Spiritual Fitness< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Luke 9:57-62

Are you spiritually fit? What is it that is stopping you from being spiritually fit? Do you desire to be spiritually fit? A soccer player, basketball player, football player or any professional sport, whether man or woman, have a need to be physically and mentally fit as long they remain in the profession of sports. They have to constantly and consistently be engaged in a regular schedule that will keep them fit or else when competition comes, their source of income could be jeopardized. But you, as a genuine kingdom worker, a kingdom worker that is known by the camp of the enemy, a kingdom worker that does not want to be terminated by the force of wickedness from getting to his or her expected end, a Kingdom worker that wants to be able to stand his or her ground of battle at any given time, how do you get or maintain spiritual fitness? In JesusÕ teaching of the true cost of discipleship, Luke 9:62 ÒBut Jesus said to him, ÔNo one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.ÕÓ If you have given your life to Christ you have put your hand to the plow; all the agents of hell are against you because you have placed you hand in GodÕs hand. You secured yourself where no force or agent of evil can take away your eternal life. However, your looking back and not holding on to the hand of God will send you back to the world. You cannot have your hand connected to the plow and continue or begin to love the present world. Be diligent in seeking God. When you are serious in seeking Him, heaven will take you seriously in the business of the < ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>Kingdom of God. Seek Him and be seriously fit.

Good Shepherd< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

John 10:1-21

He came to this world quietly and very humbly. He came to look for you and to find you from this world of sin that you may live and not die an eternal death. Has He been able to locate you? You have been in the church, you have a title in the church but the works that you do in the church are not an indication that He has been able to find you. The fact that you are still very fond of the world is holding you back from being found. He was born in the manger; He was born very lowly so He can place you on a high ground. He came to give His life just like the good shepherd will give his life for his sheep. It is not just a story, but it is a just cause for you to have life and be delivered from the hand of the thief. John 10:10, ÒThe thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.Ó Does your lifestyle testify to the way He came to this world, or does it only demonstrate a worldly celebration of His birth? It matters when you truly receive, accept and believe in Him by the testimonies that your life presents. For now, you may fake, act, get emotional, or be in a crowd. The time is coming when He will come back with a mission to separate the wheat from the tares. Do not be carried away with the celebration of this world. Let it be that when He comes, He will be able to carry you away with Him. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

His Name

Luke 9:18-22, John 1< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

There is power in the name of Jesus. It will be very difficult to find anyone in the Bible that does not live the meaning of their name. Here are few names that can be identified: Joshua–God is Salvation; Samson–Strong; Delilah–Delicate; Josiah–Jehovah supports; and Samuel–Asked of God. The name and meaning as they relate to the bearer goes on through the Bible. When the twelve were sent to preach, at their return Jesus wanted to know from his disciples whom the crowds say He was.  The disciples responded and gave the name of Elijah and the names of the old prophets. Then He went further to inquire again in Luke < ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>9:20, ÒHe said to them, ÔBut who do you say that I am?Õ Peter answered and said, ÔThe Christ of God.ÕÓ This day, who do you say He is in your life? Do you actually understand the name that you call on? Christ is the anointed one. Who do you say He is? Know Him today as Jesus–Yahweh saves, Immanuel–God with us, Light of the World–One who brings hope and gives guidance, Son of David–One who brings in the Kingdom, Chief Shepherd–Gives guidance and protection, Chief Cornerstone–A sure foundation of life, Firstborn from the Dead–Leads us into resurrection, and Word–Eternal God who ultimately reveals God. Choose any of the few of His names listed, use it and apply it to any area that you have need for, and owe no man or force any apology for calling or claiming the name above all names. He alone is a faithful God and He will answer His name.

Toiling?< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Luke 5:1-11

All year long, weekly and monthly, you have been toiling and nothing has changed. You have reduced your time for fellowshipping to make ends meet but nothing is different. You have run where you were suppose to, walked when you should have, but there is no breaking news. It does not take power and determination to break through or get enough of what you are toiling for. One day, Simon, a professional fisherman, toiled all night and nothing seemed to be working for him. Simon needed a divine intervention. Jesus was around at the time of his toiling. Luke 5:4 ÒWhen He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, ÔLaunch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.ÕÓ Simon heard from where he needed to hear, despite the fact that nothing was working for him in his profession, he did not dispute or disregard direction from the Master. Luke 5:5, ÒBut Simon answered and said to Him, ÔMaster, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.Ó Yes!  Just a word will terminate your entire struggle. Just at His word, the all-night-toiling of Simon rose up with uncontrollable abundance; it became history because he did not let the lack dictate doubts to him. Your all-year-months-and-weeks of toiling will turn into abundance if you seek Him first. Matthew 6:33, ÒBut seek first the < ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.Ó  Let worrying be worn out, let toiling be toppled, seek Him and you will see what He can do to establish you for His glory.

Remember< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Luke 1: 18-38

Remembering the work of His hand will give hope. The works of God are miraculous and with constant remembrance of His miraculous works, He will work miracles on your behalf. When Zacharias, a minister in the temple, received the news that his wife is having a baby, he could not hold on to the news, but responded with a question, Luke < ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>1:18, ÒAnd Zacharias said to the angel, ÔHow shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.Ó  Zacharias did not remember GodÕs miraculous hand at the time of his breakthrough news. When Mary received her news from the angel, she had a testimony to hold on to. Luke 1:36, ÒNow indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her with who was called barren.Ó  As Mary received her news with testimony, she could not doubt or further question the angel of the Lord. Mary responded to the angel in Luke 1:37, ÒFor with God nothing will be impossible.Ó Upon receiving the news, Mary responded in Luke 1:38, ÒThen Mary said, ÔBehold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.ÕÓ  The angel did not take anything away from Mary because she believed. Good news will be coming your way this season, donÕt fail to remember that with God nothing will be impossible. Just like Mary, remember the testimonies of God. Always receive, believe, and become so you can celebrate.