1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 - KJV "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

Keeping your "temple" in good shape. Probably the number one New Year's resolution each year is to lose weight and get in shape. Yesterday afternoon I had 2 minutes left on the treadmill and began wondering why I was putting myself through this agony. 3 afternoons a week...10 minutes of abs, a complete cycle of weights to hit all the muscle groups, finished by 30 minutes on the treadmill. One hour of torture that I DO NOT like! So why do it? I have been very blessed to have been one of those people who could eat pretty much whatever I wanted and never gain weight. All my life I have played sports...basketball, tennis, baseball, football. Four years ago when I hit 40, I realized that I couldn't just play and stay in shape, but had to structure a regular work-out program. Again the question, why? Because even though this life is brief, I want to be as physically fit as I possibly can in order to serve the Lord.

There are enough spiritual hindrances to our service, without having physical barriers as well. Does this mean God can't use you if you aren't in tip top shape? Of course not. But imagine if you are in the best shape possible, how much more you can accomplish. I have to admit, with the schedule I keep, I HAVE to be in top shape to keep up. We have to use wisdom to not overextend ourselves, because that defeats the purpose too. The Bible clearly tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.We are responsible for doing our part to keep our "temples" in the best shape possible so we can maximize the extent to which God can use our lives. This is a specific word to everyone today to ask God how you can get in, and stay in the best shape possible. Many of you have simply neglected this area of your life, and this word today is a wake-up call.

I am not going to say anything more. You get the message loud and clear, and now it is up to you to either heed this word from the Lord, or ignore it. I have to remind myself each day I go to the gym that this is part of my responsibility in serving Him, To keep myself in the best possible physical shape I can. Of course, exercise is only one facet. We also must be cognizant of what we are eating. What we put into our bodies is critical to staying in shape. Illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes...all pollute the temple of the Holy Spirit. If you want the best scripture for not doing these things, it is I Corinthians 6:19. Would you smoke pot in church? Would you have a beer in church? Would you smoke in church? No??? Why??? Because it is a holy place. It is a temple where we go to worship God. Our bodies are "our temple" and that is why we shouldn't be involved in these activities since they defile the temple.

I love you and care about you. While I try to cover the spiritual side of life, I MUST deal with the practical side of life as well. God has a great plan and purpose for each one of our lives. The better we maintain our bodies, and keep our "temples" in good shape, the better we are able to serve Him. I will be praying today that you take this word to heart. I speak of gameplans often, and if anyone has a better gameplan to stay in shape rather than hitting the gym several days a week....I am open. I am still waiting for the workout pill, but until then, I guess good old fashioned sweat will have to do. I have found that time in the gym is a great time to pray though. Trust me, whenever you strive to do what God wants for your life, He will help you make it happen. There is much work to do. God has raised us up to serve Him. Get serious about getting in the best shape possible so that you can run the race at maximum efficiency and fulfill that plan He has for your life.

In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller