Exercises for a Disciple of the LORD JESUS CHRIST

Exercises for a Disciple of the LORD JESUS CHRIST

DISCIPLINE 

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. 

Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, 

lest, when I have preached to others, 

I myself should become disqualified. 

1 Timothy 4:7-8

But reject profane and old wives' fables, 

and exercise yourself toward godliness.

For bodily exercise profits a little, 

but godliness is profitable for all things, 

having promise of the life that now is 

and of that which is to come. 

In our Christian walk, it is important that we are disciplined as disciples of our LORD JESUS. We must be disciplined in regards to our food, rest and exercise, that we may be healthy physically to serve the LORD. Yet, according to the above Scripture, this profits only a little! Our spiritual exercises towards godliness are profitable for all things - spirit, soul and body, now and for eternity!

Your physical body is temporal, but your soul is eternal. Therefore, each morning, be mindful of your spiritual exercises. Your soul is your mind, involving your will, emotions and intellect. 

 Your soul needs to be disciplined and trained to be subject to the Holy Spirit and your body to be subject to yourself.  Spiritual exercises help you to take a hold of your thoughts and bring them in alignment to the Scriptures and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Don't let your selfish or carnal nature rule your life. Live by a disciplined spiritual mindset.

Following are some suggestions of such exercises.

EXERCISE PROGRAM 

 2 Timothy 3:14-17 

But you must continue in the things 

which you have learned and been assured of, 

knowing from whom you have learned them,
and that from childhood 

you have known the Holy Scriptures, 

which are able to make you wise for salvation 

through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, 

for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, 

thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The exercise program is the word of GOD that has clear instructions for your spiritual wellbeing. So you must diligently read and study the Bible, asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand GOD's instructions.

Then you must be disciplined to obey those instructions and the Spirit of GOD Who is in you, will help you.

You will be able in due course, to notice changes in your spiritual life, like your physical strength and movements following physical exercises. Your desires and values will change and it will be easier for you to resist temptations and to obey the LORD. Others will also see the glorious changes in your life!

FITNESS MODELS AND TRAINERS 

Hebrews 12:1-2

 Therefore we also, 

since we are surrounded 

by so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight, 

and the sin which so easily ensnares us, 

and let us run with endurance 

the race that is set before us,

looking unto Jesus, 

the author and finisher of our faith, 

who for the joy that was set before Him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, and has sat down 

at the right hand of the throne of God.

The physical trainers set the example of strong muscles and healthy bodies for those who are being trained, to become like them. 

The LORD JESUS is our best fitness model Who came to this earth from Heaven to show us how to live a victorious life.

Hebrews chapter 11 lists the names of people like us, who lived by and through faith, and finished well. They are our models whose lives encourage us to follow through in faith.

BODY MASSAGES  AND THE MESSAGE!

Luke 9:23-24

 Then He said to them all, 

"If anyone desires to come after Me, 

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, 

but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 

Matthew 11:28-30

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, 

for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." 

You cannot exercise effectively, when your muscles are stressed and strained or in spasms. 

Muscle stress is usually caused by emotional and mental stress. Our selfish fallen nature, being influenced by the ungodly ways of the world, is pushed and pressurized into living a life of stress. We plan things that are not in GOD's will for us and run around in circles, getting frustrated and tired. Our minds are preoccupied with the things of the world that don't satisfy.

Muscle tightness can also be caused by unhealthy postures. Our necks and backs are held in unhealthy postures over long periods as we work on screens of mobiles, tablets and computers.

Therefore we depend on massages that manually force the muscles to stretch and relax which give temporary relief. 

The good news of the Gospel message brings rest to your soul and causes your whole body and muscles to relax! Our LORD bore the cruel cross of sin and shame to take our punishment on Himself. Now He asks us to take up our cross of self denial to follow Him. Although this might sound harsh, this very truth is what spells freedom from our selfish nature. The unnecessary burdens that our selfish nature picks up from the systems of the world are laid down when we take up our cross to follow JESUS!

Then we take on His yoke. We are yoked with Him to be involved in doing His Business, the work of His Kingdom. This is easy and light because we are individually made for this. The yoke my Creator and Master has planned for me, fits me well, besides, I don't bear it alone. JESUS bears it with me, the Holy Spirit helping me. This life is fulfilling and fruitful for eternity! The Holy Spirit also guides and strengthens me to maintain healthy postures.

This life gives rest to my soul, resultantly relaxing my muscles. This message, when accepted and obeyed, is better than the most effective body massage!

STRETCHES

Psalm 63:1-8

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; 

My soul thirsts for You; 

My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land 

Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, 

To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, 

My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live; 

I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, 

And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, 

I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help, 

Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You; 

Your right hand upholds me. 

