TGIF...

Thank God It's Friday! Today started off with a round of golf at Eagle Crest in Alma with two of our pastors at church. Other than me missing way too many putts, I had a great time golfing with them. It was fun, fellowship, and then of course, food afterwards. I was ridiculed at lunch for ordering a cup of vegetable beef soup and cottage cheese with fruit while they both had big hamburgers...oh well, I stuck to my diet and that is the only reason I am continuing to make progress in this workout plan.

I did ab ripper and legs/back workout today. It was difficult but worth it! Squeezed it in just now...as we are going to the home football game tonight!

I read the first 24 chapters of Psalms today. It is a great book. Wow, the encouragement it brings to us! I hope I can have the attitude, life, character, wisdom, etc that is described in this book so far. It is a great testimony of not only what is possible through God but it demonstrates exactly why God is so good!

Our God is such a mighty, strong, unfathomable God. He can do all things...any things...every thing(s)... He is more than we can know, imagine, and ever comprehend. God is the one person you don't want to live your life without meeting and developing a relationship with. You can throw everyone else you meet by the wayside, if need be, but God is everlasting and will be with you forever...no matter where you are...no matter what you are going through...no matter what you have done...no matter who you are!

Suffering...for what?

My workout was great today. Everything about my morning workout was great. Everything. Ok, it was Yoga too...and I still enjoyed it...Annie joined me today too. Wow...she hung in there and did everything as well. She is a trooper. It is fun to workout together...I love her for even wanting to join me...especially after she has seen my agony over the last 6 weeks. She must be tougher than me! :)

I finished the book of Job today. I have always been aware of Job and read thru Job before. I am not sure the significance this time but it has really struck me more this time than before.

Job suffered. And he suffered. And he suffered. At first, his response was incredible as described in yesterday's blog. As his sufferings continued the tone changed. Job went from praise to complaining. Not complaining of God...but complaining that he didn't understand why he was suffering. He drew his own conclusions of punishment for his sin nature and attitude but then quickly downplayed that because he didn't think he was guilty of anything strong enough to create this kind of suffering. Then, he suffered even more because God would not answer him and would not relieve him of the suffering when he prayed to God. Job thought it was as if God has just forgotten about him and was never going to relieve him of the sufferings because Job just "deserved" it.

Then, to top it off, his friends tried to counsel him by pointing out to him that Job was wrong for his actions, attitudes, and opinions. In fact, they tried to point out why they knew he was suffering and why he should immediately change his attitude because it was sinful and wrong.

God has a mysterious way about Him and His plans that no one knows. God finally spoke...and He chose to speak to Job rather than any of the friends. God told Job that he was not the author of all of this, that he didn't create the heavens, that he is not in control...but God is in control and He is the author of the suffering and that He intends it for something greater than just punishment but for something good. God didn't really even provide Job an answer for his sufferings...He just made it a point to be sure Job still knew who was in control of his life. He, in fact, chastises the friends for acting as if they knew what was wrong and why, for trying to appear to be as righteous as Job was...when God would much rather have heard Job's grumbling because He knew it was honest, without cursing to God, and real from Job's heart. It wasn't a superficial knowledge of God. Job was restored because of his righteousness during his suffering and concern for his friends in the end rather than himself.

His friends spoke about God...while Job spoke with God. There is a big difference. Sufferings come and they go. What are you suffering over right now? Are you grumbling or praising God for whatever He is trying to do in your life through the pain and torment? Don't give up hope. God is watching and waiting to bless you through it. The answer to "why" may never be given during your life her on earth...but it doesn't matter. It still has a purpose that God knows...in His mysterious ways.

Unbelievable faith!

Well, my workout has been going well. I am well into my 6th week of activity and really enjoying it. At times, the workouts that seemed easier in the beginning now seem to really be more difficult...must be due to my increase of weight/resistance bands/etc. Regardless, I am continuing faithfully to the routine.

