Participants: John Bradshaw
Series Code: IIW
Program Code: IIW001483A
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01:30 ♪[Theme music]♪
01:40 ♪[Theme music]♪ 01:49 >>John Bradshaw: This is It Is Written. I'm John Bradshaw. 01:52 Thanks for joining me today. 01:55 You don't have to go too terribly far, 01:57 read too many web pages or open too many newspapers 02:00 to discover that healthcare is a major issue 02:04 in these United States and all around the world. 02:07 Major healthcare challenges are affecting 02:10 millions and millions of people today. 02:13 And, remarkably, 02:14 there are often some very simple things that you can do 02:17 to minimize your risk or to get out from 02:19 under that health burden. 02:21 The Bible is a book that encourages 02:23 us to take our health seriously. 02:25 The Bible tells us that our bodies 02:26 are the temple of the Holy Spirit. 02:29 Jesus came into this world to give us life more abundantly. 02:33 Back in the Old Testament, God said, 02:35 “I am the Lord who healeth thee.” 02:38 Well, we're going to talk about a health subject 02:40 that relates to just about all of us, 02:43 and my guest today is a good friend, 02:44 Dr. David DeRose from CompassHealth Consulting. 02:48 Dr. DeRose, thanks for joining me. 02:49 >>Dr. DeRose: Great to be with you, John. 02:51 >>John: This is not our first discussion together, 02:52 but this is the first time we've discussed here 02:55 the subject of obesity. 02:57 >>Dr. DeRose: Extremely important subject. 02:59 Some three-quarters of Americans, 03:01 and many people throughout the world, 03:04 impacted by this disorder. 03:05 And what's interesting to me, though, John, 03:07 we throw out this figure, three-quarters. 03:09 I mean, that's not just obesity, medically speaking. 03:11 It's also overweight. 03:13 But the problem is something that is getting 03:15 so much attention because it's affecting our youth. 03:18 Something like, uh, one in five youth 03:22 now meeting the definitions for being significantly overweight. 03:26 >>John: So there's overweight and there's obesity. 03:29 When does overweight become obesity? 03:30 What's the threshold? 03:31 >>Dr. DeRose: Well, you know, we use numbers 03:33 based on body mass index, which is, you know, 03:35 based on kilograms per meter squared, 03:38 and a lot of people, you know, their eyes kind of glaze over. 03:41 But the simple point I like to make to people, John, is this: 03:44 you know, we're speaking from a biblical perspective. 03:46 The first thing I like people to know is, you know what? 03:49 We can come to Jesus just as we are. 03:51 >>John: That's right. 03:53 Jesus is not saying, you know, once you lose enough weight, 03:56 then you're good enough to come to me. 03:57 He says, “Whosoever will take of the water of life freely.” 04:02 And so that encourages me 04:04 as we're coming from a biblical perspective. 04:06 >>John: Now, we're going to have to talk about 04:09 some pretty obvious things. 04:11 Uh, if someone is obese, what they can do about it. 04:14 But let's talk about some of the causes for obesity. 04:16 Perhaps they're obvious. 04:17 But let's walk through some of them anyway. 04:19 >>Dr. DeRose: Well, let's talk about the ones that often 04:21 don't come onto the radar screen. 04:23 >>John: Okay. 04:24 >>Dr. DeRose: First of all, there are early life history 04:27 factors that affect our weight. 04:28 Some people in the womb were exposed to stresses 04:32 that predisposed them to high blood pressure, 04:34 or to diabetes, or to obesity. 04:36 Maybe in early life, 1, 2 years of age, your feeding practices, 04:42 not of your own choosing, were such that it primed you 04:46 with more fat cells, so it's easier for you to be obese. 04:50 Hormonal factors can affect you. 04:52 There are actually metabolic hormonal causes. 04:54 One of the classic ones is Cushing's disorder, 04:57 or Cushing's disease, or Cushing's syndrome, 04:59 that actually can cause you to put on excess weight 05:02 even if you're doing everything right. 05:03 And so here at the very beginning, 05:05 I want to tell people, you can't just look at someone and say, 05:09 oh, you, you know, you didn't listen to It Is Written, 05:11 you didn't listen to Dr. DeRose and John Bradshaw. 