Exploring Biblical Health Wisdom

Good health is often taken for granted until it begins to decline. Unfortunately, the health of the population is currently experiencing a decline, despite record expenditures on healthcare and no foreseeable end to rising costs. It seems that we have become overly reliant on healthcare to maintain our well-being. Much of what is done in the name of healthcare focuses on managing symptoms with prescription drugs rather than addressing the underlying causes. Perhaps the time has come to reevaluate our thinking about health and healthcare.

Whole Health Integration (WHi) takes a comprehensive view of health, considering it within the context of how we live our lives. It acknowledges the perfect design of the world and the human body by a higher power. As creations of God, we consist of billions of cells, organisms, bacteria, and more, all working together harmoniously to ensure the proper functioning our bodies, minds, and spirits. Here are a few remarkable examples of the elegant design and function of human beings:

> The human body engages 37 billion chemical reactions every second.

> The heart performs more physical work than any other muscle, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood per day through 60,000 miles of blood vessels.

> Our bodies have over 30 trillion cells operating in ways that surpass our comprehension.

> The body replaces 330 billion cells daily and in a 7 year cycle the body is substantially replaced. The lining of the gut is replaced every 3-5 days while blood cells are replenished within 120 days.

> More than 70% of health problems have no clear physiological basis, leaving us without a specific cause.

> Scientific research can demonstrate the influence of the mind, meditation, and prayer on our well-being.

> The complexity of the human organism surpasses the capabilities of our minds to comprehend.

> There is no simple treatment or pill that can substitute for the miracle of the human body, mind, and spirit.

> Healthcare is estimated to contribute only 10% to our overall health, whereas the remaining 90% depends on how we live our lives, an aspect that is mostly within our control.

We are inherently whole and sacred beings, living a temporary human existence. Our purpose is to live as complete individuals, integrating our spirit, mind, and body. Separating one from the other means losing sight of God’s intended path toward health, wellness, happiness, and healing. However, humans often presume to know better and interfere with the Creator’s plan. The Bible, is now more relevant than ever, serving as a foundation for maximizing our health and happiness. It contains principles that have been validated by science and are indisputable in practice. The Bible contains a blueprint for living full and abundant lives through the integration of mind, body, and spirit. It instructs a comprehensive approach to whole health, encompassing the control of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

The following pages summarize and provide an overview the five sections and groupings of scriptures, revealing what the Bible says about true whole health integration as designed by the creator. As you continue reading, you will discover the detailed guidance provided by the Bible in each section.

TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY

SECTION 1: WHAT WE SHOULD EXPECT, WHO WE ARE CREATED TO BE

How awesome that we are God’s creation, made in his image to take care of his creation, part of the master plan for all the earth. Note the emphasis on plants and fruit which he provided for food.

The bible is full of references to his expectation for us to live fully, abundant lives in every imaginable way, but we need to choose life.

We are meant to be well and in good health and we can be healed. Health is meant to be our state of health. We are reminded to take care of ourselves, and our bodies are made by God, and we should treat them accordingly.

> CREATION

> ABUNDANT LIFE IN ALL WAYS

> HEALTH AND HEALING

SECTION 2: LIVING OUR LIVES WITH EASE ON A DAILY BASIS

In all things daily be thankful and express gratitude regardless of the situation being anxious about nothing. Forgive each other as our forgiving effects God’s forgiveness of us. Above all we are commanded to love God and love one another. Don’t worry or be anxious for anything casting all our anxieties on him (God). We are not in control and recognize our reliance on God living in humility.

> GRATITUDE/THANKFULLNESS

> FORGIVENESS

> LOVE

> WORRY/ANXIETY

> HUMILITY/PRIDE

SECTION 3: CHOOSING WHO WE ARE MEANT TO BE

The power of our thoughts and words expressed define our lives, good or bad. Choose wisely. Ask for wisdom and it shall be given to you, it is much more valuable than riches. Living God’s way and applying his principles opens us to the power that is within us through Christ.

> THOUGHTS/WORDS

> WISDOM

> POWER

SECTION 4: A LIFE OF PLANS AND PURPOSE

There are plans for our lives, plans we can hardly fathom. Plans that are in harmony with who we are meant to be. Plans for living a full and abundant life in all areas. Prayer and meditation regularly are key to the discovery and application of our divine purpose. The result of this way of living leads to the development of a life where the fruits of our spirit are evident in all we do and who we are. A better way to live.

> PLANS FOR OUR LIVES

> PRAYER AND MEDITATION

> FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

SECTION 5: TENDING TO OUR BODY AND LIVING IN COMMUNITY

We were created by the breath of God; the breath of God created the scripture for teaching and guidance. His spirit was breathed into us. We were provided plenty water and food with direction on what we eat to be well, what God created. Movement and work were part of how we look after ourselves and our bodies. There was also amply supply of natural remedies to maintain health. Last but by no means least we were to live in community with instruction on how to do that successfully. “Do Good to Everyone”.

> BREATHING

> FOOD/WATER

> WORK/MOVEMENT

> USE OF GOD’S MEDICINE

> COMMUNITY

Below are some of the key areas along with biblical references which only highlight God’s plan, the bible is literally filled with guidance for how we should live the full and abundant life that was intended for us:

SECTION 1: WHAT WE SHOULD EXPECT, WHO WE ARE CREATED TO BE

How awesome that we are God’s creation, made in his image to take care of his creation, part of the master plan for all the earth. Note the emphasis on plants and fruit which he provided for food.

The bible is full of references to his expectation for us to live fully, abundant lives in every imaginable way, but we need to choose life.

