Still Running
"So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." 1 Corinthians 9:26
In April of 2018, I was challenged to start running, exercising—something I really never wanted to do. And, since some of you have joined the blog after that time, I thought I'd provide an update.
My running hasn't stopped, but it has changed. It has moved indoors due to time constraints, weather, and my own desire to be consistent and keep a schedule. I do small amounts of strength exercise every morning and every night. And, I love it. It's not the actual act of running or exercise that I love, though I have come to enjoy that, too. I love what it does for me and to me. I love how it makes my body, spirit, and mind feel. To date, I have lost 14 pounds, and feel better than ever.
The running led me to change my eating habits. I haven't had a Diet Coke in over a year, and I no longer eat cookies for breakfast. They have been replaced by oatmeal, raspberries, yogurt with honey, and lots of veggies at lunchtime.
My motivation for doing it has changed, too. I no longer do it to get in shape physically or mentally. Those are just bonuses. I do it because I believe it pleases the Master. This change in motivation has led me to get up even earlier in the morning to read the Holy Bible. He calls to me, speaks to me there, and in the evening before bedtime I read His Word, as well.
He often reveals Himself to us in the oddest of places, doesn't He?
Running has taught me a lot about God and about myself. It would be easy to give up and quit if I was only doing this to lose weight or reach some other goal once it was attained. But, with God as the motivator, it's different. He takes one small act of practicing holiness and He shows us so much more that needs to change in our lives if we are to become like Him. And, while I'll never fully attain that here on earth, I am drawn deeper into relationship with Him as I pursue Him, seek Him; comforted always by His love, goodness and grace when I fall.
Scripture says in Leviticus 20:8, "Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy."
There is a finish line in this race called life, and you and I are not far from it. It is going to take practice and effort if we are to finish well. It is a pleasurable practice.
Eric Liddle, in Chariots of Fire said, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure." Maybe, just maybe, I finally understand that statement, though, it is when I write that I feel God's pleasure. That takes practice, too.
1 Corinthians 9:24 says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"
Let's win this thing.
Goodnight, Runners.
In April of 2018, I was challenged to start running, exercising—something I really never wanted to do. And, since some of you have joined the blog after that time, I thought I'd provide an update.
My running hasn't stopped, but it has changed. It has moved indoors due to time constraints, weather, and my own desire to be consistent and keep a schedule. I do small amounts of strength exercise every morning and every night. And, I love it. It's not the actual act of running or exercise that I love, though I have come to enjoy that, too. I love what it does for me and to me. I love how it makes my body, spirit, and mind feel. To date, I have lost 14 pounds, and feel better than ever.
The running led me to change my eating habits. I haven't had a Diet Coke in over a year, and I no longer eat cookies for breakfast. They have been replaced by oatmeal, raspberries, yogurt with honey, and lots of veggies at lunchtime.
My motivation for doing it has changed, too. I no longer do it to get in shape physically or mentally. Those are just bonuses. I do it because I believe it pleases the Master. This change in motivation has led me to get up even earlier in the morning to read the Holy Bible. He calls to me, speaks to me there, and in the evening before bedtime I read His Word, as well.
He often reveals Himself to us in the oddest of places, doesn't He?
Running has taught me a lot about God and about myself. It would be easy to give up and quit if I was only doing this to lose weight or reach some other goal once it was attained. But, with God as the motivator, it's different. He takes one small act of practicing holiness and He shows us so much more that needs to change in our lives if we are to become like Him. And, while I'll never fully attain that here on earth, I am drawn deeper into relationship with Him as I pursue Him, seek Him; comforted always by His love, goodness and grace when I fall.
Scripture says in Leviticus 20:8, "Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy."
There is a finish line in this race called life, and you and I are not far from it. It is going to take practice and effort if we are to finish well. It is a pleasurable practice.
Eric Liddle, in Chariots of Fire said, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure." Maybe, just maybe, I finally understand that statement, though, it is when I write that I feel God's pleasure. That takes practice, too.
1 Corinthians 9:24 says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"
Let's win this thing.
Goodnight, Runners.
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