05:13 Otherwise, you wouldn't have this problem. 05:15 >>John: We're going to do our best to talk about this 05:17 respectfully and in a nonjudgmental way. 05:19 And I think, I hope, we're going to talk about this redemptively. 05:24 >>Dr. DeRose: Most definitely. 05:25 >>John: What can someone do? 05:26 We don't need to point the finger and be critical, 05:28 but we do want to help people who want to be helped, 05:31 or will help themselves, or receive 05:32 the help that comes from God. 05:34 So where do we begin with this? 05:36 >>Dr. DeRose: The premise I take, John, 05:37 is that in the very beginning, when God created us, 05:40 he knew what kind of environment, 05:43 what kind of setting we needed to be in to live for eternity. 05:46 That was God's original intention. 05:47 So although we're not going to live eternally 05:50 on our own devices, God still, in the very beginning, 05:54 gives us clues about what the ideal diet, 05:57 what the ideal activity level, 06:00 other elements in lifestyle 06:01 that can actually help us to avoid obesity, 06:05 at least to a large extent. 06:07 >>John: You mentioned a moment ago the challenge 06:09 that we're seeing with kids who are overweight. 06:12 That is on the rise, is it? 06:13 >>Dr. DeRose: Most definitely. 06:14 >>John: What do we put that down to? 06:15 >>Dr. DeRose: Well, there's a lot. 06:16 I mean, there's studies showing that the more time 06:18 we spend in front of a television, I hate to say it, 06:20 but even It Is Written. 06:22 If someone is just watching It Is Written nonstop, 06:24 they, the research actually suggests it's not just sitting 06:28 in front of the TV and not doing activity that's a problem, 06:32 but it's also the commercials and the other messages. 06:34 So It Is Written gets, 06:35 you know, the green light on that basis. 06:37 >>John: Oh, I'm glad to know. All right. All right. 06:39 >>Dr. DeRose: But we're spending 06:40 far too much time doing inactive activities. 06:43 Our kids are being pulled away from physical activity. 06:46 And that's a huge determinant of how much we weigh. 06:49 >>John: Surely it's true, I have not read the study, 06:52 I didn't write the study. 06:54 But my, I have a hunch that um, 06:57 everybody's connected to the Internet, 06:59 everybody has a device, 07:00 there's so much you can do online. 07:02 You can explore the world, connect with people, 07:04 play games, veg out. 07:07 Before to get your entertainment, 07:08 you had to run outside and play with your friends. 07:09 Now you can sit in front of a screen. 07:11 That's just true, isn't it? 07:12 >>Dr. DeRose: It just is true, 07:13 and it is something that is contributing 07:15 to the obesity epidemic. 07:16 >>John: What can we do about that? 07:18 >>Dr. DeRose: Basically, it's turning back the clock. 07:21 It's, uh, not having so much screen time. 07:23 It's parents telling their kids, 07:25 you know, here are some limits on the television, 07:27 on the electronic devices. 07:29 And helping to do activity with them. 07:32 There's nothing as powerful as what a parent models 07:35 in his or her life. 07:36 >>John: Okay, so now that we're adults, 07:40 what can we do to begin to turn this back? 07:43 Let's just start scratching the surface 07:45 and come back to this in a moment. 07:46 What can we do? 07:47 >>Dr. DeRose: Let's start with a simple one. 07:49 And I say it's simple because I've seen my own patients do it. 07:50 I've got a patient in my practice right now; 07:52 he lost 60 pounds over the course of probably six months. 07:57 I said to him, “What did you do?” 07:59 One simple change. 08:01 >>John: What was that? 08:02 He got rid of the sugar-sweetened beverages, 08:04 and he's drinking primarily water. 08:06 Now, he's a big guy. 08:07 >>John: I have a friend, I can tell you this, 08:09 who lost 130 pounds. 08:11 He was a big guy, too. 08:11 Big, tall guy. 08:13 And, uh, I asked him, 08:15 same question, what did you do? 08:16 He said, I used to carry soda with me everywhere I went. 08:20 I got rid of it. 08:21 Never realized quite how much he was drinking. 08:23 And that was the thing that really, 08:26 the, the primary component of him losing 130 pounds. 08:30 >>Dr. DeRose: Isn't that amazing? 08:31 >>John: That's amazing. 08:32 >>Dr. DeRose: But many, 08:33 many of my colleagues have told me the same thing. 08:35 Just that simple change: 08:36 go with the water instead of the caloric beverages. 08:39 >>John: And that is a simple change. 08:40 >>Dr. DeRose: It is. 08:41 >>John: Okay. There are other simple changes, 08:42 many of them. 08:43 We want to get at this thing, obesity. 08:45 And then we're going to turn it around and make some 08:46 spiritual parallels that will bless you in big ways. 08:50 Don't go away, we'll be right back with more. 08:55 >>Announcer: Planning for your financial future 08:57 is a vital aspect of Christian stewardship. 09:01 For this reason, It Is Written is pleased to offer 09:04 free planned giving and estate services. 09:07 For information on how we can help you, 09:09 please call 800-992-2219 09:14 Call today, or visit our website, 09:16 HisLegacy.com 09:18 Call 800-992-2219 09:23 >>John: We both know that God wants the very best for us. 09:26 But at times that can be a challenge. 09:29 What do you do about obesity? 09:31 How do you get your weight to where you want it to be, 09:33 or maybe what God wants it to be, 09:34 and keep it there. 09:36 I want you to get today's free offer, 09:37 a DVD addressing this issue of obesity. 09:40 It will help you. 09:42 Call us on 800-253-3000 09:44 800-253-3000 09:47 Or visit itiswritten.com 09:49 Or you can write to the address on your screen. 09:54 >>John: Thanks for joining me today on It Is Written. 09:56 I'm John Bradshaw. 09:57 My guest today is Dr. David DeRose 09:59 of CompassHealth Consulting. 10:01 Dr. DeRose, as we talk about obesity today, 10:05 I've got a question, because, I have a challenge with my belt. 10:10 >>Dr. DeRose: Hmm. 10:11 >>John: My belt. 10:12 And with a couple of pairs of pants. 10:15 They used to give me no trouble at all, 10:16 and now I find they protest more than they used to 10:19 when I put them on. 10:21 I don't think I'm doing much that's very different 10:24 to what I used to do, except, of course, 10:25 when I was a kid I was super active, 10:27 and now I'm a little less active. 10:31 How much does gaining weight 10:33 have to do with the natural aging process? 10:36 >>Dr. DeRose: In medical circles, the million-dollar word 10:38 that is sometimes discussed is called sarcopenia. 10:42 And in simple language, it means that as we get older, 10:46 we tend to lose muscle mass. 10:48 So even if a person weighs the same at 60 as they did 10:52 when they were 30, the odds are, 10:54 unless they've been very deliberate 10:56 with a fitness program, they've got less muscle mass. 10:59 And here's where the rubber meets the road 11:01 in the discussion of obesity. 11:03 It's muscle mass, lean body mass, 11:05 that drives metabolism. 11:07 So as I lose that muscle mass, my metabolism is slowing down. 11:12 So it's not just purely a function of age, 11:15 but age does tend to go along with a slowing of metabolism 11:18 and a decrease in lean body mass. 11:21 >>John: Unfortunately, I'm, uh, I'm seeing that. 11:23 And so what that means is, and most people are seeing that, 11:28 because most people weigh too much. 11:31 What that means is, 11:32 we have to be intentional about this, don't we? 11:35 >>Dr. DeRose: It's so fascinating, to me, John, 11:37 that many times we take things for granted 11:40 until they get out of hand. 11:41 It's sometimes the diagnosis of high blood pressure, 11:44 a diabetes diagnosis, 11:46 with so many of these chronic diseases 11:48 linked to gaining weight, 11:50 and it doesn't have to be a huge amount. 11:51 >>John: How much? 11:52 >>Dr. DeRose: I mean, even, even losing five percent 11:55 of one's weight can make a measurable difference 11:57 in these metabolic diseases. 12:00 >>John: Five percent. 12:01 So for a lot of people who are overweight, 12:03 that'd just be 10 pounds. 12:04 >>Dr. DeRose: That's right. 12:05 So someone who weighs in the 200, 12:06 dropping 10 pounds can make a significant difference. 12:09 >>John: Oh, no kidding. That's all? 12:10 >>Dr. DeRose: That's right. 12:11 >>John: Okay, so let's talk about that. 12:13 Someone wants to drop 10 pounds. 12:14 What should they do? 12:15 >>Dr. DeRose: In the beginning, in Genesis chapter 1, 12:18 God gave Adam and Eve a diet that was wholly plant based. 12:23 Those plant foods are loaded with fiber and water. 12:26 So eating more of those whole plant foods 12:28 is going to fill me up, 12:29 going to satisfy me with much less calories. 12:32 >>John: Okay. 12:33 So that's a simple place to start, 12:34 although for some people, 12:35 they can't imagine making those kinds of changes. 12:38 Do you have to change all at once, 12:39 or can you ease into this gradually? 12:40 How do you go about changing what you eat? 12:42 >>Dr. DeRose: The idea is just start doing something, okay? 12:46 So have one meatless day a week. 12:50 Have one meatless meal a week, if that's novel for you. 12:53 And start experimenting more with beans and whole grain. 12:56 >>John: How quickly, you mentioned someone earlier, 12:59 60 pounds in six months. 13:01 If someone gives themselves to some type of lifestyle change 13:03 and there's got to be a variance here, 13:05 how quickly is it reasonable to assume a person 13:08 can see themselves losing weight? 13:10 >>Dr. DeRose: Well, I've worked with intensive 13:11 lifestyle change programs. 13:12 We have people come in for two to three weeks 13:15 at a live-in facility, 13:16 and we would typically see weight loss in the range of 13:18 4-5 percent over that three-week time period. 13:23 So a 200-lb. person would drop 10 pounds over that, 13:26 over the course of just two or three weeks. 13:28 So, again, it's attainable with a, 13:30 and that's a very deliberate program. 13:33 And, you know, we're helping them exercise, 13:35 we're helping them eat right, 13:36 they're more active, 13:37 they're removed from their stressors. 13:38 Because stress, and those stress hormones, 13:41 actually, by the way, 13:42 they're the same hormones 13:44 that are involved in Cushing's syndrome. 13:46 That syndrome that causes obesity? 13:50 You ramp up your stress hormone levels, 13:52 and you're moving yourself closer, 13:54 I mean, I'm using a little bit of poetic license here, 13:57 but closer to a more Cushinoyd state. 13:59 >>John: So do something about what you drink. 14:01 Watch what you eat. 14:02 Certainly, you've got to get moving and start burning 14:06 some calories and being mobile. 14:08 But let me ask you this question: 14:09 is there an unhealthy way to go about losing weight? 14:15 What are some things that people should not do? 14:17 >>Dr. DeRose: I recommend that people make lifestyle changes 14:19 that they're going to stick with for life. 14:22 Don't go on these crash diets, 14:24 because they're really not sustainable. 14:26 And don't set yourself up for failure by, 14:28 by setting some kind of a goal that's totally unrealistic. 14:31 When I was running a hospital-based 14:34 weight-loss program, I would do a history. 14:36 I'd ask a person, 14:37 “Well, what did you weigh when you were, you know, 15?” 14:40 If a person told me they weighed 400 when they were 15, 14:43 and they're setting a weight loss goal of 120, 14:46 I'm thinking, you know what? 14:48 At 600 pounds, this is not really likely to be obtainable. 14:51 Set the goals too high, and even if you make a lot of progress, 14:55 you're going to throw in the towel because you think, 14:57 hey, I could never weigh 120 like my next-door neighbor. 15:00 >>John: You mentioned the fad diets. 15:02 They're not helpful, are they? 15:03 >>Dr. DeRose: They're generally not helpful at all. 15:05 Now, some people say, well, but, you know, 15:07 it motivated me to do this. 15:08 But the problem is, when you get on a diet 15:11 that causes rapid weight loss, you lose muscle mass as well, 15:14 and we already talked about how that drives metabolism. 15:17 So it makes it so easy when you go back 15:19 to eating your old way of eating. 15:21 Now your metabolism's slower, 15:23 and you actually put on more weight than you originally lost. 15:26 >>John: You mentioned, I think, a key thing: a lifestyle change. 