In addition to the physical routine, I have continued faithfully to the 90-day reading thru the Bible workout as well. I began reading in Job yesterday and wow...here we go:

I would like you to close your eyes...of course, after you read this paragraph, and think of everything that is of importance and value to you...your home, children, spouse, job, church, money, reputation, health, etc....these are all things that hold a special place in your heart and life. You really can't imagine life without them, I am sure.

Now imagine that one day, everything was taken from you and would never return to you. Never. It was all gone. Everything you held dear and valued was stripped away from you by either terror, greed, sickness, tragedy, storm, etc. How would you respond? Let me remind you, not over a course of a couple weeks but in just a couple of days, everything vanished. Now, think again, how you respond?

Job responded in an unbelievable way and here it is: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord fave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:21

Think about his response...really let it soak in. I did yesterday when I read it and I was overwhelmed with guilt and praise all at the same time. I was feeling guilt because of all the things that has ever happened to me, I was too weak to respond in this manner. I was always asking "why, God?" rather than just praising Him for being who He is. Then I was feeling praise because it is possible to be like Job, with God's help and my faithfulness and commitment to Him on a daily basis...I, too, can respond this way should anything else ever come up that is difficult!

Job's faith is unbelievable at first...because it makes you take a step back and say, wow! I want an unbelievable faith like Job. Lord help me.

What are you building?

I read the book of Esther today and was left with the question above: What are you building?

In this book, it is quite clear that Haman, the King's servant leader, wanted to be honored and rise in stature among the people. He did everything out of pride, hoping to be held in high esteem by King Xerxes. There came a time when Haman began despising the Jews due to a man named Mordecai. He was a Jew and would not obey the King's orders to bow and pay homage to Haman as his leader. As a result, Haman was angry and vowed to make Mordecai pay for his disobedience. Ultimately, Haman allowed his anger to also form a hatred toward all Jewish people.

During the story, Haman had a hanging gallows built in order to hang Mordecai once he was able to convince King Xerxes Mordecai deserved to die. However, due to the providence of God and Queen Esther's plea to King Xerxes, and her uncovering of the plot of Haman, King Xerxes had Haman hung on the gallows intended to kill Mordecai (this story has been considerably paraphrased due to size limitation).

My questions in the brief paraphrase are this: what if Haman had been building up a way to honor Mordecai because of his loyalty to King Xerxes by telling him of a plot that some of his army men were trying to kill the King? What if Haman would have been seeking a way to honor others rather than himself? Would the same thing have happened as the end result? Would Haman have been repaid with honor and riches since that is what he was trying to do for others?

I believe that rather than seeking ways to promote yourself or pride yourself, find ways to promote and honor others. In doing so, you will be promoted and honored by God (regardless of if it is while you are living here on earth or not)...and that is the best end result we could all want. Quit worrying about how "you" look to others...God already knows all the good and bad of you and he still loves you so........

Build something good for others...

My workout is still in live mode...getting tired of routine...but still pressing onward. Results are still evident...and becoming so more and more each day!

Details...man...details...

God knows everything. Right? God knows everything so do we need to provide all the details of every situation that we need His help, guidance, forgiveness, etc. to Him when we pray?

In my reading and conclusion of the book of Nehemiah today, I was encouraged to tell God everything, every little detail. In Nehemiah's prayers, he recounts the past events to God while seeking His favor and grace. Why does he do that? I mean, God already knows what He did through Nehemiah during his day. Why should he tell God again?

I believe God wants to hear your heart. God wants to hear your pain so that He knows you are truly building a long-lasting relationship with Him for the right reasons. He wants to be close to you. In order to be close, little details matter. Remember the time you told your best friend something really important? You probably walked them step-by-step through the circumstances and provided every detail so they can feel with you.

God is no different. Of course, He already knows but He wants to be included in every aspect of your life so that you, I, we, know Him when He responds and acts in our lives.

