Good Morning – Time for some aerobics to start your day!
Does that sound like fun? This morning we are going to exercise and the Scriptures are going to be our instruction. So let’s get started…
“Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too.” I Timothy 4:8 ERV
Our first exercise is sitting. Yes, it’s an exercise. Back straight, feet on the floor. Deep breath in, now exhale. And repeat. It’s important to have your lungs filled with oxygen, good posture, no slumping, shoulders back and open up that rib cage. Take a look at how profitable sitting was for these two men.
“As they went away from the city of Jericho, many people followed Him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the side of the road. They called out when they heard that Jesus was going by. They said, “Lord, take pity on us, Son of David!” 31 Many people spoke sharp words to them. They told the blind men not to call out. But they called all the more, “Lord! Take pity on us, Son of David!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. He asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 The blind men said to Jesus, “Lord, we want our eyes opened! 34 Jesus had loving-pity on them and put His hands on their eyes. At once they could see, and they followed Jesus.” Matthew 20:29-34 NLV
Sitting is important. Sitting in the right place is even more important. These aren’t the only ones who experienced miracles by sitting close to Jesus. The multitude on the hillside who came to hear Jesus teach had to sit down before they were fed by the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Mary sat at Jesus feet listening to his words and Jesus said it was a good thing.
After sitting it’s important that we stand. Standing is a strength building exercise.
“God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers 17 and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. 18 I pray that you and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. 19 I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” Ephesians 3:16-19 CEV
When we stand we develop stamina, strength and a firm foundation. Strength! I can hear our instructor telling us – feet apart, backs straight, knees slightly bent – stand!
We’re halfway through this workout – next let’s get those arms pumping, knees raised high as we walk! Walk it out.
“As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. (walk) 7 Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLV
This is true strength training. Do you see that in each of these verses?
Now on to jumping. It’s important that we avoid jumping! I hear some of you cheering at that. No jumping. Most of us jump more than we think – we jump to wrong conclusions and sometimes we repeated through out the day. No jumping!
“They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord. 8 They remain confident and without fear, so they defeat their enemies.” Psalms 112:7-8 CEV
Finally it’s time to get in our morning run. If you’re like me running was never my way of exercising but done God’s way I will be obedient and run.
“I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. 13 My friends, I don’t feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. 14 I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. 15 All of us who are mature should think in this same way. And if any of you think differently, God will make it clear to you.” Philippians 3:12-15 CEV
Don’t give up – don’t quit – keep running and you’ll be rewarded.
Are you ready for the cool-down? I am. Take a deep breathe, arms raised toward heaven.
“Be quiet and know that I am God. I will be honored among the nations. I will be honored in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 NLV
Great job! Now go out into your day knowing that you have the spiritual strength you need.