End of Week 1

Today is a day of rest for the workout program. It is much needed. My body is sore and needs to recoup. Today I will still be reading the scriptures.

I will be finishing the Book of Exodus today. Exodus God lays out many details of how he wants Israel to be established. The one that stuck out is the day of rest or Sabbath. God even went so far as to tell Israel that if they worked on the Sabbath they would be put to death. That is serious attention to detail. Not only is a Sabbath biblical but it is scientific that our bodies are healthier and in turn produce better work because of it.

I am really wrestling with the idea of Grace vs Works. In the Old Testament God lays out very detailed plans into how they were to live their lives. No one can succeed at the law God put forth which is why God sent Jesus to pay the penalty of failure for us so we don't have to die if we break the Sabbath because Christ died for us. But I think we take advantage of Christ's death by just saying oh well or I will work on it. I feel like we water down His Grace. Maybe I'm wrong but throughout scripture it says if we love Him we will obey Him. I have to ask myself am I obeying the Father or am I just relying on Grace? To me if we have received His Grace and Love our live will show that by our actions. It seems it is dangerous these days to talk about works. I truly believe that you cannot be saved by works but after salvation there is no room for us to not act. Grace and works are inseparable after salvation. God still wants us to live a life that is like Jesus but the beauty is we don't die when we fail if we are in Christ Jesus. Which understanding that should motivate us to live more like Christ. Because if we didn't have Him we would die. Every time we sin that deserves death but Jesus died for us. That is a humbling fact. If we are acting like Jesus then we should wonder whether or not we are saved...just saying...

I wonder how Rob Larsen and Josh Conn are doing with this challenge after the first week.

Grass is greener

When we are frustrated the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. But most of the time when we get there we are just as frustrated.

I read Exodus 16-28 today and that is exactly what I found the Israelites doing. They were grumbling on the other side of the fence. In fact they said it would be better if we were back where we were and had died there. Crazy that they thought where they came from was better. I believe God wants contentment. I think that is one of the reasons the Israelites wandered for 40 years, they were not content. God promised them a land but wanted their hearts and was determined to get it.

This is something I need to remember. God wants my heart and I know when I fully give it to Him contentment will happen.

Today I finished my first week of P90X workouts. I feel great and I am still pumped about this workout program. Excited to see how God uses this.

God is Sovereign

Exodus 1-15 is all about God's Sovereignty. Do you believe God is control? If not read Exodus 1-15. Some people try to explain it away which is dangerous theologically. Why would God harden someone's heart? God has a plan and who am I to question it? If he wants to harden a heart why can't he to accomplish his purposes? He wanted to bring Egypt to their knees as well as build trust and faithfulness in the Israelites. Who are we to question that? It may seem difficult whatever situation we find ourselves but we have to trust that God is in control and His plan is greater than ours. We must be faithful to that.

I loved how God spoke to Moses when he was at his weakest and God moved through a burning bush in a powerful way. So many times God speaks clearly to me and I question it. This story is confirmation to never question God as He is in control.

The workout today was good for the soul. Feel like I'm in a good rythmn.

Day 4 of 90

I'm excited to do this 90 day challenge. Today I will be doing some yoga. Looking forward to seeing how that goes. I have been doing a lot of reflecting lately. Today I read the last 10 chapters of Genesis.

It was about how God spared Jacob and his family from the famine through his son Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery and his family thought him to be dead but he rose up as the #2 leader in all of Egypt the most powerful nation of that time because he was faithful with where God had him.

I am going to be a little vulnerable and honest with where I am at. I love my job and where God has me but there are things I do that I know aren't my "sweet spot." Joseph's sweet spot was obviously in leading people in an organized way. He was wise and discerning and God used all his strengths and he seemed to love all that he did. But he did not start that way. I coach young people all the time on reaching their dreams or "sweet spot" in life. I always tell them be faithful with where God has you now and you will arrive to that place one day. It is a good reminder for me that I must be faithful with where God has me and do it to the best of my ability. So when the day comes for me to be in that "sweet spot" God is preparing me for I am ready to take it and accomplish it. It is my goal to be faithful to be fruitful as Joseph was.

Hump day

Today is hump day of my first week in the 90 day challenge. It is normally the toughest day but today actually was my easiest day.

Genesis is teaching me a lot about patience and submission. It is all over the book. Today I read about Joseph and the promises God gave him. I identify a lot with Joseph as he is a man with a vision and a word from God who doesn't get it right away in fact he takes many steps back. I feel the same. I know God has given me a clear vision for my family and ministry. Neither have arrived but I know in Gods timing they will happen and I don't want to rush that.

The workout was fun today. It felt like an old basketball workout which brought back lots of great memories. I feel great. Heading towards the end of the first week I feel great!

Day 2

Made it through the burn. Today was cardio and I did well. Feel good but today's entry will be short as it's getting late.

I read Genesis 17-28:19. Learned a lot about the blessings of God. We need to be greatful for what God has given us. Boy am I grateful. He has provided me with a beautiful wife and 2 awesome kids. I am so blessed and I can't complain about some of the short comings my life brings.

Day 1

One word: Brutal.

I read Genesis 1-16 from youversion's 90 day plan. It was very revealing to how God works. The theme throughout was submission. That is something I must do to succeed not only during these 90 days but in life. This 90 journey is called no slackers allowed. To rebel is to slack. If I rebel against the plan I fail. If I rebel against Gods plan then it is worse as I miss out on his perfect plan for me and I tell him I know better. I do not want to tell God I know better. I learned throughout the story of Abraham that when he didn't submit to God it did not go very well. God still worked but Abraham suffered. God even told Hagar who was being mistreated to submit. Not. Good. To be honest though I think it's less about submission and more about trust. Do you trust God enough to submit to him?

...Brutal

Food was tough today as I cut way back and felt hungry most of the day but I pushed through and did well but it was

...Brutal

As I was journaling today I had the overwhelming sense of Gods love and I thought my love for others is very inadequate for how much God loves me. But when I was given the opportunity to show love and Grace to someone at a store I reacted the opposite...not good

Finally P90X. It was tough not gonna lie. But I made it through. Core synergetics. It was one of the toughest workouts with no weights I have ever had but I made it through day one. Good thing I only do that particular workout once a week...but it was

....Brutal

Now to shower and wind down and get ready for Day 2...