Day 5 (Monday)

Day 5 (Monday)

Day 5 Lesson:

What have I learned today?... Well this week, as I’ve been skiing with my youth group, my good friend, the Rev. Dr. Rusty Freeman has been relating the levels of the ski terrain to the Christian walk. I usually tend to think metaphorically and can usually see the metaphor’s relation before its explanation. Still, the messages have been filled with truth, grace, and power. The gospel tends to be a story that no matter how many times it’s told, its power, grace, love, truth, and good news never lose effect. It’s funny how Rusty’s lessons directly relate to this blog. He speaks of physical limitations and how they relate to the spiritual walk. Cool, huh? I think it’s amazing that my spiritual walk and ski abilities are almost identical. I can ski the entire mountain…yes, Double Diamonds-Experts Only!!!  Although, some of those runs scare the @#%@#$ out of me (no, that’s not a bad word). I can do it all. I’m strong enough and have the experience to do things that boggle others’ minds. I’m not trying to brag here, just stating the things I am capable of in Christ. My father taught me to ski since childhood. Likewise, my Heavenly Father has taught me what I know. (Brief explanation: green=easy, blue=intermediate, black=hard, double black=expert only.) Green bores me at this point, but I love to see new skiers/believers on the slopes giving it a shot. Blues are comfortable and can get boring after a while. Blues are where newer skiers/believers begin to push their limits and build their expertise. Black is where I feel at home. Black is pretty tough. Black pushes me. Black tells me that I’m accomplishing something. I’m pursuing excellence. I’m getting stronger. I’m stepping up to my calling. Sure, Double Blacks are runs to be conquered when the occasion arises. Blacks and Double Blacks require commitment! They require something above the norm. This is where I belong. The truth is that if I am capable of it, then I will do it. “With God all things are possible,” right? Well God doesn’t equip us to sit in the warming house! Get out there. Conquer the mountain! Advance the kingdom of the Lord!

Day 5 Spiritual Health: Scriptures read: John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-12

Day 5 Physical Health: Push yourself. Commit. Do what you are capable of, regardless of whether or not it fits your schedule and your requirements. Do what God calls you to do. Increase your strength (faith), your stamina (perseverance), and your health.