Boot Camp

I can relate to something one of my daughters said.

I wish the things I love would be healthy for me.
Some people like to run…some like to bike.
I like to read a book!

Funny thing is, she does exercise!
She belongs to a gym.
She is very active.
But I know what she means!

I walk two miles every morning.
That is my prayer time…my thinking time.
Sometimes, it is simply worship time.
Time with Him…cherishing the beauty of the morning…the beauty of His creation.

I watch the squirrels gather nuts for the winter.
I watch the first hint of fall color patiently wait for its grand entrance in a few weeks.
I watch the deer…who are getting used to seeing me each morning.
They stare me down, with those dark eyes, as if to say…I was here first.
They wait until the last possible minute, and then dart away…white tails in the air.

I need my walk.
For solace…for contemplation.
I need my walk for exercise and to strengthen my back.

I have to admit, rainy days are welcome, since I don’t walk on those mornings.
I enjoy staying home and reading a book…or writing…just like my daughter said.
That quiet and stillness can be just as healthy…but in another way.

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)

We had “boot camp” at our house this summer.
My youngest daughter is interning as part of her courses in high school this year.
She took an independent gym class, in the summer, under the tutelage of her oldest sister.

My oldest daughter played lacrosse in college.
She knows the importance of discipline in physical training.
Her “boot camp” consisted of cardio work-outs and weight training.
The two of them really enjoyed the time together.
In fact, though the class was completed mid summer, they are still working out together.

What if we were as spiritually disciplined as we are physically disciplined?
Our own spiritual boot camp!
Dedication…motivation…pushing towards the goal.
Military recruit training.

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:3-5)

We are Soldiers of Christ Jesus.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 5:12)

We need training.
We need discipline.
How do we equip ourselves for battle?

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.
(2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

A battle of the mind!
Every thought captive…and make it obedient to Christ.

At least, an actual flesh and blood enemy would be visible in front of us.
But the enemy we fight is subtle…pretentious…covert.
Our enemy hates God…and therefore hates His people.
The world’s weapons will not work on this enemy!

We need the ultimate weapon.
The Sword of the Spirit…the Word of God.

The Word of God is our training manual.
We must read the instructions.
Not once and done…but over and over…until we know them like the back of our hand.

Then, we have to practice the skills we are learning.
Repetition is important.
We must listen to our Commanding Officer…and submit to His leadership.

Sometimes, we will hit a brick wall…we just can’t go on alone.
That is when the buddy system helps tremendously.
You can do it…just a little bit more…a few more steps…

The pieces of the armor of God are clearly spelled out in His Word. (Ephesians 5:10-18)
God knew we would need protection.

The soldier’s combat shield was full body size.
It was made of leather, which was wet before battle, so that the flaming arrows of the enemy would be extinguished as soon as they hit the shield.

It is important to remember that the shield was only on the front side of the soldier.
If he turned around, with his back to the enemy, he was not protected.

Same with us!
We must keep our eyes on our Commanding Officer.
We need to follow His instructions.
We must practice the buddy system…to spur each other on.
We are battle ready!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
(2 Timothy 4:7)

 

 

 

2 responses to “Boot Camp”

1. Gina, great word for me today- thank you. Ralph and I are in London for the week and I have the day to myself as Ralph is in meetings all day long. Looking forward to walking the city w the Lord and enjoying His presence. Hope to chat w you when we get home end of September. We are off to Berlin from here. Thanks for your faithfulness and encouragement in sharing with us.

   Reply

   • Diane,
     I’m delighted that you were blessed…praise HIM!
     London! How wonderful! Yes…I do want to talk…and share hearts.
     In the meantime…keep walking closely with HIM, friend!
     Gina

     Reply