PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Do you do your own thing or do you listen to God?
The simple truth is that you are in control of your own life. Sometimes it can be difficult for our minds to understand that God created us to be in control --- of giving him control, and yet we are still in control. How do you exercise your own power and authority each day?
Physical fitness offers a good window for you to view your attitudes about “control”. What do you eat? How do you exercise? When do you rest? Do you have a grasp of your needs, wants and expectations? Do you need to lose weight? Do you want to feel better? Do you expect a little more than you did yesterday?
I find it helpful to read how others live life. I found one such snapshot in the Bible recently. This man, Amaziah (his name means “the strength of the Lord”) was a king. Like most kings (including you – since you are the king of your own world) he had plans of what he wanted to do and how he thought he could make the world a better place. He wanted to fight a war and figured buying some extra muscle would be a smart investment. Except some “man of God” said, “These men must not march with you. If they do, you’ll lose!” Amaziah, a little perturbed asked, "Yeah, ok…but what about all this money I just spent for these troops?"
The man of God replied, "The LORD can give you much more than that."
He listened, sent the purchased troops home and achieved greater success than he could have imagined. It is a nice story about obedience and yielding control. But it is even a nicer story about the God of MORE. The Bible is loaded with examples of how God is not just an OK God, He has the power to make our lives immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
So where is your life going? Do you want to kick it up a notch and take it to the next level? If so, it is time for you to “be in control”! If that sounds a little too aggressive for you then you need to realize that you are either moving forward or you are dying. There is no staying put. Yep, that is another one of those Godly truths.
I’m excited to see how many individuals around us are aggressively living a life infused with God’s mindset of MORE. I talk with health care professionals that envision the potential of churches led by fit pastors. I hear from personal trainers about individuals overcoming tremendous odds through physical AND spiritual training. I’m working with churches that refuse to piss away opportunity by settling for a dribble of ministry.
To kick it up a notch and take it to the next level you first have to find the next level. That only happens when you seek God. Getting wise counsel is a good way to seek God. Then to reach that next notch you have to kick. You have to rise high and with a swift movement – strike. You have to be strong in the God of MORE and in the power of his might.
Train strong,
-Brad Bloom
