I'm thankful my sons got my husband's genes when it comes to athletics. If they had mine, their athletic experience would have been limited to tetherball on the 4th grade playground. I've been told I run worse than a girl. The one time I got
Thankfully you haven't stopped by my blog today to learn about sports ... hopefully I can share a lesson from sports we can learn without breaking a sweat. So, welcome if you are visiting after reading my devotion about off-season training. If you haven't read it, hop over to Proverbs 31 Ministries for a peek.
What I've learned from watching my athletic family, is what you do off-season, significantly affects in-season performance. If you want to succeed, do your personal best or pin an opponent, your training prepares you for that one moment that makes the difference.
For a Christian, reading God's Word is one of the best ways to train off season. Here are some of the benefits I've found by training in Scripture:
1) I recognize the voice of God more readily. When you read the Bible, you get to know God. You stop saying things like, "God would never ..." The only thing I'm convinced of is God would never sin. Other than that, our God is in the heavens and He does whatever He pleases. (Psalm 115:3) So when He speaks to me, I'm better equipped to know it's Him because I've heard His voice recorded for generations.
2) I've gotten answers to questions I haven't asked yet. Here's an example. One thing I learned by reading the Bible is I can know God's will. I didn't even think it was possible before I read Romans 12:2. It reads: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." That truth gave me confidence to step out in faith.
3) I've made life-changing decisions based on truth in the Bible. One huge choice I made was to honor my husband in my heart. In my flesh, I wanted no part of that. There was some sense of power I retained by harboring dishonoring thoughts. But then I put two verses together: Ephesians 5:33 which teaches a wife to respect her husband and Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:21-22, which says if you are angry, you will be judged the same as if you had murdered. I understood through those, and other scriptures, that God was looking at my heart just like He's looking at my actions. It made me do a heart-check in my marriage, and I wasn't looking too good.
Last night, my friend Wendy Blight felt compelled to write a prayer for marriages. She had no idea I would share this on my blog today. If want to pray for your marriage, and don't have the words, please visit Wendy's site for a prayer God led her to write.
Of course, I've only touched on the powerful impact of training has when a crisis hits. Training is the difference between standing firm or falling apart.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject. As I mentioned in the devotion, I'm giving away a copy of the Chronological Bible to someone at random. All you have to do is identify one truth you’ve learned from the Bible that has helped you stay strong in the tough times. If you don't have a truth to identify, the just make a comment. Please leave your email address so I can get in touch with you. Or check back on Friday when I'll post the winner.
Thanks so much for joining me today. May the Lord bless you!
In His Love,
Glynnis
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287 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 287 of 287For God did not give us a spirit of fear, BUT of Peace and of Love and a Sound mind.
During this year, I learned that God is faithful. He is always there for you, He gives you the strength and wisdom you need, and He will never fail you, no matter what His answer to your prayer may be. God knows best and sometimes He surprises you beyond your wildest dreams. God is good!
Carol in Mid-Mich
We truly do have to be in God's word every day to train and equip ourselves for the in season times and out of season times. Memorizing His word and hiding it in our hearts to me is so critical to being steadfast and strong and being able to stand up against satan, his temptations and lies and also the hard trials that can knock the wind out of us. Romans 12:2 (being transformed by renewing our mind)is a verse that comes to mind, among so many. I have found with scripture, praise, devotionals, songs/hymns, if I train, study and practice with these daily in the good times, when I have a life issue that might cause anxiety, fear or worry, my mind and heart are more quickly focused on Him than my circumstance and I have His peace and comfort.
Great devotional.
Donna
donna.wilson1@verizon.net
I've learned to follow Job's ways. When he found out all the bad news his response was "WORSHIP". He did not complain or bargain or Nag God. He just worshiped. When we do that, we encompass everything. W e give God his rightful position in our lives and thus moving His heart to come and comfort us.
