bones, it's a horrible thought. Of course, I don't want to dry up the bones of my family!

Let's put on extra smiles this week and remember that a cheerful heart will not only bring health to you but to those around you.

Some people believe that there is a pre-ordained time for each of us to die and that "when our time is up, our time is up." However, modern science has revealed that we can have a huge impact on the length and quality of our lives through the lifestyle choices we make. Even the Bible confirms that we can prolong our lives by our behavior.


"My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity."
Proverbs 3:1, 2 (NIV)

God has promised that if we follow His commands we will enjoy a longer, happier life. There is a key message here that would be easy to overlook. We aren't told to simply keep God's commandments. We're told to keep them in our hearts. If they're in our hearts, we hold them dear. We love them. We follow them because we love God and because we love His recipe for life.

Proverbs is a book full of wisdom, and here is a verse about gluttony from Proverbs. Gluttony is defined as "habitual eating to excess."


"When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,

and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.

Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive." Proverbs 23:1-3 (NIV)

I have never thought about food as being deceptive - as if the food is trying to trick me. As one who has a tendency to eat to excess, this sort of gives me a humble feeling.

Lately, I've been reading about the children of Israel and how displeased God was when His people continually turned to idols and false gods. This has always puzzled me. I don't understand the temptation to worship an image of gold. I have never been tempted to worship an idol made of gold, and it seems ridiculous. However, I was taught as a child that if we put anything before God (a beautiful home, a nice sports car, etc.) that anything could become an idol if it were more important to us than God.

So, I started wondering if appetite could be an idol, a false god, and I found a quick, easy answer to this question in Philippians.

"Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things."
Philippians 3:19 (New King James Version)

So there's the answer. It is possible to turn our bellies, or our appetites, into a god. In this day and age, it's one of the many earthly things we set our mind on. Sometimes we seek chocolate with more diligence than we seek His kingdom.

Could God be as displeased with this as He was with the children of Israel worshipping their idols? And if they could have seen into the future, the children of Israel probably would have looked at me when I lost control of my appetite and considered that as bizarre as I consider their worshipping a golden calf.

Satan works hard to get us to turn our eyes away from Jesus. He knew long ago during the lifetime of the children of Isreal just how to tempt them, and he knows today during my lifetime just how to tempt me. This is another reminder of how crafty Satan is and why we need the armor of God every day.

Since today is Valentine's Day, I went searching in the Bible for a scripture about love and how it relates to the armor of God. I found it in 1st Thessalonians. Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church about their special problems and about the Second Coming of Jesus. He shows special concern for their spiritual welfare and warns them to live their lives in a way that is worthy of Christians in relation to the immoral society in which they lived.


1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 (NIV)
"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."


Paul describes the breastplate here as a breastplate of faith and love. (In Ephesians 6, the armor of God includes the breastplate of righteousness.) He reminds us to be self-controlled and to live our lives differently from those around us. But in addition, he reminds us how important faith and love are as a breastplate to protect us. Sometimes I work so hard at being self controlled, saying "no" to candy and treats, that I forget to be loving. Cultivating love in my heart is so important, because it doesn't always come naturally to my selfish heart.

Why not let Valentine's Day be a reminder to really let love settle in and to throw out selfishness, not just for today, but for always.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, self control sure plays a big part. Peter remineds us that through the power of God, we will have everything we need for life and godliness, including self control.

2 Peter 1:3-11(NIV)

3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

I find it helpful to note that self control is necessary, but several other qualities are also necessary: faith goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness; brotherly kindness, and love. Have you ever noticed when you're following a diet that restricts sweets and goodies, that you sometimes get grumpy? I bet my family has noticed this about me. It's important to remember while we're building self control in our characters that we should also be building qualities that will make it nicer for others to be around us - goodness, brotherly kindness, and love.

When I'm craving something sweet, sometimes I eat in a ridiculous manner. Since I've purposed in my heart to avoid junk food, I start brainstorming all the healthy food that might fill the same purpose as the funk food. A raisin bagel with cream cheese, a small bag of fruit & nut mix, grapes, pop-corn, and another bagel because the first one was so good. Soon, I've eaten way too much food, my belly feels uncomfortably full, and the nagging craving is still there. The problem is so easy to see. This craving can't be solved with food. Over-eating of any type of food, even if it's good healthy food, overtaxes my body's system, and it does not take the craving away. Since I've experienced this scenario many times throughout my life, it seems like I would figure out that this pattern of eating is senseless. It does not fill the craving, and it makes my jeans tight again.

When this craving sneaks up on me, ultimately, I need to remember the reason to say "No." Paul describes the responsibility we have in our Christian lives in the book of Titus. Have you ever wondered about the role of Christian stewardship and how it relates to God's grace? We are saved by faith in Jesus, so what is the point in being a good steward (in all respects of stewardship, such as money, talents, time, and health)? Paul provides an explanation in Titus.