15:28 >>Dr. DeRose: Huge. 15:29 >>John: Yeah, you can go on a six-week diet or a 15:31 six-month diet and make a change, 15:32 but you've got to go back to what you were before, 15:34 and what you were before got you to where you didn't want to be. 15:37 So it's really important to keep in mind, 15:39 isn't it, the long haul? 15:40 What changes can I adopt that I can stick with, 15:44 that will continue to provide benefit. 15:46 >>Dr. DeRose: It's really important. 15:47 And when I work closely with people, I say, 15:49 look at those things, if we want to just use diet as an example. 15:52 Look at the problem foods. 15:54 What things do you have trouble controlling your consumption of? 15:57 Believe it or not, the best strategy is the same strategy 16:01 we give the alcoholic or the nicotine addict. 16:03 We say, leave that food out completely. 16:06 Leave it out completely! you know they say. 16:07 It's my favorite food! 16:09 But that is the path to success if you have 16:11 an addictive relationship with a certain food. 16:14 >>John: The wonderful thing about attacking 16:16 a diet-related issue is, there's so much to eat. 16:21 And if you, if you don't, if someone tells you, 16:24 lay off the M&Ms, man, 16:25 you could eat blueberries or carrot sticks. 16:28 I know that didn't excite you, the carrot sticks. 16:29 But you could, you could find all kinds of fruit, 16:32 your favorite fruit. 16:34 You can find, anyhow, 16:36 there are lots of good alternatives aren't there? 16:37 >>Dr. DeRose: There are. 16:38 And the good news, John, is God has created us 16:42 with the ability to develop new enjoyments. 16:45 We make a clean break with those things that are harmful. 16:48 We can develop new enjoyments for 16:50 the blueberries and the carrots. 16:51 And I think it's so interesting: when God speaks, 16:54 typically, look at the Ten Commandments. 16:56 He didn't say, cut back on your stealing. 16:59 Do a little bit less in the way of extramarital relations right? 17:03 >>John: Right. 17:04 >>Dr. DeRose: Clearcut guidelines. 17:06 Those are the most powerful when it comes to behavior change. 17:09 >>John: The fact of the matter is that one's diet 17:11 or one's lack of following good health principles 17:13 ends up with obesity, 17:15 which will often just drag a person to an early grave. 17:17 >>Dr. DeRose: That's right. 17:18 >>John: So one's motivation to want to make these changes 17:20 should be really pretty high, 17:21 because the, not making the changes, disaster. 17:24 Making the changes, fantastic benefits. 17:27 Fantastic benefits. 17:28 Including a clearer mind that will more keenly 17:31 hear the voice of God and discern the will of God. 17:34 We'll discuss that more in just a moment. 17:39 ♪[Music]♪ 17:40 Announcer: In Matthew 4:4, the Word of God says, 17:43 “It is written, 17:44 ‘Man shall not live by bead alone, 17:46 but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” 17:50 “Every Word” 17:51 is a one-minute, Bible-based daily devotional 17:53 presented by Pastor John Bradshaw, 17:55 and designed especially for busy people like you. 17:58 Look for Every Word on selected networks, 18:01 or watch it online every day on our website, 18:03 ItIsWritten.com 18:06 Receive a daily spiritual boost. 18:08 Watch “Every Word.” 18:09 You'll be glad you did. 18:10 Here's a sample. 18:14 ♪[Theme music]♪ 18:18 >>John: The story goes that the mice had a meeting one day 18:21 to figure out what they could do about that troublesome cat. 18:24 One bright mouse suggested that what they needed 18:26 to do was attach a bell to the cat's collar. 18:29 They'd always know where the cat was, and they'd be safe. 18:32 All the mice were happy, until one mouse asked, 18:36 “But who will bell the cat?” 18:38 Hmm. 18:40 Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, 18:42 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, 18:45 baptizing them in the name of the Father, 18:47 and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” 18:49 We all think it's a good idea to share the good news. 18:52 But who will bell the cat? 18:54 God is looking for people who will go, 18:56 who will share, 18:57 who will speak up for Him at the right time. 19:00 Are you that person? 19:01 If so, tell God, and watch Him use you in wonderful ways. 19:07 I'm John Bradshaw for It Is Written. 19:09 Let's live today by every word. 19:15 >>John: Thanks for joining me today on It Is Written. 19:17 My guest is Dr. David DeRose from CompassHealth Consulting. 19:20 Dr. DeRose, as we discuss obesity, 19:22 we're discussing, frankly, we're discussing a runaway train, 19:26 because the problem has just got out of hand 19:29 in the Western world. 19:30 That's true, isn't it? 19:31 >>Dr. DeRose: It really is. 19:32 And, you know, John as we speak about the spiritual impact 19:35 and the ministry impact, one of the sobering statistics is, 19:38 if a person is overweight and has diabetes, 19:42 that can increase their risk of dementia up to fourfold. 19:46 So we're talking about things that 19:47 not only cut our life short, 19:49 but they definitely impact our relationship 19:51 with God and with other people. 19:54 >>John: Uh, we talked about diet, 19:56 making good choices with what you eat, 19:57 what you drink. 19:59 Uh, are there any other things 20:00 that people ought to be thinking about? 20:02 >>Dr. DeRose: Well, I would say have an accountability partner. 20:05 >>John: Okay. 20:06 >>Dr. DeRose: I mean, it could be a spouse, 20:07 could be a close friend, could be a church group. 20:09 Because what we find about behaviors 20:11 is if you have a supportive environment, 20:13 it's powerful. 20:14 Fascinating study in one of the science journals. 20:16 This is a family of journals, the science family of journals. 20:19 The comment of the authors was that basically 20:22 who we keep company with is impacting our risk of obesity. 20:28 >>John: One thing that I find fascinating 20:30 is that sugar consumption is linked to obesity. 20:34 There's sugar in everything. 20:39 Do you think people know, 20:41 even when they eat health foods, 20:43 they're often eating way too much sugar? 20:45 >>Dr. DeRose: It's a sad commentary. 20:46 I tell people when they look at those carbohydrate-rich foods, 20:50 shoot for one fifth of the calories of, 20:53 from carbohydrates as being from simple sugars. 20:56 So you're picking that granola because you think it's healthy. 20:59 But that granola may have 50 percent 21:02 of its carbohydrate calories as simple sugars, 21:05 simple carbohydrates. 21:06 >>John: Now, an interesting thing: 21:07 somebody gave me a snack at Christmas, 21:09 you know, as, as you'll do around the office. 21:11 And it was a, it was a sugary snack. 21:14 And I had this sugary snack food in my hand. 21:16 I looked at the sugar content. 21:18 My wife had a granola bar in her hand. 21:21 I said, “Do something for me. 21:22 Look at the sugar content in that granola bar.” 21:25 What I had was obviously not a health food. 21:29 What she had is taken to be a health food. 21:32 It had more than double the sugar in the granola bar 21:36 than I had in the sugary snack food that somebody had given me. 21:39 >>Dr. DeRose: It is startling. 21:40 And if you don't read labels, you'll get in trouble. 21:42 And I've seen this happen with so many of the dessert options. 21:44 You know, there's a low-fat dessert. 21:46 You look at it; it's got twice the calories from sugar in it. 21:49 >>John: Umm, and calories from sugar is a real problem. 21:51 >>Dr. DeRose: It is, as are the problems from, 21:53 you know, with fat calories. 21:54 >>John: In most cases, not all, but in most cases 21:58 we are dealing with a preventable healthcare crisis. 22:01 >>Dr. DeRose: In most cases, you're exactly right. 22:03 And a person, again, doesn't have to reach some ideal number, 22:07 but if they can trim down, adopt healthier behaviors, 22:10 their weight will come down, 22:11 they'll feel better, 22:12 they'll look better, 22:12 and their ministry will be enhanced. 22:14 You know, one paraphrase of a famous New Testament text is, 22:18 “Don't let the world press you into its mold.” 22:21 And “Be not conformed to this world.” 22:24 >>John: Yeah. 22:25 >>Dr. DeRose: But, John, it's so interesting. 22:26 You're right. 22:27 It's often, we slip into these habits. 22:29 But it's being deliberate. 22:31 It's refocusing our lifestyle. 