Hello Advent Family,

My whole life, at least as far back as I can remember in my 49 years sports have been an important part of my life.  I love watching, participating in and coaching them.  To be at your best in a sport you need to be coachable and work hard to improve both your skill and your fitness to compete.  It is interesting that Paul talks to Timothy about the importance of training yourself in such a way for godliness.  Let’s look at his words in I Timothy 4 together today.  

If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 

Athletes that make it to the top level of their sport have put in countless hours training themselves and improving their skills at their sport.  Imagine what our lives might look like if we dedicated ourselves to that level of training in our spiritual lives.  I think about the retreats and days of solitude and prayer that I have participated in during my life.  Without fail when we focus on God and spend that level of time with Him, He does a great work in our lives.  Today look to participate in an activity that is dedicated time to train yourself for godliness.  Repeat that every day and watch and see what God does in your life!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave