Do you remember the Wheaties® commercials of long ago. Their main message was if these were consumed for breakfast, you’d be a champion. Pictures of famous athletes graced their boxes to lend credibility to this message.

Who can forget Michael Jordan or Mary Lou Retton staring at you, daring you into greatness? It was pretty cool. As Wheaties is no longer part of my breakfast menu, I’m not sure who’s on the box cover these days, but I suspect it is photos of 21st century athletes.

Despite their lofty promises, I did not turn into a champion athlete. False advertising? Not really. Consuming nutritious foods is only one component of a healthy lifestyle. If a bowl of cereal were all it took, we’d all be headed for the Olympics!

A well-balanced lifestyle includes good food, rest, exercise, and fun. These things will keep your physical health in check. Yet, what about our spiritual health? What can we do each day to ensure that we stay connected to our Father in heaven?

Here’s what I’ve learned in the past decade or so of my faith walk. Starting my day with God is the best way to set myself up for success. Spending time studying the Bible, praying, and simply being quiet so I can hear from Him are the keys to being able to face the fiery darts that some days hold.

Reading and speaking simple truths like God loves me, God created me for a purpose, God has a great plan for my life are wonderful reminders and keep my focus off of life’s circumstances and instead remain focused on the big picture and the greatness and power of our Creator.

Let’s look at a few examples:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
If you’re having financial struggles: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV)
If you’re feeling lonesome or that no one cares: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)

I could go on and on because God’s Word is filled with encouraging truth that we can speak over our lives and those of our loved ones.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)

Many people say they can’t “hear” from God. My response to that is usually to ask them if they are

 reading their Bibles, because this is where God primarily speaks to us. Every single word in the Bible is from God. This is especially true when you read Jesus’ words because He literally said that He only speaks the words that His Father gave Him (John 14:29).

If you’re looking to put a bit more pep in your step, and live the life that Jesus died for you to have, I want to encourage you to start a daily Bible reading habit. 

God’s Word is better than Wheaties. It is the real breakfast of champions.