Don't be caught in the trap of being general too much with God...or you will become lukewarm, vague, going thru the motions, etc with Him and He will spit you out! Be real. Be genuine. Be on fire with God when speaking with Him. Show Him your heart. He knows you already but He wants to hear you! Your His child...so He is always wanting to hear, no matter if He knows the situation already!

Week 5 gone...bring on 6!

I have finished week 5! Now onto more of the same but gettin' better! I have thoroughly enjoyed the P90X workout and the Journey thru the Bible in 90 days too! It is all going as planned...tracking at a steady 20 pounds lost and muscles starting to show more. My shape is coming back...back from the dead! ha



In my reading of Ezra today, I was brought to the passage where Ezra is deeply upset about the sin of intermarriage that had been taking place that God commanded the people of Israel not to do. He fell before the Lord and began praying his heart out for the people of Israel. Ezra had not broken the command but because he was their leader, his heart pained him so. When the people saw and heard Ezra's prayer, they too felt the guilt and condemnation and thus fell before the Lord as well and began praying, seeking forgiveness and redemption, and later restored in communion with God.

It taught me that sometimes God's chosen leader (in this case Ezra) leads his people in repentance so that the people will be led to repentance. Ezra didn't need to repent for himself as he didn't commit the sins his people committed, however, because of his sincerity, concern, and love for his "sheep" and his fear of the Lord, he immediately responded thru prayer once he learned of the sins.

Therefore, the questions I had racing through my mind were centered around this question: "What areas has our leader (in my case Brother Danny or Tony) sought repentance for us as his people that either we need to begin repenting over or that we have altogether missed?" I don't think all people really hear the God-chosen leader in this manner. Many write off what the pastor says as "that is how he feels but not how I feel about the situation or issue or etc.". Rather, we should have the same response as did the people of Israel, and that is to fall down and begin repenting if our leader senses this is an area we need to pray about.

I wonder what our churches, our towns, our communities, etc. would be like if we all responded to our pastor's heart, concerns, etc like the people of Israel did with Ezra's prayer and concern? Why don't we just start now...and check back in 1 year...good things could happen!

The few, the proud, the end...

Today is a a grueling Kenpo workout routine. I have really enjoyed it and it make me sweat more than any other routine...so I am looking forward to it! I have actually gained about 1-2 pounds back to about 179 from 196 at the start...not sure why, but I am paying attention closely. My diet is still strict and being adhered to regularly...maybe fat conversion to muscle...??? Waiting to see in another week or so.

Today in my reading it was quite easy to see that out of all the Kings of Israel and Judah, only a few were found to be "right in the eyes of the Lord". There were so many that disobeyed God and led the people astray. It caused them great trouble, hardship, famine, plagues, death, etc. The few that stood up for God and His commands were blessed and their families were blessed, so long as they continued to walk in the ways of the Lord.

There were also a lot of those who had too much pride in their lives...both those who were not living right in the eyes of the Lord and even a few who loved the Lord but became proud when they shouldn't have. Hezekiah is one example of a good King that angered the Lord because of his pride of being healed and spared in his life...another 15 years were added onto his life, yet he didn't respond to God's kindness the way the Lord intended and thus was reduced in God's blessings.

Lastly, I reached the end of 2 Chronicles today and realized again how many leaders there were and how many times God's patience and love abounded, even amidst times when it probably shouldn't have been so great.

Thank you God for loving us. Thank you God for being so patient with us. Thank you God for giving us second chances to find our way back to you. Thank you for your mercy in giving our punishments. Thank you for your riches in providing your blessings. Thank you for who you are and for helping us get to know you better as we are just way too ignorant to truly understand how great you are God! I love you.

9/11...

Today is a day to reflect. A day to remember what everyone saw on 9/11. It is a vision that most will never forget or be able to get out of their sights.

In my reading today, a verse of Scripture found in 2 Chronicles 16:9a states "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."

It is so reassuring to know that no matter what the circumstances we face, have faced, or will face, God sees us and is intently looking to strengthen us when we are fully committed to him.

So during the 9/11 attacks, God was watching those whose hearts were fully committed to him on that day. We can rest assured that He strengthened them and gave them a courage during that tragedy while others feared their lives, panicked, and fled with terror. While we have great sensitivity to all those who lost loved ones that day, we can also take great comfort and peace in knowing that our God is a mighty fortress and gave those followers a great sense of presence and strength during their last moments. Something only God can do...He did.

(My workout today is legs and back...difficult...but I am making it. My diet is still going as planned. Staying steady at the 20 pounds lost...). Getting stronger, more flexible, and more energy!

If you could have just 1 wish...

If you could have just one wish, what would it be? For me, a lot of things come to mind. And when I try and write them down, I am unable because everything I am thinking about has "me" in it. I wonder if it is possible to wish or "want something so much" and it not have any self-serving benefits?

In my reading today, it is recorded in 1 Chronicles the passage (paraphrased) "...and if My people will humble themselves and call upon my name and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them and forgive them..."

This is it...just one wish...God is wishing that "if" His people...He wants us to. I can hear it from His word...can you? What "if" we all did this...ALL...? This one wish would rescue all of us from the lives that we live. The pasts that we had. The future that is unseen. Some of us have already lived out this passage...and continue to do so on a daily basis...so isn't this the real wish we all need to have?

I wish that all would come to know God in a way that allows this passage to come true in their lives so that the world would be changed forever and all of our lives would be filled with such a deeper meaning than currently exists in the world.

Is it possible? If God declared it, it is. Isn't it time you declared it too?

20 pounds down and more muscle to go!

I have lost 20 pounds now since I started this workout program 30 days ago. I am excited by the results and can't wait to see more of the muscle growth now. Today is a new routine day on the biceps and chest...difficult but very productive and can instantly feel the benefits...ok, at least right after the soreness goes away. My diet has been very restricted and conservative so I am probably going to change the consistency of my food where I add a few more carbohydrates and reduce some protein...so my weight my not go down any at this point but I will be using the food to build muscle faster now rather than shedding fat. We'll see....

Still reading in 1 Chronicles...one of the recounts of action was David's prayer of thanks. How marvelous this section of Scripture is. 1 Chronicles 16:7-36. This was done in front of many people when David was committing the Levites before the ark of the Lord.

There are so many verses I can take out of this section but the one that stands out to me today is vs. 34. It reminds me of the song Michael W Smith sings "Forever...?" "Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King. His loves endures forever"...

Has it ever really occurred to you how much our God loves us? How long He has loved us? How long He will continue to love us? I am not sure it can ever actually settle in on our minds as we are not fit for such Godly understanding...but when we even begin to grasp a piece of this understanding, it is overwhelming and hard to express our gratitude.

God loves us so much...He has done everything for us! How do you express this gratitude to Him? Obedience, faithfulness, servanthood, worship, etc...are some of the ways I know how...but certainly not an entire list. What is it for you? How are trying to demonstrate your gratitude to God...?

Confident or coward?

A quick note on my physical workout...I have lost approximately 18 pounds now. It is the beginning of the 5th week (so Day 29)...I have done quite well sticking with this. I started taking vitamins today as well that will help keep my metabolism high. shed fat, and build lean muscle. Plyometrics today. Yesterday's routine (new one for chest, shoulders and triceps) was pretty tough. I am quite sore today.

I am well into the book of 1 Chronicles today and really have enjoyed my reading thus far. It has helped my prayer life as well as so many passages in the OT demonstrate great prayer examples. It is also teaching me patience thru seeing how patient God has been with His people...us throughout all history.

