Mixing it up.

Periodically in my triathlon training I like to mix up the workouts that I do. Some workouts for endurance, others for strength, and some for speed. I am not nearly as consistent as I should be but I try. I feel as though when I try different things I can maintain motivation. Sometimes I have to get on youtube and watch videos of other awesome athletes to keep me going. Not saying I am an awesome athlete, in fact, my wife has beat me in every half marathon that we’ve run together, she is awesome. My conclusion is that I am to short term focused and I need the discipline to stick with something. I am finding this possible through short term goals which all work together for a greater purpose.

My spiritual walk with the Lord is very similar. I have in the past been very excited about something and before to long, I find myself wavering and falling backward. So I am trying to apply this same technique that I have developed in my training. I am not saying that I need to get a little bit of the Bible and then a little bit of another spiritual source just to keep me entertained. I love the Word of God and am constantly filling myself with it however I think it would be beneficial to mix it up. For example I was told that it would be a good practice to read a Psalm and Proverb everyday, so I developed this discipline. After a while I noticed that I became a little slack in my commitment so instead of just trying to read those books I am trying to develop new ways to take them in. I might take the same proverb and read it over and over everyday so that I might burn those words on my heart and mind. I also would like to do more scripture memorization. This is something different that I struggle with horribly but I know it glorifies God. My goal is to have a more consistent growth pattern and if developing smaller goals that all point me in that direction helps, than that is what I am going to do. Maybe it will help you too.

Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

What Storm ?

Luke 8:22-25

A lake, a storm, and a mighty God. Here we find the story of Jesus commanding the elements to be still. Jesus was sleeping and the disciples were terrified. Jesus had been with them for long enough. They knew and witnessed the amazing miracles He had performed yet they did not have faith. Faith in the man on the boat.

The nation around us is crumbling into more and more difficult times as the storm rages on. So many people are fearful for their jobs and if they are not it is likely they already lost it and are now fretting having enough money to take care of their families. Maybe your storm is a health issue that seems to get the best of you. Just when things are looking good you receive bad news or are stricken with some other awful ailment.

So where are your eyes. Are they on the storm raging in front of your face or on Jesus, safely sleeping down below.

I have probably been through more financial pressure in the past 6 months than I ever thought I would be able to handle. My wife and I are building a house which is going well and requires a lot of extra time and money. I am a self employed painting contractor and like many people in construction have not seen a pay check in… well… I will have to get back to you. The great thing about it is, not one time has my pressure turned into fear. I have had my eyes on the God who controls all things and have not allowed the storm to shake me. It feels somewhat odd, like the wind and rain around me should bring me to my knees but God is carrying me through it.

It was not always like this. In my past I could control my emotions very well unless it came to money. I would get stressed and thoughts of cheating would begin to roll through my mind. My pastor took the time to share with me and helped me realize that whatever the issue is, I cannot handle it. This being the truth I just decided to give it up to God.

I know people who are struggling. Some in a good way and some in a painful way. Lets keep all people in our prayers and help when we can. This is a time for looking to Jesus. Peoples hearts will be tender. Seize the opportunities that the Lord blesses you with. Have Faith In the Man on the Boat.

Prayer List

I Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without Ceasing”

Recently I have had a desire to go deeper in my prayer life. I was not to sure why but I believe that God was revealing to me a void in my relationship with Him. I dont really know how to go deeper other than spending more time in prayer so that has been my goal. Spend more time with God in prayer.

I made up a prayer journal and had my wife pencil in a few things everyday to be praying for. At this time the Journal looks about the same but the desire is increasing. Go deeper. I am continueing to pray and feel as though I need a break through however God is beginning to reveal to me the necessity for prayer. The importance of prayer.

My father, after having gone through a dry spell is now being confronted with taking on church leadership again. Pray for that.
My sister is in a struggling marriage as well as a struggle for her walk with the Lord. Pray for that.
My brother, who is in the Marines, is going to Afghanistan. pray for that.
My other brother is in the Navy and striving to live a good life, Pray for a God life.
My friend randomly called me, said he was stuggling in his marriage. pray for that.
Another friend called, said the same. Ill be praying for that.
Another friend told me the same. pray for that.
Did I mention these are all friends that have contacted me in the past 6 months and I have not been very close to any of them… They called me. Pray for That.
Relationship with Christ. Go deeper. Relationship. Deeper. Pray for that.

Pray without Ceasing. What does that mean to you? Are You?

We can pray together for that.

If anyone has a prayer request or would like to tag there name on my list, Ill be praying.