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Motivation

The Prayer that Changes Everything

After my prayer time nearly 20 years ago, God revealed a remarkable thing to me.

He told me the true meaning of the name “Take Back Your Temple.”

God gave me the name about a year after I started my own healing journey.

At the time, I thought of the name as just a challenge to people of faith to take back their bodies, health, and lives.

But He told me that I was wrong. It was much more than that.

“Take Back Your Temple” is a prayer.

The name is meant as an individual’s cry unto Him. It is asking God to take control of your body and your life so He can use them for His purpose and agenda.

It is the submission of your will to His will. You recognize that God loves you and His plans for you are better than you have for yourself.

You view your body as God’s temple and invite Him in to care for it as such.

You don’t live out of your own strength. You live from His.

If you are struggling with your weight right now, then simply ask God to: “Take Back Your Temple.”
If you are struggling with destructive habits, simply pray to the Lord in the midst of it: “Take Back Your Temple.”
If you are struggling with fear, doubt, depression, stress, worry, or anxiety then invite God into the situation: “Take Back Your Temple.”

I believe that if you pray that simple, powerful four-word prayer with a sincere heart and persistence, then it will be answered.

It will be answered based on God’s word that our bodies are His temples, and we therefore are to glorify Him in our bodies and in our spirits (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Please also receive this Prayer for My Body’s Care that will help you to focus on specific choices, day-by-day.

Please listen to God’s wisdom and put it into practice, day-by-day, step-by-step as you grow closer to Him on the journey.

May you take this message to heart, apply it in your own life, and forever be blessed!

Be blessed in health, healing, and wholeness,

Kimberly Taylor
Founder, Take Back Your Temple

P.S. In a recent Live Zoom teaching inside the Take Back Your Temple program, we explored the biblical call to Watch and Pray and how prayer helps us stay spiritually alert, grounded, and less vulnerable to old patterns that quietly pull us off course.

These live teachings are recorded and organized inside our Zoom Replay Index, so members can revisit any session at their own pace, whenever they need clarity, encouragement, or realignment.

If you sense that God may be inviting you into a deeper season of healing, wisdom, and steady support, you can learn more about becoming a Take Back Your Temple member and joining our private Community here.

Motivation, Move

How to Recover from a Fall: David’s Story

Have you ever suffered a hard fall in life? It can be hard to get up again.

But remember this: Just because you fall down doesn’t mean that you have to stay down!

That is certainly true of cyclist David Magloire. He fell during a severe cycling accident but recovered and got back on the bike with God’s help.

David’s story reminds me of Proverbs 24:16 which says in part:

For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again…”

If you are currently ”down in the dumps” about your health habits, I pray that David’s story will encourage you to get up again and pursue good health in God’s strength, day-by-day!

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Tell us about your background. What motivated you to start cycling?

In my early years living in Trinidad, my friends and I enjoyed soccer, cricket, basketball, swimming and bike riding. After High School, I emigrated to the U.S. to further my education.

I continued playing soccer in an amateur league, but during one of our games, I tore my left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). I then decided to select a sport that would help my recovery. Cycling was my choice.

I began riding consistently, doing benefit and group rides. When I was fully recovered, I began doing triathlons and duathlons races. My strongest and best results were on the bike.

At my place of employment, I was introduced to Christian Kaefer, a professional cyclist who invited me to his races and to train with him. He’s now an associate pastor in New Jersey.

I saw how disciplined and good he was on the bike. This motivated me to train harder, develop a proper diet and incorporate recovery/rest.

My competitive instinct led me to enter my first cycling race.

2. What achievements do you feel the most satisfaction about from racing?

For me, riding a race where you use your experience and fitness to assist your teammates to good results is most satisfying.

My biggest and best result was 3rd place in the Team pursuit at the U.S.A Cycling Masters National Championship.

It shocks many people to learn that cycling is a team sport. You’re using 30% less energy when you’re in the slipstream of another rider (drafting). Bike racing requires you to be alert and know where your teammates are.

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NKJV)

The body of Christ is a team. The body is not supported by one person, but by all of us.

We are strongest working together in unity. Teamwork is the key to living life in harmony so that we can do God’s will.

3. What obstacles have you had to overcome to rise to excellence in your sport?

If it’s too cold, hot, raining and uncomfortable outdoors, I still get on my bike and train. I don’t quit, but just keep pedaling and finish without fear.

When I’m sitting in comfort, I’m aware that my competitors are out there training.

If there are obstacles preventing me from achieving my goal, I maximize my strengths (patience, experience, and the sprint) to overcome the obstacles.

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
– Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)

4. I understand you had a severe accident cycling. Tell us about the accident, your recovery from that setback, and the mindset you had to develop to get back on the bike.

In April of 2019 I had a severe crash on a group training ride.

I sustained broken ribs, broken clavicle, fractured vertebrae and a concussion.

My wife Jeneil was at my side at the hospital and prayed for me. The doctors were amazed because I indicated that I was not in pain. It was God covering me.

