Join in God's Workout!

Physical health, it is on the mind of every one of us. 
We hate the belly bulge, the saggy arms and the bulging hips.   Our outward appearance is important to us and how others see us (in the physical sense).  We desire to look good on the outside and feel good physically.  We all know that a good diet of the proper food nourishes and rejuvenates the body as God intended. A proper diet will help the body remain strong when it is fighting off invading virus and bacteria, and along with regular exercise we can do our best to remain healthy. 

In the very same way, a daily steady diet of the Word of God and exercise in prayer, bible study and fellowship with our sisters in Christ, is vital to spiritual well-being.   Along with these we must not forget telling others how to have a renewed life with a growing and strengthening relationship with God.  

Dear friends, we must work at it.   
When we mention dieting, in the physical sense, we are often tempted to put it off,  create excuses and give up on losing those extra pounds when we realize that there is dedicated work involved in getting in physical shape.  "I will start next week.  I will have one slice of chocolate cake.  I will start walking when it is warmer." 

We want to be physically healthier, but we want to continue doing the things that hinder that.  We plan purposely for vacation, cruises, material items, yet we often never plan to keep our body in shape. If we desire a healthier body and the ability to feel more vibrant, we must be willing to work at it daily and intentionally.  

Well dear heart, the same is true of our spiritual health. 
We must work at it.  We must be motivated to stay in shape spiritually.  Our spiritual health is even more vital than our physical health.  When a person is spiritually healthy, we  arm ourselves to defend ourselves against the wiles of evil in this earthly life. 
​We can wear the armor of God...the  belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the spirit.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
Read Ephesians 6: 11 

So my friend, what can you do today, right now, to energize your spiritual health?  ​

Let me share some "Healthy Spiritual Habits" for you to focus on.  I am sure you are already familiar with these four: 

(1) Read your Bible
(2) Pray and talk with Him throughout the day
(3) Fellowship with other "genuine" Christians
(4) Share your faith with others

But along with these 4 habits, we must understand that spiritual growth is more than just simply reading a quick Bible passage or an email devotional - it is an attitude that we have as we approach His Word.  It is like a hungry woman who is offered a warm Crispy Creme doughnut (ask a southern woman)!

Don't just read the words.  Let every word sink in, think about what you read throughout the day,  consume it.  When you consume the Word of God, you gain a new perspective on life and His desire for your walk.  At the same time, you are feeding yourself spiritually just as you do your body with physical food. 

There are several habits that are written in Psalm 116 that I would like to share with you. 

When we are spiritually healthy, we come to God with an open heart, for we are able to offer ourselves to Him in His service as He desire.   

• v.1 HE hears you!
• v. 2  HE listens.  You can tell Him your fears - He knows your heart. 
• v.5  HE is so gracious and merciful
• v. 8  Our heartache, our tears are known to Him.
• v. 9  I can walk confidently in my daily life. He is the Shepherd and we are His sheep.
• v. 13 He has cleansed and made me His! I can call upon Him at all times. 
• v. 16  I will serve Him with my life.
• v. 17  I will thank Him for each new day and the many daily blessings He gives me. 
• v. 18–19 I will live for Christ. From this day forward, I will let Him guide my life. talk about His blessings, spend time with Him getting in spiritual shape. 

Time alone with God in His Word, is the great necessity of our spiritual health. 
​As believers in Christ, we are commanded to spiritually grow.  (2 Peter 3:18).
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Just as I need to move and exercise for my physical health, I need to walk the path He desires and talk of Him to others - without fear. 

​You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;
​At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Psalm 16:11 ​
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Spiritual health means joining together with your "Sister's In Christ."

Women of faith need need the support and encouragement of other women of faith.  
Sure, I cherish my alone time with God and my time dwelling on His Word and what He desires to show "me."   But I also know that I must bond with other like-minded faith-filled women to share, to encourage me, and to pray with.   
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Can I get an "Amen" on this?  We are not islands.  We need each other.  I wish I could share the emails I receive from women who NEED to hear from, pray with and be with other women of faith.  We need each other. 

Paul wrote in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

He told the Hebrews in 10:25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Good spiritual health requires that faith-filled women gather with other Christian women. It's the support structure that contributes to our spiritual well being.  Worship at church, praising in song together and gathering at His House of worship is important, but along with that I know how important it is for women to share life and faith with each other. 

Hide these soul-stirring words of Philip Bliss, in your heart as you strive to grow spiritually...
More holiness give me, More sweetness within,
More patience in suff’ring, More sorrow for sin,
More faith in my Savior, More sense of His care,
More joy in His service, More freedom in prayer.
More gratitude give me, More trust in the Lord,
More zeal for His glory, More hope in His word,
More tears for His sorrows, More pain at His grief,
More meekness in trial, More praise for relief.

• Ask the Spirit to reveal to you anything or anyone (yes, there can be someone in your life), that is obstructing your spiritual growth. Then ask the Great Physician to fill you and guide you in your spiritual growth. 
• Ask God to place a woman of faith in your life who will "be there" for you - He will!

• Draw close to Him in His Word, and be nourished with the pure milk of the Gospel.  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.  1 Peter 2:2   Yes indeed,  you will grow dear sister in Christ, you will grow.
  

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