SPIRITUAL FITNESS

Walking with JESUS
Week 24

Readings: John 6, Deuteronomy 8, Isaiah 55, Psalm 34

SPIRITUAL FITNESS
Jesus said: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35

The world today is obsessed with fitness. It seems every magazine I pick up has a plethora of articles about dieting, exercise, and how to be fit, healthy, and happy. The problem is that no matter how good the health program is it just can’t keep us fit, healthy, and happy forever. This week Jesus gives us a Spiritual fitness program that promises eternal and lasting results. Come and eat….

Jesus began his Spiritual fitness program with a proper diet. Seeing hungry people, He first fed them physical bread. But He didn’t stop there. Seizing the moment, He used the opportunity to “feed” them Himself – THE bread of Life –encouraging them to eat. Then He prescribed an exercise plan – walking, through faith, in the will and obedience of His Father (John 6:29, Deuteronomy 8:6), and providing all the resources (the Spirit God - John 6:63) needed to do so. Jesus’ fitness program even came with a guarantee of permanent success. Unfortunately, many didn’t like the menu and turned away. Yet the promise remains: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:54

My friend Katie and I started Jesus’ diet and exercise program this week. Together, we feed on God’s Word each morning and then walk the rest of the day, in faith, with Jesus in our mind and in our heart. Although it’s only been one week, we can already feel the difference; not in our weight, appearance, or physical health, but in our heart, our soul and our Spiritual health. Jesus’ death and resurrection comes with the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior. Daily feeding on Jesus’ and daily exercise walking with Him in His Word will also bring blessings, peace, and joy here on earth.

What about you? How is your health? Jesus is calling you: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters, and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come; buy wine and milk without money and without cost... Isaiah 55:1-2. Jesus’ diet and exercise plan may not make you physically fit, healthy, and happy, but it guarantees that by following it, you will receive Spiritual fitness, health and happiness –by Grace, through faith in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed are those who take refuge in him. Psalm 34:8-9