I don't know if you've noticed but this sermon series has had a strong undertone in the benefits and love of exercise. The 3 amazing speakers we've had the chance to hear so far all have a natural athletic lean. I, however, cannot join their ranks. I am not athletic or coordinated for that matter. My thoughts on exercise can be summed up by this funny quote I read online, "I don't run. And if you ever see me run you should start running too. Because something is probably chasing me."

Exercise and a healthy life style are something that I have to be conscious to work into my life. So this week, I don't draw on my enjoyment of exercise, but on my recognition that I see value in a healthy life and would rather live with my eye on that than a life of excess.

This is exactly what it takes to stay godly and in spiritual shape for the long haul. In each of us is a hunger and desire for God, but at war with that is our sinful nature. To stay godly, to finish well, you need to be aware and be constantly on guard against this.

Galatians 5:17 (NLT) "The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions."

Do you have checks in your life to gauge where you are at spiritually? I look forward to seeing you on Sunday where we will consider together what it takes to stay godly and in spiritual shape for the long haul.

Erin