Physical work outs are done sometimes to increase strength and endurance. Physical work outs are done sometimes to rehab an injury. Physical work outs are done sometimes to prepare for competition.

Spiritual workouts are done to increase spiritual strength and endurance, to rehab a spiritual injury and to develop a stronger new nature in Christ.

Salvation has three components. When you and I receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are immediately saved from the penalty of our sin. Jesus Christ took our penalty on Himself, died the cruel death of crucifixion and conquered death, the final penalty of sin, for us! One day all who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior will be saved from the very presence of sin.

The third component of our salvation requires work out on our part. Jesus Christ loves us so much that He gave us free will. Being saved from the pattern and habit of sin requires us to work out that part of our salvation in harmony with Him.

Paul gave these instructions for our daily work out

Philippians 2:¹²Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ¹⁴Do all things without murmurings and disputings: ¹⁵That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; ¹⁶Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Murmur = a mumbled or private expression of discontent

Dispute = to argue vehemently; wrangle or quarrel

Why can you and I do all things without murmuring and disputing?

Because He thinks of us and has a good plan for our lives–

Jeremiah 29:¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

What do these words mean to you?

Because He works all things together for our good –

Romans 8:²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ³¹What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

God works good for us, good through us and good in us – all things for good!

What do these words mean to you?

Because He has a specific, unique plan for your life and my life –

Ephesians 2: ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

What do these words mean to you?

How can you and I hold forth the word of life?

1 Peter 3:¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

What do these words mean to you?

What is your hope for today?

Getting ready for today’s workout

Acknowledge your dependence on Jesus today.

Acknowledge His willingness and ability to enable you today.

Ask Jesus for His help and grace for today.

Working-out throughout your day

Pray without ceasing and don’t be anxious–

Philippians 4:⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 Trust in God –

Proverbs 3:⁵ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ⁷Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

 Acknowledge any failure –

1 John 1:⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 14:⁴ Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Reviewing your daily work out

What progress did you see today?

Did you fall more or stand more today?

What caused you to fall?

What scripture verse can help you in this situation?

What triggered murmuring today?

How often did you pray?

In which situations did you see Jesus?

What did you learn today?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through  you!

Run in His alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti