Pastor's Message, February 2009

It is 7:10 am and I am starting my third trip around the inside of the Mall of America and feeling good. There is a kind of euphoria that takes over as my body responds to the exercise. It is an excellent time to work out any tensions that I have and to meditate as I go. It is a good exercise for both my body and my spirit.

As we move toward the season of Lent I want to lift up this idea. There is a great gain in exercise. Certainly it is good for our body and our mind, and it is especially good for our spiritual growth.

This is what the Apostle Paul had to say to young Timothy who was being mentored in his faith. “Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Growing strong in our faith has a double benefit. We have strength to live now, to face what comes to us in this life, and we have a future when God calls us home.

And here is something that I have learned about exercise. The most benefit comes not from how long I do something, but from how consistent I am. Therefore I encourage you, as I encourage myself, to be consistent in exercising your spiritual growth. Every day, every week find a way to walk with the Lord in your devotions, your prayers and in your worship.

I have chosen the Lenten theme “Growing Stronger in the Lord.” Come, and we will walk with Jesus to the cross growing stronger in faith for today and for tomorrow.

Blessings on your journey…..

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