The Maid of Heaven Foundation

Your Weekly Inspirational Devotional Message
FOR TODAY
from: Glorious Messages About
God & Freedom

Glorious Messages About God & Freedom by Ben D. Kennedy Book Cover

Below is the message for Week 47 from the book Glorious Messages About God & Freedom. Please use this message as your inspirational devotional message today for the UNLEASH GOD'S FULL POWER TRAINING PROGRAM and visit this page whenever you need to read the message that goes along with each day of the year as you proceed thorough this training program to UNLEASH GOD'S FULL POWER IN YOUR LIFE AND IN OUR WORLD!

***ATTENTION: Just as an elite athlete eats a diet that is much more "nutrient rich" than the average "sugary" diet so these messages are much more "rich" in God's Truth so give yourself plenty of time to digest them and get conditioned to this level of transformative messages about God!

TODAY'S MESSAGE:
Physical Training Is Of Some Value, But…

Image to Go With Message

On this glorious Sunday of our Mighty Lord Jesus I want to remind everyone about what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:8 that: “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.” In our world today where so many people are obsessed with sports this is a sobering reminder for us to keep athletic achievements and physical prowess in their proper perspective. Physical training certainly can be beneficial to Christians but it is only when it is done in a way that enhances our relationship with God that it can ever have any lasting value beyond this present life.
The origins of physical training are unknown but probably date back to the beginning of time when someone figured out that some training would help them to perform better during battle. Down through the ages physical training has always been associated with military preparation and so many sporting events grew out of the requirements of battle. The marathon event actually gets its name from the Battle of Marathon when a soldier ran back to Athens with the news that the Greeks had been victorious. During the medieval ages knights competed in tournaments with events so similar to battle that the highlight was the melee which was an actual mock battle. The real purpose for most of the knights in preparing for and competing in such tournaments were both the great benefits they derived towards honing their skills for real battle and even more so what they gained in terms of physical and spiritual development which were highly prized by the knights during the age of chivalry.
The unfortunate part about modern sports is that because the focus is so heavily upon the entertainment value the greater benefits from doing physical training and competing are not well understood by so many people today. In contrast the Apostle Paul certainly understood how much the lessons learned from athletics can positively impact a person beyond sports because he constantly used athletic analogies to teach the early Christians how to best live out their faith. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 he challenges Christians to live fully for God by reminding everyone that: “in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” In Hebrews 12:11 Paul advises Christians to stay the course when he says: “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” Even at the end of his life Paul still used an athletic analogy to explain how he had finished his work for God when he stated in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
But as much as Paul admired athletics he clearly understood the limitations of athletic training apart from God. In 1 Corinthians 9:25 he reminds us that: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” No matter how successful someone may be at athletics the benefits are only temporary because the human body is only temporary. On the other hand the soul is eternal so whatever we do to increase our “godliness” will last forever which is infinitely better than any crown we can ever win in this fallen world.
The real key to physical training and athletics is to make sure that our greatest emphasis is upon the aspects that actually help to bring us closer to God. Positive traits like discipline, focus, perseverance, self-control, personal sacrifice are all necessary to become a champion athlete and are attributes that all Christians should seek to enhance as much as possible in order to become more like Christ. Ultimately as Christians we are not limited to this physical realm in which we presently live so while “physical training is of some value” now our focus should be on training our souls for the “godliness” to which we have been called (1 Timothy 4:7) because in the end that is all that will matter. Amen!

Unleash God's Full Power Training Program


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Below are some examples of the feedback we have received from people who read our Inspirational Devotional Messages each week:
Week 1 - Celebrate The Glorious Revelation of God To Mankind!
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Great explanation of the Epiphany importance!

Week 2 - Onward Christian Soldiers!
Awesome message! Wow. Your the real deal. Iam truly inspired. Soldier on!
Week 3 - Everyone Who Is Called By My Name Who I Created For My Glory!
Spectacular image goes well with spectacular message!
Week 4 - No One Knows The Day Or Hour!
Thanks Ben. Good, as always!
Week 5 - The Punishment Of The Wicked!
Repent and be saved by the mighty right hand of God, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Serve Him only.
Week 6 - Rebellion To Tyrants Is Obedience To God!
Love this!
Outstanding message and History lesson!

Week 7 - You Have Not Because You Ask Not
Really awesome and powerful message. Right now I am asking God for His blessings on the 12 junior high youth in our group I teach and pray and share with on Weds nights. Challenging us to get a "firm grip" and reliance on Him and on the "Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God", and in Prayer....these are two offensive weapons God has given us to fight His battles and find victory and fruit in our lives.
Week 8 - Aid Yourself And God Will Aid You!
Great historical lesson on unwavering faith, devotion, leadership and decisive action combined for Victory!
Week 9 - Jesus†Maria!
Good message. Thanks!
Another famous battle banner that heralded victory for the “first Christian Emperor of Rome” (Byzantine), was the Chi-Rho cross banner that Constantine I was given in a vision by God before a major battle in the 3rd Century. This banner is depicted on small bronze Roman coins of the time. Constantine’s mother, Helena, was a devout Christian who went to Jerusalem on a mission journey and reportedly found a piece of the true cross.

