Yesterday during the worship service at Soul Purpose Church, Pastor Matt Gregory preached what I considered one of his best sermons. His message was titled “My Most Important Workout.”

Matt compared taking care of your spirit consistently like you take care or your physical body. He emphasized the importance of journaling to REMEMBER and to record your journey with God. He talked about the value of 2-way journaling.

Here is an outline of Matt’s message:

1) Check my spiritual breathing
a) Exhale – Confess sin (1 John 1:9)
b) Inhale – Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18)
c) Permission Prayer – “Whatever You tell me to do, I’ll do.”

2) Read/Listen to the Bible

Hebrews 4:12a – For the word of God is LIVING and powerful

a) Realize God is speaking to you as you read.

The Bible is more like a love letter than a manual for life.

“The Bible is not something that leads to a connection with God. It is the connection with God.”

b) Read 1-4 chapters daily as you systematically read through the Bible.

3) Journal – Write out the completion of these statements:
a) The most meaningful statement or verse that I encountered today is …
b) Today, God I hear you saying to me: “[Your name], …”
c) In response to You, God, I want to …

4) Memorize scripture (Joshua 1:8)
a) Write out th most meaningful verse of the day on a 3×5 card
b) Read the verse out loud 10 times each day
c) Repeat; Repeat; Repeat
d) Share this verse with someone else today!

5) Pray to God – Writ out your prayers to God.

6) Praise God!
a) Tell God how great He is!
b) Thank Him for what He has done!

COMMITMENTS
1) When am I going to meet with God EACH day?
2) Where am I going to meet with God EACH day?
3) How long am I going to meet with God EACH day?
4) What resources do I need to meet with God EACH day?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I want to draw closer to You. I want to spend more time in Your holy temple, dwelling under the shadow of Your wings. Help me with my spiritual breathing, meditating on Your holy Word morning and night, and praying to and praising You more consistently. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Blessings to honor God in your most important workout!