Spiritual Training vs. Physical Training

As an athlete a lot of what I have learned in sports is transferable to my relationship with Christ. I am amazed at how similar athletics and one's spiritual life travel together. One could talk about the character qualities of a successful athlete-discipline, hard work, perseverance, diligence, dedication, team work and have no problems of talking about those same qualities in regards to one's walk with Jesus. Purely from a training perspective, the necessary to maintain one's physical prowess as an athlete is essential-running, lifting, sport specific training (i.e. tactics, technical etc.). Just as one would "train" spiritually with the disciplines of prayer, Scripture study, fasting, meditations, etc. for followers of Christ is essential to maintain a strong relationship with Jesus. But how much greater is our spiritual training necessary for eternal impact? Our lives are changed and those around us in the here and now as well as in the age to come. Paul encourages Timothy in his first letter with these words, "...train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

What type of disciplines have you learned that impact both your physical and spiritual training? How has sports influenced you and your walk with Christ?

1 Timothy 4:6-10

Looking at the End

I received some good advice as a young leader a number of years ago to "think with the end in mind". This advice has helped me plan out multiple areas of my life: ministry, family goals, relationships, finances and the list goes on...figuring out what I would like to accomplish and set the correct steps to achieve my goals and then being able to follow the vision set as I achieve those goals. Well, I was reminded of this advice this week as I read "Chazown" written by Craig Groeschel. Chazown is the Hebrew word for "vision" and I was reminded for all that I am involved to ask myself 'where am I going?' and 'What am trying to accomplish?' To start the practice of thinking with the end in mind, Mr. Groeschel had the reader begin by writing your epitaph focusing on the way you want it to be.

He gave five statements (p. 27) to help the reader write and italics are my answers,

• The thing that was most important to me was...leaving a legacy that God was glorified through my life
• People say I stood for...never settling for the status quo
• I made a difference in my world by...putting others before me
• God was glorified because I...picked up my cross daily and followed Him
• People knew I loved them because...time I took to invest in their lives
• The reason I expect God to say "well done" is...Love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Have you ever thought with the end in mind and how did that benefit you? How would you answer these questions looking back on your life?

Luke 14:27, Matthew 10:38
Luke 10:27

Simple Things

I am always amazed at God provides things, even the small things, for people. Whether it be a cup of coffee or a meal or check to cover unpaid bills. I catch myself asking, "really God, you care about me and my small issue? Aren't there thousands of other things You should be dealing with right now?" Why would the God of the universe care if I get a free coffee or pay that one bill that cost $41.23? Than I sit and think and a sense of awe comes over me...the God who created me and everything out there cares about me, little me, a speck in comparison to the rest of the world. While sitting in my office this past week, I had one of these moments and my perspective and view of God grew. I know that I already limit Him in so many ways, but for that moment till now and from now on, my view of how Great and Majestic God is got bigger. I know that my view is still very limited and I will probably never truly grasp how great God is, but for now that view is growing.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you realize that God is so much greater than you thought, that His love and compassion for you and others is not distant but near? That He is taking the initiative with you and pursuing you...the God who created the heavens and the earth even cares about the simple things...