Spending Time with GOD

Scripture

“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.” 1 timothy 4:8

Observation

in my life, i got hurt, seriously, a few times. beginning in high school i had a wave hit me in the back of my neck, having to recover in the hospital and at home for months with a halo to hold my neck in place; the other have been back injuries due to work and and grappling.

when you’re young, you feel invincible, thinking that nothing can happen that you can’t bounce back from. it may have been partially true as a teenager, but when you’re in your 50s, it takes a bit longer to get back to “normal.”

when lying in bed, unable to do anything, your mind starts to wander, questions arise: life - past, present, and future; the why’s, what’s next, will i ever get back my on my feet, when will this end, etc. not crazy thoughts, just reflecting on what i may have done to deserve this - for me it was all the bad stuff that i had put myself and family through.

while martial arts training, weight lifting, fitness classes are all great, and which is good for the body and i’ve done them all, it only takes care of the physical; what we lack then is the mental, emotional, and spiritual sides.

as i got older, i was able to see all the things God had done in my life through the physically painful moments - reflect on His goodness. my family never lacked financially, able to grow in my relationship with The Lord by trusting Him for all our needs; helping me change my poor attitude - instead of why did this happen (being upset, frustrated), what can i learn from it; how then can i use this lesson for Kingdom purposes.

Application

all that is taught in this lesson about worship, baptism, fasting, prayer, serving, journaling, mentoring, memorization, tithing, rest, church, and groups - has been critically important in my life. where once i was so selfish with my time (whatever it is, primarily it was surfing) doing something where my thoughts were of what am i getting out of it, it pivoted to what can i do with my life to serve God and others.

each area i have helped has allowed me to grow: youth, tech, and life groups - i get out of it just as much, if not more, from being available to the body of Christ and the community which we serve. all i hope to do is make it possible for one person to develop a more personable, intimate relationship with Jesus, with God our Heavenly Father. if we individually and a team do so, it was worth whatever the effort required.

prayer

dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the disciplines we covered in lesson 2. all of which has played a key role in correcting my habit, hang-ups, and hurts and helping me get through the past, the pain, the problems of life. may i be found useful for Kingdom assignments, whatever it may be. teach me to be bold and courageous in my walk, to help those who seek after you. thank you for training me up for moments that you called me for. continue to do work that only you can do in our lives - transformative and life changing. in your glorious and majestic name, Lord Jesus, we pray, amen.