22:33 That's really where it starts. 22:34 >>John: Yeah, for sure. 22:36 Okay, now let's talk about this: you eat too much, you, 22:39 there ends up being too much of you. 22:41 What about people who consume the Bible, 22:46 read spiritual books, 22:47 attend worship services. 22:49 They, they receive, receive, receive, but don't give. 22:54 I've heard of spiritual obesity being referred to, 22:57 where you consume and consume and consume. 23:00 God wants for His children to be not just consumers 23:04 of spiritual things, but sharers, producers. 23:06 Discuss that with me as a minister of the gospel. 23:08 >>Dr. DeRose: No, it's a great analogy, 23:10 because Jesus, if you wanted to summarize 23:12 His great commission in one word, 23:13 the word is “go.” 23:15 And so it's, what we find in the obesity realm is true: 23:18 it's not just the diet, but it's the activity. 23:21 It's the going. 23:22 And it's so true in the spiritual realm, 23:23 John. You and I have seen it. 23:25 You can have this lethargy, really, 23:27 that comes over a person who just is so focused on 23:30 “what can I get out of the Bible?” 23:31 and, in fact, their spiritual life suffers. 23:34 They can be going to church meetings. 23:36 They can be watching all the It Is Written programs. 23:39 But it's not at the spiritual level where they could be 23:42 because they're not sharing. 23:43 >>John: Paul told Timothy to learn these things 23:45 and then teach them to others, so that they can teach others. 23:49 >>Dr. DeRose: That's right. 23:49 >>John: Yeah. 23:50 So what would you say to that person who maybe, 23:53 and there's a massive amount of people 23:55 who've never shared their faith. 23:58 Never. 23:59 Never opened up the pages of the Bible with somebody. 24:01 Never witnessed. 24:02 Never invited someone to a, a church or religious service. 24:05 How do we help those people to become spiritually active 24:08 rather than spiritually obese? 24:11 >>Dr. DeRose: I think it begins with recognizing 24:13 Jesus' call for each one of us. 24:15 We're all called to be disciple makers. 24:17 When we recognize that, it should change our prayer life. 24:21 Lord, how do you want me to fulfill that calling today? 24:25 Give me an opportunity. 24:26 Show me someone that I can encourage, 24:28 someone that I can share with. 24:30 >>John: I want to read that passage that you mentioned, 24:32 because it's just, it's just so important. 24:34 In Matthew, chapter 28, the great commission. 24:36 At the end of the chapter, 24:38 “Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 24:40 ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” 24:43 He said, “'Go therefore.'” 24:44 Go. You can't go and be inactive. 24:47 “'And make disciples of all nations, 24:49 baptizing them in the name of the Father 24:51 and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 24:53 teaching them to observe all things 24:55 that I have commanded you.'” 24:56 And then Jesus promises us his presence with us. 24:59 God has commissioned every one of us to be a disciple maker. 25:03 >>Dr. DeRose: That's right. 25:04 >>John: And perhaps we are gifted in various ways, 25:06 and it seems to come more naturally to some 25:08 than to others. 25:09 But you can't say, oh, 25:10 sharing my faith is not my spiritual gift. 25:12 There's nothing to hide behind here. 25:14 God brings us into contact with people. 25:16 If we're prayerful and we're on the lookout, 25:18 we can find people to share our faith with. 25:21 And that's just good for us on a spiritual level. 25:24 Not just good for them, but good for us. 25:26 >>Dr. DeRose: It is. 25:27 And the way this all comes full circle is, 25:28 pray for someone who has needs like yours. 25:30 If you're trying to lose weight, 25:32 pray that God will bring you into contact 25:34 with someone else who needs to trim down, 25:37 and maybe that's a person not of your faith. 25:39 Maybe they don't know what you know spiritually. 25:41 But as you work together on your health, 25:43 it opens up doors for you to share your faith. 25:46 >>John: Doing something about de, destructive lifestyle habits 25:49 is an insurmountable problem for many people. 