Running

I went running last night, hope you're all impressed! I've been saying for ages that I need to lose weight and get fit but did nothing about it. I eventually bit the bullet and dug out the stuff I had from the RAF...its a regime with stuff to do each day over the next 6 weeks...so come then I'll be irresistably toned and ready for action. I started this thing yesterday, and had to do a 2mile run (that was easy, I worked out a good route that goes in a circle...just when you start to get tired you pass through a dodgy estate so are inspired to keep running) in my best time, then count how many press-ups, sit-ups, tricep dips, step-ups and dorsal raises I could do in a minute. Once I got started I actually quite enjoyed it...cos I know that if I keep up with it I'll lose weight and get in better shape.

While I was out running I was thinking about how scripture likens our faith to running a race (and about the sermon Jonny did about it!)...

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1Timothy 4:8)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3)

I was surprised by how easy I found the run last night, but there are things which could have held me back;

• Lack of faith - doubt, thinking it would be hard
• Lack of training/preparation
• Not eating properly beforehand/not having the right equipment, ie trainers, fleece

The same things, although not sins in themselves, can hold us back from running the "spiritual race";

• Lack of faith

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:1,6)

• Lack of excercise

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. (James 2:14-18)

• Wrong diet - what do we feed our minds with?

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)