Day Ninety . . .
Love – 1 John 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Come on, you knew that it was coming! Love is most essential for spiritual fitness. It covers over a multitude of sins. It forgives. It produces health wherever it goes, because it is God. Love never fails! The more you give the more there is. Learning to love, but also allowing yourself to be loved can be a challenge. Love as God loved you!
Life – John 10:10 “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.”
Physical health is important to extend life. Maybe you have had an encounter that helped you realize how fragile life is. Christ is essential to extend your life eternally. As an added bonus he makes this current life so much better. It is full--meaningful, plentiful, and rich. The best that it can be!
Law – Galatians 3:21& 24 “Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! …So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ.”
We have this love-hate relationship with the Law. We love it because it provides safety and order, especially when other people follow it. But sometimes it seems to cramp our style and calls out our rebelliousness to break it. Do you love God’s Law or hate it? The state of your spiritual health might depend on how you view the Law both for yourself and others.
Seek – Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
hen we follow Christ, we do the things that he does and shows us. Kind of like a personal trainer shows you what to do in order to get into shape. If Christ’s goal was to seek those that are lost, don’t you think that it is important for us to do as well? Seek God first; seek the things that God seeks next.
Day Eighty-six . . .
Save – Luke 9:24 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”
Are you the biggest loser? Spirit health takes a lot of discipline and reconditioning. At first glance these things seem crazy; learning to lose to Christ so that you might win, giving in order to gain, and obeying in order to be free. But to the Christ follower this begins to make sense--so much sense that you want to let others know so that they can be saved too.
Walk – Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Each day when we rise we have a decision to make as to whether we will follow God or follow our own agenda for the day. Learning to make our agenda walk with God takes a lifetime, but the reward is indescribable. Make your life keep in step with God. He keeps the pace. He determines the direction. He knows the distance. Walk with him.
Soul – Psalm 103:2 “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
The core of who you are cannot forget the core of who God is. He is the giver of all benefits and you must be eternally grateful. The center of emotions longs to poetically tell of how great God is. It wants to find words for that which is completely unexplainable. Express yourself-he understands.
Mind – Romans 8:6 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Controlling or disciplining the mind is a hard task because it constantly seeks to maneuver toward freedom without restraint. Putting the Holy Spirit in charge of your mind is essential to spiritual health. He is the best guidance system you will ever have. Your life will be abundant and full. What is more is that you will see life differently because of his focus.
Heart – Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
“They really put their heart into it!” “They played with a lot of heart!” These statements mean that we give it our all or that we hold nothing back. How much heart are you giving to God? We easily say “I love you with all my heart,” but we often have reservations or conditions to our love. If your heart were pure, what would you do for God right now?
Why don’t you do it then?
Journey – Luke 9:8 “So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.”
So where do you go from here? From town to town, place to place, person to person telling what God has shown you. Spiritual fitness requires exercise. Keep fit by using your training. Stay in shape!
Mission – Acts 20:24 “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
Day Seventy-nine . . .
Effort – 2 Peter 1:10 “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall.”
All good things require some effort on our part. Of course God is the one who accomplishes the good work through us, but we cannot become complacent and inattentive. What kind of effort are you putting forth for God? Now is the time to step it up. Tackle some big goal for God, not because you can, but because he wants to use you to bring himself glory.
Endure - 2 Timothy 4:5 “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Day Seventy-seven . . .
Pour – I Samuel 1:15-16 Hannah replied, “I was pouring out my soul to the Lord…praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
Day Seventy-six . . .
Provoke – Titus 2:7-8 “In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
Do you have a spiritual life that makes others say, “Wow!”? Provoke others to imitate you and how closely you follow God. Incite others to think for themselves and seek God. Motivate others to do good deeds and help those in need. Challenge!
Warn – Romans 12:3 “Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
We have become a society of voyeurs, often finding the tragedy of others entertaining. Christians don’t just watch people jump off a cliff. They seek to warn and save people. Who do you love enough to warn?
Tough – I Chronicles 11:22 “Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter, who performed great exploits…He also when down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.”
Are you tough? It isn’t the same as being pig-headed or stubborn, those are not necessarily usable qualities, but toughness is. Never give up on the life that God has called you to. Fight for it. Defend it against all distractions. God is your defender and you can face any challenge!
Risk – Esther 4:16 Esther replied, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me…When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Even in the face of death Esther stood up to risk, her life, her crown, her all in order to speak out to protect her people. Spiritual character sometimes involves great risk. Christ followers face down injustice, speak out for the oppressed and risk their all for others. Have you risked anything for God?
Respect – 1 Peter 2:17 “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”
Day Seventy-one . . .
Pray – John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth.”
God is with us, but we need to talk to him for his wise counsel. We pray because we enjoy spending time with God. Pray to find out what God is doing, not just what he is giving. Prayer is key to a fulfilling life guided by the Holy Spirit doing his will in his way.
Passion – Song of Songs 1:3 “Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.”
Strong emotions command bold responses. How is your passion toward Christ, yourself, your family or your lover? Passion is dangerous if uncontrolled it can destroy relationships and devastate people. But passion is wonderful when directed to Godly pursuits and invested in pure relationships. Love deeply.
Serve – Matthew 20:27-28 “Whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
Day Sixty-eight . . .
Give – Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Are you making it a common practice to give? Spiritual heath is the opposite of what the world thinks. You cannot hoard spiritual things or they will disappear. You must share. The more you give faith, hope, and love, the more it multiplies in you.
Disciple - John 8:31 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.’”
Being a student of Christ is a challenge if you consider that you are supposed to obey his teaching. A disciple learns and follows, but also assumes a role in teaching others the things that they have found to be true. Make disciples!
Know – Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Some believers waste a lot of time after they make a decision to follow God worried about whether they are really saved. With confident assurance know that you are saved if you chose to follow him. Then seek to help others follow him as well-that is key.
Purpose – Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”
Day Sixty-four . . .
Believe – Mark 9:24 “Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’"
We say we believe, but sometimes we just don’t act like it. This boy’s father said it perfectly. I have some belief, but I need help overcoming the places that I do not believe. If you believe God can, but he probably won’t. That might say more about how little you think of him than it says about your unbelief. God is big enough! What do you think of him?
Peace – 2 Corinthians 13:11 “Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Day Sixty – two . . .
Influence – 1 Samuel 25:17 “Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household.”
Day Sixty – one . . .
Expose – John 3:20 “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”
Do you live your life in the light? Perhaps it is time to clean house and let the sunshine in. We waste a lot of time and energy trying to keep secrets, not wanting to be exposed because we are fearful. Beat the world to the punch and expose yourself. God already knows and once others do too you will be free. (As a side note, don’t be tempted to confess other people’s secrets, stick to your own.)
Day Sixty . . .
Chase – Psalm 62:1 “Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Day Fifty-nine . . .
Truth – John 14:6 “Jesus replied, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Finding the truth is not about gaining knowledge, it is about seeking a relationship with a person. Jesus Christ is the truth. He is not abstract. He is present. He is not negotiable. He is constant. Do you twist the truth or try to define it in a way that suites your needs? That won’t work. How is your relationship with the truth?
Go – Mark 5:19 Jesus said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."
Day Fifty-seven . . .
Lead – Daniel 12:3 “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
Our world has a shortage of spiritual leaders. We have a lot of people who want the perks of power, but few people that understand true servant hood. Leading is not driving or brow beating, but lovingly bringing people along with you. Who are you lead-ing? How are you leading? Where are you leading?
Teach – Matthew 28:20 “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Day Fifty-five . . .
Rescue – Psalm 34:4 “Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Why do people risk their lives to save others? I believe it is because they reflect the savior, who doesn’t want anyone to perish. We are most like Christ when we rescue people. Are you helping supply food, water and shelter for the needy? How are you helping God do eternal rescues as well? One kind of rescue is temporary the other is eternal.
Defend – Psalm 34:3 “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.”
Day Fifty-three . . .
Courage – Ezra 10:4 “Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”
What a difference it makes when you have a courageous person among you that will take action. The truth is that you have the power in yourself to be courageous because of the Holy Spirit. Take a stand when you need to, put your foot down, and face whatever is a hand in your life. You will win.
Thank – I Corinthians 5:57 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Day Fifty-one . . .
Persevere – Romans 5:3-4 “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
You may have been through a lot, but God may take that pain and use it to help someone else. The Best You may be the one with scars who develops into the kind of person God can use. Do you think that God is developing your character? It can be humbling to realize that after having suffered we become much more Christ-like and useful in bringing God glory.
Cursed – Genesis 3:17 “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.”
Not exactly encouraging, but realistic--the world is fallen and things are not perfect due to sin. But, this is temporary and God has made a provision for forgiveness and we can be restored. Just because it is hard, don’t give up. God has a much better plan for your life. Know where you came from and realize where you are going!
Finish – Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Lots of people start things, but it is much harder to finish them. It is even more difficult to finish them well or with excellence. Yet spiritually the finish is an extremely important part. How is your spiritual follow through? Pray for the ability to finish well.
Fit – 2 Timothy 2:17 “If a man cleanses himself from the latter (ignoble purposes), he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
Sometimes spiritually we need to go through detox to prepare ourselves to be used. Getting in shape is more than exercise it is also putting the right things in our bodies to prepare us for what lies ahead. Now ask yourself are you fit for noble service?
Whole – I Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
Turning your life over to Christ involves the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of who you are. He wants all of you and not just a part. Confirm that you are wholly his. Make a strategy for how you can allow him to be Lord of ALL of your life. You may be surprised at how good you feel when you come together wholly!
Exceed – Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
God is able to exceed all of our expectations. So the question is-are our expectations high enough? What can you ask or imagine that God wants to do with you for his glory and his purposes. It may be time to go over and above your plan.
Entrust – 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Today is the halfway point. Have you realized that you can’t do it all on your own yet? There are some things that you need to train others to do. There are some things that you hand off to capable people. And then there are decisions that you need to make as to what you are responsible for doing yourself.
Reproduce - Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
The first commandment to be fruitful and multiply wasn’t just for population growth it was for spiritual growth. Have you introduced anyone else to God’s saving love? Believers are supposed to reproduce more believers. Make an all out effort to share your faith this week.
Flexibility – Luke 2:6-7 “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Mary knew how to improvise. She knew how to adjust her plans to God’s right from the beginning. Don’t get bent out of shape if things don’t go as you expect them to. Jesus was comfortable in a manger and stable, you can be satisfied with far less don’t you think? Adjust your life to God’s plan. How flexible are you becoming?
Together – Colossians 3:14 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
How is your love life? Are you spending time with the most important people in your life? The ones that are closest to us might be the most neglected. Take time to bond with your loved ones this week.
Growth – 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Grace should increase with experience, because you know what it was like for you to have messed up and be forgiven. Knowledge should increase with experience because you’ve had more time to spend in your relationship with Christ. To grow spiritually you must pass grace and knowledge on. Make sure you pass these on to others. Grace not given to others becomes selfishness. Knowledge not shared leads to pride and arrogance.
Opportunity – Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Opportunity has a lot to do with the right timing and nothing at all to do with exploitation. It isn’t about what you can gain, but how you can give. Sharing a kind word, sharing a hug, or even knowing when is the right time to share your faith. That is making the most of life! Seize the day before it tackles you.
Reliable – Matthew 5:37 “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
If you said you would do it, do it. If you said that you wouldn’t do it, then don’t do it. It is the simple things that show true character. Are you reliable?
Radical – Mark 8:34-35 Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Sometimes we forget how counter-cultural Jesus’ words really were. The spiritually healthy are often very different than everyone else. They give more. They do more. They sacrifice more. They deny themselves more. How are you doing on denying yourself?
Process – Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Day Thirty-six . . .
Free – John 8:36 “So if the son has set you free, you will be free indeed.”
We all long to be free from the things in our life that bog us down or hold us back--secret sins, bad habits and even poor relationships. Don’t allow anything to hold you back from your relationship with God. He is the only one that can offer you true freedom. But it comes with a cost, being obedient to him and him only. Are you being obedient? Freedom doesn’t come from a list of dos and don’ts, but from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Glorify – Psalm 34:3 “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”
Is your life bringing God glory? It should be. God delights in his children and he wants to be proud of you (scratch that, he is proud of you). He can’t help himself. He loves you. Instead of basking in his attention like a spoiled child, as if it is all about you, use your life to glorify him and brag on him.
Change – Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Seasons change, seasons cycle, seasons are not permanent. They transform from one to the next without noticing immediately, but memory tells on them. What once was very cold is now very hot. What once was green is now brown. What season is your spiritual health? Is it time to come alive?
Day Thirty-three . . .
Thrive – Matthew 13:23 “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
We often want to blame our circumstance and situation on our defeatist attitude. Good soil is what we all want, but maybe we should place more emphasis on hearing and understanding what God is telling us. When is the last time you really listened to God? Take some time to be quiet and make sure that you are listening more than talking. Understand!
Day Thirty-two . . .
Failure – Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
God’s love never fails. And despite popular opinion failure is not fatal to people. God makes provision for failure and he is ready to respond. Sometimes with correction, sometimes with compassion, but often with “try again, I am right here with you.”
Day Thirty-one . . .
Do – James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
That is easier said than done. Nike got it right on this one-“Just Do It!” Sometimes you just have to buckle down, take a deep breath, and do it. Don’t put it off, take care of it. Accomplishing something for God is invigorating and fulfilling.