YEARS AGO I WENT TO A VERY BAD DIVORCE. A FRIEND OF MINE GAVE ME A BIBLE WITH DAILY DEVOTIONS AND STRONGLY ADVISED ME TO BEGIN READING. WELL I DID. THAT WAS 14 YEARS AGO. GOD HAS BEEN WITH ME EVER SINCE. I RAISED TWO WONDERFUL GILRS, PUT MY SELF THROUGH NURSING AND ANESTHESIA SCHOOL, ALL WITH GOD'S HELP. THROUGHOUT THIS TIME MY GIRLS AND I WERE NEVER SEVERLY ILL NOR INJURED. GOD PROVIDED FOR ME AND PROTECTED US. THERE IS NO DOUBT. ALSO, GOD SENT ME THE LOVE OF MY LIFE A FEW YEARS BACK. I NOW HAVE BEEN MARRIED 5 YEARS AND HAVE ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL. YES AGAIN GOD HAS BEEN GOOD!!!!!!
Thank you so much for your Devotional and Blog today. It was exactly what I needed to hear! God bless you and your family!
Is 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Ex 14:14 "You only need to remain calm; the Lord will fight for you."
God is always in control and will never fail me, so I can feel secure in His hands.
In moments of panic I recite 1John 3:20-22 because God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things. I am a dream chaser and I know that is what God wants for me. God birth this passion into my soul and he is the author of my life. The past three years have been more challenging then anything I have experienced but I can't let go. I won't let go. I am here with tears in my soul because I know God won't let go!
I Corinthians 10:13 - You are not tempted beyond what you can bear, and when you are tempted God is faithful & just and will provide a way so you can stand up under it. - Helped me through divorce.
God is a great mighty warrior for His beloved children. He truly wants to see His children fully blessed and alive in Him and will give us countless opportunities to choose to walk in His light every day. We must actively choose His way moment by moment, pursue His heart and ours will be full and increased in Him.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1b
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4
This promise has been such guiding light in the darkest of times.
Thank you Father for your word.
Isa 53:5- But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Mat 8:17- Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sickness -----these truths has helped me stand and go through whenever I’m in a Sickle cell crisis and the pain is unbearable I remember Isa 53:5 & Mat 8:17 and I know that my healing will manifest one day! Thank you Jesus
thank you for todays devotion, it has shown me how important it is to work in the "off season". i have been struggling for the past year with many things, and there are some verses that pop in my head that i had learned years before, but my problem now is to actually believe them and to trust that God will see me through. I know he cares for me, and just reading some of the verses these other women have left as a response is inspiring! i will be writing these down as well. thank you glynnis and thank you ladies who have responded. it is nice to know that we all go through dark times, but you all have the hope and faith that i need to see. thank you for P31!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.
The one truth that keeps me going is that The Lord is Sovereign; all that I am experiencing, the very tough circunstances I am experiencing (again) in my relationship with my husband will turn out for the best. I stop the thoughts that the enemy brings up, and remind myself of all the beautiful blessings God has given me. During the times that I despair, grieve and are in pain, as I have felt today, devotions like yours come my way and then I find the calm in the storm because He speaks to me only and is with me always regardless of wheather I feel Him or not.
Isaiah 55: 9 - For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Thank you, Jesus!
I have learned for SURE that God will never leave us or forsake us. Through a devistating bout of depression when my parents divorces 5 years ago, He was faithful when I was angry that He allowed it to happen. I have come to trust Him so much that I had the strength to leave my abusive marriage this Spring. He has proven faithful over and over and over.
I really needed this today....now if I can only follow through! It helped me to realize I'm not alone in my struggles & just because I do struggle doesn't mean I'm not as good as anyone else. Thank you.
When I don't know why certain situations or emotions are upon me, I fall back on Proverbs 3:5
sambosmom@yahoo.com
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
"No-one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame" Psalm 25:3a
This verse has kept me going through some tough times and enabled me to forgive myself for some shameful decisions I have made over the years.
I have learned that the enemy attacks even MORE when we are truly in the Word and pursuing Christ! Just another reason to learn truth so we are able to speak out against the enemy!
In the midst of all of the trials and tribulations of life, God has taught me first-hand that He is all I need. Sometimes we don't realize that He is all we need until He is all we have left.
