First, I must start by saying that I don’t exercise a lot physically. I do a few things every morning and throughout the day to stretch my muscles and to keep my neck, knees and arms moving so I can use them. I used to do indoor walking exercises but that became too much for me. Sometimes, I do chair exercises if I am feeling particularly motivated, but basically I am a slug.

Having said all that, the more sluggish I have become physically, it seems that I have become more and more motivated to read and study God’s Word and immerse myself in its truth. My daily goal is to find out something that I didn’t know before, to get a new insight. And even though I have read the Bible through every year for at least the last fifteen years, I am still learning and still amazed at all God shows me when I spend time with Him. The Bible is definitely alive in the hearts of His people and He shows me every day some new truth to hold close to my heart and then to share with others when the time is right. Now, for today’s devotional message…

From the YouVersion Bible App Devotional, “Daily Power by Craig Groeschel,” Day 2

If I’ve learned one thing from working out, it’s what happens when I stop for a while. Usually because of injury, and sometimes when my schedule gets too busy, I’m forced to skip the gym. But I can always tell the difference when I return.

Without exercise, our muscles atrophy. They become weaker and get stiffer at the same time. Without the benefit of regular exercise, our muscles deteriorate until they can no longer support us or perform the regular functions they once maintained. To be healthy, we must keep moving, stimulating our muscles in order for them to grow stronger.

Our heart muscles work the same way, both literally and figuratively. When we’re not praying, giving, serving, and loving on a daily basis, it becomes harder and harder to feel connected to God, to relate to other people, and to feel the joy that comes from serving them.

Stone hearts don’t harden overnight. They gradually atrophy until we find ourselves with a heart as cold as granite. Regular exercise allows us to love more deeply and serve more humbly. It keeps our hearts tender and compassionate, alive and grateful.

Power Lift: Dear Lord, I want my heart to be alive and tender, not hard and cold. Even when it’s painful, help me to be sensitive to the needs of others.