After running tests and examinations they sent me home to heal and recover.

After two weeks I began riding my trainer indoors. I was on my bike outdoors in 3 weeks. I’m just passionate about the sport.

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”
– Isaiah 26: 3 (NKJV)

5. What role does your faith in Jesus play in helping you endure and finish well in your race?

Jesus Christ is always with me. When I’m racing, and begin to suffer, I can call on Jesus Christ to cover my pain. God tells me, “I got you!”

God lets me know when to start, when to endure discomfort, enjoy the comfort, and when to stop. In Christ, finishing well is giving my very best to my teammates and myself.

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
– Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)

About David Magloire

David is an avid cyclist and is associated with the East Point Georgia Track Club. Their velodrome is located in East Point, GA with excellent racing and youth programs. You can learn more here: https://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/

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Motivation, Move

How to Go the Distance: James’ Story

Just imagine an ”obese, semi-sedentary, middle-aged, 2-time heart attack victim” transforming into a multiple marathon athlete (Marathon distance=26.2 miles).

Think it is impossible? Not with God!

To quote James Spearman, the former obese 2-time heart attack victim: ”He did it for me, He can do it for anyone!”

James’ story reminds me of Hebrews 12:1, 2 which says in part:

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”

Many people who struggle with their weight and health doubt if change is possible for them. However my prayer is that James’ story will inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle through the power of God’s grace, day-by-day!

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Tell us about your background. What motivated you to start running marathons?

I never intended to run marathons. I thought it was impossible for me to run a marathon. After two heart attacks, my intention was simply to walk 4 or 5 times a week and lose weight.

I had the first heart attack at 42-years of age and the second 5 years later. I was grateful that God allowed me to survive and I knew I needed to make lifestyle changes to decrease my chances of a third.

I began to enter 5Ks (3.1 miles) and then 10Ks (6.2 miles). They were so much fun because there was so much encouragement from the crowd.

God then gave me the courage to enter a half marathon (13.1 miles), which gave me the confidence to enter a full Marathon (26.2 miles).

After I ran my second marathon in Washington D.C. I became hooked and decided I’d continue running in as many U.S. States as possible.

2. How many marathons have you run so far? What is your ultimate goal?

I’ve completed 30 marathons in 27 States, from Alaska to New York.

My ultimate (tentative) goal is to finish at least 33 marathons in 30 States concluding with the Boston Marathon in 2021.

I say tentative because if God directs my steps to run all 50 States, I’ll do so!

James’ Marathon Map – Marathons completed shown in green.

3. What obstacles have you had to overcome to run that many marathons?

The primary obstacle has been motivation. Marathons are hard. The training takes up so much time and injuries are inevitable. There are still days that I need to run but I just don’t want to.

Ironically it is those days that I often have my best runs!

Fortunately my injuries have been minor in nature and I’ve only had to cancel one marathon because of injury.

4. Think back to your toughest race. What mindset did you have to maintain to get you through the challenge – even when it was painful and you thought you couldn’t make it?

I pulled a calf muscle at mile 2 of the Alaska Marathon.

I prayed for complete healing but it didn’t happen. I continued to pray and God brought to remembrance that He’s been with me before and He was with me now.

Although this challenge was tougher, God was greater.

I was able to hobble the next 24 miles and cross the finish line. God showed me His strength in my weakness and gave me the victory.

5. What role does your faith in Jesus play in helping you endure to the end and finish well?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
– Philippians 4:13

I pray before each run, during each run and after each run.

Part of my pre-run prayer is “Father be with me every step I take, every breath I take, every beat of heart.”

After each mile I pray for a different individual. For instance: “Father God, Thank you for allowing me to finish mile 1, please continue to bless my wife Brenda…” or Thank you for letting me finish mile 12, please continue to bless my church, bless our Pastor Reginald Garmon, his wife…”

I know that it is by His stripes I was delivered from the two heart attacks, and by His grace, I’m able to do abundantly more than I ever imagined.

About James Spearman

James Spearman is an Atlanta Native: Born at Grady Hospital, raised in Grady Homes and graduated from Grady High. He enlisted in the Air Force after High School and earned his B.S Degree while serving. He returned to Atlanta 7 years later.

James suffered two heart attacks in his 40’s. He was determined to change his lifestyle to decrease his chance of a third heart attack. He has now completed 30 Marathons in 27 States. Nine years ago James met Brenda and married her 3 years later. Together they have 3 Sons (Sean, Stephen, Sterling), 1 Daughter (Kia), and 3 Grandchildren (Kannani, Emma and Stephanie). James is a member of Word of Faith Love Center where he serves as Deacon.

Brenda has published 2 books: “Sidetracked” and “Bridal Veil.” Her website is https://www.brendawillisspearman.com.

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Depression Management

Simple Steps to Being Happy

Just the other day I was watching the program Divorce Court on television. Yes, I know it’s not particularly uplifting, but I do watch occasionally because of the things it reveals about human nature. The wife on the show that day had a list of complaints against the husband a mile long. The husband responded that his wife’s source of happiness seemed to be finding things wrong with him.

The judge basically agreed with the husband. She said that compared to the men that had come to court previously, this woman’s husband wasn’t bad. The man was faithful to her, worked every day, didn’t drink or do drugs, and was a good father. And he loved her.

However at the end of the program, the wife still wanted the divorce. She also wanted the husband to pay for her to have gastric bypass surgery and a breast lift, convinced that these things would give her a new life and make her happy.

The judge failed to persuade her that they never would. The judge also didn’t make the husband pay for the surgeries.

The sad thing is that even if the woman has the surgeries and finds a new husband, she will still probably find new things to be unhappy about.

What does it take to be happy? Happiness first of all is defined as favored by fortune. It’s dependent on what is happening to you at the time. It is different from joy. Joy is an internal state, a feeling of well-being and contentment. Joy comes from having internal security, knowing that in spite of everything going on around you, all is well.

I’ve learned that the only true source of joy is a relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ. It’s interesting the bible mentions the word ‘happy’ only about 21 times, but the word ‘joy’ about 188 times. Seems to me that joy is easier and better! However, you can have both.

Here are some steps you can take to increase your odds of being happy.

1. Take responsibility for your own happiness.

If you are blaming others for the things you have or don’t have, then stop. You cannot control others, only yourself. If you are constantly living in the past and beating yourself up for the mistakes you made, then stop. You did the best you could with what you knew at the time. You can’t change it. But you can do things differently in the present and influence the future. Ask yourself, “What can I do today that will help me get a little closer to the things I desire?” If your desire is to lose weight, then you will start with small steps you can take to get you there.

Also start focusing on the things you are grateful for in your life rather than the things you lack. Appreciate your loved ones and tell them so. Watch your relationships improve and that will make you happier.

2. Keep your promises to yourself.

If you have a friend who was constantly making promises to you but never kept them, would you be happy with that friend? The answer is no, of course. But how often do we tell ourselves that we are going to do something, but don’t follow through? When you do that, you learn not to trust yourself. And that leads to unhappiness and lowered self- esteem.

So be careful when you make a promise to yourself. Make sure the promise has at least a 50/50 chance that you will follow through on it. Start small and then do everything you can to follow through. You’ll be surprised at how the simple act of making promises to yourself and keeping them will increase your sense of trust and make you happier.

3. Recognize that happiness is Now.

Do not postpone happiness by telling yourself that when a circumstance changes, then you will do the things you really want to do. How can you start doing those things now? I know plenty of women who say that they will only dress well or get a flattering hairstyle when they lose weight. Forget that! Do these nice things for yourself now. Tomorrow isn’t promised to you. But you can take good care of yourself today.

And you know what? By taking care of yourself and doing things that make you feel good about yourself, you will become happier and want to do even more. It starts a positive cycle and increases the odds that you will attract even more favor into your life.

Now how cool is that? So don’t wait. Start taking the steps above and watch yourself enjoy your life more. You only get one. Don’t waste a second of yours wallowing in unhappiness. Get out of the pit and claim the joy and happiness that can be yours.

Grow Spiritually

How to Develop Confidence in God

Many years ago, I took a class in which the instructor had the students participate in an icebreaker activity. He gave us a list of skills and asked us to check off those skills that we could do- skills like ‘driving a car’ and ‘speaking a foreign language.’

After that, you switched papers with someone else. You looked at their list and checked off the things on their list that you could do, but they couldn’t. The activity showed that you could accomplish far more partnered with someone than you could by yourself.

I thought that it was a good lesson, but even with the other person’s skills added to mine, I noticed there were still boxes on the paper left unchecked.

Then it hit me: If you could check off the things God could do on the list, then every single box on that paper would be checked!

Many of us think that we could handle life’s challenges better if we only had self confidence. While self confidence helps, it is limited to only what we can do by ourselves.

I have learned that God confidence is much more powerful.

When I have a major challenge, self confidence just isn’t enough. I end up comparing how big the challenge is and see how meager my skills are to deal with it. My faith starts to fade.

But when I compare the challenge to the greatness of an all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful God, then it shrinks in size. I am reminded that everything I need to handle the challenge is in Him. My faith and confidence grows.

If you are feeling discouraged in your health and weight loss efforts, then ask yourself: Are you comparing these challenges to your own abilities? Why not try a different way?

I recommend writing the following encouraging scriptures on index cards and committing them to memory. When your eyes shift to your circumstances, remind yourself with these scriptures that the awesome God you serve is greater than anything you face:

Numbers 23:19
“God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Jeremiah 32:27
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Remember, you must constantly renew your mind with these encouraging scriptures. Just as you wouldn’t expect one bath to maintain cleanliness for the rest of your life, so you mustn’t expect one review of these scriptures to maintain your confidence.

Review them daily or even several times a day until they become a part of you. And you too will watch your God confidence grow so that you can prosper in everything He calls you to do!

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