The Benefits of Wisdom

 Proverbs 2:1”My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—3indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,…

Fitness definitely has a cause and effect relationship in other words what you sow into your physical wellbeing will result in either positive or negative results. Whenever you put in hard work in the gym you reap the benefits. Your physique is tighter, you’re more confident, your clothes fit better, and you feel amazing just to name a few. To be fit requires commitment, consistency, discipline, and sometimes painful hard work. When you are healthy the benefits spill over into your emotional, relational, and professional spheres as well. Although God is clear that we are to take care of our physical bodies, what is more important is training in the spiritual realm.

 

The book of Proverbs was written by Solomon who the bible refers to as the wisest man who ever lived. Although Proverbs aren’t promises they are principles or timeless truths that we can glean from and gain wisdom from. Solomon teaches us in Chapter 2 about the benefits of gleaning wisdom. Just like we have to put in work in the physical, Solomon challenges us to be responsible for our spiritual growth as well.

 First notice the personal call.  “My Son” in other words no one else can do this work for us. Just like we can go to the gym, hire a trainer, read up on fitness, and collect info if we never actually do what we know we will never reap the rewards.  As humans we play the role, we go to church, we listen to pastors, or even “spiritual” friends but a lot of times the buck stops there and we never grow. We feel good for the moment but it never creates any lasting change. Christians are supposed to be changing!

Next, look at all of the “ifs” he uses. When a writer uses “if” he is introducing a conditional clause, in other words if you do x then y will happen. For example, if we eat clean consistently, then we will eventually become leaner. Same with wisdom if we do these things, then we will glean benefits.

Notice our responsibility look at all of the verbs in green that he uses:

Accept my words

Store Up my commands

Turning your ear to wisdom

Applying your heart to understanding

Call out for insight

Cry aloud for understanding

Look and Search for it as hidden treasure

Now think about this list and really reflect how many of us really do these things on a regular basis? Think of things we do instead.

 

Do we accept what the news, media, twitter, Facebook says as truth? Or do we accept God’s word as the highest standard?

Do we store up things that have been passed down to us, ways we’ve been taught, or even our own faulty self-centered patterns of thinking that have been formed over a long period of time with in us? Or do we store up and allow God’s word to penetrate our minds and change the way we think? (Romans 12:1-2)

Do we turn our ears to music, friend’s advice, YouTube videos which aren’t bad in and of themselves but how many times in the past month have we turned our ears and sat under sound biblical teaching or listened to a sermon?

Do we apply our hearts to someone, something, or some substance to give us momentary relief instead of applying it to understanding?

Do we call out or cry aloud to others instead of crying out to the creator of the Universe; God Almighty who knows the beginning from the end?

Do we look and search for other solutions to fix what is broken in our lives instead of looking and searching for wisdom?

If we are really honest Solomon’s challenge will take hard work in the spiritual but look how it will play out in the physical if we take heed to his instructions. Now let’s get to the benefits!

“ 5then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Benefits #1-#2- You will understand and know personally the God of the Universe and you will glean wisdom from Him.

7"He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

Benefits #3-4- You will experience success and protection from God.

9"Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.10For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.11Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."

Benefits #5-#10- You will understand the right, just, and fair thing to do and know every good path. Your heart will be full of wisdom instead of foolishness. You soul will be at peace with knowledge. Notice the progression of wisdom that you will gain discretion and understanding and they will protect you.

12"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, 14who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, 15whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways."

Benefit #11- Wisdom will save you from bad, wicked men.

16"Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words; 17who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. And 18Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. 19None who go to her return or attain the paths of life."

Benefit #12- Wisdom will save you from wayward wicked women.

20"Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it; 22but the wicked will be cut off from the land and the unfaithful will be torn from it."

Benefit #13- You will walk in good ways and live in the land.

Solomon ends with the contrast of what will happen if we don’t put in our work in the spiritual, we will be isolated from others and stripped of everything that brings peace, protection, and discernment between good and evil.

