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Catch the Wind

Jul 14, 2019 | Andy Horvath

Train to Sail

Parallels Between Physical Exercise

and Spiritual Exercise

 

Gal 5:23, 2 Pet 1:5-8, Titus 1:8, 2 Tim 1:7, 1 Cor 9:24-27

 

  1. This is the realm of activity and effort; you don’t coast into physical or spiritual health.
  2. The more out of shape you are, the longer it takes to get in shape.
  3. You need to know your starting condition.
  4. Most of us have no real clue how out of shape we are; self-awareness is hard, and we often think we’re healthier than we actually are.
  5. It often requires a crisis for us to notice our condition and to be motivated to do something about it.
  6. While you need to get started, it only matters if you continue what you’ve started.
  7. Exercising is more of a process than an event. We tend to overestimate what a particular event will do, and underestimate what a process will accomplish.
  8. It is a process that must morph first into habits and patterns, and then into a lifestyle with longevity and staying power.
  9. It takes more time than you realize (but it is worth every minute and hour). There is no shortcut to the good things in life.
  10. You make good progress in the earlier stages and at certain times throughout the journey, then you fall into ruts and perhaps even regress.
  11. You make more significant gains early and then the progress begins to taper off.
  12. Results- sometimes you see them and sometimes you don’t.
  13. Over time you must build your personal, preferred pattern of exercises and routines.
  14. You want to find a balanced and whole pattern of exercises and routines.
  15. Know your body and what works for you. Learn from others but make adjustments as needed.
  16. Recognize the importance of variety and change. Avoid the boredom of over-familiarity.
  17. Trainers make a big difference and can help in ways you don’t imagine.
  18. Having a workout partner is fun and practical.
  19. Training camps provide a level of intensity that is beneficial.
  20. Exercising is not the end, it is a goal to a greater end, that of being ‘fit for life.’

 

 

from Brian Rice, “Disciplined Spirituality”

Series Information

Wind is a powerful force that affects our lives in many ways. So is “spirit.” It is no accident that both the Hebrew and Greek words for “wind” and “spirit” are one and the same. In many ways, the key to the spiritual life that Jesus taught is learning how to “raise our sails” to catch the wind of the Spirit of Christ so that we are living by His strength and direction. This year, our summer series focuses on some of the everyday practices and “postures” that make all the difference in experiencing the reality of Christ in our lives.