Eventually I got up and got to finishing my workout, and it was worth it! My point of writing this morning has more to do with our relationship with Christ versus the physical workout, but the physical sure makes a great illustration for the spiritual. How often do we claim to other believers that we are doing well with our Bible reading, prayer, and walk with Jesus, only to know internally we are struggling, missing out time with God, and blowing it in areas of character that mean the most. The Bible tells us that we do not battle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Eph. 6:12), yet we can often take our daily Christian disciplines so lightly that if we miss or start a pattern of apathy, we easily shrug it off.

I often tell people that participate in fad-like diets that help you lose weight quickly are not only depressing, but harmful to your well-being. You lose weight fast, people start noticing, you are getting excited… then you hit the plateau! You are losing less and less, you are not as excited, so you let down your guard and gain it all back again. Diet without regular exercise is frustrating and half-hearted, as is Bible reading without quality prayer time, as well as Christian service without discipleship. When we ignore basic Christian disciplines that are meant to be implemented daily, we lose steam and start a downward spiral of spiritual losses that eventually get us frustrated, tired, and burned out.

The Bible tells us to not grow weary while doing good, but that we will reap the rewards if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9). All too often we give up to easily, cutting ourselves short of spiritual victory that is just around the corner if we would simply press in even when it hurts. I preached on the Parable of the Sowers last week, and the truth in this parable rings true today. There are those who will never respond to God's gift of salvation, the seed that hits the road. There are those who respond to God so quickly, but they never become accountable to other believers, they lack discipleship, and eventually when the trials of life come they fall away, the rocky soil. Further there are those who enjoy Christianity for the benefits socially and spiritually, but they enjoy the desires of the secular world too much to give there entire being to God and get choked out of relationship with God… the weeds. Finally there are those who respond to the call of God and they ask questions, they desire discipleship, they press in daily to the basic disciplines, and though trials come they are prepared. They may fall but they get themselves up and keep pressing forward… the good soil.

Christianity is a lifestyle that the world is hard-pressed to really find. Most of American Christianity is characterized by small bits of implementation, nominal Christianity. To live a lifestyle of Christianity is difficult! Whoever told you that coming to Christ is like forever walking in a field of your favorite flowers simply lied to you. Christianity is difficult, but true! Each day you live for Christ, make it a full day of surrender, not worrying if you can pull off the same zeal the next day… just living today in fullness creates an atmosphere for tomorrow. Keep running the race.

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What separates this gym from anything else in Ellis County, TX? If you walk into Trinity Combat Academy you would know for yourself. The gym is located at  200 N. Monroe Ste. C in Waxahachie, TX 75165. The prices and schedule are all listed on the Trinity Combat Academy Website. When asked what brought Brandon Quick and his wife Veronika to Waxahachie, they eagerly answer that their church brought them.

Trinity Combat Academy offers mixed martial arts training for the beginner through professional fighter. The following are the classes that are offered at Trinity Combat Academy:

• 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu – Trinity Combat Academy is an official 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Training Center and Brandon Quick is an official 10th Planet Instructor and offers other gyms and organizations seminars on the 10th Planet system. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu was created by Eddie Bravo who tapped out Hoyler Gracie as a brown belt at the Abu Dhabi Tournament. TCA has people coming as far as San Antonio to train and is travelling as far as Trinidad/Tobaggo to hold seminars.
• Muay Thai KickBoxing – This martial art is known as the science of "eight limbs" and is a staple for almost every fighter in the Mixed Martial Arts World. Whether you want to be a professional fighter or just simply lose weight these classes are for everyone. If you are familiar with Bas Rutten, Brandon’s influence and instructor, then you know you will get some of the best training at TCA.
• Krav Maga - Probably the most effective martial art in the world! Brandon Quick is a black belt in Krav Maga, and TCA is an Official Krav Maga WorldWide Training Center. Krav Maga is an anything goes system that is mostly martial and little art. Brandon always says that Ellis County just got safer, and this is true for those who take the class. Krav Maga is not only a hard-core fighting style, but will get you in great shape too.
• MMA – Learning everything from takedowns and wrestling to full out sparring. This class will get you ready to compete in the cage or ring whether it be amatuer or professional. Trinity Combat Academy offers a Kids MMA class for chidlren ages 8-13.

Why shop on the internet when you can buy all your MMA equipment from Trinity Combat Academy? The gym has a 20 foot ring and a 20 foot cage as well as 1,500 square feet of mat space with six 6 foot muay thai bags, and a full cardio and weight gym. So if you live in the Dallas – Fort Worth Area and interested in MMA training then Trinity Combat Academy may be the place for you. Call them at  (972)923-9177.

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The Giants scored on the very first possession with a pass to Amani Toomer for a touchdown and the Cowboys soon came back and led the game 14-7. You could tell the Dallas sidelines reemed with overconfidence and it showed when the Giants ended up scoring just before the half to tie it. The Giants shutdown the Cowboys the second half only allowing 3 points, and Barber to rush for about 26 yards when he rushed for over 100 in the first half.

I am excited to see the game next Sunday and watch out Packers! ?

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