I challenge us to pick 2 or 3 of those verbs and practice searching for wisdom. It will look different for every single one of us but if we want to reap the benefits then we must get our weight up in the spiritual gym. I close with this one happy memory. Once I was with a friend of mine during the holiday season. This individual loved the popular Christmas song “Baby its Cold Outside” but they loved it by a particular singer. We searched and searched to find that distinct voice. We must have gone through hundreds of remixes on YouTube and ITunes. We exhausted both batteries on our phones. I can’t even remember if we ever found it but what stood out to me was the tenacity to search and seek for that perfect duet that was so pleasant to my friend’s ears. Think of how much effort we put into looking for things that matter to us.  2,000 plus years ago, three wise men traveled to search for King Jesus just so they could worship Him as the Messiah.Will 2015 be a year where God will matter the most to us? Will we seek after Him? Will we be wiser next year on Christmas and really celebrate Him because we took the time to glean from His word and get to know a loving, merciful Savior?

 Time with God is never wasted, time with God in His word is time invested for this life and the one to come! Until next time…stay in the fellowship of God and live Fit4eternity and Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

Love is Patient and Kind

13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind;

 

When the apostle Paul penned these words he was addressing the church in Corinth.  This church resided in the midst of immorality, wealth, and greed. Although this church had been blessed with every spiritual gift given to man, it was operating in carnality. This church had a lot of issues but one main one was a lack of love for one another. In Chapter 12 Paul addresses the different spiritual gifts and then instructs the Corinthians that they are all one body with many parts which implies interdependence upon one another. Chapter 13 is set in the context of spiritual gifts. Paul challenges the Corinthians how to utilize those gifts with love.  In essence Paul is saying some major points that we can all glean from.

Verse 1: You could have the most eloquent influential speech but if you don’t love your audience you sound like a clanging symbol.

Verse 2: You could have all the knowledge, intelligence, and faith to move mountains, but if you don’t love those you are sharing it with, it means nothing.

Verse 3: You can do all the good deeds in the world and sacrifice even your life but if you don’t have love for those you serve, those works are all in vain.  One man put it this way “men will fight for Christianity, and die for Christianity, but not live in its spirit which is love.”

Then he goes on to describe what love looks like. I stopped at verse 4 only because there is so much to glean just from those words. LOVE is PATIENT and KIND.  The first adjective describes the negative side of love. Patience in the Greek means suffereth long-under provocations of evil from others. KIND refers to the positive side of love which is extending good toward others.

During a season in my life I had the privileged opportunity to meet a very unique individual. This person stretched me to the max and at times was very demanding and exhausting. I wasn’t the only person who felt this way. In fact many others avoided this person at all costs and displayed anger toward this individual. At the time I didn’t realize that God was using this person to show me how to love. One afternoon I prayed for a divine opportunity hoping and expecting to meet someone new and exciting to share my faith with. As I left and went around the corner I spotted this individual. Not proud to admit this, but in my heart I sighed because I wasn’t in the mood to deal with them. As I approached them, they smiled and hugged me and thanked me because they were lost and I knew the way. I have only heard the Lord audibly a few times in my life and this day was as clear as can be. As we continued to walk together, The Lord spoke “LOVE IS PATIENT Jennifer, Did I give up on you when you were difficult to love?” It changed my life forever. Lord forgive us for the times we give up so easily.

 Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 2 Peter 3:9 says,” The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

2,000 years ago Jesus Christ demonstrated his love toward us. God came down in the flesh through a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, got up on a cross as an innocent man and stretched out his arms for you and for me. This selfless act shouts I’d rather die than live eternally without you! You are priceless to me! I love you! I paid it all believe me!

If you’ve never received that love, it’s impossible to give it. This love Paul is talking about is true You before Me love. It really doesn’t matter how gifted or talented we are if we don’t operate in love none of that matters. The next time we are in a situation where someone is difficult to love or circumstances cause us to want to give up just remember God never gave up on us. He gave Himself for us so that we might be reconciled to God! Love is the oxygen for the Christian Life! Until next time, live Fit4eternity and LOVE ONE ANOTHER PATIENTLY….And remember: Romans 2:4 “Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Be Kind to One Another!



Advice or Advantage?