25:51 However, here's what we remember. 25:54 Jesus said, “I am with you always.” 25:56 Paul wrote, 25:57 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 26:01 And he wrote in the same chapter, 26:02 Philippians, chapter 4, 26:04 “My God shall supply all your need 26:06 according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 26:08 So we don't want to be talking about righteousness by works, 26:12 or health by works. 26:14 Everything we do, 26:15 we want to do in association and cooperation with God, 26:19 who blesses you, 26:21 who dwells in you, 26:23 and will work in you 26:24 both to will and to do for his good pleasure. 26:26 So we would encourage you today. 26:28 Take hold of the hand of God. 26:29 If you're looking at losing some pounds, 26:31 if you're looking at getting active, 26:32 if you're dealing with a lifestyle condition 26:35 that you know could be remedied or reversed, 26:38 simply by making some simple changes. 26:40 If you've never been able to make them, 26:42 you can go to God in prayer and say, 26:44 “This is what I need. 26:46 I am willing. 26:48 Work in my life.” 26:49 And Jesus says, “Ask and it shall be given. 26:53 Seek and you shall find.” 26:55 So, if you have the knowledge in your head, 26:59 Christ in your heart, 27:01 it seems to me like you've got everything you need. 27:03 >>Dr. DeRose: You do. 27:04 And, uh, all His biddings are enablings. 27:07 God will give you the power to make the changes 27:09 He impresses you to make. 27:12 >>John: We both know that God wants the very best for us. 27:15 But at times that can be a challenge. 27:18 What do you do about obesity? 27:20 How do you get your weight to where you want it to be, 27:22 or maybe what God wants it to be, 27:23 and keep it there. 27:25 I want you to get today's free offer, 27:26 a DVD addressing this issue of obesity. 27:29 It will help you. 27:30 Call us on 800-253-3000 27:33 800-253-3000 27:35 Or visit itiswritten.com 27:37 Or you can write to the address on your screen. 27:42 Thank you for remembering that It Is Written 27:44 is a faith-based ministry, 27:46 and it's your support that makes it possible 27:48 for us to share God's good news with the entire world. 27:53 Your tax-deductible gift 27:54 can be sent to the address on your screen, 27:56 or through our website, 27:58 itiswritten.com 28:00 Thank you for your continued prayerful support. 28:03 Our toll-free number is 800-253-3000 28:06 800-253-3000 28:09 Our web address is itiswritten.com 28:12 >>John: Dr. David DeRose, thanks for joining me today. 28:15 This has been fun. 28:15 I appreciate it. 28:16 >>Dr. DeRose: Been great to be with you, John. 28:17 >>John: I'm thankful for the practical advice 28:19 that you're giving people. 28:20 And, uh, just quickly, one or two words, 28:24 what will you say to that person 28:25 wanting to do something about obesity? 28:27 >>Dr. DeRose: Go for it. 28:28 >>John: Go for it. 28:29 Go for it. 28:30 Well, let's pray together, can we do that? 28:31 Let's pray now. 28:32 Our Father in Heaven, 28:33 we thank you that in Jesus we can go for it, 28:37 knowing that you are with us. 28:38 You haven't called us to fail. 28:39 You haven't called us to stumble. 28:41 You've called us to victory and success and deliverance. 28:46 Lord, I know that you want to dwell in us. 28:50 We are, our bodies are the temple of your Holy Spirit. 28:54 So come, Father, and bring your Holy Spirit's presence. 28:58 Uh, if we're week, seems to me that's okay, 29:01 because you told Paul that your strength 29:03 is made perfect in weakness. 29:06 Unite our frailty to your might, 29:09 our weakness to your strength, 29:11 our failure to your success. 29:13 And in Jesus allow us to be delivered 29:16 from all the things that you know are harmful 29:19 to us physically and spiritually. 29:22 We thank you today, 29:22 and we pray in Jesus' name, 29:25 Amen. 29:27 Thanks so much for joining me today. 29:28 I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time. 29:31 Until then, remember: 29:33 It Is Written. 29:34 Man shall not live by bread alone, 29:37 but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. 29:41 ♪[Theme music]♪ |
Revised 2017-08-22