In the midst of trials and tribulations, God has reminded me time and time again that He is ALL I need. Sometimes we fail to see the truth in that until we come to a point where He is all we have left. "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9- The Message)
This devotion hit like a ton of bricks today. It is so near my own thoughts it is truly scary. God knows my heart and mind and exactly what I need and when I need to hear it. Thank you for today's devotion.
I have learned that God is always by my side. He never leaves and is always trying to help me even when I don't want to listen. If I need anything from him all I have to do is ask.
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33
Through these hard economic times these verses have really spoken to me!
I have learned by reading God's word that my husband, well actually my marriage too will only give me 80% satisfaction but God is 100%. He will never leave or forsake. He will always provide for me. He always has the right words to say in any situation through the scripture.
Whytney wcjones25@live.com
I am going through deep, deep personal struggles that are very public in our small town. The Truth I keep saying to myself daily is: Do not be anxious in anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, give thanks to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
loribelt63@gmail.com
"Be still and know that I am God." Those words comfort me and quiet me when I want to be fixing life and my emotions are churning....when I want to take control. Nothing stops me in my tracks as when I remember the verse above and let God be the one revealing the answers.
This message speaks to me because this is something I try to remind myself of often. Spending time in God's word ALL the time, and not JUST when I am seeking answers or struggling with something is something I work to do. Thank you for the reminder!!
Jer 29:11 For I know plans I have for you declares the Lord plans to prosper you not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future." that is an amazing verse that helps me through a lot
Heidi
Although I am not an athlete, your devotional today touched my heart. I have made a habit in the past of reading my bible and praying, yet recently, after several quick moves, another baby, and the business of being a wife and mom, my time with the Lord has suffered. I am not conditioned! I see the need, but seem to find every excuse not to take the time. Yes, there are short daily prayers, and betime prayers, and little thank you's sent up to the Lord. But, Oh, I long for those wonderful moments spent in the Lord's word and to feel His mighty presence and peace!
I too run into the issue of not honoring my husband at times. We were both independent people raising kids with our own households and then got married. That is a hard thing to merge when you have two strong headed people. However I know that if I lean on God and seek his guidance in all things that He will see me through all times, good or bad. There is a huge comfort in that!
Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning!!
"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10) Your devotional today really reminded me me to trust God...to lean on God...my brother passed away 4 years ago at the age of 38 and no other time has this resonated so clearly as then...but I do remind myself every day that whatever I'm encountering, God is there. He is in charge and he will see me through it.
Nicole
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Knowing that I can trust God to carry me through tough times has been such a blessing in my life! I put my life in God's hands and trust in His plan for me...
One truth from the Bible that really helps me through hard times is the fact that Jesus loved me enough to die on the cross for me even though he knew I would mess up. He could have called out to heaven for a legion of angels to pull him off that cross, but he loved all of us enough that he refused to do it.
The verses begining with-- There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven--Eccl 1-8 are my life verses. I don't understand all God has in store for my life but I have faith he knows me and what I need. We as a family are supporting Relay for Life this weekend in honor of my son-in-law who fought a long hard fight with brain cancer. He is gone now but he and God taught me alot of lessons about doing all you can and then let God handle the rest.
The training in God's Word is priceless and one day we will understand why we need it.
One truth that I have learned and do my best to live by is Proverbs 3:5-7. Trusting in the LORD and not leaning on my own understanding has been a chore for me but, a lesson I have learned. When my mother died I blamed the Lord. I did not understand HIS motive for take her from me. Although she was deading from panactic cancer, I felt GOD should not have taken her from me. Now as I sit here with my sister here in the hospital, with the possiblitiy of loss, I find myself back at this crossroad again. But the difference this time is I have trained myself for HIS decision this time. I have put my trust in GOD to do what ever he fells is best for my sister. It hurts me to no end to listen to her scream in pain. But with the training you talked about I can give all up to GOD. I still have much studing and training in the word to go but I know what I know and that HE will direct my path.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 To me this verse is true, I have felt the love and peace from my Savior Jesus!!
One truth that has kept me going while my husband has battled a chronic disease is Romans 8:28. I know that EVERYTHING is going to work out for His good and my good because I love Him and am called according to His purpose. There's so much peace knowing that despite all the craziness that goes on in life sometimes ... everything will work out for my good in the end because of Christ.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
These truths have sustained me during hard times in the past, but never have they been more crucial than in these past two years of unemployment. With God, all things are possible!