Praising GOD and worshiping Him is like doing your stretches! 

Let your soul stretch out to GOD first thing in the morning. Acknowledge that GOD is great and He is love and that He is on the throne.

Lift up your hands to Him as high as you can, looking up to Him. Open your mouth to praise Him, sing to Him and thank Him for the very breath He has given you and for every blessing that comes from Him. 

Psalm 95:1-7

 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! 

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; 

Let us shout joyfully to Him with Psalms.
For the LORD is the great God, 

And the great King above all gods.
In His hand are the deep places of the earth; 

The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it; 

And His hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; 

Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, 

And the sheep of His hand. 

Today, if you will hear His voice: 

Let us kneel before the Almighty GOD and bow before Him. Let us surrender our lives to Him in worship. Let us yield our will to His purposes and plans. Let us yield our relationships, positions and possessions to Him and entrust our spirit, soul and body to our Creator and LORD.

You will not suffer stiff neck if you are willing to turn and follow the LORD whichever way He leads you! Remember this, as you stretch your neck muscles with Head rotation on towel!

Remember to praise Him and closely follow His leading throughout the day.

 FITNESS EXERCISES

Luke 9:23 

Then He said to them all, 

"If anyone desires to come after Me, 

let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross daily, 

and follow Me. 

Carrying your cross is laying down your life for the sake of CHRIST. We must surrender and yield our desires and plans to Him. We should let go anything He requires of us and seek to please JESUS in every aspect of our lives. This is the first and foremost daily exercise for a follower of the LORD JESUS because it is the beginning of a new journey! 

Since it does not come naturally, it needs discipline and determination, effort and practice. Our fallen nature is self centered and selfish. Every morning we must decide to say no to 'self' and yield ourselves to give of our time and energy to glorify the LORD and bless others. When we yield to the Holy Spirit each day, He strengthens us to do His will and to live the victorious life He has planned for us.

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death, 

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 

Although it sounds negative and difficult, this life is liberating, brings fulfilment and joy and is eternally profitable! It is a shift from being ruled by a carnal mind to a spiritual mind.

 

1 Peter 5:6

Therefore humble yourselves 

under the mighty hand of God, 

that He may exalt you in due time, 

Like doing Lunges and Squats, we must strengthen our humility muscles all the time! The fallen 'self' tends to say "I will ascend". Therefore we need to be purposeful to humble ourselves before GOD and in relating to people.

 EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN JOINTS 

Hebrews 12:12-17

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, 

and the feeble knees,

and make straight paths for your feet, 

so that what is lame may not be dislocated, 

but rather be healed.

Joints speak of relationships in the Body of CHRIST. Whatever relationships have been broken or strained, work on correcting and strengthening them in JESUS with His unconditional love. Don't cut people off in anger because of offences.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, 

without which no one will see the Lord:

You cannot become like your model in holiness, unless you pursue correcting and establishing every relationship in the love of CHRIST. Learn to overcome offences by becoming selfless like JESUS. 

looking carefully 

lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; 

Even if you have faltered, you can get back on course and keep going!

Receive the grace offered to you to repent and also freely release that grace to those who cause offence.

lest any root of bitterness springing up 

cause trouble, 

and by this many become defiled;

Work on strengthening the muscles around your weak joints. If not, it can affect other muscles and other joints as well. 

The commandment is LOVE! Even if you think you love someone, progress to love him or her more! We always owe others more of the love which we receive from GOD. Let us wait on the LORD to receive more of His love. Let us progress in our lives to loving others fervently with GOD's pure love so that we might become like our Savior!

lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, 

who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

For you know that afterward, 

when he wanted to inherit the blessing, 

he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, 

though he sought it diligently with tears. 

Don't let selfishness, self centeredness, self pity, self indulgence or fear of shame spoil your spiritual blessing. Repent quickly before it is too late!

BODY-BUILDING EXERCISES 

Jude 1:20-23

But you, beloved,

 building yourselves up 

on your most holy faith, 

praying in the Holy Spirit,

Body building depicts faith building for the Christian, which is essential. GOD puts us through difficult situations and we must respond with 'plank', which is worship and absolute trust in His goodness. It is GOD's word in us that will enable us to overcome such tests victoriously! 

WORK EXERCISES

keep yourselves in the love of God, 

looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ 

unto eternal life.

We keep ourselves in the love of GOD by receiving His love humbly and loving others freely. We must train our mind to look to the needs of others and reach out to them with GOD's unconditional love.

And on some have compassion, 

making a distinction;

but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, 

hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Matthew 6:31-34 

Therefore do not worry, saying, 

'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' 

or 'What shall we wear?'
For after all these things the Gentiles seek. 

