Above Only Daily Devotional june 19 2019 By Archbishop Margaret E. Benson Idahosa Topic: Grace to Continually Exercise Yourself in Godliness

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1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves form all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

In the same way that the lack of exercise can cause your body and muscles to become unfit, a lack of engaging in godly exercises can cause you to become unfit in your faith and spiritual life. Just as it takes great commitment and discipline to engage in physical exercises, it also takes great commitment and discipline to engage in spiritual exercises. For a healthy body, there are certain foods, substances and attitudes that you need to avoid. The same also goes for your spiritual life. You cannot lead your life the way the people of the world live and expect to be strong and healthy spiritually. You are different from them so be bold enough to exempt yourself from the evil things they engage in.

At the same time, do not be afraid or ashamed to engage yourself in godly thigs that the people of the world may shun. Do not be afraid of the mockery and insults you may receive from people of the world, 1 Pet. 4:4. Sometimes, mockery and insults may even come from carnal believers who feel that you are taking God too seriously. The love and passion of God in most of such believers have grown cold because of the iniquity abounding in the world, Matt. 24:12. Keep your eyes on Jesus and keep your eyes on the joy that is set before you, Heb. 12:2. Keep pressing towards the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, Phil. 3:14. Pray, study your Bible, worship God, fast, give, show love, forgive others, love righteousness and hate iniquity, preach the gospel, fellowship with other believers and pray for others. Let the grace and love of God for you in Christ motivate you to keep doing these things. Exercising yourself in godliness will benefit you both in this life and in eternity.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for your abundant love and grace for me. I receive Your grace to exercise myself in godliness.

Bible in one year reading plan: Nehemiah 12-13, Acts 4:23-37