Exercise

Exercise. The first thing that comes to mind is our bodies and what we are doing to stay in shape.

So why exercise? A silly question but it's a really important one to ask.
    It keeps our body healthy and strong. Go Google it and you'll find thousands of good reasons why exercising is good.

Over my whole college experience I had spurts of really intense workout semesters. Then they led straight to semesters where I did nothing. I think almost everyone can agree (aside from those crazy people who work out literally all day long every day) that working out is really hard to keep in our schedules. It's one of those things we want to do every day but consistently find ways to push it back.

So what's the point Jim are you calling me fat?!

    Physically no, but spiritually we all are.

I Timothy 4:8 says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
  
    I love verses in the Bible where God just tells it straight. 
    It's important to physically exercise but exercising spiritually will define our eternity.

Well how do I exercise my faith?

    I decided to ask a few friends who really know how to exercise their faith. To keep it short I will share one with you. He's been in my life a long time and seeing him grow over the years has given me such a deep respect towards him.

 I've known him since elementary school. He's always been someone in my life I could call whenever I was struggling. He always had words of wisdom for me. I asked him how he exercises his faith. He said

•     First, pray. The more he spends his time in legit prayer and talking to God and being real the closer he feels.
•     Second read the bible. He reads over the verses, he prays over the verses.
•     Third, memorize scripture. You can use it to minister to others and to encourage yourself.
•     Fourth, listening to worship music a lot. It helps him focus on God throughout the day. Most importantly he makes it a point to mean what he is actually singing.
•     Finally get involved with church, small groups, InterVarsity. 
•     He said "Christian fellowship is essential for exercising our faith."

I'm sure this isn't even all that he does to exercise his faith!!!
Sorry that this is lengthy but I think exercising our faith is the most important part of a relationship with God. If we're not growing towards Him were walking away.

Exercising is hard :(

Both quoted that fellowship is very important to one's faith. I don't think that's a coincidence. Build habits!! Have others in your life to hold you accountable!! Keep the faith!!

Pray over this next line. Ask God how you can get "in shape."

Exercise your faith.