Day Thirty . . .
Credit – I Corinthians 3:7 “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
We are consumed with roles, titles, and who gets credit for what. Unfortunately, it is usually so that we know who to blame and not so we know who to thank. If God gets all the credit, how are you helping to build his work? All of your work can be meaningless unless it is according to God’s plan.
Day Twenty-nine . . .
Resistance – I Peter 5:8-9 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
It is great to have people supporting and encouraging you, but there are those that don’t want you to succeed. Their goal is to destroy you. Resist and stand up to them, by doing so you will gain strength and character that might even surprise you!
Hope – Hebrews 6:18-19 “We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Security is a basic need. We all find it in different ways. Where do you find your security? Do you trust in yourself, your power, strength and abilities? Do you rely heavily on other people to do things and take care of things for you? God’s promises are reliable and steadfast.
Potential - John 14:12 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these.”
Yeah right! That is what we usually think in the face of all the amazing things that Jesus did, but he does not lie. You have the potential to do greater things, but the question remains have you tried? Will you embrace your full potential or will you squander it?
Renown – Psalm 135:13 “Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations.”
Fame is a terrible thing for most people because they can’t handle it. God, on the other hand, is big enough not only to handle it, but to extend it to all generations. Are you able to humble yourself and keep your pride in check? Make much of God and less of yourself and he will lift you up.
Standard – I Peter 1:15-16 “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’”
The standard is set pretty high when we think that we are to imitate Christ and his holiness. However this is not something that we are doing on our own, it is by his grace and power that we reflect who he is. When you set standards in your life accept nothing less than holiness, for that is who you are called to be. How high are your standards?
Authentic – Malachi 3:18 “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
The true test of a Christian is in what they do, how they act and where they spend their resources. Examine yourself and see if you pass the test.
Training – I Corinthians 9:25 “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
The significance of spiritual training is often over looked until someone embarrasses us with a tough question about faith. You are not called to know all the answers, but you do need to keep in shape by reading scripture and praying regularly. If you were faced with a tough question today, how would you do? Would you get out of breath or be able to respond clearly?
Vision – Acts 16:9 “During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’”
Are you a vision of loveliness? How beautiful are those that help others and share the love of Christ. God’s vision is that no one would die without knowing Christ as their Lord and Savior. You may be the most beautiful person in all the world if you care enough to go and tell someone about Christ.
Day Twenty-one . . .
Desire – Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Day Twenty . . .
Submit – Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Submission isn’t the same as giving up or being subject to someone; instead it is about being considerate. You don’t always have to have your own way or force your will to be a strong person. Sometimes being the bigger person means allowing others to win and learning to rejoice with them because you helped them get there. Practice selfless submission. Find someone you wanted to beat and ask yourself should you help them win?
Day Nineteen . . .
Goals – Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Goals are important to strive for and work toward. They can help motivate us and even challenge us to go beyond what we normally would achieve. What goal are you undertaking for God? Think of something that would honor God, but wouldn’t benefit you in any way. That would be a great gift to offer him!
Day Eighteen . . .Connect – Ruth 1:“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’”
Allow yourself to get close to people. Don’t hold them at a distance. Sure that makes you vulnerable and getting involved can hurt. But it allows you to feel so much deeper and love that much stronger. It also means you reflect the true heart of God. Others can tell the difference when you make a connection. Who have you been holding at a distance?
Day Seventeen . . .
Bless – Luke 6:27-28 “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Spiritual fitness is often just the opposite of what the world wants you to do. It isn’t about getting even; rather it is about not allowing other’s actions to control your response. Choose to bless and you will be truly free. Don’t let others steal your joy! Now think of someone difficult that you need to bless?
Day Sixteen . . .
Tension – Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Most things in life do not come easily, especially the things that are important and valuable. Learning to deal with adversity rather than being clobbered by it is essential. Remembering who is on your side and where to turn when things get rough is vital. Where are the good tensions in your life?
Day Fifteen . . .
Spur – Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
The word is spur and not spar. Urge one another on to do good things. Do not fight or be antagonistic toward one another, but instead spend your time on helping do things that make an eternal difference.
Consider how much force you are using?
Day Fourteen . . .
Focus – Matthew 22:37-38 “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord you God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”
How easy it is to loose focus in a world that focuses so much on self. Furthermore in a world that is so critical, always pointing out our short comings or our needs (which are usually just desires and not necessities at all), we easily lose sight of what is important. Take inventory of what is important and focus. Spend your time and energy there.
