The process of physical fitness is one of God’s many pictures of spiritual growth.  For example, we know that pushing through pain is a necessary part of getting physically stronger, losing weight, building endurance, etc.  And if we try to avoid any physical pain, we might “grow” physically, but it won’t be the kind of growth we’re seeking.

I pray that these music videos and related Scriptures will be helpful to you in taking up your cross and following Jesus by faith in Him today.

“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For He wounds, but He binds up; He shatters, but His hands heal.” (Job 5:17‭-‬18)

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” (2 Corinthians 4:7‭-‬11)

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.  “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities!  All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:1‭-‬3)

When (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:36‭-‬38)

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:27‭-‬28)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
(Revelation 21:1‭-‬4)

God’s Word is filled with similar images of physical fitness that communicate spiritual principles of fitness: running the good race, boxing the air, eating well, resting, etc.

Through another weekly series, “W.A.I.T. Training” in “Workout Wednesdays”, I will outline specific practical ways that you can use physical exercise to strengthen your spirit and your relationships in the Body of Christ. The program introduced below addresses 24 physical pictures of spiritual principles through a variety of supports:  training videos, devotional thoughts, Christian music videos, 8×10 color posters, free t-shirt designs, and more can be used for your personal devotions or small group Bible studies.

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