James 3:13 says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness”

In life trials will come. Life will throw you a curve ball and you’ll end up down and out. Discouraged, depressed, or maybe even in despair and you’ll be left without answers. Sometimes we reach out to someone for advice. Being a Christian, we are told to seek godly advice. Unfortunately I have found that sometimes “godly advice” really isn’t godly advice. I can remember three specific incidents in my life where I sought advice from three separate individuals who claimed to be “godly”. I trusted these individuals to give solid biblical encouragement. It started off that way and then the next thing I knew, all three ended up taking advantage of my vulnerable state. Each incident left me sick to my stomach and worse off from when I first went to them.

The book of James is sometimes referred to as the proverbs of the New Testament. He writes in various themes. His main point is this: if you are truly a Christian this is how Christians should act.  In other words, real life-giving faith should express itself through action or good deeds. Christians should not only be hearers of the word but doers of it. (James 1:22) Let me put a disclaimer out here “good works” doesn’t save you (Ephesians 2:8-9) but “good works” does prove you have a genuine saving faith (James 2:14). James 3 is in the context of speech. A new man/woman in Christ should have a new vocabulary. He talks about taming the tongue and how evil our tongues are. A person’s speech is a good indicator of how spiritually mature someone is. I think we all can say we have room for improvement!

Mathew 5:17-19 states, “out of the heart the mouth speaks” what comes out of a person’s mouth is what is really inside their heart. The tongue tattles on the heart! What can we glean from these two kinds of wisdoms James tells us about…?

TRUE WISDOM	EARTHY WISDOM
Person has a good life	Harboring Bitter envy
Person does deeds done in humility	Selfish Ambition
Pure	Boastful
Peace-loving	Denies the truth
Considerate	Unspiritual
Submissive	Earthly
Full of mercy	Of the devil
Good Fruit
Impartial
Sincere
Peace Maker

 

The next time we receive “godly” advice filter it through this grid. Does it contain the qualities on the left or the ones on the right? When you end that conversation do you have a closer understanding of God’s heart in that matter? Did that person take you to the scriptures and show you what God would have you to do? OR… Does this person who’s telling you what to do harbor bitter envy in their heart? Or have a selfish ambition?  

It can be hard to tell what a person’s motives are, and as Christians we are not to judge motives but we are supposed to judge fruit. I have made a lot of mistakes and am still learning on this journey but one thing that has helped me in this process is listening. Really listening to what the person is advising me to do and then filtering it through this grid in James.

Recently I went to an individual who I considered “godly” to receive some advice. During this conversation it became apparent to me that they harbored envy towards someone I loved dearly. In the beginning I did feel they had my best interest at heart but as I listened further I realized it wasn’t healthy to continue to go to that person for advice.  The last conversation we had left me confused even more and took me a few days to recover from. Needless to say, I learned sometimes it is just best to talk to God. I don’t doubt that this person isn’t on a spiritual journey as well, but wisdom is to know who to take advice from and then filtering it through scripture. I will end with this:

Psalm 1:                                                                                 

“1Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. 4Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”

Bottom Line God’s word is the ultimate wisdom and if that person isn’t leading you to the word pray for them, and pray for a “godly” person to confide in. Until next time…Abide in the Fellowship of God, be encouraged, and live Fit4eternity!

The POWER of PRAYER

Ephesians 6:18 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

 

A very dear friend of mine had a divine moment happen to her last night. (Which by the way I have her permission to share) She was talking to her friend on the phone during his shift at work. He is a tow truck driver and as many of you know this can be a dangerous job. When cars are repossessed, many times the previous owners can become hostile and attack the tow truck employee when he comes to collect. She said they were having a pleasant conversation, then all of a sudden the phone dropped and it went dead. She called him back but no answer. She continued to call and text but still no response.  She couldn’t get him off her mind and said she felt in her intuition that something was seriously wrong. She said she couldn’t sleep and felt so cold so she started praying. She got in the shower and started crying out to God in tongues as well as petitioning Him to let her know he was ok. She prayed for a long time. At about 4:00 o’clock in the morning he called. He said he was at the police station. He said a man pulled a gun on him and that is when he dropped the phone. He luckily had his radio attached to his uniform and called in dispatch. In minutes he said the police arrived on the scene! His life was spared through the power of prayer!

Ephesians 6:18 is set in the context of Spiritual Warfare. Paul encourages us to pray at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication. Then he calls for us to keep alert with perseverance making supplication for all the saints.

