Devotion Exercising Spiritual Discipline

Read: I Timothy 4:7-12

But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.--1 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Today, many individuals seem to be out jogging. There are even baby strollers created for taking along that little one. Others exercise in one of the hundreds, or thousands, of gyms operated all over America--even the world. Healthful eating habits and exercise are common buzzwords in advertisements and conversations. Maintaining physical health takes desire, commitment, and follow-through.

More important than physical health is our spiritual well-being. Sometimes we forget that, like physical conditioning, spiritual health takes planning, time, training, and discipline.

Every day, we’re faced with choices--good and bad. When we choose God’s Way, we’re strengthening those spiritual muscles. When we choose our own way, we lose momentum and spiritual ground.

What steps can we take to make sure we’re gaining, not losing, ground in building up our spiritual health?

We need to commit to reading God’s Word every day. We also need to study and to memorize-- hiding God’s Word in our hearts for guidance and direction. Regularly reading God’s Word is a spiritual discipline. Doing so in the morning sets the tone for the day.

Though dragging ourselves out of bed Sunday morning may take effort, Hebrews 10:23-25 asks us not to forsake the fellowship of other believers. Fellowship encourages us in our walk of faith and lifts us up. We hear a message from God’s Word, and weekly fellowship gives us the opportunity to receive and reach out in love and care to others.

Consider ways to incorporate both physical and spiritual exercises, doubling benefits. (Example: practice Bible verses memorized while jogging.)

Help me, Lord, make a commitment to being spiritually as well as physically fit by putting my walk with You and knowing Your Word as a top priority in my life. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: II Timothy 3:16-17
Tuesday: Hebrews 12:1-3
Wednesday: II Timothy 2::4-7
Thursday: Hebrews 5:12-14
Friday: I Corinthians 9:24-27
Saturday: Psalm 119:9-16

(c) 2016, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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