"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11) "Train yourself to be godly.  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 4:7b,8).

Brooksyne and I are diligently trying to get into better physical shape.  It's something we are always working at but with varying degrees of diligence and success!  We are walking daily throughout the beautiful countryside and really trying to be careful in our diet. Brooksyne also attends a special exercise program for women several times a week.

The daily Scripture portion says, "physical training is of some value."  Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit and we believe that properly taking care of our physical nature is a means of glorifying God.


But comparatively speaking physical training is of little value in relation to spiritual training.  "Godliness has value for all things."  Godliness impacts every area of our personal life, our family, our church, our work and our society at large.  And this godliness holds "promise for both the present life and the life to come." 


That's why we need to "train ourselves to be godly."  Surely the apostle Paul is speaking here of the spiritual development and disciplines we volitionally participate in that contribute to a growth in godliness such as Bible reading and study, Scripture memorization, prayer and praise, church participation and service.

"Train" translates the Greek word (gumnaze) from which we get the English word "gym". It is in the present, active, imperative, which indicates a present, ongoing action we participate in and is strongly enjoined upon us.

A study resource book I use has a powerful thought on this point: "It is not the self-centered ascetic struggle of the individual for his own moral and religious perfection, but the training necessary for the unhindered pursuit of God's purposes.  This exercise was a vigorous development and application of all Paul's strength and ability that he might bring glory to God with every thought and action." *

Today we encourage you to "train yourself to be godly!"  A foundational component of this training is the implementation of God's Word to our hearts so that it is carried out in our actions.  Remember, in regard to the pursuit of godliness we are always in training!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Lord, help me today to be aware of the importance of training for godliness and faithfully practice those disciplines that will make me strong in You.  Amen.

* Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament

---

Scripture memory verses from each book of the Bible: Here is a pdf file of the suggested Scripture verses to memorize from each book of the Bible.  This should open fine on most computers and be suitable for printing out, copying and distributing if desired.  Open here


A Personal Testimony: We were both blessed as we prepared these verses for this article and personally reminded of the power of committing God's Word to memory. Over twenty years ago we shared these verses in the church we pastored in northern PA and participated in the memorization as well.  We had practically forgotten all about it, but when we looked up the verses based upon the references that our friend Linda had sent us we were both encouraged at how many came back and we could finish the verse after seeing the reference or first several words.

---

---

Today's main photo was taken this last summer during our family reunion in Branson. I actually had another photo up to illustrate physical training but Brooksyne felt it might be slightly inappropriate. I suppose no one will feel that way about our physical training photo!

---

"Word Of God Speak"  (Audio)  

"Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet" (Audio)

"Be Strong And Take Courage"  (Audio)