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
~ Romans 8:28
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
God has given me an inexplainable peace during my fight with cancer.
efontaine4598@gmail.com
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
God has given me this peace during my fight with cancer.
Hi Glynnis...
I have a son who is a runner. He needs to do more off-season training::and so do all of us! Enjoyed your post...also enjoyed the post about your son and missions work and the other two leaving. My oldest is graduating from Moody Bible Institute this weekend. This very day I'm packing up all his things to take to his new apartment in Wheaton, IL. He'll be pursing his Masters in Ministry there and has a job as a Student Ministries pastor at a church in the neighboring suburb. All great things...but my mama's heart is breaking a wee bit. When God answers our prayers even more spectacularly than we'd planned, it still means 'losing' a part of us. I'm not ready for this, but my Abba father is helping me get there.
Thanks for sharing your mama's heart with mine. (I'll get to meet you in July at the She Speaks Conf!).
Cindy Smith
One of the most encouraging passages to me is so simple: Hebrews 13:5, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
I've learned many truths, but two that stick out in my mind right now is that God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and a sound mind. He also knows the plans that He has for me...plans to prosper me & not to harm me. Praise God!!!
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
that truth has gotten me through some of my toughest moments when i felt like there wasn't much to look forward to.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
this truth got me through some of the toughest moments i've had...when i felt like there wasn't anything to look forward to.
God has a plan, a perfect plan just for me (Jer 29-11-14) and in those times when nothing makes sense, or I have become very weary I remind myself that He has a plan. And I can find rest in that. It was one of the first scriptures someone shared with me in 1987 before I had accepted Christ. And for some reason it has always come to mind when I don't know what to do next. Fran
Oh how I wish I had known this way down deep in my spirit person as I believe it would have saved me from a year of heartache. My goal now is to not look behind but forward and have the word of God firmly planted on my heart and memory. Not sure how this will pan out but day by day I am taking the steps. Thank you for sharing.
This was the first devotion I have received since signing up, and the timing was wonderful. I too have battled some of the same issues you discussed in your devotion. During the darkness you hung on what you knew to be true in the light is a very profound statement. Thank you for those words. Also, when you stated that God reminded you that we all sin, comforted me. Parenting is hard, and is an area that I can feel inadequate very quickly. God used you as a source of encouragement to me today.
One truth that I have learned from the Bible that has helped me through tough times is Ecclesiastes 3:1 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
We under go many seasons in life and nothing ever stays the same but in time it shall pass. I often remind myself that each "season" does have a purpose according to God's plan for my life and that it is for me to prosper and not to hurt me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul acknowledge Him, and He will set your path straight"
Proverbs 3:4-5
My daughter(who is mentally challenged) was in a very bad situation where she could have been sent to prison. Everyone said to get a high priced lawyer, mortgage your house, glad I am not in your shoes. I remained steadfast and believed in God's promises. I acknowledged who He is and He set our path in the right direction.....just trust Me. I did and my daughter was not send away but was placed on probation. Whose report did I believe, not man but my God.
All things work together for good. Those words ring true in my heart during even the toughest situations. What others see as bad, God means for good. Sometimes we are graced with seeing the "good" that comes from our trials; and other times not. But, no matter what, I am reassured that God is at work and still in control no matter how out of control I feel.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you that you might have peace. In the world ye have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.
Jeremiah 29:11...I know the plans I have for you. For good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope. This scripture has given me hope during every challenge and disappointment.
Cathy
"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall." 1 Cor. 10:12(NAS)
The NIV says: "So, if you think you are standing firm..."
What I realized... I wasn't standing firm. I'd already fallen and I was wallowing in that failure. I am my own worst enemy, at times. I sabotage myself. It's something I've seen before, but never so much as in the last couple weeks and months.
I truly believe that for this year of 2011, God is giving me the word {Stand} to cling to.
STAND no matter what life throws at you. STAND no matter what happens... what friendships you lose, what family members turn from you. STAND before God and know that He has given me the power to overcome ALL things.
