by Victoria Heinecke

Striving to reach the goal.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 English Standard Version

I didn’t start out boxing when I began training. I don’t remember how it started, my trainer has been mastering mixed martial arts and boxing for the past ten years, but we thought it might be fun for me to try it.

It’s my favorite regimen, but not the only one. If I boxed at every workout, I’d miss out on the benefits of other exercises. Some days I lift weights, some days I practice yoga, and other days I bike or hike.

Successful training is enhanced when an athlete mixes up their regimen, so their bodies don’t grow accustomed to the same movements from the same routines.

Spiritual training can also be enhanced by trying something different, in order to keep learning from becoming mechanical, or mindless, work. Try mixing up your communion with God with a new discipline:

• Join a Bible study group.
• Read a book in the Bible you haven’t visited in a while.
• Keep a journal of your quiet time with God. In it write verses that speak to your heart at the moment, lists of people you’re praying for, and don’t forget to doodle a little.
• Make a commitment to start, and end, each day with prayer. Try reciting Martin Luther’s Morning and Evening prayers, for starters.
• Become active in a ministry, such a choir, small groups, or missions.
• Attend a weekend retreat.

You may be pleasantly surprised by how God trains you as you vary the ways you connect with him.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Cor 10:31 English Standard Version

Part 3 of 4:  https://prayingwitheyes.com/13190/spiritual-fitness-equipped/ ‎

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado