Scripture for Today: I Timothy 4:8  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

I will never have to worry about this happening!  Taking on too much is not the problem but rather taking on too little.  For me, exercise is a dirty word.  Although I enjoy staying active, I am no gym rat.  If I become winded and sweaty I am not too happy about it.  How different I am from my husband!  The more he sweats the more he feels alive!

Today’s verse talks about the value of physical training.  Yes, it has value.  But unfortunately the results from exercise do not last forever.  The benefits, as important as they are, are temporal.   In contrast, the value of godliness touches every part of our lives here and it is rewarded in the life to come!  Its benefits are of a much greater importance.  But just as there is uncomfortable effort with exercise, so there is with leading a godly life.  There may not be sweat or labored breathing, but there is certainly work involved.  Godliness takes resolve and concentrated effort.

It is so much easier to do things my own way rather than to obey God’s Word.  But then getting “spiritually flabby” takes its own toll.  When I make a habit of doing things God’s way, I can feel myself growing stronger and stronger when facing that next temptation.  The results of physical exercise are seen on the outside but godliness is developed on the inside.  So regardless of what may be breaking down physically, I can be renewed and strengthened on the inside! (II Cor. 4:16)

Lord, train me to be godly today.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 10:12 “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

I am not too sure what message was intended with this window display!  I hardly noticed what these mannequins were wearing I was so distracted by those huge lips.  I am just as distracted by women who overdo the Botox in their lips to get that pouty look!  Perhaps the idea is a bold in-your-face attitude that is thought to sell the clothes.  Or maybe it was intended for Valentine’s Day kisses.  But as far as this customer is concerned, they lost me!

Today’s verse is one of many in Scripture that teach on our lips and what they reveal about us.  This verse was written by King Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom.  A wise person and a fool are distinguishable from one another by what comes out of their mouths.  The words from a wise person are gracious and win him favor.  But what comes from the lips of a fool destroys him.  He starts out speaking foolishness but as he keeps babbling, his words become wicked madness.

In our image-conscious culture I am often surprised by classy well-dressed people who destroy that perfect picture by what comes out of their mouths.  But I know I can sound the same way.  My words are not always gracious, especially when responding to hurt or injustice.  I can look the fool when I jump to a wrong conclusion and I react instead of thoughtfully responding.  Speaking like a fool comes easy.  It is a much more difficult challenge to speak wise gracious words.  Thankfully, God offers His wisdom when I ask Him (James 1:5) and the control of my tongue through His Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Lord, make my words gracious today!

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.