For the last two weeks we have been talking at Trinity about what it looks like to be a disciples of Jesus, and this past week we opened up Psalm 37 (if you want to take a listen: http://f163865.wpengine.com/listen?media=true) and talked about how disciples workout. Now this conjures to mind all kinds of images (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdccUsn8N4Y), and what we talked about is how so often as Christians we compare the ways we live out our faith to others, and frankly get discouraged. I don’t read the bible like he does, I don’t pray as often as she does, and the list goes on. In Psalm 37:4-7 we heard a list of ways that disciples act and behave to grow in their faith.
Where we ended was the idea of each person creating a unique spiritual workout. Setting up an intentional purposeful plan to grow in your faith. This should include: scripture reading, prayer, service, solitude, just to name a few. At first this will be easiest if you make a check list or some other very tangible way of holding yourself accountable. God willing over time it will change from a check list of things you accomplish, to becoming ingrained in the very fabric of who you are. That your Spiritual workout will become such a part of who you are, that to not do it feels like something is missing.
What does a spiritual workout look like for you? Be purposeful in setting a workout that will stretch you, but not break you. If you are currently read the bible once a week, aim for two or three days a week for example. Some tools for the journey:
- Find a bible reading plan (http://www.backtothebible.org/bible-reading-plans, https://www.bible.com/reading-plans)
- Find places for prayer (car, walking, or my favorite an app to remind me of things to pray for called ECHO)
- Be still before God (Psalm 46:10)
- Share the journey with others. Find a few people that you can talk with about your spiritual workout, and you can encourage, grant each other grace and hold one another accountable journey.
Blessings as you begin your spiritual workout. I would love to hear your stories of taking on a Spiritual workout, so don’t hesitate to contact me to share how God is at work in your life.
Pastor Bill