My Faith and Health - Bible Trivia, Overcoming Fear, Benefits of Organic Foods, Ravi Zacharias, Joni Tada

06/06/23 Newsletter! Share with your friends

In today's My Faith and Health (First time reading? Sign up here):

  • ๐Ÿง ย Bible Trivia: Fun Game (share with your friends)

  • ๐Ÿ™ ๏ธMy Faith: Overcoming Doubt and Fear with Faith!

  • ๐Ÿย My Health: The Benefits of Organic Food for Your Health!

  • ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ Mighty Men: Ravi Zacharias - The Bold Defender of Faith

  • ๐Ÿ‘ธย Majestic Women: Joni Eareckson Tada - A Beacon of Faith Amidst Disability ๐ŸŒŸ

  • โœ๏ธ Bible Verse of the Week: Matthew 14:27 ESV

  • ๐ŸŽย Rewards: Share and winย 

Bible Trivia

How many can you get right? (Remember your answers - check them with the answers below) Can you beat your friends? Share and find out :-)

  1. Where did Jesus turn water into wine?

    A - Cana, B - Bethlehem, C - Mount Moriah, D - Golgotha

  2. What city mentioned in the Book of Revelation is also the name of an American city?

    A - Pocatello, B - Philadelphia, C - Boston, D - Mt Dora

  3. What is the name of the garden where Jesus went to pray after the Last Supper?

    A - Garden of Eden, B - Garden of Gethsemane, C - Maryโ€™s Garden, D - King Herodโ€™s Garden

  4. After Jesus fed 5,000 people, how many baskets of food were left over?

    A - None, B - 4 ยฝ, C - 12, D - 500

  5. Where did Jesus go 40 days after His resurrection?

    A - Peterโ€™s Home, B - Garden of Gethsemane, C - Bethlehem, D - Heaven

MY FAITH - Overcoming Doubt and Fear with Faith! ๐Ÿ™

In life, we often encounter waves of doubt and fear that threaten to overwhelm us. ๐ŸŒŠ Yet, it's in these moments of uncertainty, we can harness the extraordinary power of faith to illuminate our path and strengthen our resolve. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ™

Let's dive into a real-life story that beautifully captures this transformation. Meet Sarah, a single mother of two and a small business owner. Sarah's life turned upside down when a global pandemic hit, her business suffered, and she began to fear for her family's future. The weight of uncertainty hung heavily over her, creating anxiety and self-doubt.

Then, one Sunday, she heard a sermon on Matthew 14:27: "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'"(Matthew 14:27) The pastor talked about Peter, who walked on water until he let fear overpower his faith. Inspired, Sarah started to view her circumstances differently. She began to lean on her faith, praying earnestly for courage and guidance. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ™

Slowly, she saw changes. Her fear was replaced with a calm confidence, her doubt transformed into resilience. Even in the face of adversity, she felt a deep, unshakable peace. With renewed vigor, she pivoted her business online and reached out to her community, witnessing an outpouring of support and love. The lesson? Faith doesn't guarantee an easy journey, but it promises we are never alone in our trials. ๐Ÿš€๐ŸŒŸ

So, let's unpack the key takeaways of overcoming doubt and fear with faith:

๐ŸŽฏย Donโ€™t Be Anxious: Through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

๐ŸŽฏย Trust in God's Promises: Just like Peter in the storm, we can find courage by focusing on Jesus' promises, not our circumstances. (Matthew 14:27)

๐ŸŽฏย Prayer is Powerful: Sarah's story underlines the transformative power of prayer. When she prayed, she invited God's strength into her weakness. (Philippians 4:6-7)

๐ŸŽฏย Community Matters: Leaning on our faith community in times of doubt can provide us with much-needed support and reassurance. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

๐ŸŽฏย Faith Fuels Action: Faith isn't just belief. It inspires us to take action, just like Sarah did when she pivoted her business. (James 2:17)

Remember, friends, even in the face of doubt and fear, we have a faithful God who promises to be with us every step of the way. So, keep the faith, and watch miracles unfold! ๐Ÿ˜‡๐Ÿ’ช

MY HEALTH -๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿฅ•The Benefits of Organic Food for Your Health! ๐Ÿฅ•๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ

We're peeling back the layers (like a sweet organic onion) to explore the advantages of incorporating organic foods into your daily diet. You might just be surprised at the bounty of benefits that await! ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿฝ

Let's chew on a true story to kick us off! Introducing Mike, a software engineer in his mid-30s. Despite being a gym enthusiast, Mike struggled with sluggishness, digestive issues, and fluctuating weight. A visit to the doctor pointed him towards examining his diet. That's when Mike discovered the world of organic foods.ย ๐ŸŒพ๐ŸŽ

He began swapping his usual groceries for organic alternatives, everything from fruits and veggies to meat and dairy. In just a few months, he felt a difference! His energy levels spiked, his digestion improved, and his weight stabilized. More than that, he felt good knowing he was reducing his exposure to synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) found in conventionally grown food. ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ’ช

So, friends, let's dig into the nutritious and delicious benefits of organic food:

๐ŸŽฏย Nutrient-Rich: Research suggests that organic crops may have higher concentrations of antioxidants and lower levels of heavy metals and pesticides. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ฅ

๐ŸŽฏย Taste the Difference: Many people find that organic foods have a more intense and satisfying flavor, likely due to healthier soils and the absence of synthetic fertilizers. ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ˜‹

๐ŸŽฏย Better for the Environment: Organic farming practices can help preserve natural habitats, conserve water, and reduce pollution. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ง

๐ŸŽฏย Animal Welfare: Organic standards often require more humane treatment of animals, which can also result in higher-quality meat and dairy. ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿ’–

So, if you're ready to start your organic food journey, look out for labels like 'USDA Organic' or 'Certified Organic' in your local grocery store. And remember, while organic foods have their benefits, it's also important to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Happy healthy eating! ๐ŸŒฝ๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿ…๐ŸŠ

MIGHTY MEN - Ravi Zacharias - The Bold Defender of Faith ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ๐Ÿ™โœจ

We're diving deep into the inspiring life of a man who stood tall defending his faith - Ravi Zacharias!ย ๐Ÿ˜‡

Raised in India, Ravi faced suicidal thoughts as a teenager. He found himself grappling with intense existential despair. He had reached such a point of desolation that he attempted to end his own life by swallowing poison. In the hospital bed, fighting for his life, Ravi had a profound and life-changing encounter.

A local Christian worker brought a Bible to the hospital and read him the words of Jesus from John 14:19, "Because I live, you also will live." These words struck a chord in the heart of the young Ravi, touching the core of his despair - the longing for a life of purpose, and the promise of life beyond his present suffering.

This 'chance encounter' with the Bible was the genesis of his spiritual journey, a turning point that sparked his transformation. It led him to commit his life to Christ and dedicate himself to a ministry that would impact millions worldwide. From that hospital bed in Delhi, Ravi Zacharias would grow to become one of the most influential Christian apologists of our time...ย ๐Ÿ‘

Ravi Zacharias' approach to Christian apologetics centered around engaging the intellect, addressing hard questions about faith, and illuminating the coherence and relevance of the Christian worldview. His approach was deeply respectful of differing beliefs, compassionate, and always rooted in love. Ravi's passion for intellectual rigor and his ability to relate philosophical concepts with real-world issues and personal life made his approach uniquely compelling.

Here are some of the significant impacts of his strategy:

  1. Intellectual Engagement: Ravi Zacharias believed in the power of reasoned arguments and intellectual engagement. He demonstrated that faith and intellect are not contradictory but complementary. This has been especially impactful in reaching academics, professionals, and people wrestling with intellectual doubts about Christianity.

  2. Global Outreach: Through his ministry, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), he reached millions around the globe with the message of the Gospel. His radio show, "Let My People Think," and his books have been translated into multiple languages, expanding his impact across diverse cultures and geographies.

  3. Development of Future Leaders: Ravi was deeply committed to raising the next generation of Christian apologists. Through initiatives like the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, he has helped train countless individuals to engage thoughtfully and effectively with the challenges posed to Christianity in the modern world.

  4. Social Impact: Beyond theological discourses, Ravi's work often intersected with social issues. He advocated for justice, the value of every human being, and the need for moral grounding in society, contributing to the broader dialogue about human dignity and societal wellbeing.