I know He will never leave me or forsake me. So no matter what happens, no matter how bad things may be, the Lord is with me, right by my side, walking with me every step of the way. That is very comforting and encouraging to me.
That no one knows the time or the hour so that nobody can predict the end of the world.
God knows the beginning from the end and he has a plan for you!
I don't really have a truth although I know there are plenty of them in the Bible. I do good and then all of a sudden, it seems like I am lost again and further back from where I started. I am very thankful for today devotion because it has encouraged me to hang on and not give up! thank you again
misscsierra@hotmail.com
Every training is important its either on or off especially in Christian life. Co'z no one knows when the trials or circumstances come. We were like soldier ready for battle, to win and to Glorify our Father in heaven. Here's my email add dyranz27@gmail.com
2 Timothy 2:3 (ASV)
[3] Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:4 (ASV)
[4] No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
These verses always put me back on track and reminds me of a truth that I must continue to fight the good fight of faith no matter how difficult the circumstance. God is greater than the circumstance anyway. In order to remain in God's Army, I have to fight as a good soldier!
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love Go, to those who are called according to His pupose." In the valley I have lost sight of this truth - but He is ALWAYS faithful, and His purpose for my life is greater than anything I could plan!
Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... (email: mdeweese@centurytel.net)
To not lean on my own understanding, but to simply trust Him!
Psalm 51:12 - the line that says "grant me a willing spirit to sustain me" is a line I often pray as I know that a willing spirit is lacking when I stew about supposed injustices and dwell on the negatives. Martha
I may not understand all that which we are going through right now in our 30+ years of marriage, but we continually "Lean on Him" to provide, make our paths "straight" to His purpose, and rejoicing in trials by trusting our way and life to Him everyday!
"No one can do this for us. We are the only ones who can study God’s Word."
By staying in His Word we will have the foundation we need to hear Him in the trials.
Isaiah 43:2... God is with us, leading us, guiding our hearts, and protecting us wherever we are. It does not matter the situation, or how dire we believe it is... God is sovereign and in control. We are never alone!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 107:1
Sometimes, we're not sure the things in our life are God-given or just the way things happen. I've often been angry at why life happens as it does ... This truth is part of my life. The Lord IS good and His love endures forever, no matter the choices we make that alter our lives, He still loves us, there's nothing we can do to separate us from His love and His goodness !
The passage of scripture that has been my main stay......I will never leave you or forsake you. No matter what I'm facing or about to face its comforting to know that I'm never alone.
James 1:1-4...Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This truth keeps me anchored in tough times because it helps me to see the Light (the Lord) in my darkest hour.
whatever I give to God I can be certain that he will keep it. I am for sure, without doubt that I know that I know in whom I have believed in and I know God is able to do any and everything. He is always on time and he keeps his promises. II Timothy 1:12
philipians 4:6-9... Do not be anxious for anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God...
the one truth i know is that He gives me my needs on a daily basis and not to worry He is already there.
There are several truths that God has given me from His Word. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5. That He is my refuge and fortress and is there for me in the times of trouble so that I can run to Him and rest in His hiding place.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God is working all things toward our good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose.
No matter how bad a situation my look God's perception is totally diffrent and this scripture reminds me that however bad or scary things may look the Lord is using it to work toward My good!! There is nothing better than knowing something good is coming out of something bad. tangelacullum@yahoo.com
Phillipians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
This truth keeps me grounded everyday. In tough situations as well as in smooth sailing. It lets me know that in any moment God wants me to understand that my worry is not only unnecessary but foolish. We have a God who desires for us to know him deeply and this that I am to be free of anxiety casting my concerns on him so that he can lavish me with his peace in Jesus! Through this I am reminded that he is in control and is worthy of praise in all circumstances.
I'm very new to this and I have changed my religious beliefs from Mormon to Christian. It has been a very hard road for me. I am learning through church friends and other friends outside of church, devotionals and reading that God is there and will help us when we seek His help while praising Him for all that He has done and given us. So in understanding the "Off-season Training", I am learning that I need to seek Him in all that I do in my life, family and other events. Thank you, Calene
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