Day Thirteen . . .
Discipline - Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
It is hard for us to associate love with discipline, especially when we might prefer the word freedom. However God chooses to limit or discipline himself in order to be a part of our lives everyday. How much do you order your life to be with him or to be the person that he is calling you to be? Discipline is a loving word.
Day Twelve . . .
Dream – Isaiah 55:9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God sees things differently than you do and that is a good thing. Rather than seeing you as you are, he sees believers as if they are his own sons and daughters. Imagine yourself as the best possible you—that is who he sees. Now be brave and begin to live life as if you are actually a child of the King!
Day Eleven . . .
Community – Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.”
You need other people, whether you admit it or not. Meeting with others is important for spiritual health, but the key is finding a community that knows how to encourage and build one another up. Sarcasm, cynicism, pessimism are not healthy for spiritual communities. If you find yourself feeling at home with these communities, you need to change habits.
Day Ten . . .
Practice – John 21:16 “Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’”
Three times Jesus asked Peter this question, which parallels the three times Peter denied Christ when he was arrested. Peter needed practice to get it right. His heart was in the right place, but he had some trouble with follow through. Now do it again.
Day Nine . . .
Confession – James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Sometimes when we are wounded we pick at the scab and stop the healing process. Confession allows wounds to heal. It allows you to let go of the past and move on without carrying around guilt and grudges from past hurts. Find a confidant and let it go. It only keeps you from healing. God is always willing to listen, but others can pray for you if you share with them.
Day Eight . . .
Cultivate – Philippians 1:6 “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in the day of Jesus Christ.”
God is working in you to shape you into the likeness of his son. You will be made perfect, but you must allow him to get rid of the things in your life that are not like Christ. Then you have to prepare yourself to grow and expand those parts of you that are Christ- like.
Day Seven . . .
Rest – Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
There is a big difference between rest and escape. Often we rush from activity to activity to get a break, but taking very little time for spiritual recuperation. Stop and allow yourself to focus on Christ. Get to the heart of things, do battle, and then rest. Escaping just makes you exhausted in the end.
Day Six . . .
Friction – Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Movement creates heat and energy. When two people work together with passion and force there is bound to be some things you don’t see exactly the same. However with mutual respect and focus the result is often far better than either of you could ever have achieved on your own. Work together for like minded goals and build each other up in the process.
Day Five . . .
Move – Mark 1:17 “’Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’”
Many today favor the label “Christ Follower” above “Christian”. The reason being one connotes sitting in a pew listening to teaching to get something for ourselves. The former indicates movement in a direction to achieve a purpose beyond salvation for oneself to include bringing others to know Christ.
Day Four . . .
Control – I Corinthians 6:12 “’Everything is permissible for me’-but not everything is beneficial.”
We value freedom, but with freedom comes great responsibility. Not everything is good for us or for those around us. We must allow God to control those parts of us that need discipline. We also need to live our lives in such a way to protect and defend those who are victims abused by others misuse of freedom.
Day Three . . .
Relationship – I Corinthians 6:19-20 “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
To be a Christ follower requires an understanding of your relationship to God. He designed you, created you and loves you so much that he died for you. You were a very costly purchase. Consider that he will run your life far better because he knows you better than you know yourself. You must build this relationship above all others.
Day Two . . .
Friendship – Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
We were not designed to be alone, but choosing friends is important. Look for friends that share your values and encourage you. If your friends push you into poor habits consider pulling away, but if you find a friend that draws you closer to Christ develop that relationship.
Day One . . .
Accountability – Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Working with someone is important to gain strength spiritually. Find someone who can mentor and teach you. But also find someone who can say, “Have you read your Bible today?” “Did you find out if you neighbor is saved yet?” “Have you shared your faith with a coworker?”
Welcome to the Devotion Challenge:
A Note From Rodney. . .
Congratulations on signing up for the 90 Day Fitness Challenge! We are really hopeful that you can make a big difference in your overall fitness. At Mauldin First Baptist we are convinced that a huge part of health and wellness is your spiritual fitness, which we believe centers around your relationship to Jesus Christ.
If you are not a Christ follower, we encourage you to read the devotions and ponder the significance of the words chosen. We believe that truth is evident in nature and even people who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ can benefit from truth.
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, we hope this devotional challenge will give you some best practices for a healthy spiritual life, and as a result increase your physical and emotional health as well.
Just as many of you will be challenged to conquer a big physical goal, we want to challenge you as a Christ follower to set some big spiritual goals as well.
-- Rodney Norvell
Pastor of Discipleship and Missions
