I took physical training seriously while in high school. Nautilus had just opened up a gym off Midway Road. They were the new, cool thing in weightlifting and offered our high school discounted rates.

Their uniqueness was to offer weights on a chain that offered constant resistance. They had a cam in the shape of a nautilus (thus the name) which kept up the resistance. On the one hand, it did not create as much bulk as powerlifting. On the other hand, athletes could strengthen specific muscle groups. Perhaps the best feature was the ability to develop strength through an entire range of motion.

We went to the gym on our own. However, three times a week, we rode the school bus to the gym for workouts as a team.

Healthy competition ensued by trying to outdo our teammates. Notable sarcasm, jeers, and even boisterous cheering went on while anyone was on a machine. When we were waiting for the next machine, the trainers had us doing pushups to keep us from resting. The intensity promoted camaraderie on the team, fluidity of muscle, and above all, strength. We wanted to be ready for our next go-round as the boys of fall.

We at Conroe Bible Church want to be ready for all that Jesus calls us to do. We are choosing to use this time of Lent as a season for spiritual renewal. Specifically, we want to reorder our lives to recapture our love for Jesus as we prepare to celebrate His resurrection.

How is that possible?

We are using this season as a time of self-examination, reflection, and spiritual discipline. We are seeking to build spiritual muscle through abstinence* and engagement*. We want to be transformed into Christlikeness so that we become the kind of people who easily and routinely keep all of Jesus’ commands. Paul exhorted Timothy to take his spiritual training seriously.

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.
1 Timothy 4:7

We are immersed in a culture of lies, deceit, and opposition to Christ. It is no wonder. God’s Word tells us this world system is orchestrated by Satan. Instead of building up strength through constant resistance, this world weakens our faith.

We can trust God’s truth alone to lead us to godliness. There is no other source.

Welcome to the “No Sarcasm Zone.” Join us in training for godliness. I invite you to build camaraderie in the community of believers as we train together. May Jesus build your spiritual muscle so that you reflect His image to the world on a daily basis.

Love and blessings,
Dave

Reorder Your Life with specific activities:
*abstinence = choose one item or activity in your life from which you can fast in order to spend more time with God. If it is from food, spend one meal a week (or a day) spending more time in prayer. If it is social media, spend some of that time in prayer and reading God’s Word.
*engagement = being intentional to spend time with God through reading the Bible or studying it or meditating on it. You might spend more time in prayer. Or in serving others out of love.