Month: August 2025

necessary nutrients

Posted on by Grace Day

“Come for breakfast tomorrow morning at our church,” my friend invited the stranger we encountered on our morning prayer walk. “It’s free and really good. You’re also welcome to stay for church afterward, if you like.” Then she added, “You’ll get food for your body and food for your soul.” Her words took me by surprise, but how true they were, I thought, as we walked on together. Jesus, Himself, said as much when He replied to the tempter –

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)

Today our culture seems very focused on food, at least with the physical food that we put in our bodies. Those that are especially dedicated to the pursuit of enjoying good food even have a name- foodies. We have celebrity chefs, abundant cooking shows, as well as many who make their living as nutritionists, diet guru’s and fitness advisors. Our culture tells us to be very concerned about what kinds of foods we consume.

Only problem is, the “experts” all have different ideas about what is the best food or foods for our bodies. We are bombarded incessantly with all kinds of different diet advice. Some fad diets come and go, while others continue to have some influence over people’s food choices. And they all sound so scientific! There is the keto diet, the paleo diet, the vegan diet, the carnivore diet, the low-fat diet, low-carb diet, the intermittent fasting diet, the Atkins diet, a Macrobiotic diet, there is even a cookie diet. (now that sounds appealing rather than scientific, but kind of counter intuitive if you ask me, although no one did) This revelation leaves me wondering why no ice-cream diet? I could definitely get behind that. But I digress.

Some diets seem to be named for a location such as South Beach diet, Hollywood diet, Nordic diet, Cambridge diet, Blue Zones diet or the Mediterranean diet. Point is, we put a lot of thought, time and effort into what we feed our bodies. The food, nutrition and diet industries are big business in today’s culture. BUT – I have to wonder – are we as concerned about and consumed with what we feed our minds and our souls as we are with what we feed our bodies?

After all, Jesus said we don’t live by bread alone. Now even so, Jesus was aware that we need both physical and spiritual food. He demonstrated this when He was teaching large crowds of people who had gathered on a mountainside in Galilee to hear Him preach and teach about the kingdom of God. The people gathered there received food for their souls that day, but Jesus didn’t send them away to journey home with empty stomachs. Jesus also provided food for their bodies that day, namely plenty of fish and bread.

In Deuteronomy, I read just how important the food of God’s Word is to my well-being and to my survival. Moses told the people of Israel –

“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you – they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” (Deuteronomy 32:46-47)

Jesus told His disciples this –

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63)

Peter says this to Jesus –

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)

Here I see confirmed what Jesus said about God’s word, that I am to live on “every word that comes from the mouth of God.” God’s word is what feeds, nourishes and sustains my mind and my soul. (certainly gives a new meaning to the words “soul food”, doesn’t it?) And here’s some really good news. Unlike with physical food, where there are so many opinions about which foods are beneficial and which foods are harmful, which foods are good for certain ailments or conditions and which foods should be avoided or which foods will help you have more energy or lose weight or . . . the advice about food is contradictory and endless.

BUT – with our spiritual food, God’s Word, we are told this –

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

There it is – ALL SCRIPTURE – all of God’s Word is good for me. Every word of God’s is life to me! I don’t have to avoid certain books of the Bible or restrict my intake of God’s Living Word. It is all good. Every word is life giving, life sustaining, life redeeming! And God’s word even tells me the kinds of things that will feed my mind and my soul well. This is nutrition that will enable me to live the life God calls me to live for Him. Here is God’s prescription for me and for you –

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Just as God gave the Israelites manna every morning in the desert, food for their bodies, He gives you and me, dear readers, food for our minds and our souls every day – His Living Word. A daily diet of God’s Living Word provides all the necessary nutrition I need each day. And as an added bonus, God’s Word is totally heart healthy!

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” (Psalm 19:7-8)

lifegiving, brain food and heart food – thank You, Heavenly Father, for such perfect food, Your Living Word, which provides me with all the necessary nutrients I could ever need –

sincerely, Grace Day

fabulous footwear – con’t

Posted on by Grace Day

After writing the previous post (“fabulous footwear”) I now find myself focused on footwear much more than is typical for me or is necessary for that matter. I myself am wearing the same old shoes that I typically wear every day, being a firm believer that if you find something that works for you, stick with it, right? I am not making a statement with my shoes – fashion or otherwise. BUT –

I work in a high school and I have noticed that footwear is very important to the students here. Shoes seem to be more than just a fashion statement. Shoes here are symbols signaling status, identity, and perhaps power. Apparently, it’s all about the brand – the name brand. The name conveys the status, the name is the identity, the name confers the power to the wearer of the shoe. Who knew?