The next time you wake up with someone on your mind, pray for them. Pray hard! If it is truly burdening you, don’t ignore it be obedient. Three weeks before this incident my friend and I both got an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with him. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants that young man dead he does not want him to accept Christ and know the truth. God has given us weapons to fight the enemy and one of them is prayer. I believe with my whole heart if my sister hadn’t been obedient in praying for him you might be reading a different story. I believe that she interceded on his behalf and saved his life last night! Don’t underestimate the power of two hands clasped together in prayer. They can do more than one hundred working ones! PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Be encouraged and live in the fellowship of God til the finish!

LIVE FIT4ETERNITY!

Forbidden Fruit



Forbidden Fruit



Proverbs 6:27-29 “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife: no one who touches her will go unpunished.”

Recently some friends and I went out for an enjoyable evening to celebrate one of our friend’s birthdays. Many other birthday parties were going on at the same venue as well. Towards the end of the night a very attractive gentleman approached me and asked if he could get to know me and take me out.  We exchanged numbers and shortly towards the end of the evening I received a very pleasant text. “It was very nice meeting you, he said, “Please text me when you get home so I know that you made it home safely.” I did, and must say I was impressed by his consideration.  Conversation began between us the next day and I was pleasantly surprised how respectful this gentleman seemed. Upfront I was able to share my faith without this person putting on his track shoes and jetting. The conversation was pure, rich, and intellectually inspiring and I have to admit I was looking forward to spending more time with this individual.  During that conversation, I asked him if he had ever been married before and his response was, “Yes, I have been married for X amount of years.” “Well, are you still married?” I asked thinking to myself that there is no way this man would carry on a conversation let alone ask me for my number or out for that matter. “Yes” he replied… to which I replied “Why would you even ask me for my number?” He continued to say “Because I was attracted to you, I know I was wrong on so many levels but I don’t regret doing so. I am happy I met you and really enjoy our conversation.” 

Before I share my reply, let me just pause and be transparent with what was going through my mind. Part of being a Christian is working out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Right then and there I knew I had a decision to make.

Option A would be to continue this conversation, claim to just be friends, not consider God’s heart in this, and choose to be selfish. Possibly meet up with this individual and potentially destroy a holy covenant between God, a man, and his wife. Not to mention the children involved and how one selfish act can tear away at the moral innocence of a child. Basically I would drag God’s name through the mud.

OR…

Option B which would be to speak the truth in love. Stand for God’s heart and on his word that says, “A man/woman who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself/herself. Blows and disgrace are his/her lot, and her/his shame will never be wiped away;” Proverbs 6:32-33 or Hebrews 13:4 which says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” I could see this as an opportunity to set my desires aside and see this from an eternal perspective, and represent God in this moment! I could decide not to take a bite of the forbidden fruit but speak the truth in love and run.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to take option A but by the grace of God I choose Option B. I thanked him for his honesty, told him I take marriage very seriously, and was uncomfortable getting to know a married man. Then I hung up and got on my face and prayed for his marriage and that he would be faithful and his wife would be enough.

If we represent God, then we need to realize that some stuff is just off limits for us. Another woman’s husband/wife is forbidden fruit and we have no right to violate that covenant or try to separate it period! I realize that there may be some people reading this that have or has and or are maybe still involved in an illicit relationship.  I pray that you would choose to trust that I do not write to condemn you in anyway but hopefully to present God’s heart in the matter.  It doesn’t matter if they are separated or going through a divorce, I encourage us to ask ourselves, why would we want to be a distraction to someone else’s divine moment? Maybe God needed to take them there in order for them to lean on God.  I have come across many Christian women who claim that another woman’s husband is supposed to be theirs. Or that they are in love with another person’s spouse.  To that woman or man I say gently in a spirit of love, stop living in self-deception! Unfortunately, years ago I am not proud to say that I have been that woman.  If the truth be told the most loving thing you can do in that situation is walk away. If we truly love others we put that other person’s needs before our own and we see this thing from the eternal perspective.  They made a vow before God and if they are willing to break that vow when you come along, then what?  Maybe they broke it before you came along but who’s to say that they won’t turn around and do the same thing to you? I realize people will argue and say, well maybe they don’t know God or maybe they married for the wrong reasons. I get that but we are discussing you and me. Most likely if you are reading this blog you have a relationship with God and you know the truth. The bible says it is a sin to know what to do but then don’t do it. We need to ask ourselves this question: Are you (the one in the mirror) really going to be able to stand before a Holy God on judgment day and justify your selfishness? OR explain the relational fallout that has occurred because you didn’t wait on God?  If they had grounds for a biblical divorce that’s different, but if you are the person they cheated with….um how can God bless that?

Unfortunately in the past I did choose option A BUT God in His mercy granted me repentance and I took it, kicking and screaming but it was the best decision I have ever made. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked who can know it.” We can’t trust our hearts that is why God has given us a conscience and if you are in Christ, He’s given us the Holy Spirit which brings conviction.  Sometimes we flat out desire the wrong things for various reasons, or the right things in the wrong time. He challenged me and showed me my own sinful selfish self-deception and how if I continued with that individual both of our lives would never be blessed! He gave me grace and strength to apologize, repent, and walk away. Thanks be to God that I have been fully redeemed and you can too! God is able!

 

 The fact that you are still drawing breath is a good sign that God still isn’t finished with you yet. First off if you are in one of these situations the bible says “Today if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart.”  The bible also tells us to “Repent, because the kingdom of God is at hand.” Repent means to change your mind about something and turn the other direction.” As I envision those who would possibly be reading this blog there are potentially different avenues to take.

1.      Maybe you have never received Christ as your Lord and Savior. You can today. He paid the price for your sin and mine. If that is you, email me at italiaj84@gmail.com , and I would love to pray with you and show you scripture on how to do that.

2.      Maybe you have turned from your sin but you are struggling with a married man or woman. I encourage you to end it. Tell God how you truly feel even if you desire to still be with them and ask God to give you His heart and supernatural strength to cut ties.

3.      Maybe you are about to face a situation like this ahead. I would say to you, be on guard! Guard your heart. Before I went out I prayed with my girl and asked God for His protection and He was faithful.

4.      Maybe you have already crossed those lines and you feel it is too late. He or she left them for you and now you’re left with guilt. You can’t fix that you have to surrender that to God. Read Mark 10:11-12 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”  To you I would say seek God’s face and seek Godly counsel to discern what your next step is.

Whatever circumstance you might be in this season, just know you are loved by God and by me. God can and will deliver you and give you strength to do the right thing. A lot of times we get caught up because we are at a vulnerable state and the enemy places that bait right in front of our eyes. Remember it’s not a sin to be tempted, it’s only when you yield to it. Next post I will talk about the importance of having guards and boundaries in place for your lives. In the meantime, find a marriage that is struggling and be a blessing to them. Pray for them, encourage them, or love on them! Be encouraged this week and stay in the fellowship of God! Live Fit4Eternity til the finish!

 

Love,

Jennifer

Focus on the Mission not the Mess! (Part 1)

2 Timothy 2:1-4 says; “(1) you then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”

Paul was nearing the end of his life when he penned these words into existence to his beloved protégé Timothy. He knew it was close to the end and he needed to give his final marching orders to the next one who would carry the baton of faith. The church was being infiltrated by false teachers at all angles and was in desperate need of someone standing for the truth and not being afraid to preach it unapologetically. Today our churches are filled with all kinds of false teachers and doctrines and it is in desperate need of real authentic Christians who will shoulder kingdom responsibility side by side. Our world is in desperate need of faithful saints to give them hope!Sometimes we can become distracted, grow weary during our journey of faith but these verses can give us some insight on how to stay focused on what is the big picture.

Notice first of all the mission call is personal. Paul states “you then, my son (daughter)” He’s not speaking to just anyone. He’s talking to Timothy but in our day any New Testament believer who is a child of God. A common distraction is focusing on someone else’s journey and not your own. Paul is telling you and me, the one in the mirror is who God wants! What has God called us to do? Where has God called us to serve?

Next, in order to fulfill the mission, we need to focus on the power source: the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul states Christ first establishing His Deity then his Humanity. Jesus gave us unmerited favor through His grace. All we need to do when we start to loose strength is grab hold of the grace and focus on His example!

Then, Paul’s ministry was public. He had accountability in his life during his mission. Christianity is only successful inside community. Christianity is not private as well, there are not closet Christians. Notice he spoke publically in the presence of many witnesses. In our circles of influence do others know who we serve and who we stand for? Are we bold in sharing our faith?

