About this time every year, I start thinking about diet and exercise. Anybody else?
But you know, strenuous spiritual exercise is better than physical exercise.
This is powerful.
This is supernatural.
And it’s TRUE.
And it’s in the Bible.
Paul says to “exercise yourself toward godliness” (4:7).
The dear old Apostle uses words like train, toil, and strive— “ Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather 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. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (1Tim 4:7-10)
If Jesus is your Savior, YOU are the church of the LIVING GOD, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Tim 3:15)
As the church we are to hold the line when it comes to truth, though the world continually pushes against that line.
And this takes strength that comes from spiritual exercise!
As we diligently dig into the Word, we remember the supernatural, MIRACLE of our faith, that the God of the universe was—
“without controversy
manifested in flesh,
Justified in Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory,” (3:16)
Because we know this to be true, we remember who we are, and we keep on holding the line of truth.
As we endeavor to remember that God has done what He said He would do, we can count on Him to do what He says He will do in the future. This is without controversy, this is without debate, and we can take it to the bank!
When life, in this fallen world, comes crashing in, if we’ve done the spiritual exercise to remember His promises about each day and future days , we will be able to stand strong.
When the world tempts us to go our own way, we won’t, because we know WHO sits on the throne of our lives and we’ve disciplined ourselves to surrender to Him daily.
Yes friends, WE are the church of the LIVING GOD, the pillar and ground of the truth—We have to workout our spiritual muscles so we can confidently hold the line of truth , because in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons“ (1 Tim 4:1)
Yes, demons.
In the end days, which we could be experiencing now, Paul warns there will be those who will depart from the truth of God and give heed to deceiving spirits and demonic forces. Are you seeing this falling away?
I think we are seeing this now as even some leaders in our churches are departing from the truth and are deceived.
We must, especially now, do the spiritual work to test everything we are hearing and reading (especially in this world of social media).
And you know, this strenuous spiritual exercise is better than physical exercise because it always brings HOPE.
Every moment you spend actively setting your hope on the living God – seeking God through His Word and through prayer, and doing what He says will pay off! It’s worth it friend!
Because “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving” (Prov 14:8)
“The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.“ (Prov 14:15-16)
“In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge”. (Prov 14:26)
Whew! God’s Word is SO GOOD!
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Kim Jaggers Ministry 