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. I Timothy 4:8

Verse Reflections:  As an athlete this verse is vital to my transition to God Plus 1.  I would literally weigh 300+ pounds if I didn’t exercise and I am not exaggerating.  I work off a minimum of 30 pounds a year.  Remember I’ve been fighting this battle for forty years.  It doesn’t take a math genius to realize what I would weigh if I added 30 pounds a year.  I love exercising and God gives me some credit for this in this verse but reminds me that exercise is not the full answer.  While exercise is “of some value” this verse is adamant that godliness is “of value in every way”.  Well there you go.  I have been trying to lose weight, maintain weight by using more calories that I inhaled.  I have been trying to at least be consistent in my exercise levels even when I could not control my eating.  To the point there were days I would go run an extra two miles just to make up for that extra binge. For anyone reading this that does not enjoy exercise God is speaking to you and telling you to get up and move.  He has given you a gift of a miraculous body.  Go enjoy using it.  My goodness, just go for a walk and enjoy the beauty you pass, the people you meet.  EASY! Exercise will make you mentally and physically healthy.   This verse, again, mirrors the message I am hearing over and over again.  We cannot fight this battle without God. Physical exercise helps us here on earth but godliness (being God centered) will make a difference in the battles here on earth and it will prepare us for eternity.

Prayer:  Well God, I’ve known this in the back of my mind during the entire last forty years, However, I haven’t backed up this knowledge with action.  I’ve prayed and I’ve prayed and I’ve prayed but I have expected You to play the magic fairy godmother, wave Your magic wand and make it easy.  I’ve expected You to do all the work.  Life and age and Your word have taught me that You have cleared the path but I still have to walk it.  I have to bend down and throw away the sticks that fall onto the path.  I have to start my day by reading Your word so that I know exactly where the path is.  Then I have to reach up to You, trust You and then make the hard choices of saying no to foods even when every fiber of my physical body is screaming to say yes.  In other words, I have to put one foot in front of another on the path You have shown me.  When temptations fall onto the path, I have to scramble over them, pick them up and throw them off the path.  I have to stay close to You in order to have the strength to do this.  I have to exercise consistently, knowing it is important but staying close to You is even more important. God, here’s to walking and even running the path of physical, mental and spiritual health.  Thank You for leading me on this path.