Healthy Eating Habits
Hebrews 5:13-14 For everyone who partakes [only] of milk [is] unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, [that is,] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (NKJV)
Most of us can remember when we were kids and our parents had to encourage us to eat our greens (some of us still need encouraging).
Most children are contended with drinking milk and eating sweets. Our parents had to use all their persuasive power to get us to see the need to take something else apart from milk. Children need more than milk if they are to grow properly. The same is true of us as Christians.
Reading God's word is a healthy habit which should continue throughout our Christian life. A chapter a day is a good starting point.
However just like growing children we need more than the milk of the word to grow. We too need solid food.
Reading the word and listening to it ( in church and by hearing audio or video tapes) is an essential starting point.
We will not be able to attempt the other ways of studying the word except we read it first. As we begin to study, memorise and meditate on the word we will be feeding ourselves with solid food.
Studying the Word
Studying the word involves comparing what different parts of the bible say about the same things (e.g. read the account of Jesus resurrection in Matthew and also in John), you will be able to glean more truths in this way. studying the word is for our good (2 Timothy 2:15).
You will learn more from the word as you take time to study it. It would be helpful to read books and listen to audio tapes which would help you to understand the bible better. When reading the New testament pay attention to how many times it refers to the Old testament.
You can then check these up in the Old testament. This way you will understand the bible even more.
You will get better at this as time goes by.
Memorising the word
This is another healthy habit. It helps to renew your mind. It is the best defence against depression and worry.
The easy way to start memorising the word (i.e. parts of the Bible) is by starting with those scriptures which appeal to you most when reading. Certain parts of the bible will touch you more than others as you read through . Try to learn these parts by heart. You can then read them to yourself later and ponder on them.
Meditate on the Word
Psalm 119:15-16 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.(NKJV)
Make a conscious effort to allow the word of God to occupy your thoughts. This becomes easy when you have read and memorised it a lot.
As you mediate on the word you will start to see more in it. You will remember other scriptures you have read. We all know how to worry. Just try doing the same thing with the word.
Think about it night and day. Speak it to yourself. Ask yourself the meaning of what you read. Ask God to tell you the meaning. Meditating on the word is like talking to God. It is during these times that the Holy Spirit will drop godly thoughts into your heart.
Other healthy habits
1. keeping records of what God tells you and of the things you gain from the word. If you do not keeprecords you will forget.
2. If you treasure God's word you will handle it with a high regard.
3. Reading good Christian material and books.
4. Listening to Christian audio and video tapes.
5. Attending Christian bible studies.
6. Give first place to the word in your life and you will prosper.