2/9
((from Bri))

I serve on staff at a growing church in Florida. We are seeing God move and bless our ministries in so many ways and we are forced to ask ourselves a question:

Can we be trusted with what God is giving us?

This question begs us to learn the importance of stewardship.

I heard a pastor say recently that in 2018 the Church, the Body of Christ, wouldn’t struggle with lack but we’d struggle to make sure we gave God glory for the blessings we received… there’s that stewardship thing again.  I’ve been forced to ask myself, “Can God trust me?”

As much as I would love for the answer to that question to be “yes”, I heard Him whisper “I want to” in my prayer time recently. God is so gracious – so He didn’t just say ‘no’, He used a phrase that would get my attention and lovingly stir me to action. I love how He corrects.

As I searched my heart, I realized that the Lord was challenging me about the health of my body. I have no shortage of opportunity or responsibility in this season of my life – I am truly living my dream. But am I stewarding my body to keep up with it all?

I’ve used every excuse in the book : anxiety, depression, busyness, lack of time, laziness, other people. I got to a point where I realized that while I was standing with hands open before God, ready to receive all that He had for me – I had to address myself and take responsibility for my actions.

Hebrews 12:11 says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”  I can’t think of a better verse to describe the process of disciplining your body. It. is. painful. However, I can’t ignore the passages in Scripture, especially Proverbs, that reminds us that wise folks love correction and discipline. They feast on it because they know it will make them better. I love preaching that, but I’m not sure I always love living that.

2 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Convicting. Challenging. Even inspiring. My body is temple for Holy Spirit. It doesn’t belong to me. It was bought at a price.

How I treat my body is my love song back to Jesus. I know that sounds cheesy but that helps me. The discipline of my body is my “Thank You” to Jesus. My way of showing Him that I am making room for all that He wants to pour out.

As of today, I am seven days into my challenge to discipline my body. Here’s what I’m doing:

• • Waking up at 5am : I use this time to clear my head and get ready for the day ahead.
  • Five Minute Journal : Great way to bookend your day.
  • Headspace App + YouVersion Bible App, I use them together to meditate on Scripture.
  • Fitness Pal : Great way to track my macros and what I’m eating.
  • LA Fitness : It’s less than 5 minutes from my house and I have a love/hate relationship with the stair master.
  • Foam Rolling : Game changer for flexibility and muscle soreness.
  • Water : At least one gallon each day.
  • Accountability : Good friends will keep you in check!

Hopers, how can we encourage each other?
As you read my personal thoughts + journey – did anything come to mind that I am missing? How do you discipline your body?
The Lord has good for us and disciplining our bodies is worthwhile praise back to Him!