Live It Articles A Cool View of Hot Topics

“Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

Here’s a cool tip for summer! As you stand in the checkout line reading the hot topics on diet and exercise in ALL of the magazines this summer, be wise before you buy. There are very good articles in some magazines; however, many use interesting titles just to lure you to buy their magazine. The trick is to read between the lines and determine what they are saying to entice you to buy their magazine.

I saw an example of this on a recent cover title:
“Walk a NEW FASTER EASIER Way and Shake the Pounds Off Quicker.”

Using cool eyes to take this one apart, I looked first at the words, Walk a New Way. Now, this is a real shocker. Most of us learned to walk when we were babies. I can assure you it is still done by putting one foot in front of the other the same way our parents taught us. The article then tells us…A Faster and Easier Way. Logic would tell me that if I walk at a faster pace than I normally walk, it will not be easier. It is true that if I walk faster, I will work harder and it will burn more calories, but it will not be easier. Removing the word New and Easier would make this title a true statement, but it would not sell magazines. If it were truthful, it would say, “Walk Faster and Shake the Pounds Off Quicker.” We buy this magazine and read this article because of those two words, New and Easier. Be wise before you buy. Renew your mind and read between the lines.

I love this next article title:
“15 Exercises to Have Movie Star Arms in 15 Days.”

My first question with this one is, “Whose movie star arms are we talking about?” It didn’t give that information in the title. It could be Miss Piggy or Lassie, or even worse. Another point is, I love to exercise, but if I do the fifteen exercises they portrayed in the magazine for fifteen days, my arms would look more like Arnold Schwartznegger. I don’t really want to have movie star arms. A warning, some magazine exercises can be hazardous to your joints and in some cases may result in injury. Be wise before you buy. Renew your mind and read between the lines.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world.” First Place is a total renewal of your mind in the area of health and fitness. God has placed His anointing on the First Place program and given us a format to follow. As we pray and ask God for wisdom and the heart to keep our commitments, don’t allow the enemy to come in and sabotage God’s efforts by the counsel of worldly check out line magazine titles.

“Lord, teach me to read between the lines and walk in your counsel I have learned through the First Place Program. Lord, help me to not walk in the counsel of check out line magazines.”

Beverly Henson
Certified Personal Trainer


Beverly Henson is a conference and rally speaker for the First Place ministry. She is also a Bible teacher and certified personal trainer. Beverly joined First Place in July 1997 and has lost 147-1/2 pounds. First Place has given Beverly a powerful testimony. She is a First Place leader and Bible teacher at Northcrest Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Beverly has a genuine love of proclaiming the word of God to His people.