Now, let's delve into the transformative story of Mark, a dedicated scientist, who was grappling with the intersections of faith and science.๐Ÿ”ฌ

Mark was an atheist until he stumbled upon one of Ravi's talks. Intrigued by Ravi's logical and compassionate approach to faith, Mark began to question his own beliefs. ๐Ÿ’ญ

After attending several RZIM events and engaging in countless hours of discussion, Mark found himself embracing Christianity. His story is a testament to Ravi's impactful approach to faith and reason.โœ๏ธ

Ravi Zacharias, a true champion of faith, a light illuminating the path for those grappling with life's profound questions. ๐ŸŒŸ

Here are the social media accounts of Ravi Zacharias:โ€‹

  1. Facebook: Ravi Zachariasโ€‹

  2. Twitter: RZIMโ€‹

  3. Instagram: Ravi Zachariasโ€‹

MAJESTIC WOMEN - Joni Eareckson Tada - A Beacon of Faith Amidst Disability ๐ŸŒŸ

Majestic Woman of the Week: Joni Eareckson Tada - A Beacon of Faith Amidst Disabilityย ๐ŸŒŸ

Hey there faithful followers! This week, we're shedding light on an incredible woman whose spirit shines bright despite the odds - Joni Eareckson Tada! ๐Ÿ˜Š

Struck by a life-changing accident at 17 that left her quadriplegic, Joni refused to let this obstacle diminish her radiant faith. ๐Ÿ™ Her story is a reminder that even when life takes an unexpected turn, our faith can guide us towards extraordinary paths.

Joni founded Joni and Friends, a global ministry uplifting the lives of those affected by disability. The reach of her love knows no boundaries.๐ŸŒ

โœจ Here's a quick snapshot of Joni's awe-inspiring journey:

  • At age 17, a diving accident left Joni quadriplegic.

  • Despite her disability, she emerged as an influential advocate for disability rights.

  • Her ministry, Joni and Friends, is a beacon of hope for people affected by disability worldwide.

  • Her work includes practical initiatives, like Wheels for the World, providing wheelchairs to those in need.

One heartwarming story is that of Maria, a single mother from Guatemala, whose daughter, Isabella, was born with a disability. Joni and Friends gifted Isabella her first wheelchair, igniting a spark of hope and possibility in their lives. ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ™Œ

Today, Isabella not only moves with newfound freedom but also draws immense inspiration from Joni's story. She sees a future where her potential isn't defined by her disability, but by her faith and tenacity. ๐Ÿ’ช

Joni Eareckson Tada - she's not just a beacon of faith amidst disability, but a shining testament of how God works through us in miraculous ways. ๐ŸŒˆ

Social Media Presence: If you want to dive deeper into Joni's teachings, her social media channels are a treasure trove of inspiration.

Bible Verse of the Week

Matthew 14:27 ESV

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, โ€œTake heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.โ€

Oswald Chambers, the renowned early 20th-century evangelist, and teacher, once penned, "Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time." This perspective aligns with Matthew 14:27, a verse that communicates God's assurance and comfort in times of uncertainty and fear.

In the context of this verse, the disciples are in a boat at sea, tossed about by waves and wind. In their fear and uncertainty, they see Jesus walking on the water and initially, they are terrified, thinking it's a ghost. Jesus, recognizing their fear, reassures them with words of comfort.

Expounding upon this in the lens of Oswald Chambers' teachings, the key theme here is faith in the face of fear. Chambers would point out that Jesus's words were not just to calm the immediate situation but to instill a deeper faith in His disciples. They are meant to learn that, no matter how the seas of life are raging, Christ's presence is a beacon of hope, peace, and safety.

When Jesus says, "It is I," Chambers would likely interpret this as Jesus asserting His divine identity and power. The same power that could calm a stormy sea and defy the laws of nature is the same that lives within believers today.

The disciples may not have understood the way of God in that moment, but Jesus called them to have deliberate confidence, as Chambers puts it, in His character. This is a reminder that even in the midst of our storms, we are called to place our trust in God, even when we don't fully understand His ways.

Bible Trivia Answers: 1: C, 2: B, 3:A, 4:D, 5:B

  1. Where did Jesus turn water into wine?

    Answer: A - Cana

    Reference: Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, as documented in the Gospel of John (John 2:1-11)

  2. What city mentioned in the Book of Revelation is also the name of an American city?

    Answer: ย B - Philadelphia

    Reference: The city of Philadelphia is mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 3:7-13).

  3. What is the name of the garden where Jesus went to pray after the Last Supper?

    Answer: B - Garden of Gethsemane

    Reference: After the Last Supper, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew 26:36-46

  4. After Jesus fed 5,000 people, how many baskets of food were left over?

    Answer: C - 12

    Reference: After Jesus fed the 5,000 people, there were 12 baskets of food left over. This miraculous event is recorded in all four Gospels Matthew 14:13-21

  5. Where did Jesus go 40 days after His resurrection?

    Answer: D - Heaven

    Reference: Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. This event is described in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts 1:9-11

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