“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” 2 Timothy 3:12-14

Dear Father, As I reflect on my life, I can see what happens in my own heart and life when I’m not continuing in your Word and spending time with you. My thought processes deteriorate, bitterness and frustration fills my heart, and a deep weariness overcomes my soul. I can see it and I know that when I’m not continuing in your Word and walking closely with you that I’m deteriorating, that I’m going from bad to worse. It reminds me of what happens to my fitness when I’m not exercising. You never stay static in your fitness. You either get more fit or lose fitness. I see that same thing in my faith life. Either I’m growing or I’m deteriorating. Help me, Father! Keep pouring out your Holy Spirit to strengthen me in my spiritual disciplines of devotion, meditation, and prayer. Strengthen me in my devotion to you so that I continue to grow in what I already know. Take me into the weight room of your Word and ever-more strengthen my faith in you. Spirit, I need you! I need you to come into my heart and throw out all the evil there, create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast and strong spirit within me. Father, Son and Spirit-strengthen me by your Word that I may be your faithful servant. Amen.

You never stay static in your fitness. You either atrophy or you grow stronger. The same is true in your faith. Spend time in the spiritual weight room. Time in God’s Word, in prayer and in meditation are your weights.