Daily Devotional
Are You in Shape Spiritually?
“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Hebrews 5:14
August 15, 2021
Ponder This
Growth takes life, it takes time, it takes nourishment, and it takes discipline. Just as athletic training requires physical discipline, it takes spiritual discipline to be an “in-shape” Christian. The word in today’s verse for exercise is the word from which we get our word gymnasium. You know why we have so many out-of-shape Christians? Too many of us come down the aisle of the church, get baptized, then come Sunday after Sunday, sit, soak, and sour. We do not exercise. The way to avoid this is through exercise. Find something to do in the Church. There’s a place of service for you. You might say, “I can’t teach.” Maybe you can help on a youth sports team. Maybe you can help serve meals. Maybe you can help in the office. Maybe you can help in a small group or Sunday school class. Maybe you can help in a jail ministry. Begin to exercise and don’t just sit around. Get busy for the Lord Jesus Christ.
- How have you experienced growth as you have served in your local church?
- Where have you been content to sit back without exercising your spiritual muscles? What needs to change?
Practice This
Find somewhere to serve in your local church this week. Make a commitment to get involved in a particular ministry.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
