Do you have a god?

I started working out at a gym over 9 years ago. Almost 8 years ago I heard the Lord say
”The gym is your god”

I had replaced seeking 1st His Kingdom with counting macros and making the perfect breakfast and preparing pre-workout drinks and protein shakes and having coordinated workout apparel for the gym before I even got to the gym itself.

I told myself I’d read the Bible later. I didn’t. I got busy.

More food prep, macro logging, stretching for the next day and basic every day life just got in the way.

When I heard the Holy Spirit say that the gym is my god,I didn’t argue. I repented and changed my priorities.

I literally started to seek 1st His Kingdom during the 1st part of my day again. Meaning wake up, grab a cup of coffee and my Bible, my worship music and just listen for His voice. 

I am forever grateful I made that choice when I did, because after I got rooted and grounded once again is when tragedy struck.

I would’ve not had the supernatural strength to get through my son’s senseless murder, had I not chosen to stand on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ. 

Now,even though I don’t have to be at work until later in the morning, I get up early and make that time with Jesus happen. It’s like an appointment that I would have scheduled in my calendar. 

I still go to the gym, even before I go to work. Going to the gym isn’t sinning, but my prioritizing the gym over God was.

If we are Christian’s, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, they were given to us by God. We are not our own. We were bought with a price, therefore we should honor our bodies and our spirits which belong to God.
( 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

That’s not a suggestion, it’s a command.

We need to take care of ourselves.

There is work to do for the Kingdom of God and we can’t do it as effectively if we’re not healthy in every area, Spirit, Soul and Body.

Anything, whether its work or working out, or any extra curricular activity or hobby we exalt over God, time spent with Him in His Word and prayer and worship is an idol, whether we want to admit it or not.

On a sidenote, if you’re only going to church or watching church online once a week and that’s when you try to connect with the Lord, that’s like eating once a week and thinking you’re gonna be satisfied. You’re not.  Give us this day our daily bread, not weekly. (Matthew 6:11)

There are so many promises in the Word of God about getting older and still having the strength to do what God called you to do.

I started writing this last night, May 15th, but this morning May 16th I opened up to the Psalms, and Psalm 71 verse 17 and 18 says
“ O God, thou has taught me from my youth:and hitherto have I declared thy wonderous works. Now, also, when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come.”

It just jumped off the page right into my heart because I know that is exactly what He is preparing me for in old age. I guess thats why i didn’t post last night. God’s timing is always perfect.

I share this part of my story because it is important. It just happened so subtly until one day my priorities were all backwards.

I will say that because my priorities got back on the right track,I am stronger both spiritually and physically than I have ever been in my 20’s , 30’s or 40’s.

Yes, getting up early is a discipline, but I guarantee you when you take time to make time with God and get to know Him, He honors you in special ways, His grace and favor rest on and you see His hand in every single part of your life.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added onto you. 

(descriptions in comments under pics for timeline reference.)

This was almost one year ago. My partner and I were 50 going on 51 years old. Our team name was Lordy Lordy way past 40! 😅The only reason I made it through that last workout was prayer, a great partner, and strength straight from the Lord!