Workout of the Day
- Samalee Allen
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
While my husband Terry and I were student pastors, he would frequently challenge our group to "Get your butts in the Bible!" I still smile thinking about their laughter at this. I want to challenge YOU to dive into the Word for yourself, not just to prep for a lesson or to speak at a conference. Let me up the challenge: Develop Your Own Daily Workout.
When I was a fitness instructor, occasionally I would encourage my participants to do the WOD (Workout Of the Day) between classes. Usually, this was a timed exercise, such as holding a plank for as long as they could, or a counted exercise, like 100 squats in 12 hours. This WOD was meant to supplement what I was leading in my weekly classes. Consistent choices lead to increased endurance. In other words, what they did daily on their own strengthened them for my next class.
Consistent choices lead to increased endurance.
So it is with our spiritual training! In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul admonishes Timmy to "...train yourself to be godly." I love the way The Message version states this same verse, "Exercise daily in God ...no spiritual flabbiness, please." This requires action on our part. Below, I've outlined some helpful tips, of course, backed up by God's Word.
From Psalm 119:9-11, we understand that we should (a) live according to God's Word, (b) seek Him with all of our heart, (c) be obedient, and (d) memorize scripture.
Ever been in a funk? As women hormones can be a factor in our attitude. For this reason, we should align our attitudes daily with that of Christ Jesus as prompted in Philippians 2:5.
Admit it: All of us have had times of stinkin' thinkin'! Romans 12:2 encourages "...let God transform you by changing the way you think." It's important to ask God to renew our minds daily.
Scripture promises, "He inhabits the praise of His people." Change up your daily devotion time and start your heart to singing with some of your favorite worship tunes!
Personally, I learn best by example. Who better to emulate than Jesus? Ephesians 5:1
Having established Him as our example, we continue to follow the pattern in Luke 22:39, where He "...went out as usual." Then, further into the New Testament in Colossians 4:2, we are instructed to devote ourselves to prayer.
While presenting our list of needs or simply being silent in His presence, the Holy Ghost can bring situations, people, and our own weaknesses to light where we can target our prayers.
God can read! Journaling or keeping a prayer journal is perfect. There are no rules. It's an excellent place to offload anxieties and frustrations without anyone getting hurt. It's a great way to pray! It's the perfect medium to "think in ink." Through journaling, we can track the Spirit's work in our lives and answers to prayer.
Philippians 2:1-7 helps us to evaluate our motives so that each day and the work of ministry is approached with a servant's heart.
We don't have any excuses! Philippians 2:13 the SAMT ("Sam" Translation) goes something like this: "For it is God who gives you the 'want to' and the ability to 'follow through' for His purpose."
These 10 may seem like a lot, but really, they flow. You probably already employ them. This is not a shame session. It's an encouragement to strengthen your endurance.
Samalee Allen and her husband Terry are the founders and directors of a ministry that supports and encourages ministry couples called MVP Leader Group. To learn more about MVP, and more importantly, The Ladies MVPs, click here!
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