In 1 Chronicles, it is believed to be Ezra who wrote the book and in it, he details his account of the genealogy of the Israelites, Kings, sons, etc. This is where the "Prayer of Jabez" is found as well. In addition, he highlights the event of Saul, David, etc. and I just finished reading the passage where he recounts David's mighty men. The portion of the scripture that I enjoy is the confidence David exhibits when he states (paraphrased by me): "If you are for me, join me and let's get on with things. If you are against me, be forewarned that my God will deal with you since I have done no evil."

Do we exhibit the kind of confidence King David demonstrated? He needed help. He took help when it was genuine and he didn't try and defend himself. He let God do his fighting with those who were against him and trying to bring him down. David's mighty men saw to it that David succeeded. They didn't drag him down. They protected him and fought courageously with him. They had this confidence as well because David had confidence.

Have we ever faced opposition for living right with God? Have we ever been afforded the opportunity to present ourselves confidently toward our opponent or have we failed to do so because we were too coward? When we act on our confidence, which is rooted in God alone not ourselves, God provides an assurance and peace about our actions. He guides our steps. He provides all the right things for us to succeed. When we act this way, it is contagious and others catch it, like David's mighty men.

Next time you are faced with this kind of a situation, remember King David and his mighty men. Be confident in Christ! Don't waste your time trying to defend yourself...let God and he will provide what you need to succeed.

Who said prayer doesn't work?

In 2 Kings, Hezekiah is a true man of God...finally. After all the many Kings of Israel/Judah, so many have fallen by the way side, only to follow so many other gods. But Hezekiah stands true to the Lord his whole life.

Hezekiah became ill and was given a prophecy that said he would die soon and not be able to recover from the illness. His heart was burdened and so he went directly to the Lord in prayer and prayed a magnificent prayer in 2 Kings. As a direct result of not only his prayer but his faithful walk with the Lord, God decided to tell him that he would now recover and live another 15 years more so he could finish the tasks that God had him on earth for.

Do you know "those" people who say prayer doesn't work? Have you heard it said that prayers are pointless because God isn't going to answer you the way you want? C'mon, you know you have had times when you even believed that praying a certain way wouldn't be the right thing to do?

Well, Hezekiah knew what the Lord wanted. He knew what he wanted. He lived a faithful life close to God. He obeyed God in all he did. Therefore, he went to prayer and asked God specifically for what he wanted, all in the caveat it was God's will.

Do you pray like Hezekiah or do you pray generically and at a high level so the details are never prayed about? I believe God wants us to voice our concerns to Him. I believe He wants us to be specific in our requests. I believe He wants us to tell Him our every need and want. I believe He expects us to yield to His will when what we are praying for isn't in His plan for us.

Doesn't God already know these things? So why pray for them? It is a matter of closeness and friendship with God that matters. Do you tell you every little detail to others, friends, mom/dad, etc.? We have all sat around with our very closest friend and discussed an issue with them...yet, so many times, we have left the most important friend out of the picture, who has the unimaginable ability and power to actually help us in the situation...that being, God!

The assumption here is a very big one: living according to God's Word. If you are truly "right" with God, then ask Him, tell Him, discuss with Him everything in detail that is going on in your life and He will become even closer to you than you thought possible. God does care and He does hear our prayers...and yes, they do work.

What kind of friends do you have?

Today is Sunday and therefore it is a day of rest. Both in the workout program and reality...so I have read and continued in my 90-day read thru the Bible workout. I am reading in 2 Kings now...and the story of Namaan was reviewed.

Namaan had the disease of leprosy and was wanting healed. He traveled to Elisha, God's prophet, seeking what to do to be healed. Elisha informed him to go to the Jordan River and dip seven times and on the seventh he would be healed. When Namaan heard this he left and was angry because he didn't believe this would heal him.

Upon returning to his home, he had friends (servants-those closest to him) who asked him to reconsider what Elisha informed him to do so that he could be healed. Basically, Namaan's friends were urging him to listen to the advice and instruction he had just been given. Upon hearing from his friends, Namaan changed his mind and listened. He went and dipped 7 times...and was healed as prophesied by Elisha.