Fourthly, the faith mission needs to be passed on to reliable people. Are you sharing your faith and passing on what you know to others that are in desperate need to have an encounter with the living God? Are we passing on the Good News of Jesus Christ to others who in turn will pass it on to others? Are we fulfilling the Great Commission?

Fifthly, our mission is inevitably painful. We are going to experience some sort of pain as soldiers for Christ. In fact in the very next chapter 2 Timothy 3:12 states that “indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Jesus experienced the ultimate pain we are his soldiers why would we expect to experience anything less? Focus on His example! When he suffered what did he do? Read the Gospels.

Finally our mission should be focused on pleasing Christ not man. Paul warns Timothy don’t get distracted or caught up in civilian affairs. Now it’s time to get practical. What are some examples of civilian affairs that we might become caught up in…?

·         A phone call received that exposes more mess but you have chosen to forgive...

·         A temptation to react in your flesh but you yield to your spirit

·         An opportunity to take matters in your own hands but instead you cast all your cares upon the Father because He cares for us

·         Weariness comes over you and tempts you to just give up but you grab hold of the grace in Jesus Christ and persevere

·         Other Christians aren’t going through the same pruning as you but you chose to rejoice and not grow bitter

·         Your loved one is determined to wreck their life but instead of worry you chose to trust that God is able

·         Thoughts of the betrayal race through your head but you choose to take every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ.

Whatever our situations are, we need to keep our eyes on the mission not the mess! Don’t get distracted people’s souls are depending on you to keep your eyes on the mission and fulfill your call! Answer the call of duty Beloved and Stay focused til’ the finish and live Fit4eternity!

If this has blessed you in any way please share it!

Bitter or Better? 

 

Imagine being very wealthy, being a strong valiant victorious soldier, having prestige and power in front of your king and favor in his sight but your body looked like this:

 

 

 

 

 

Well this is exactly the case for Naaman in the book of 2 Kings chapter 5. He is described as all of those things, but was struck with leprosy. During his life he decides to send out his soldiers to take captive a young girl from Israel to be a slave to his wife against her will.

 

 Put yourself in the young girl's shoes. If you were taken captive against your will, taken from all that is familiar and all that you loved how would you react? What would your attitude be like? Would you think to yourself when you saw your new master's ailment "serves him right" ? Or would your trust in the Sovereignty of God and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ?  It is probably fair to say that many of us would probably choose the path of bitterness or resentment. Life throws us a curve ball and we have every right to be bitter, angry, resentful and so instead of seeing the situation as something that God has allowed we choose to be bitter. But this young girl shows us another option. She illustrates beautifully Romans 12:21 which states; "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

 

 Instead of reacting out of that devastating situation she pleads with Naaman's wife to tell him about the prophet in Israel. 2 Kings 5:3 "She said to her mistress, If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy." Leprosy in the Old Testament was an illustration of sin. This girl wanted her master not only to be healed physically but spiritually as well. She knew the good news of Jesus Christ and shared it passionately. She believed in a God who would heal her enemy and even convert him! WOW! How about us? In the midst of life's tragedies do we have enough grace and mercy to extend toward the very people who hurt and violate us? Do we have enough courage to reach out towards those who hate us and love them in spite of their behavior?

 

You want more proof? Jesus! Romans 5:8 says; "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus walked this earth and lived a sinless life was also taken captive against his own will and in the midst of that horrific event gave his life for you and for me so that we can experience eternal life. He was betrayed and in the midst of that tragedy He still reached out in compassion and healed his enemies. … Luke 22: 50And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus answered and said, "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him. Jesus is clear when it comes to loving our enemies. Matthew 5:43“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47“If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

You might say "well, that is impossible there is no way I could possibly love that person you just don't understand what they did to me? How am I supposed to do that?" Before I share how, let me just pause and say you have every right to be angry. The bible says be angry and sin not. You have every right to go through a grieving process what ever that might look like for you. You might think that God is punishing you or is angry with you. I assure you He isn't. Suffering is inevitable but it is what you choose to do with that suffering that will ultimately make you or break you. Sometimes things happen against our will and sometimes things happen as a result of sinful choices we've made. There is a huge difference between circumstances and consequences. So I would ask you beloved, is this situation a result of a choice you made outside of God's will and now you are experiencing a consequence, or is this a horrible circumstance that God in His sovereignty has allowed? Only you can answer that. With that being said, either way there is good news. Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

Here is how: Don't fail to obtain the grace of God! Whatever you are going through is designed for you to lean only on Him and grab hold of his daily grace to get through it! What is grace? Grace is unmerited favor. God may have allowed you to experience this so that you can draw closer to him, to grow you up spiritually, to get you to repent of a habitual sin that is wrecking havoc on your life, or to display His glory through you. He might have allowed it to discipline you. God disciplines those he loves. If you haven't ever experienced the Lord's discipline then examine yourself to see if you are really in the family. (Read Hebrews 12)

 So ask yourself are you like Naaman in the story who has the spiritual cancer of sin and is in desperate need of a Savior? Or are you like the young girl who has gone through a tragedy and has a choice of how to react? Either way God is saying give it to me and I will give you my grace to get through it. Or confess it to me and I will forgive you and accept you into my family. Beloved, Let's not choose to be bitter let's choose to be better!

Live Fit4eterntiy til' the Finish!

Perseverance

 I have been blessed to train a variety of different types of clients/athletes in my lifetime. Hands down by far my favorite has been the athlete whose goal is to lose a significant amount of weight. I believe every trainer finds their specialty cliental whether that be with the elderly, the body builder, the sports specific, mine definitely is weight loss. Partly because I’ve lived this journey and partly because for some reason the ones I’ve been privileged to serve have been some of the most humble human beings that I have ever encountered. With that being said the formula for weight loss is really very simple. It looks a little something like this:

Calories in<Calories out, or Movement must be > than a Sedentary Lifestyle

 The formula is simple the process is what is the most difficult. What I have found is that whenever one starts out to lose weight the ones who are not the most successful usually experience this pattern:

1.       Self-Awareness and acknowledgement that change needs to occur. They usually then set a goal and tell someone for accountability.

2.       Opposition arises in the midst of their goal.

3.       They then Quit/Backslide and then repeat the cycle

But the ones who are the MOST SUCCESSFUL, their pattern looks a little like this:

        1.    Self-Awareness and acknowledgement that change needs to occur. They usually then set a  goal and tell someone for accountability.

        2.   Opposition arises in the midst of their goal.

        3.   Backsliding may occur but they are determined to GET UP AND PERSEVERE

4.       Perseverance  takes place even through the obstacles

5.       Finally they experience the joy of bearing the Fruit of the weight loss

Notice the fruit doesn’t come until after the Opposition/Perseverance. Losing weight is a simple formula but it is a lot of hard work! Recently I heard a sermon about the same general pattern when it comes to following God. (God is Bigger than My Expectations by: James McDonald). As a Christian I have found this same pattern to be true in my own walk with God. The way to God is really simple:

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” We are all sinners

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Sin separates us from God but God has provided a way to eternal life through His son Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God gave His only Son and if we believe in Him we shall have eternal life.

John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus didn’t say “some way” or “One Way” He said THE WAY the only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:9-10 “9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Salvation is a confession and a belief that Jesus is Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”  You cannot earn your way to heaven it is a gift of God through faith in Christ and what He did on the cross for you and for me.

Coming to God is the easy part; living for God is the hard part. Just like in weight loss, you will travel through the same pattern when you make a firm decision that you are going to follow Christ.

1.       You will proclaim your new faith

2.       You will face opposition

3.       You will either choose to backslide, quit, or PERSEVERE

4.       You will then experience Fruit if you PERSEVERE

When I say “fruit” I am referring to anything God does in your life for example, freeing you from an addiction, healing a marriage, restoring a friendship, or answering prayer.

Jesus told us that, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:8

 

Loved ones, whether your goal is physical fitness or spiritual fitness, please know that you will face opposition.  Something is bound to occur and you can choose to quit or PERSERVERE through those obstacles. As my friend Crystal used to say, “There are no obstacles only opportunities” and I would add opportunities  are there for us to believe God, know God, and experience God in ways we could never imagine! STAY THE COURSE! You are LOVED!

Fit4Eternity!