This Devotional pairs with Workout 1 from Week 1 in the Parables of Jesus Fitness program found @ https://www.soulstrengthfit.com

We all have areas of our hearts that have “soil” that is open and receptive to God, as well as areas that our “soil” is hard or less receptive.  What are these areas for you?  In what ways are your heart, soul and mind open to God, and where do you notice that your heart isn’t as receptive?

Be sure to check out SoulStrength Fit for more great faith and fitness content and programs.

Devotional 14 From New You, Stepping out in Faith
This devotional is part of the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com

If you listened to yesterday’s devotional, you have hopefully come up with a list of words and thought about what each word means to you.  Now it’s time to narrow your list down to your top THREE.  Pray, and ask God to give you clarity on choosing a focus word to characterize your growth this year.  Consider the implications this word could have on your mind, on your relationships, on your walk with God.  Ask God to begin bringing the most transformational words to the forefront.  Go through the process, because although at the end of it all you’ll have just one focus word, these “runner up” words can stay in your mind and influence you as well.

Devotional 13 From New You, Stepping out in Faith
This devotional is part of the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com

Today, you are going to work on choosing ONE focus word that represents what you most hope God will do in you or in your life.  Even if you have chosen a word this year, this process will be a beneficial experience.

This one word will force you to focus, will bring clarity, and will give you vision for growth you’d like to make.  It will characterize the changes you want to make in your life.  I encourage you to keep this word with you, front and center, for a year.  Regardless of when you choose this word, give yourself enough time to walk with the Lord, seeking change and guidance.

Often people will choose their ONE word at the New Year, as they are already in the process of making New Year resolutions.  Whether you are beginning this process in January or June, consider for a moment previous resolutions you have made in the past.

Devotional 13 From New You, Stepping out in Faith
This devotional is part of the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com

“Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12

We can get so busy with the surface-level things of life that we forget to number our days.  Our to-do lists tend to overshadow the reality of eternity and the fact that one day our Creator will look at us and ask: What did you do with what I have given you?  How did you use your talents and gifts and abilities to grow and bless others?  How did you further My Kingdom?  We need to focus. In fact, we need laser focus on the goal of what we want to achieve for Christ and who we want to become in Christ.

We will experience different seasons during our spiritual walk.  Sometimes, we will soar.  We will be productive and have strength and wisdom.  During these times we will be running with perseverance and dedication, fully aware of God’s presence.  But there will be other seasons as well.  There will be seasons in which we feel weary.  The best we can do is walk.  Our strength will feel sapped, and we may not feel God’s loving, strength-giving presence.  Those are the times we need to maintain hope.  Those are the times we need to lean into God all the more, and allow His strength to guide us through.  These may feel like seasons of waiting - waiting for God to answer prayers or open doors.  

When we are waiting on God, God is always at work.  God is accomplishing something significant while we wait.  God is working in our lives, and He is working in us.  So what we do while waiting is important.

“What God does in us while we wait is as important as what it is we are waiting for… Waiting is not just something we have to do while we get what we want.  It is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.” - John Ortberg

This devotional pairs with Week 3,Workout 1 in the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com.

John Ortberg writes in If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat:  “Unfortunately, many of us don’t live as if God is truly all knowing, ever present, all powerful, overflowing with love for us, and absolutely trustworthy.  Our God is too small.  We are not convinced that we are absolutely safe in His hands, and our lack of trust greatly impacts how we live.  Our lack of trust makes it particularly difficult to step out in faith and wait on God.  Yet waiting is part of what God wants us to do.”

How do you feel when you are in the midst of a season of waiting on the Lord?  Perhaps during a time when you have asked God to help meet a particular need, but things don’t seem to be improving (and are maybe even growing worse)?  

Can you think of such a time?  Perhaps you are currently in the midst of such a season.  What was your response?

This devotional pairs with Week 2, Workout 3 in the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com.

1. Do you know the most frequent command in the Bible?  Perhaps: do not lie, do not steal, love your enemies, do not murder, do unto others as you'd have them do to you, or love your neighbor as yourself.  Nope.  None of these.  The most common command in the Bible is "Fear Not."

"Do not be afraid" appears in the NIV 70 times, and this doesn't include variations such as "fear not," "do not fear," and the like.

A couple of notes about this command.  First, we are not being told that there is nothing scary, so we don't need to be afraid.  To be sure... life is scary. That, however, does NOT mean we need to be scared of it.

Second, the command “do not be afraid” is often followed by an action that God is taking or will take. 

Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back - Devotional 7 From New You, Stepping out in Faith
This devotional is part of the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com

What effects does fear have on you?  How does Satan use fear to hold you back, steal your joy, or prevent you from living to your fullest?  How can fear keep you from living a life characterized by FAITH?

Think of one small “next step” that God could be calling you to take this week, and then ask God to help you move past any fear that is holding you back.  Maybe it’s something as small as having a conversation that needs to be had, or as big as transitioning into a new career.  Commit to spending time with God in prayer each day, seeking His wisdom, and see how God works in the situation.

This devotional pairs with Week 2, Workout 2 in the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com

1. 3 reasons people tend to bury their gifts rather than use them are fear, comparison, and sloth - or being stuck in a comfort zone.  But, we want to live our lives in such a way that we don’t look back at the end and find ourselves mourning everything that could have been, everything that we could have been.  

What might have happened if I trusted God enough to use my financial resources to be generous?  What might have happened if I trusted God enough to be daring in using my giftedness?  What could have happened in my relationships if I trusted God enough to be fully loving and fully honest, and maintained a mindset to serve?  What could have happened with my character if I was willing to change, grow, acknowledge sin and temptation, and stay rooted in the Lord?

Devotional 7 From New You, Stepping out in Faith
This devotional is part of the 3 week Bible Study Workout Series at soulstrengthfit.com

Each of us has God-given gifts.  Some of the gifts we are given are more prominent and celebrated than others.  Some can be overlooked and unseen.  What’s important is that you steward the gifts you have been given wisely.  Let’s consider the kinds of gifts the Bible says God gives us.

You will be one day held accountable for how you used the gifts and talents you’ve been given by God.  If Jesus were to ask you today, “What are you currently doing with what I’ve given you?” how would you respond?  
Are there any areas of your life in which you are not living to your fullest potential?

Are there any areas of your life that God might want you to respond differently?

In what areas of your life might God be calling you to take action?