1/14/2010 'Spiritual Workout' North Hills Family,   As 2010 gets rolling, I've been urging everyone, a la Philippians 1:12-13, to develop a 'spiritual workout' plan.  I have felt convicted that the health, growth, and outreach of our church is largely dependent upon the vitality and consistency of our personal devotional lives.  By this I primarily mean the reading/study of God's Word and prayer.  While this is so basic and fundamental, it seems to be an area where many of us struggle.   If you need help developing a plan, ask me or another Christian for some ideas.   Another aspect of personal growth (sanctification) you might add to your workout plan is dealing with 'taking care of your temple' (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  This could involve putting to death besetting sin problems (lust, greed, gluttony, drunkenness,etc.), as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and rest.  Again, there are people in our congregation who would be happy to help you in this area.  Don't be too proud to ask for help.   Of course, the question arises, 'How do I do all this without becoming legalistic or relying on the flesh (Philippians 3:3)?'.  The key is to stay humbly dependent on Christ and His saving grace, surpassing worth, and great power (Philippians 3:7-11).  Whatever you decide to do, let it flow out of your time with Him in His Word and prayer and then trust Him to work through you for your joy and His glory.   For the sake of His great name,   Jim