When I was a young man in my twenties, I decided to take up running. I discovered that I not only loved the sport, but I was a halfway decent runner. I built up my endurance to the point that averaged about 40-50 miles of running each week. I was strikingly thin at 5′ 11″ tall and 145 pounds. I often won my age divisions at local races and occasionally won the entire race at small events around eastern Kentucky.
Well, that was then and this in now! I’m still 5′ 11″ tall, but the rest is none of your cotton-pickin’ business. Let’s just say, my waist size has increased three inches since those days. Recently, I decided that enough is enough — I’m gettin’ in shape!
When I was in shape, I would often take long training runs up to 20 miles in length. Now, it’s difficult to even jog around the block. I realize that it’s going to be a long, slow process, but I’ve got to start somewhere.
Many times, our spiritual journey is a lot like my physical journey. We fall off after a period of spiritual fitness and frankly, we know we’re not where we should be. In order to regain our fitness, we have to become more disciplined in our spiritual lives. Does that describe you? I have committed to become more fit it all areas of my life and I invite you to join me.
Will you join me in this journey? I’m writing about it here to build in some accountability.
Give me a shout-out here on the blog if you will join me to provide a level of accountability with your decision. May God bless you in your efforts. Keep pressing forward Here’s a great theme passage….
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Have you ever taken a shortcut? I live for shortcuts. I love side streets and back roads that save time and keep you moving toward the desired destination. A while back, I bought a GPS unit, in part, so I can find additional routes that can save time.
I’ve been reading the Book of Acts the last couple of days. As I read I am reminded and convicted that the book is about the “acts” of the early followers of Jesus. They did not simply say they were believers; they acted it out each day in the way they lived. Many of them made great sacrifices along the way as disciples and many of them died for the faith.
I’m about half way through 
Stephen C. Rice 