You may read the above title and think that this article is about bodily exercise, but actually these words are a few of the many startling statements made by Jesus throughout His earthly ministry.

• Jesus told a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” (John 5:8, “pick up”, NASB; cf. 5:5-6;)
• Jesus commanded a man with a withered (shriveled, NIV) hand to “Stretch out your hand.” (Matthew 12:13; cf. 12:10).
• To the ten lepers who sought to be healed, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14). This command was given before they received cleansing. It must have seemed an impossible thing to gain audience with any priest in their current state, yet the Bible says, “And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.” (17:14).
• In Luke chapter five Jesus encounters a group of professional fisherman (Peter, Andrew, James, and John) who had fished all night, but in spite of their wisdom and experience, had caught nothing (5:5). Jesus said to them, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (5:4). The result was an astonishing catch of fish (5:6-9). 
• A man who had been blind from birth gave testimony that “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”
• To Lazarus, who had been dead four days, He commanded, “with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.” (John 11:43-44)

In each of these cases, the individual was unable do what Jesus asked of them, or else had already tried and failed in the attempt. Nevertheless Jesus challenged them to act on His command. They each discovered that with Jesus’ help, they were able to accomplish the very thing they “knew” they could not do. One who was paralyzed got up and picked up his bed. Those who were cast out were now going back into society. Those who had failed all night now began the day with the greatest catch of their lives. The one who was blind could now see. Even one who could not conquer death now crossed the great divide into life (cf. Luke 16:26). By themselves these things were impossible! Jesus made the difference. It was His power that made it possible (Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23).

Some feel like Jesus gives impossible commands today. And perhaps they are impossible under our own power, wisdom, and might. However, the Christian must always remember that it is the power of Christ that makes the difference.  Therefore let us “Get Up” and serve (Mark 1:31),  “Take Up” our cross (Luke 9:23), “Go” into all the world (Mark 16:15-16), “Stretch Out” our hands to those in need (Acts 3:7), and “Walk” worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1-3). For it is not by our power alone that we accomplish these things. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). 
 -  Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

In American culture it seems as if “modesty” has become an unknown word. According to Webster being modest is, “having or showing a sense of what is proper,” and modesty itself is defined as “decency in behavior, dress, etc.” In looking at these definitions it is no wonder why there is confusion. We live in a time where nothing is absolute, or nothing is definitely right or wrong. Therefore, who is to say what is proper and what is not? While working with teens I would hear one answer again and again, and usually went like this, “But everyone else is…” Are we to let the crowd be the judge of what is proper? Certainly not! The crowd has never been the example to follow (Matt. 7:13). In all things we must let God be our guide.

How can we know what things are proper? Paul said we are to “test all things” (1 Thess 5:21). To test something you must have the right standard. Paul gave the Philippians a standard by which to live. It says, whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy—“meditate on these things” (4:8-9). Christians are to be examples to the world. We are to let Christ shine through us, but this can only be done if we let God be part of our decisions.

So Christians must exhibit modest behavior in all areas of life, but as we enter the summer season, let me challenge you to especially remember to be modest in what you choose to wear.

All too often we let the season determine our dress. We justify immodest clothing with words like “style” and “fashion”, when really the words that fit are “revealing” and “shameful.” The Lord desires His children to be modest in their appearance no matter what the weather. Long ago Paul instructed Timothy to encourage godly women to “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Tim 2:9-11). Paul instructed Timothy in this way, because Christians are to draw attention to Christ and not themselves. In this  case we learn that excess is to be avoided, but the Christian should also shun the opposite, which is wearing too little.

I believe the key phrase of Paul's message is where he makes reference to that “which is proper for women professing godliness.” Of course, this doesn't only apply to women! All Christian, men and women alike, must strive for godliness (2 Peter 1:6-7). Therefore, as we dress for whatever occasion, let us seek God’s advice on what to wear.  We are ambassadors for Christ and He is counting on us to set the right example.

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

Captured during the Korean War, General William Dean endured torture, mistreatment, and extreme hardship. At one point in his imprisonment, thinking his end was near; he put his words to paper. A part of his letter was a message to his son. He wrote, “Tell Bill the word is integrity.”

God has also written to His children and much of that message has to do with integrity. 

• “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Proverbs 11:3, c.f. Proverbs 10:9).
• “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1, c.f. Proverbs 28:6).
• “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you” (Titus 2:7-8).

Time and again God told His people “The righteous man walks in his integrity” (Proverbs 20:7), yet many failed to heed His Word. The Bible even speaks of religious leaders compromising their integrity and easing their consciences with the lie that “the end justifies the means”.

The highest governing body in Israel was the Sanhedrin, yet Matthew tells how they “sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death” (Matthew 26:59). The men who sat as judges over Israel were to those of the utmost character, yet they easily cast aside the eighth commandment when it suit them (“You shall not bear false witness”, Exodus 20:16). Jesus warned His disciples, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). It is no surprise then to see the Sanhedrin treating Christians the same way it treated Jesus. In Acts 6 they “set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law” (6:13).  It is no surprise that Jesus said of this people, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8).

After the Civil War it is said that Robert E. Lee was approached by a state lottery for the use of his name. They agreed to pay him very generously for his cooperation, but he replied, “Gentlemen, my name is all I have left, and it is not for sale.” Christians wear the name of Christ and it is precious. We must never compromise who we are. The church needs those who “hold fast to integrity” (Job 2:3, c.f. Job 2:9,4:6, 27:5, 31:6). Jesus made a statement, which not only speaks of salvation, but also implies integrity. He said, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

 - Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

The letters TNT are usually associated with a dangerous explosive. Most recognize that TNT is not something you want to play around with. What many fail to recognize, however, is that there is another far more dangerous and destructive form of TNT.

T.N.T can stand for, “Today Not Tomorrow”. Tomorrow is on every calendar. Each day plans are made and tasks put off until tomorrow. There is a sense of security in idea of tomorrow, but the Bible reveals that this is false. James said, “Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14).  God never promised us tomorrow. Tomorrow is a possibility but not a certainty.

C.S. Lewis said, “The present is the point at which time touches eternity.” Or as the Bible states, “today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). One cannot go back in time, nor can they move forward in it. Today is the only opportunity when we can make things right with God. As one has said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”

One of the saddest passages in the Bible is Acts 24:24,25, “And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Felix was betting everything on tomorrow. This is a very risky bet because tomorrow only exists on the calendar. It has not yet been created. David reminds us that today “is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118: 24).

Today is a day of rejoicing for those who make the most of it. God offers grace (Titus 2:11). He offers salvation (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15-16) but you must act Today. Playing with tomorrow is too dangerous.


- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

1 Kings chapter 13 contains an interesting account concerning an unnamed man of God. This man was faithful to God in many ways: he cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord (13:2), he performed what God had commissioned (13:3), he stood up against King Jeroboam (13:4), and he did not heed the invitation of the king (13:8). At first glance this man was a hero of his time, yet in the end he is attacked by a lion and found lying dead in a ditch. What led to this man’s downfall? The answer is simple: He believed a false prophet! (13:18-19). In this ancient story there are a couple of important lessons for Christians today.

 One preaching the truth will never contradict what God has already said. In this text an old prophet claims an angel had instructed him to minister to the man of God. Even though this conflicted with God’s original instructions (13:21) the man of God gave into the older prophet’s words.  This old prophet is a good example of one Jesus would call a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-16). These wolves still prowl around today, therefore Christians must always strive to go back to the Bible, God’s original instruction. Paul instructed the Galatians, “…even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal 1:8-9). Even though the man of God was deceived (the prophet had flat out lied to him) he was still held accountable for his actions. We have instructions from God and like the man of God in the story; we too are accountable unto God.


Always strive to wholly follow God. We must remember that partial obedience is disobedience. The man of God is to be praised for his good start; however, a good start doesn’t mean anything if you do not finish the race. The Lord has said, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). The promise is to those who persevere! Caleb is an example of a man of God who finished strong. It is said of him, he “wholly followed the Lord” (Joshua 14:8; Deut. 1:36; Num. 32:12). Faithful men and women will seek to finish the race. We must not obey what is convenient or popular, but seek to wholly follow God.


- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

Paul told Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The word “example” is translated from the Greek word “tupos”, meaning a die or stamp (Strong’s). A good stamp replicates itself exactly. In like manner, Timothy was to be a model for others to imitate (c.f. Galatians 4:19, 1 Corinthians 11:1). This exhortation meant not only for Timothy, but for all Christians. Every person in Christ is must shine as an example for others to follow. 

We have received a beautiful gift from our loving Benefactor (James 1:17, Romans 6:23). We must not to hide our example from the world. We are to shine our lights before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

It’s March Madness and that means lots and lots of basketball. I normally don’t watch a whole lot of basketball during the year but there is just something about this tournament that always gets me filling out my bracket and yelling at the TV. For 2 ½ weeks many of us revel in the unpredictability, outstanding match-ups, March rivalries, upsets, and the great talent and athleticism on display. It is often a roller coaster ride, but that’s why we love it.

I have always been a big fan of collegiate sports and admire the preparation and dedication of each player to be able to compete at this high level. As I watch this year’s tournament unfold, one thing is certain; these players did not just decide to play basketball in March. They have been training for this opportunity all year long.

Here lies an example for Christians to embrace. The prize is not won without dedication and daily effort. While we may not be running up and down a court, the Bible does tell us the Christian life is a race. Paul said, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24). “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

The NCAA championship is not won by being out of shape and unprepared. Likewise, a Christian will never get to Heaven being spiritual weak. Paul instructed Timothy to exercise himself unto godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). Are you in shape?

Let me suggest the following daily exercise regimen. If followed daily it will increase your spiritual strength and endurance. Also, these exercises are great for the heart (Proverbs 23:7, 4:23).

• Walk Every Day - “Walk worthy of the calling which you were called” (Eph. 4:1). “Walk in love” (Eph 5:1, Rom 6:4). ”For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). “Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
• Upward Presses - “I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me…press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12,14).
• Knee Bends -  “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1)

•  Various Lifts – “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up” (Acts 3:7). “He took him by the right hand and lifted him up” (Acts 3:7). “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). “Lifting up holy hands” (1 Timothy 2:8). “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35).
•  Incline Exercises – “Now therefore,” he said, “put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel” (Joshua 24:23). “I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever” (Psalm 119:112).

• Healthy Diet – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; c.f. Acts 17:11).

• Proper Hydration – “…whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
• Meditation – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Can you think other beneficial exercises? Remember “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

How far back can you remember? What’s your earliest childhood memory? For me it is a trip my family took to Florida. While I cannot remember it perfectly, I can recall a few glimpses of Disney World and some happy moments with family. The clearest memory of this trip involves my father teaching me how to hold my breath and to float in the swimming pool.

In this faded memory the lesson progressed to a point where Dad would drop my favorite toy car into the shallow end and I would hold my breath and jump in after it. Although I could not swim, my father had taught me that as long as I held my breath I would float back to the top where he could pick me up. We repeated this game many times (as is often the case with children and new experiences). While I don’t remember everything about that experience, the absolute trust and confidence I felt for my father are forever etched into my brain. I remember just knowing, never fearing, that every time I jumped into that water he would be there to lift me up.

My parents recall this trip with in a slightly different way. They think of it as, “the time we all went to Florida and Josh jumped into the deep end of the pool when no one was looking and scared us all to death.” As an adult I understand this reaction and why everyone responded the way they did. However, I distinctly remember the “childhood me” as being very confused. To him, he was still playing the game with his father! He had no reservations about leaving the shallow end; he didn’t even hesitate to jump because he had complete confidence in his father to lift him up again.

Jesus challenged His disciples to develop the attributes of a child (Matthew 18:3). I have often wondered which attributes childlike traits He desires us to emulate? Is it how a child loves unconditionally? How a child can forgive so easily? How accepting they can since they are unburdened by pride and prejudice?  It is likely all of these and more. As when I recall my earliest memory I believe Jesus wants me to regain that childlike quality of faith and trust.

I am certain the “younger me” could teach the “older me” quite a bit about faith. To him, passages like Matthew 6:25-33 would have made perfect sense. Don’t worry. Don’t fear. Don’t stress. Just “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (v. 33). Simply place your trust the heavenly Father and He will take care of you. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10)