Besides the bible, there are three different Christian "audio books" (which you can also get in hard-copy), that have had such profound messages, and have impacted my everyday living.
I would recommend any of them to you, to inspire you to live your best life for God. :)
The cool thing about these books too, is that all of them were given or lent to me by Christian friends. It had lifted them up so much in their lives- that they felt inspired to lend or give me a copy... how's that for God's spirit working through people?
So, just as my 3 different Christian friends inspired me to take a listen or read one of these books (or audio books), I would encourage you to do the same. They will help increase your faith and help form better habits too.
Strawberries. Strawberries are great for reducing inflammation and lowering the "bad" LDL cholesterol that can cause damage to arteries.
Tomatoes. The tomato gets its rich red color from lycopene, an antioxidant that could potentially stave off heart disease. The potassium in tomatoes also helps to lower blood pressure.
Red bell peppers. It contains flavonoids and vitamin C - nutrients that can prevent blood clot formation, reduce cholesterol, and lower your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Red apples. Just one apple a day, keeps the doctor away. This year-round fruit provides your heart with soluble fiber as well as antioxidants like vitamin C.
Red cabbage. In addition to keeping your cholesterol levels low, this vegetable protects against both heart disease and cancer with antho-cyanins (which give the cabbage it's red color) as well the antioxidant vitamin C.
Ever have one of those days when something in life doesn't go as planned- and you're left feeling like you were served the short end of the stick?
Here's what Jesus Christ in the bible has to say about that- as revealed in his Sermon on the Mount.
(Matthew 5)
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
So, the next time you are tempted to complain that life is not fair or wallow in self-pity... realize and KNOW deep down- that God knows your heart and hears your cries. And if you're feeling low, remember these messages that Jesus gave, about God blessing you when you are poor, in mourning, meek, hungry, merciful, pure, peaceful, and when stand up for His name. Hope that lifts you up today, and blesses you! :)
If we look up the definition of 'tithe' in the dictionary, it says that it is "to give a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution".
Are we then 'tithing' to charities, or to our church, or to others?
Whether it is 10 percent or 1 percent, whatever you decide to give, it is a personal question. And only God can judge/see our true hearts and intentions.
As even in the bible it says in 2 Corinthians 9:7...
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
However, there is something to be said about being generous, and how much comes back to you.
As it says in the bible...
In Luke 6:38,
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
And...
Proverbs 3:9-10
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty."
And amazingly, the word of God encourages you to "test" this principle called tithing too!
Malachi 3:10...
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby "put me to the test", says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Its a pretty cool concept.
Basically, the more generous we are, God sees this, and ensures that whatever we give to others will be returned to us in a supernatural way.
But it may be a little conceited 'expect' to receive when you give though... just "have faith" that God will work things out eventually. As nothing you give ever goes unnoticed. :)
Even secular rappers know about this amazing biblical concept called tithing.
Here's an interview with a Secular Rapper LL Cool J and TD Jakes about how giving to others will be returned back to us- in God's perfect timing.
Christian Preacher Joel Osteen talks about how the right opportunities come across your path when you honour God first, and when you Trust in Him.
Because He is a Father who loves you.
Even if we live in a world of hurt, unfairness, and tragedy, when we dedicate our days and actions to God- he can take us to great places!
Jesus is our prime example- even if he lived a poor life of service, where even one of his best friends (Judas) betrayed him, and his disciples left him to be crusified- even when he was all alone in dark times, he still kept His faith in God, and He resurrected in 3 days. Wow!
The Bible says in Romans 8:
"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.
And since we are his children, we will share his treasures, for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too.
But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later."
So keep trusting, loving, and serving God- no matter what circumstance you are in.
The praise you Give Him, is worth it.
And when you bless others- God will bless you too.
Proverbs 19:17 goes...
Whoever is generous 'lends to the Lord', and he will repay him for his deed.
