Today is September 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 4.  
  

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
  
  
As we begin, take a moment to slow down even more. Perhaps, if you’re able to, you can sit still and stop any multitasking. Perhaps you can take another slow deep breath. Remind yourself that God is near to you. Become aware of His presence. 
   
We begin with a reminder to rest because the passage today is all about striving for God, laboring for him. And we need to be reminded that our work comes out of an overflow of rest—God's rest. Paul is telling Timothy that spiritual training – spiritual formation – training in Godliness – is valuable. Essential even. A Christian is someone who becomes more and more like Christ. Christ meets us where we are, but he doesn’t leave us where we are. He changes us. As you listen to the passage again, consider your own spiritual training. Where are you strong? And where are you weak and in need of training and discipline? 
   
All of us in this world labor and strive for something. What are you striving for today? What is it that is taking up your thought-life, your energy and your time? How does that match up to the effort you put into training in Godliness? Speak to the Lord as we end, and invite Him to continue to draw you towards his grace to become like Christ… and not in the other things that we all to often strive for. 

Music: I Want To Be Faithful - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)