How’s Your Fitness?

Most of you know that I have a membership at the local YMCA here in Waterloo.  It’s great to have a place to work-out where there’s a culture of fitness to encourage good health – not to mention a pool, a track, a gym, exercise machines, and treadmills.  I try to exercise in some way at least three times a week – either swimming, mild weight training, or walking and biking when the weather permits.  Yet for all my hard work, I still feel out of shape.  My “battle of the bulge” continues.  Maybe too much ice-cream!

Even more important than our physical health is our spiritual fitness.  It’s amazing how many times the Bible uses the imagery of Olympic games and athletic training to motivate us and spur us on in our spiritual growth.  1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.”  The Bible exhorts us to put the same dedication and discipline into growing our spiritual strength and stamina.  In today’s world, we’re going to need it!

This Sunday, September 26, we continue our series Standing Tall in Stressful Times by considering six spiritual exercises each of us can do to grow stronger and deeper in Jesus.  It is possible to stall tall in tough times!  My message, “Preparing for Growth,” will help you do just that.  Traditional worship begins at 9:00 AM and contemporary worship begins at 10:45 AM.  Please join us for the service of your choice, or watch the video online later.  It’s going to be another inspiring weekend at Grace Church.  Please join us and bring a friend!