For your heavenly Father 

knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God 

and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will worry about its own things. 

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 

Spiritual exercise is not self motivated. It is towards keeping ourselves healthy to glorify GOD and to bring blessing to others. 

Our work in GOD's Kingdom is for the souls of people, to see them set free from the kingdom of darkness to become followers of JESUS so that they may inherit eternal life. Towards this, we exercise our minds to correct our motives. Our work not only gives us purpose and  fulfilment but also the promise of provision and eternal reward.

We reach others with love and with wisdom through prayer, intercession and acting in obedience to the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 12:6 

Since we have gifts that differ 

according to the grace given to us, 

each of us is to exercise them accordingly: 

if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 

Hebrews 5:14

But solid food is for the mature, 

who because of practice have their senses trained 

to discern good and evil. 

We have also been equipped by GOD through the Holy Spirit, with spiritual supernatural gifts of wisdom and power to bring encouragement, guidance and healing to others. We must exercise these 'muscles' that equip us for GOD's work, by diligent training and practice in being sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit and use them accurately to edify the Body of CHRIST.

RESISTANCE BANDS 

Romans 7:22-23

 For I delight in the law of God 

according to the inward man.
But I see another law in my members, 

warring against the law of my mind, 

and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin 

which is in my members. 

Many systems in our body have opposing forces to keep the body balanced. For example, the flexor muscles oppose the extensor muscles and vice versa. While my renewed nature desires to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, the fallen nature of my flesh resists it.

The Holy Spirit is gently and He is quenched when I decide to follow the leading of my carnal mind and He is grieved when I hold unforgiveness and anger against others.

Romans 8:1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation 

to those who are in Christ Jesus, 

who do not walk according to the flesh, 

but according to the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus 

has made me free from the law of sin and death. 

All of us have resistance bands of various strengths built into our system! This is our sinful selfish nature that resists the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives! 

The weakness of the self and flesh also cause us to sin by falling prey to the temptations of the world and the devil.

We need to receive and live in the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the flesh. This we do by constantly communing with the Holy Spirit Who is in us, praising Him, singing and praying in the Spirit and by obeying His promptings. 

Hebrews 12:3-4

For consider Him who endured such hostility 

from sinners against Himself, 

lest you become weary 

and discouraged in your souls.
You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, 

striving against sin. 

Our LORD was tempted by the devil to give in to the flesh. He resisted the devil and overcame temptations. 

JESUS set the example of loving His enemies and not resisting them. He addressed Judas "Friend" when he betrayed Him with a kiss. JESUS prayed forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Thus He overcame betrayal, anger and cruelty with love. He did not sin.

1 Peter 5:8-10

 Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil 

walks about like a roaring lion, 

seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, 

knowing that the same sufferings are experienced 

by your brotherhood in the world.
But may the God of all grace, 

who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, 

after you have suffered a while, 

perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 

We must steadfastly resist the devil who will tempt us to react to an evil person with evil, causing us to fall into sin.

Matthew 5:38-39

"You have heard that it was said, '

An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. 

But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, 

turn the other to him also. 

Romans 12:21

 Do not be overcome by evil, 

but overcome evil with good. 

Let us persevere and press on to display the characteristics of the love of CHRIST even in the midst of opposition and persecution by evil men. 

1 John 2:28-29

And now, little children, abide in Him, 

that when He appears, we may have confidence 

and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
If you know that He is righteous, you know 

that everyone who practices righteousness 

is born of Him. 

James 1:12

 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; 

for when he has been approved, 

he will receive the crown of life 

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

Philippians 3:13-14

 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; 

but one thing I do, 

forgetting those things which are behind 

and reaching forward 

to those things which are ahead,
I press toward the goal for the prize 

of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

We will see the LORD JESUS very soon! Let us practice to endure temptation and press on to live a godly life so that we may not be ashamed before Him but receive His reward!

Romans 8:11

 But if the Spirit of Him 

who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, 

He who raised Christ from the dead 

will also give life to your mortal bodies 

through His Spirit who dwells in you. 

Let us practice and strengthen our extensors so that we may stand firm and resist the temptation of the devil to react in the flesh to any situation. Let us also strengthen our flexors so that we may speak out, reach out and step out in obedience to the Holy Spirit!

GOD the Father is the exercise Director. He sent His only Son JESUS, Who was the Word made flesh. He demonstrated the right way to spiritually exercise. Now we have the Holy Spirit with us and in us as instructor, trainer and helper, so that we may be found fit at the appearing of our LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Jude 1:24-25

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, 

And to present you faultless 

Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, 

Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, 

Both now and forever. Amen. 

GOD BLESS YOU!