Wayne E. Billon - Daily Devotions for a Healthy Lifestyle

It has been decades since I started writing this devotional. I was teaching nutrition in college at the time, but I did not devote full time to it until I retired almost two years ago. I have a Ph.D. in Nutrition, and I am a registered dietitian. I have taught nutrition in college for thirty-three years, have consulted in five different areas of dietetics while teaching, and have practiced for six years as a nutrition support team dietitian in a large teaching hospital. I have been a born-again Christian for thirty-nine years, have been a lay teacher in several churches, and have taught classes on dieting for Christians. I have counseled many on weight reduction and I am well aware of the problems they face. It seemed reasonable to me to write a book that would combine my two areas of interest and expertise to encourage those who are trying to develop a healthier lifestyle while introducing them to the basics of nutrition. That is the purpose of this book. It is primarily intended for born-again Christians who believe in Gods Word and trust in Him for strength to change to a healthier lifestyle. I say primarily because you do not have to be a believer to read this devotional. A healthier lifestyle includes those who are trying to lose weight but also those who may be fighting a disease state, like diabetes or elevated cholesterol. It also includes those who may be trying to gain weight, overcome an eating disorder, or just wants to be a healthier person. All of these conditions require proper eating, exercise, sleep, and relaxing. However, this devotional can be useful for anyone who is on a diet or not.

Each day has a scripture reference with a brief encouragement based on the scripture, a short prayer, and an instruction to basic nutrition facts with simple advice for those trying to eat healthier. It is not intended to be a diet book or advise you on a specific diet plan, but to give general information on the basics of nutritional facts while providing scriptural encouragement for you to improve your lifestyle. For specific dietary advice, you should consult a registered dietitian.

Each day the nutritional information builds on the previous days knowledge. Because of this, the devotional does not start with January 1 but begins with day one and goes through day 365. This numbering system enables you to start the nutrition information from the beginning without starting in the middle of a nutrition section. It also allows you to begin the devotional anytime without waiting for the first of the month. Even though you could start this devotional on any day, it will be divided up into twelve sections with a different theme in each section.

It is essential that you understand this devotional is intended primarily for believers in Jesus Christ because it is designed to encourage you to call on your faith in Him. Of course, this devotional can be used by anyone and will inspire anyone. If you are not a believer, not to worry, I can help you with that. The first thirty-one days will have the theme Who am I in Christ? John 3:16 tells us that For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. When you first received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your initial belief was based on this scripture. In case that has been some time ago, you can renew or rededicate yourself to the Lord at any time. The last page of this book will help you with a prayer for salvation or rededication.

This devotional is intended to help you be victorious in any healthy life-change program. The encouragement comes from the Bible and describes Gods love for us; this devotional will show you that God loves you and will never leave you. He wants you to be healthy, to succeed, and to be a witness for Him. His Word is extremely encouraging to us in every lifestyle that we are engaged. We have to continually remind ourselves of that in everything we do, whether it be dieting, exercising, performing in our workplace, relating to our family or friends, etc. Without Gods love and guidance, we are nothing. To obtain the most out of this devotional, we need to understand that fact. Therefore, as you begin your program, remind yourself what it means to have been saved and who you are in Christ. The first month of this devotional describes who you are in Christ because knowing this will show you that you are more than a conqueror and that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Remember that the last page of this book will help you with a prayer for salvation or rededication.

Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

As born-again Christians, all of our daily activities should have Jesus in the center. He should be in the center of our homes, workplaces, hobbies, churches, and any extracurricular activities, including lifestyle changes. Everything we do should be Christ- centered. We get so tangled up with everyday routines that frequently we forget to submit everything we do to Jesus. Sometimes we need to stop and remind ourselves not just who we are as Christians, but what that means as who we are in Christ. This knowledge sets us apart from the daily, worldly, and secular routines. Therefore, start this first day of your new regimen by reminding yourself that you are a born-again believer and you are not of this world. You are in the world, and you have to participate in worldly activities, but as a child of God, you are not part of the world. As a believer, you are a child of God and you have an inner strength that enables you to be successful if you call on Jesus and walk in His light. Be bold and courageous. Determine with an act of your will that you can do this! If you trust in Jesus for help, you will not be doing this alone. Remember who you are in Christ and proceed with confidence.