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

According to Paul, God's grace teaches us to say "No" and to be self-controlled while we're living here on earth waiting for Jesus' glorious return. Jesus died for us, not so that we could continue living in sin, but to save us from sin so that we don't have to be enslaved by it. Jesus gave His life for us so that He could purify us. Responding to His amazing grace with love, we should allow Him to purify us with eagnerness to do good, and as Christian stewards, take care of all that He has given us (money, time, talents, health) for His glory.

So, the next time I'm tempted to respond to a craving by filling it with way too much non-funk-food, I need to remember that God's grace is the answer. I need to reflect on His grace, because it is God's grace that teaches us to just say "No." My response to His grace should be love, and my eagerness to take care of my body for Him should overshadow any craving that sneaks up on me.

Enjoying God's blessings one day at a time can bring so much peace to our lives. Here is another Bible verse that I love that reminds us to not to worry so much and to live life with a focus on one day at a time.

Matthew 6: 25-29 (NIV)

"Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

This reminds us to rest in God's peace every day. If we try to pack a week's worth of accomplishments into one day, we'll miss the blessing God had in store for us that day. Let's live one day at a time taking care of our health through exercise and taking the time to prepare good, healthy food. Also, as we pursue our goals for the future, let's remember all that we have to be thankful for right now, today.

I've been filling my days with so many goals for each day that I'm having a hard time enjoying the days. I really appreciated Tammy's comment to my Feb. 8 post about focusing on one day, because I noticed today that I wasn't rejoicing. Instead, I was trying to accomplish too much. I squeezed out my exercise time, which I really miss, and I squeezed out time to relax while making a good, healthy supper for my family. Satan sure knows how to get us off track. He either beguiles us into procrastination, or he beguiles us with the opposite of procrastination--the feeling of urgency to get everything done in one day. I don't believe God is necessarily impressed with over-achievers. If we're so busy achieving that we don't take time to rest in God's peace, He misses time with us just as we miss time with Him. God would have been better served today if had completed only half of what I set out to accomplish. Also, I would feel better if I had exercised and taken time for prayer during my exercise time. Tomorrow, I need to make a list of everything I need to get done (either in my head or written down), and then I need to cut the list in half so I can enjoy the day God has given me!

Here is a terrific Bible verse to remind us to enjoy the blessings God brings to us each day, one day at a time.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Peter is my favorite disciple of Jesus. He had such a zeal for Jesus, and yet, we can see that when he took his eyes off of Jesus, how quickly he fell. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on the water. But when he took his eyes off of Jesus, he sunk. This is precisely why Peter is my favorite disciple--because I can relate to him. I have fallen after taking my eyes off of Jesus so many times. It encourages me to learn from Peter, to see how to get back on the right path, to learn how to stay on the right path. So, I love to read the books 1st and 2nd Peter in the Bible because Peter is constantly reminding us to watch out for Satan, encouraging us and telling us how to resist temptation, keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Peter reminds us that those irritating temptations we encounter won't bother us forever if we resist. If we endure the suffering that comes from denial for awhile, God will restore and make us strong, firm, and steadfast.

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:8-10 (NIV)


I understand from Peter that if we resist the temptations (and by all means, call on Jesus for help to do it!), after awhile we won't be bothered so much by these temptations. Instead, God will restore us. I am really looking forward to becoming strong, firm, and steadfast in the Lord.

After Jesus had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, Satan decided to try the old appetite temptation on Jesus. And why not? He used appetite to tempt Eve, and it worked. Of course Satan would try it out on Jesus. But Jesus was ready with his sword, the word of God, which is part of the Armor of God. He had a response ready for this temptation (and all of the other temptations as well). In Matthew, we can read about Jesus' response to Satan's temptation after Jesus' 40-day fast.

'The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:3, 4 (NIV) Satan was tempting Jesus to use his divine power to satisfy his need for food. Jesus' response to Satan indicates that Jesus knew he didn't need food to survive right then, but that He did need the word of God. In fact, Jesus used the Word of God to resist temptation.

This is a wonderful reminder to me that my life is not filled by bread, but by God's word. Jesus also gives us a perfect example of how to resist temptation--by using the Word of God. Jesus quoted scripture to Satan in response to the temptations. The Bible verse from which Jesus was quoting is found in Deuteronomy:

"And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know, that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." (Deuteronomy 8:30)

We can follow Jesus example and use the word of God in response to Satan's temptations. Jesus will be right there to help us. The verse Jesus responded with to Satan reminds us that to live, we need the Word of God. Quite often, we need the Word of God to fill our souls way more than we need bread to fill our tummies.

