Sore Muscles

I just started going to Planet Fitness in an effort to loss some weight and shape up. I enjoy it. Exercise and getting in shape is work but at the time it really does not hurt an awful lot. However, a few days later, and I really have some sore muscles.

Spiritually it can be like that too. We have a great time at church or in small group. God moves, we are ministered to, God exercises our faith and gifting, etc. It feels good - it pumps you up. But a few days later it can hurt. There are some things that we just can not be a part of now. Some relationships get strained, some emotions flood in and overwhelm us, and fatigue sets in. We have an enemy and he is not happy when we flex our faith.

So if you have faced some difficulties over the last 2 weeks, be encouraged! We stretch, work out our faith and gifting...then some pain comes and we face it....and we grow in the process.

God is growing us, I can feel it and I know you can too. This is the most dynamic small group I have ever been a part of and I can't wait to see what Jesus does on Friday! I look forward to seeing you all there...and invite a friend! Why keep this to yourself?

Pushing Through Road Blocks

I did not realize until this morning how prophetic that word "derailed" was for me personally.

This week has been good and hard.

I have enjoyed rereading the book, I have been encouraged by some pod casts I listen to, I have grown during some times of prayer and meditation.

At the same time, I have been aggravated at someone all week. I have been really (I mean REALLY) tempted to take advantage of a situation at work - I'll tell you the story tonight, this morning I woke up with some bad thoughts in my head, on the way to work, I really started feeling sick - dizzy, nauseous, etc., and at work there is this big tub of fruit turnovers to eat!

Pure and simply, the attacks of the enemy have run the gambit, but they have been subtle. I did not realize it all until this morning.

Do not let the enemy throw road blocks into your path. I really believe God is up to something. I feel like I am progressing, but slowly - as if wading through waist deep mud and muck. But I see hope on the horizon.

So I am asking you to press on with me. Let's break through the road blocks together. This is a communal faith we have after all - we need each other.

Don’t Get Derailed

It is easy to get derailed. Is this extra work, this needy person, this profitable deal, this pain a blessing from God or a distraction from Satan? It can be difficult to tell the difference.

I know it is hard to commit your Friday's to a Bible study. We all have lots to do. And I'll bet this week you have several extra reasons to stay home and relax. But don't.

I really believe God is doing some great stuff and He wants us in on the action. I have been reading the chapter and I have heard an incredible sermon on the same subject. I feel God is really preparing something for us - I really do.

I have had my distractions too - sin is at the door, depression and anxiety is creeping in, frustration at work is mounting. I have to take it to God. I can't let it win. I can't allow the momentary troubles of this earthly world keep me from receiving the blessings of the heavenly world.

And if you are really struggling, may I suggest 3 other things? First, fast on Friday. Every time you feel hungry, pray. When you go on your lunch break, read your Bible and pray. Second, find a prayer partner who will lift you up daily & who you can openly talk to about your stuff. Third, invite a friend to come along. If we are discussing the best news ever, maybe our friends would want to know too!