The Intended Target in Training

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. – (1 Timothy 4:8, NLT)

Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. – (1 Timothy 4:8, ERV)

Although training your body has certain payoffs, godliness benefits all things – holding promise for life here and now and promise for the life that is coming. – (1 Timothy 4:8, VOICE)

 

Just as physical training provides benefit to our body, devotion to God (spiritual training), benefits our mind and spirit. Though both types of training have value, the latter lasts forever. What we know and how we grow, impact our eternity. Training our body can help us be our best self, so that we are physically equipped to do all that the Lord asks of us. However, if we do not train our heart and mind to be in tune with Christ, how will we know and recognize His voice in our lives? May we ever pursue the path of righteousness, for it holds promise in the Lord both for now and forever more.

 

Training has purpose, 

In all that we do;

For what we practice,

Leads to what’s pursued.

If we train for good,

Seek align with God;

We’re aptly prepared,

Despite how we’re flawed.

We’ll learn how to walk,

In His righteousness;

Allow God to reign,

By His faithfulness.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we pursue Your path prepared for us, You meet us, lead us and bless us both now and for all time. Thank You that You are faithful to all who seek You. Forgive us for our inconsistency in training in our pursuit of You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would make time to fix our eyes, hearts and minds on You. Show us how to love those around us well, as we grow in our likeness to You through continued pursuit of Your path and purpose for our lives. Be glorified O God, as we train our hearts, minds and entire beings to become who You intended us to be. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. – Proverbs 21:21

 

 

A Praying Parent

Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. – (Jeremiah 29:12, NIV)

When you call on Me and come and pray to Me, I will listen to you. – (Jeremiah 29:12, CEB)

When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I’ll listen. – (Jeremiah 29:12, MSG)

 

There is power when a parent prays. Both my Viking and I are evidence of faithful mothers who have prayed without ceasing. Though they had to watch and pray as we each navigated our own heartaches along the way, there has been much joy found in the faithful answers to prayers long heard, and at last with answer, in His perfect timing. Their example to us has set and established a pattern for us to follow in our own lives, both as parents and human beings. May we ever call on the Lord and pray to Him, for He hears and listens to all who call on His Name.

 

As we call on Christ,

Photos by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography<3

He’s faithful to hear;

Always He listens,

Ever He is near.

There is such power,

When parents choose pray;

Dreams for their children,

Come to pass one day.

His peace and His grace,

Protection and more;

Through praying parents,

Who love and adore.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of parents who pray. Thank You that You heard the prayers of our wonderful moms, and blessed us all in the process. Forgive us for our inconsistency in praying about all that lies before us. Teach us to come to You for all things at all times, as You are our Provider and our peace. Show us how to love those around us in the same way that our moms have loved us so well – with grace, mercy, and unconditional love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and pray to You, trusting that You hear our every word. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth (Moreno) Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. – Psalm 57:10