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I have an extreme dislike for exercise of any kind. But God made it clear that He wanted His temple in shape so I made the commitment. I was doing great at the time I wrote the devotion. (We submit devotions two months in advance.) But isn't timing funny, this week I have missed the goal completely. I have not been on the treadmill once and I can feel it. I don't have the energy and the get and go I usually have when I exercise regularly. It is funny how that works. Even though my attitude stinks going to the treadmill, I am somehow transformed when I get off.
As I think of that, it makes me think of my time with Jesus. If I miss my quiet time (My goal is to meet with Jesus everyday before the sun comes up.) I am sluggish, more so than if I had sacrificed the sleep to have our time together. Not only am I sluggish, I don't have a connection to the real power of my life, the Holy Spirit. I don't always have the "OK Jesus, let's start the day" attitude, but when I leave my Jesus chair, I am transformed. Transformed into someone my family can enjoy and others care to be around.
Paul said, "the training was strict" and he was right. But I have found the effort is worth it. What have you discovered about your "training" with Jesus.
11 Comments:
How timely this post is. I also have to challenge myself to step onto an exercise machine. I have an elliptical trainer which I enjoy more than the treadmill but it sits silent, even though it has a book holder to lure me onto it. LOL
I will do it today because I believe this post was the boost I needed. Once I begin exercising and keep a schedule, I actually enjoy it.
Enjoyed your newsletter article today. That's how I found you. :D
Blessings!!! JJ
Thanks for your honest post! I see myself on the treadmill only in my mind-(great place for catching clothes!) I am on a diet I do not recommend for the faint of heart. Both my sister and father have terminal cancer. We are a strong family of faith and as members of the Body of Christ are soaring through this experience with the strength and peace only God our Father can provide. Praise His Holy Name! On the subject of training - God even controls our ability to train. 2 1/2 years ago He called me to walk more deeply with Him knowing the marathon I would be running within the following years. In 2006, my dad was diagnosed in the ending stage with cancer, my father-in-law was diagnosed with Alz., my daughter was diagnosed with Hep C and now my sister has been diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer with a grim prognosis. Dear Father knew what training I would need for this marathon and He has prepared me divinely. In a time when the earthly screams fear and chaos through Him I feel peace and joy.
Keep up the good training - He knows the race for which you are preparing!
In Christ,
Brenda
Love the encouragement. It is always nice to know we are not alone in our struggles. I can not wait to see you this afternoon.
Charlene
My concern is with your comment regarding rewards - that you want those rewards 'due' to you. I've learned long ago that we as people don't deserve anything, don't own anything, aren't OWED anything, and can't expect or demand anything. Everything is a gift from God, and it's up to Him to decide what you get. Everything you have in your life, your job, your kids, your house, your bills, your illness was granted to you by Him. The idea of 'entitelment' is one of Satan's best lies, and is the destroyer of many hearts.
YOU DON'T DESERVE ANYTHING. Stings, doesn't it? Like an antiseptic on a wound, the truth clears away all the lies and deception. Living this ideology is a GREAT deterrent from striving, pride, jealousy, greed, and the myriad of other problems associated with modern American Culture. I'm not saying it's easy, but anything less is not the life we were intended to live.
Of course, God knows that we can't do it 100% of the time, and Jesus forgives us for it with His precious blood - but we sure better TRY as hard as we can.
Dear Anonymous
I am completely aware of my depravity without Jesus and my completeness as His child. I realize that the wages of sin is death and I don't deserve anything. The Lord is aware of my full devotion to Him. He assures me through Hebrews 11:6 that because of that devotion He will reward me. I am not speaking of material blessings, the reward I receive are of the spiritual nature.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Thank you for reading my devotion and blog as well as taking the time to comment.
Wendy,
Thank you for your devo. I am definitely in need of some "spiritual treadmill" time!
I am attending She Speaks....I hope! The devil has done absolutely everything under the sun to try and get me to back out. I feel so strongly that God wants me there for a reason, but oh, it would be so easy right now to pull out....for that reason alone, I feel even more committed to push through my life's struggles and my fears and insecurities and make the five-hour journey to NC!
Please pray for me as I am praying for all of you. My son is fighting cancer, and I am struggling with leaving him. However, I know the little time away will be refreshing for me. Thanks for any and every prayer. Much love to all!
God's training schedule is perfect even though we don't always agree with it or understand it!
He had me up at midnight, writing until three in the morning last night. I didn't want to get out of bed. I'd had a particularly taxing health day. But He has called me to write and He sets the schedule! Obedience gave me an 850 word article to submit at She Speaks.
Now to take a nap!
Lisa R.
I am feeling today l like I am standing at the side of the ocean and I can feel a huge wave approaching. I sense the POWER of it!
I know that it's the Spirit already descending for the SHE SPEAKS conference. I can feel Him, P31 group! He's waiting for each and every woman to walk through those doors, and P31 ladies,
God is so very PLEASED with each of you!
See you there! I'll be the introvert wondering around looking for coffee!
Hey Wendy,
Please let me be in denial for a while longer? That message has come through to me as well, I seem to be taking it slow. I see my neighbor walking more than 3 miles a day and I sit reading my Bible. Now, I just need to get my bod in condition as well. One thing at a time. Loved the comment, if the commercial fits!
See ya soon at He Speaks!
In Christ,
Kate
You put it so well, Wendy! If I miss my daily time with Jesus, not only do I feel sluggish, but the day just never seems to go right!
Of course, you're right about the exercise too ... I just haven't been doing it at all ... hmmm....
I am with you. I have found that I feel awesome after I have exercised...even though I usually start with a less-than-ladylike attitude. (bless my husband for enduring and encouraging!!) And through the P31 devotionals and blogs like yours, I have really been striving to spend daily time with the Lord. But I, too, miss the mark with this more than I would like to admit. Thanks for the encouragement! God bless!
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