Sweating and Challenged?

So, how often are you working out these days? Are you working out at home or at a workout center of some kind? Has your doctor told you to lose some weight, to get your cholesterol under control, to lower your blood pressure, and to just get in shape?

About 4-5 times each week I work out by lifting weights, walking, stretching, and swimming laps. I try to eat a healthy diet along with my family. For the last seven years I have committed myself to a healthy lifestyle. This is not easy to keep going- some days are easier than others to be motiviated, while on many days I have to reach down deep to work out.

Our bodies are gift from God. In celebrating this gift from God we are called to take the best care possible of our bodies. This may involve sweat. It may involve challenging yourself.

Our Lord is well aware of the challenge to care for our bodies. He is also aware that we may suffer in our bodies at some point in our lives. Cancer, injury, and other diseases inflict out bodies with pain and discomfort.

My wife and I have a famly friend who developed Parkinson's disease at at age 40. She is trying her best ot manage the disease. After several years, unfortunately, the disease manages her. She will be going on disablity due to the disease. Her body and overall health is proving to be a huge challenge.

One day in Christ she will receive a new body- a heavenly body, spiritual body, or resurrection body. One day all in Christ will receive their new body.

In the meantime, while we love and serve, we are called to "steward" or take care of the body that our Lord has given to us.

"For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" -Psalm 139:13.

As you sweat and and challenge yourself, thank God for the gift of your body.

Peace,
Pastor Durk K. Peterson

2012- A Time To Refocus?

I cant’ help myself- I am hopelessly addicted to New Year’s resolutions.  At the beginning of every year since I find myself obsessing about what I will do new and/or differently this year.   Last year, I committed myself to working with swimming or biking  5 days each week.   On the days or week I missed, the wave of guilt and failure hit me  hard, even as I celebrated my commitment to this goal.

So, this year, I’ve decided to refocus or renew an aspect of my discipleship in Christ.  As a pastor I spend time each week preparing sermons and Bible studies, but not as much time as I would like reading the Bible devotionally. So, 2012 is the year I plan to allow more time each day for personal reading of the Bible and prayer time.  This may not impress you and you may be thinking, “Well, duh, of course, you should be doing this. You are a pastor, right?” 

What about you?  What would you like to refocus your life on this year?  It might be your marriage- being more intentional about spending quality time with your spouse.  It might be a friendship- you’ve always shared that you would like to get together more often, but just haven’t found the time.  Or, it might be parenting your child(ren) or teens- you are refocusing on your style of parenting or adjusting your parenting as your child develops.

How about renewing your life of discipleship?  Is there some aspect of your walk with Christ that you would like to renew in 2012?  Maybe it’s more time praying- quietly alone or even on the fly as your day unfolds.  Maybe it’s reading your Bible or joining a Bible study.  Or, maybe it’s worshipping more often. Or, you would like to get  involved in a special service project.

Refocus or Renew?  May our Lord be with you and work through you in mighty ways this 2012. Oh, before I forget, don’t feel guilty if you fall short.  Celebrate what uou accomplish! And, remember the love and patience of our Lord.

Pastor Durk Peterson

Alleluia! Lutheran Church, St. Michael