It made me stop and think...do I have friends in my life that would see my disobedience and urge me to reconsider my actions? Do you have friends who see your disobedience and urge you towards corrective action?

It is important that we get close to a couple of trustworthy people who we can count on (even when we don't want to) to help us along our journey towards God rather than those who pull us further away. Be sure to build relationships with this in mind...and also know you can be a friend to someone as well...helping them in their time of disobedience.

Labor Day Weekend...

Well, I finished my fourth week today and have a day of rest tomorrow!!!! Yea. I have officially lost 18 pounds as of Thursday...so I may have lost more but I haven't weighed in the last couple days since I am not on the same scale. I want to be accurate. The diet is going well...sometimes harder than it probably needs to be...but I am committed!

We are in Lawrence, Kansas for the holiday weekend...and even though we are relaxing I was able to get my Yoga routine in today. The 2nd phase starts Monday morning...so now I am anxious to see how things "pick up".

My reading today was into 2 Kings. Elijah entered the scene in 1 Kings...it's amazing to me the powers God gave Elijah. A true prophet...a true servant. When Elijah ascended into Heaven, Elisha recognized the awesome"ness" of God and immediately gave praise to God.

Do we respond the same way? Better yet, have you recognized the awesome"ness" of God recently? I think it is very important for us to keep our eyes attuned to what is surrounding us so that when something pwerful happens, we can clearly recognize when it is from God. In doing so, we can immediately give Him praise and also receive the blessings of witnessing, recognizing, and leading others to Him through the experience.

Are you seeing the wonderful power of God at work in your life like He was during Elijah and Elisha's day? If not, maybe your eyes are not really open like we think. Open and see all that is around you...there are blessings everywhere!

Check yourself before you wreck yourself!

After all the wisdom and understanding God gave Solomon in his reign over Israel and Judah, he forfeits it all because of his many wives and their gods they worshipped! Wouldn't it seem like Solomon would have been able to use his wisdom and avoid this spiritually immature thing to do? Of course you would think so...but in the 1 Kings text it is clear that he disobeyed God's command not to marry from the other tribes...and he did...in fact over 300 wives and 600 concubines....??? When is enough enough? And that isn't the major reason he was stripped of the Kingdom....it was because he yielded to his wives gods and their worship of them. in fact, he even built altars to their gods for them and worshipped them himself.

To think about this is like reading a story in today's newspaper of hearing about a major preacher/servant of God today being lured into major sin that becomes very public. IT JUST MAKES YOU SICK AND HURT AND ANGRY! Why do people do this?

I think one of the lessons for me...NEVER GET COMFORTABLE IN YOUR FAITH!!! Just when you think you have everything going well for you, if you take your eyes off God, you will fall. And fall hard! So...everyone...please check your faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to check your life, inside and out, hidden or exposed, whatever you have going on in your mind, heart, etc. Seek holiness and recognize the snares in your life that are trying to bring you down. Rid yourself of them...and you will avoid a major fall because your eyes will be turned to God.

Core synergies was the workout today. Very good...and also made me think about the "core" of my spiritual life. What is it made of? Rock, solid muscles (heart for God) or weak, fatty tissue (no faith action/practice at all)...

What are you made of? What is your core? Check yourself, before you wreck yourself!

If not the father, the son.

Even though King David wasn't permitted to complete the task of building the Temple for God (of cedar) on Earth, his son, Solomon was. God planned for this and communicated to David that he could not finish the task but that his son Solomon would. As such, the transition of power took place while King David was still alive and he watched his son, Solomon, take over the throne of Israel and Judah.

Can you imagine what the father, David, felt as he watched his son, Solomon, take the throne. I am sure he was very well pleased, comforted, proud, happy, etc. For a father to watch his son not only take a leadership role but also know that he will surpass his father's accomplishments (in God's eyes) is an awesome thing. It is a fulfillment that every man should want for his son.

God sent his Son, Jesus, to accomplish what He chose for Him. God knew that it would take his Son to be able to be a lasting atonement for our sins that needed no other to follow. As such, Jesus came to the world and did just that. He accomplished all He had set out to do. It pleased His Father, God, greatly. Aren't we glad too....? Yes!

Can we rejoice in our children's futures? Surely. It takes prayer, consistency, and patience to rejoice. All of these attributes take time, attention and intentional work. So, let's give our kids the best future possible by praying more for them; by consistently pressing them to be the kind of child God commands and blesses; and by remaining patient when they make mistakes. Finally, spending time, paying attention to them, and intentionally making them feel special and loved is most important in building their trust, love and foundation for their future.

Remember, God "gifted" children to us...don't forget they are "only on loan" until He calls them to come back Home.

King David and Kenpo X

I wonder if King David, as good of a warrior in battle as he was, could do the Kenpo X workout routine? OK, OK, probably so...it is not as hard as killing people in hand-to-hand combat or sword fighting...I am sure. But I bet he would be sweating when he got done doing the routine. It would have required some effort, some pain, some energy, and some work on his part.

I think that is the point for me too. I have always wanted things to come easy in life. Whether it was work, family, friends, sports, etc...I have wanted the "good life" with as little effort as possible. That is the American way, right? Well, in my physical and spiritual transformation journey thus far, neither have been easy and that is why it is paying such great dividends!

I have had to push myself to commit everyday to both workouts. It would be easy to give up on myself when the days are long and I am tired and didn't get to workout in the morning like I want to...and instead have to cram it in the middle of the afternoon or late at night. I think that is part of what I am learning about myself. I like routine...believe it or not, I really do. So we as Christians do as well.

I think God wants us to throw the routine out the window as so many people get committed to the routine rather than the results of the workout (physical-stronger muscles; spiritual-closer connection to God). It's like the song says: "I don't want to go through the motions..." God knows we are creatures of habit and He is trying to help us change that...by knowing Him more and more. He will create in us a new routine, which is not programmed but is more real and fluid to his Spirit's moving in our lives. The faster we realize the routine is not the result...the faster we realize we are getting closer to Him.

In my reading of 2 Samuel today, it was proven that King David changed his daily routine to escape those seeking to kill him, and in doing so, he was drawn closer to God. Therefore, if we change our daily routine by listening instead of talking, or reading instead of listening, or praying instead of thinking...God will draw us closer to Him as well.

What are you doing to escape your routine and be drawn closer to God?

Powerless?

"And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes?" This is Nathan speaking to David on behalf of God Himself. It is right after David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed in battle to cover up the fact that she was pregnant by David.

David had been given everything he ever dreamed of from God. He had not only the possessions and wealth, status and honor, but had God's own heart! Yet, as it says in Scripture...it wasn't enough obviously. David turned and sinned and created calamity on his household and destruction by the sword.

Everything was going David's way...he killed tens of thousands of people, beat Goliath the giant, stared terror in the face and was victorious, yet he couldn't stand on his own and beat the temptation of another woman.

Who or what is your Bathsheba? Everyone has something in their life that will snatch them up, if unprotected by God, and eat them alive in sin. I ask that question because it is real. It is true. being able to stop and think about what "thing" is your weak point. If you know what your weakness is, you can be better prepared to deal with it when it comes your way. Not on your own, of course, but with God's help.

Don't be like David and have everything going your way to only mess it up by your own weakness. Rely on God daily and you will be given protection to stand firm in the face of your temptation. We may not have been made perfect...but we certainly have the power through the Holy Spirit to avoid all evil and sin...so use it! Don't waste what is already in you!

My core synergies workout was a first today. New routine, new feelings, new sore muscles! I am cranking it out. Diet is good...feeling great. Seeing the results. Can't wait to see the first 30 day pics results...already can tell from my vantage point (belt loop, hah).