And I thought footwear was just to keep your feet warm, clean and dry? Turns out, footwear fills a much more important function for these teenagers than just utility, fashion or wardrobe choice. Their footwear defines them. For these teenagers, it’s all about the name – the name brand of the shoe.

However, I think Shakespeare would disagree. His view on the subject was revealed when he said – “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” However, that doesn’t seem to ring true anymore. Today it’s all about the name – probably why we have expressions such as “making a name for herself” or “name dropping” or “name brand.” It is all about the name after all.

So it’s not surprising that when a shoe bears the name of “Jordan”, it is a more expensive, more popular and a more impressive shoe, simply by virtue of the name. (of course I’m referring to the basketball star, Michael Jordan) Likewise, when I’m wearing shoes “fitted with the readiness of the peace of the gospel” that my Heavenly Father provides for me, I am wearing name brand shoes too. BUT – not just any name. No, these shoes bear the name of Christ. And that’s a big deal. How do I know this? Well in Acts I read this –

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Peter acknowledged this truth to Jesus when he said –

“Simon Peter answered Him (Jesus), ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life.’ ” (John 6:68)

The psalmist said –

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1)

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” (Psalm 148:13)

When I’m wearing the shoes God has provided for me, shoes that fit my feet perfectly with the readiness of the peace of the gospel, it’s like I’m wearing Jordans but infinitely better. Jordan is a really big name in the shoe world and in the sports world BUT – my name brand shoes bear an exponentially bigger name – a name described in this way –

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Wow! That’s the name my God given shoes bear – the name of Jesus. What a privilege to wear the shoes that bear His name – His holy name that is above all names. I had better walk well when wearing these shoes so as not to dishonor or disgrace Jesus’s name. If I’m going to wear such fabulous footwear, this is my prayer –

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

What a privilege to wear such fabulous “name-brand” footwear every day!

sincerely, Grace Day

fabulous footwear

Posted on by Grace Day

I went walking today, so my footwear was a prime consideration. You might think that the weather or comfort would be the most important factors influencing my choice of footwear for said walk. You would be correct. However, there was a time when the style, brand and popularity of what I wore on my feet carried far more weight than any practical considerations. I even used to wear high heels. (what was I thinking?) Not so anymore.

One thing is still true however. There are shoes for every occasion and every activity under the sun. There are running shoes, hiking shoes/boots, dancing shoes, basketball shoes, ballet slippers, soccer shoes, rain boots, snow boots, wingtips, sandals, clogs, crocs – there are water shoes and even footwear for swimming and scuba diving – aka flippers! One of my favorite shoes as a teenager was a pair of soft leather moccasins complete with fringe. Not much foot support but super comfortable. I wore them everywhere. They were cool. Then there were my very uncomfortable, well actually very painful, pink toe shoes from my ballet days. Ballet is a beautiful but painful pastime and I had the bloody toes to prove it at the time.

Since footwear has become so important and so specialized nowadays, this begs the question – what are the appropriate shoes for me to wear for prayer walking? (one guy in our group wears flip flops pretty much year round and we have all four seasons here) After all, prayer walking is a very specific type of walking, encompassing both all terrain and all weather walking, as I have alluded to in previous posts. (post -“walking on what?”) You would think this would call for some very specialized footwear and you would be right. God’s word clearly describes the footwear that I need to put on for this particular activity.

“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)

I need to be fitted with special footwear, specifically designed for just the type of walking I, along with my prayer walking friends, do on a regular basis. Fortunately, my Heavenly Father provides me with this very specialized, personalized, powerful footwear. It is just what I need to enable me to walk the distance and to have sure footing on all types of terrain. I don’t want to stumble and fall. Fortunately, God’s footwear enables me to walk with confidence as is promised in Proverbs –

“When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” (Proverbs 4:12)

God’s shoes make it possible for me to walk, to run and to stand, which I also need to be able to do, just as it says in Ephesians –

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then,” (Ephesians 6:13-14)

These special prayer walking shoes are part of the armor God graciously provides for his children, knowing that we are in a spiritual battle and that we need the protection His armor provides and the ability His shoes provide us to both go where He sends us and to stand firm when we get there. I am told my feet must be fitted with this readiness so that I am ready and able to walk anywhere at anytime, and when I reach my destination, I am able to stand firm in my specially fitted, God provided, shoes.

This is some fabulous footwear for sure! I guess that makes sense because beautiful feet require special shoes and God’s word says this about my and my friends’ prayer walking feet –

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ ” (Isaiah 52:7)

In Romans I read this same sentiment –

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)

My Heavenly Father says my feet are beautiful! And He provides me some fabulous footwear so that I can safely and effectively carry His gospel of peace far and wide, to anyone and to everyone. King David knew about God’s special shoes. He said this –

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights.” (Psalm 18:32-33)

And in Habakkuk I read –

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:19)

I definitely need special shoes if I am going to stand on the heights. And I really need special shoes if I am going to carry God’s gospel of peace to the neighborhood where we prayer walk every Saturday morning. Without fail, my Heavenly Father provides me these shoes when I need them (which is twenty-four/seven). These shoes fit me perfectly, they are totally comfortable, they don’t wear out and they never go out of style. I guess that’s because the good news of the peace of the gospel never goes out of style either.

The peace of the gospel is ageless and priceless. Kind of like God’s fabulous footwear that enables me to go on the heights, to walk in all weather, on all terrain, to deliver the good news to all people and to stand firm. Nowadays, these are the only shoes I wear. These are the only shoes I need – God’s designer shoes, specially fitted with the peace of the gospel.

“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)

thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your fabulous footwear!

sincerely, Grace Day

every day a “do-over”

Posted on by Grace Day

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Another translation, the NLT, says it this way –

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness. His mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Mercy, new every morning! That’s something that I deeply desire and desperately need every day – mercy, forgiveness, a do-over, aka – a second chance. That’s why this truth from God’s word is so comforting and encouraging to me simultaneously. It reminds me that my Heavenly Father does give me multiple second chances every day – ie. “His mercies begin afresh each morning.”

This wonderful truth sets me free from regrets and resignation that otherwise would hold me hostage indefinitely. BUT – the mercy of my Heavenly Father rescues me from paralyzing despair over my failures, replaces my despair with hope – the hope that only His forgiveness, wiping my slate clean once again, can give me. Today, I am thankful once again for God’s daily mercies, which never run out. I am reassured by this truth from His word –

“If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.” (Psalm 130:3-4)

When I am most acutely aware of my failures and ready to give up on myself, I remember these words of King David and am reminded that my Heavenly Father does not ever give up on me (or on you either, dear readers) –

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:10-14)

Those words are all about God’s forgiveness and God’s second chances. Those words of truth are just the comfort and the encouragement that I need in order to have hope. God “removing my transgressions from me” enables me to keep going for another day. My load is so much lighter when my Heavenly Father’s mercy removes the weight of all my sin. My Heavenly Father’s forgiveness has given me the clean slate, the second chance, the do-over that I so desire for today. I will trust that, like the manna in the desert, God’s mercy will “be new again tomorrow morning” when I will without a doubt, desperately need it once again. After all, I have this assurance from God’s word –

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” (Isaiah 30:18)

With God, every day is a “do-over day” for me, because His mercies are new every morning, giving me a clean slate and all the second chances that I will undoubtedly need as the day progresses. My Heavenly Father’s forgiveness always outweighs my sinfulness. He gives me as many second chances as I ask of Him. His word says so!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

This truth assures me that God does indeed give me as many “do-overs” as I need – and I generally need quite a lot! Second chances are one of God’s many very good gifts. I am grateful to be one of the many recipients of “His mercies new every morning.” It is God’s mercy that makes unlimited “do-overs” available to me and to you every day.

I don’t know about you, but I will gladly take Him up on His generous offer. What God’s forgiveness does for me and for you is nothing short of miraculous. It is a miracle described by these words –

” ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’ ” (Isaiah 1:18)

now that’s a do-over!

sincerely, Grace Day