I've been thinking more about Tammy's post in January about how Daniel purposed in his heart to follow God in all ways, including taking care of his body. I keep wondering if the temptation for junk food bothers me because I'm not purpose driven enough, like Daniel was? Have I not purposed in my heart completely? Could this be why I'm still tempted by junk food? I think it's odd in some way how I'm never tempted to eat a burger or chicken or a steak. Because I am a vegetarian, these things don't tempt me. I made up my mind a long time ago that I just simply wouldn't eat them. I already made the decision, so I don't even consider it, and I'm never tempted by it. I would like to be like this, like Daniel, when it comes to ice cream and cookies. So I've been thinking more about what it means to purpose something in your heart. Here is how the Bible describes Daniel's decision:

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank..."
Danile 1:8 (21st Century King James Version)

"To purpose" means to "resolve to accomplish"
"Resolve" means "to make a firm commitment," and finally "firm" means "resistant to externally applied pressure."

That's it. It's the externally applied pressure that gets to me. The pressure to eat too much, the pressure to satisfy cravings with sweets instead of a passion for Jesus. No wonder it's a constant pressure. It's everywhere. It's in advertising. It's in the grocery store. It's in the restaurants. All this externally applied pressure!

The words to a children's song about Daniel tell us:
"Dare to be a Daniel. Dare to stand alone. Dare to have a purpose firm. Dare to make it known."

Today, I am praying for a purpose firm, and the ability to resist all of the externally applied pressure. Jesus will give us His strength and His armor to stand firm. Praise God. With Jesus, we're really not alone. This is my prayer for each of you as well.

After Jesus had provided the woman at the well water to drink, His disciples rejoined him. Concerned that Jesus must be hungry, they urged him to get something to eat. Jesus encouraged them not to worry, telling them "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." John 4:32 (NIV)

The disciples were confused and asked each other if someone had brought food to Jesus. What secret food was Jesus talking about?

I love the reply Jesus gave them. This is a wonderful sword (Word of God) to use as part of the armor of God against Satan.

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34 (NIV)

Isn't that awesome? I like to say this with the heavy emphasis on the word food, as in "my FOOD is..." The next time Satan tempts we with some enticing treat, which I predict happening in the next hour as the Super Bowl starts, I am just going to use the response Jesus gave to his disciples. I will tell Satan "My FOOD is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work," which of course is immensely more satisfying than Jalapeno Poppers!

PS: Thank you Shara, Sandra, and Gracie for your encouraging comments to me over this weekend. Thank you Tammy for all of your comments, too. I was praying this weekend that God would send me some indication that I'm not alone in this struggle, and there you were - all three of you. I'm thankful for you and will keep praying for you. Gracie, Saturday night I listened online to the sermon you recommended, and I loved it. Just when I was feeling alone, I was reminded of that song I, too, used to sing as a child "Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone."

You may be familiar already with the prayer of Jabez. In 2000, Bruce Wilkinson wrote the book The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life, and it has been a popular book in Christian book stores ever since.

In case you're not familiar with Jabez, he was a faithful man who prayed a simple prayer that was recorded in an obscure place in the Bible. In the middle of genealogy records, where we are told who begat who, and who is a son of who, we come to Jabez, and his prayer is recorded. We are also told that God blessed Jabez. Mr. Wilkinson's book has prompted millions of Christians to memorize and repeat the same prayer.

Here is the prayer:

1 Chronicles 4:10 (21st Century King James Version)
'And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed and enlarge my borders, and that Thine hand might be with me and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" And God granted him that which he requested.'

I thought about Jabez's prayer today while I was out walking/jogging and praying for all of us who are choosing the path of good health and leaning on Jesus for support all the way. I wondered how my prayer would sound if I prayed it the way Jabez prayed. Since I'm revising his prayer and personalizing it to health, I'll call it my prayer.

The Health Prayer of Karen
Dear Lord "I pray that You would bless me with good health, and enlarge my borders with friends and family and bless all of them with good health,too. Expand my ability to serve you better. I pray that your hand might be with me and that I always remember you are there so I can allow your Holy Spirit to live within my heart, I pray that You would keep me from evil, help me abhor unhealthy food, helping me see the way out of temptation that You always provide, so I won't have to regret it later!"

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) reminds us that God expects us to be different. Many people in this world might live on donuts and coffee, but God expects us to uphold a higher standard in the lifestyle choices we make.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

God's light is marvelous, and He has given us light on how to take care of our bodies. I feel marvelous when I make healthy choices. I notice the difference in how my clothes feel, how my body moves, and the energy I have. I want to continue to declare His praise and live in His wonderful light. How about you?

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)is a good Bible verse to carry with you.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well."

While I'm out walking/jogging, I like to think about how amazing the human body is. My lungs are breathing, my heart is pumping, my legs are moving, and I can feel the wind on my face. It is so wonderful how God made all of nature, including us. It amazes me when I think about how God made our bodies, but it amazes me even more when I think about how God made us with freedom. He gave us the power to choose. We can choose to accept His gift of salvation. We can choose to serve Him. We can also choose to take care of our amazing bodies that He so fearfully and wonderfully made.