CREATION (The Frequency of God)

> Let there be light, and there was light Genesis 1:3 (God spoke the earth into existence

> Let us make man in our image, in our likeness and let them rule over…all the earth. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them Genesis 1:26-27

> And God blessed them (man and woman) and said be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth and subdue it, Genesis 1:28

> The God said “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food…

> The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being, Genesis 2:7

> And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. Genesis 2:3

ABUNDANCE LIFE IN ALL WAYS

> And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2Corinthians 9:8

> Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

> The thief comes only to steal and to destroy. I have come that you have life and have it in abundance. John 10:10

> The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in the season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Deuteronomy 28:12

> Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure of use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

> Then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:10

> Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2-3

> So, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws, then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you… Deuteronomy 30:15-16

HEALTH AND HEALING

> Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. Jeremiah 33:6

> And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread and water and will take sickness away from your midst, Exodus 23:25

> Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

> Praise the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases; he redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion. He satisfies my desires with good things, so that my youth is renewed like eagles. Psalms 103: 2-5

> A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

> Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

> The Lord sustains him on his sickbed, in his illness you restore him to full health.

> He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 41:3

> And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

> And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. Matthew 10.1

> Bless Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, and heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3

> Heal the sick who are there and say to them, the Kingdom of God has come near you. Luke 10:9

SECTION 2: LIVING OUR LIVES WITH EASE ON A DAILY BASIS

GRATITUDE/THANKFULNESS

> Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

> This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it, Psalm 118:24

> Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15

> Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

> Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

> Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, His love endures forever. Psalms 118:29

> Everywhere and in every way…we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. Acts 24:3

> If we take part in a meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for. 1Corinthians 10:30

> Rooted and built up in him (Jesus), strengthened in the faith as you are taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

FORGIVENESS

> Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

> Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

> For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your father in heaven will not forgive your sins. Mathew 6:14-15

> Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

> Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them will find mercy. Proverbs 28:13

> Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every other form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

LOVE

> This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17

> God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. Love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world were like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives our fear because fear has to do with punishment. The man who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 16-18

> Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1John 4:8

> The most important one (commandment) is this…Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these, Mark 12:29-31

> If I speak in tongues of men or of angels, but I do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love I gain nothing… 1 Corinthians 13:1

WORRY/ANXIETY

> Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:4-7

> Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

> Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither be afraid. John 14:27

> Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

> But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

> Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares. 1 Peter 5:6-7

HUMILITY/PRIDE

> Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

> The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

> When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10

> With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

> But he gives more grace. Therefor it says, God opposes the proud but gives wisdom to the humble. James 4:6

> For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

> He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

SECTION 3: CHOOSING WHO WE ARE MEANT TO BE

THOUGHTS/WORDS

> As a man thinketh in his heart so is he… Proverbs 23:7

> Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21

> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

> For the word of God is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning of thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

> This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life… Deuteronomy 30:19

> The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

> Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

> Whoever speaks truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword trusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:17-19

WISDOM

> For wisdom is better than rubies; and all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it Proverbs 8:11

> Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you, love her and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding Proverbs 4:6-7. Pray for wisdom.

> “If anyone lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” James 1:5

> For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God’s site. As it is written, God captures the wise in their own craftiness. 1 Corinthians 3:19

> There is no wisdom, no understanding, no council that can prevail against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30

POWER

> “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk on snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you but rejoice that your names are registered in heaven. At the same time Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, and said Oh Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, father it pleased you to do it this way” Luke 10:19-21

> For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2Timothy 1;7

> I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works that I have done, and even greater works (in Jesus Name), because I am going to be with the father” John 14:12

> Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:10-12

> But God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7

SECTION 4: A LIFE OF PLANS AND PURPOSE

PLANS FOR OUR LIVES

> For you created my inner most being you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, and I know that full well. Psalms 139:13-14

> For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

> Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

> “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you and I set you apart for me before you were born, I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:5

PRAYER/MEDITATION

> I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Psalms 119:15

> Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among nations; I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

> For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37

> May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Psalms 104:34

> Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. Psalm 19:14

> My mouth shall speak wisdom, the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. Psalm 49:3

> Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

> For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

> Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (we need the Spirit to get the fruits)

> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, Galatians 5:22

> Jesus said, I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me…he will produce much fruit, John 1

SECTION 5: TENDING TO OUR BODY AND LIVING IN COMMUNITY

BREATHING

> All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training the righteous. 2Timothy 3:16

> Then the Lord God formed the man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Genesis 2:7

> And Jesus breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit, John 20:22

> The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4

FOOD/WATER (water, mostly plants, fruits, some meat)

> If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19

> These are the living things that you may eat among the animals that are on the earth. Whatever parts of the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews a cud, among the animals you may eat. Nevertheless, among those that chew the cud but does not part the hoof, you shall not eat…as it is unclean. Leviticus 11:1-4

WORK (Using the body)

> The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and to care for it. You are free to eat of any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil for when you eat it you will surely die Genesis 2:15-17

> What ever you do, work heartily, for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

> Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

> And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

> A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4

> This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it, Psalm 118:24

USE OF GOD’S MEDICINE

> Isaiah had said, prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover. Isaiah 38:21

> We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. Number 11:5

> Numerous herbs and oils are mentioned extensively in the Bible that are now known to fight and prevent disease, illness, infection. As examples: aloes, cumin, cinnamon, cassia, frankincense, myrrh, saffron, anise, mustard, mint, hyssop, dandelions

COMMUNITY

> For where two are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20

> Live in harmony together with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12:16

> Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others. Philippians 2:3-5

> As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1Peter 4:10

> So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

> Eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

> As for one who is weak in the faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Romans 14:1

> Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1Peter 4:9

> Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, let us encourage one another… Hebrews 10:24-25

GOD’S PLAN FOR HEALTH