Week 10 - Be A Good Soldier Of Christ!
Well done as always!
Week 11 - I Will Fear No Evil For Thou Art With Me!
My Fav Psalm!
Week 12 - My God! My God! Why Have You Forsaken Me?
This may be my favorite message from your series. Tho suffering and grief and pain are not my favorite things, they have drawn me closer to God and others.
Well said. Gut wrenching sacrifice for us. Kneel in the dust and raise our hands in thanks and praise for such a Love as His.
Good one, Ben. Having been through the valley of the shadow of death with the loss of my daughter, and nearly with my wife and son, I did cry out to God, and felt forsaken for awhile. But He showed me enough of His light to keep me faithful to Him and to trust Him with all my heart and soul.

Week 13 - One Bright Morning I’ll Fly Away!
Awesome devotion full of fearless truth and freedom for those willing to hear, believe and receive. And a reminder to us who have placed our trust and lives in Jesus to never be afraid of death or sharing the truth.
Week 14 - Jesus Is Freedom!
Good Job! Blessings to you!
HOLY WEEK - This Is My Body! … This Is My Blood!
Great message and God's Power in the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
EASTER MORNING - JESUS MAKES DEAD PEOPLE ALIVE!
Amen!
Amen. He is Risen indeed and He is our hope, joy and strength. Great message.

Week 15 - HE IS RISEN!
He is Risen Indeed!
Wow what a incredible photo to go with your message!

Week 16 - Remember The Love For God And Freedom That The Original American Patriots Possessed!
Wow, great message about first American patriots! I did not know that the men who fired the shot heard round the world were all from the same church in Lexington. Thanks!
Week 17 - The Enemies Of God Are Every Christian’s Enemy!
So true. Amen!
Week 18 - Christian Soldiers Never Fight Alone!
Loved how you integrated the story from St. Joan's life with same example from scripture.
Week 19 - God Of Our Fathers!
Awesome. Thanks, Ben.
Week 20 - The Star Spangled Banner Displays The Love For And Trust In God Of Our Ancestors!
Love it!
Week 21 - Becoming Close To God In Order To Live Free!
Great message.
Coming anarchy by spoiled get it all for free generation will require discipline and prayer on our part.

Week 22 - The Greatest Love As Demonstrated To Us By Jesus & Soldiers!
A powerful and key message to all who desire freedom.
Week 23 - Learn The Proper Way to Fight For God!
Excellent message and scripture discussion.
Week 24 - Our Father Who Art In Heaven!
Timely and true.
Love this message. As a Dad, it is even more encouraging to remember the higher calling I have for my kids.

Week 25 - The Challenge To Be Perfect
Well explained and shared. Fixing our eyes upon Jesus lets us run the race with endurance and depend on Christ to see us through to the end.
Week 26 - Trust In God And Fear Nothing!
Truly inspiring!
Week 27 - The Warriors Psalm!
Always love this one!
Week 28 - Jesus The Prince of Peace!
Well said!
Week 29 - Blessed Are The Peacemakers!
So True!
Week 30 - The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation Whom Shall I Fear!
Excellent! Sharing with family n friends.
Thanks Ben. Love Psalm 27!
Love this devotion. Keep up the great work of faith getting these out. Praying for you and all who hear these messages.

Week 31 - Put On The Full Armor Of God To Stand Against Evil!
Wonderful message and liked the way you related the Shield of Faith from Ephesians 6 with the faith promise in Romans 8:28.
AMEN and AMEN

Week 32 - Take The Sword Of The Spirit!
Take up the Sword of the Spirit every morning before climbing out of bed! Thanks.
Outstanding devotion!

Week 33 - Listen To THE WORD of God!
Always so good! I like the way you tie in Jeanne with Scripture.
My favorite verses on the Word are: Hebrews 4:12, John 1:14 and 2 Timothy 3:16, among others found in the Word of God / Holy Scriptures. Great message holding on to Ephesians 6 as I enter the dragons den In Hawaii. Armor up!

Week 34 - True Wisdom Comes From God
AMEN!
Thanks for helping me understand that only through God may we know Who His Son IS! Like Peter!
Thanks Ben. Very good. Yes, they are blind, but willfully blind. As with most cases, arrogance is the big stumbling block. At least, that's what I think.

Week 35 - Do Not Neglect Your Temple Of The Holy Spirit!
Thanks Ben. I am enjoying these!
Week 36 - Let Us Mount Up With Wings As Eagles!
Awesome poem and lesson. My favorite movie where this verse was preached and "owned" by Scottish gold medalist Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire. Waiting on you Lord, Grant me steadfastness in my waiting!
Week 37 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me!
..."then you better stay focused on Jesus". So true. The times I stopped fixing my eyes and heart on Him were the lowest points in my life. My fav verse in all the Bible goes right with your message today...Heb 12: 1 - 4: "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. " Thanks!
Week 38 - Strength And Courage!
AMEN AND WE ASK ALL THIS IN YOUR NAME YESHUA AMEN
Thanks, Ben. Always a good word!
Thanks and amen. Been reading about Patton lately, who indeed was a good example.
Go in Strength and Courage, Ben.

Week 39 - Through God We Shall Do Valiantly!
Thanks! Makes want to be more like Joan!
Week 40 - All Things Work Together For Good For Those That Love God!
Amen!
Amen on all and especially: “HE CAN AND WILL WORK ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR THOSE THAT LOVE HIM!”
Thanks for giving me a needed boost with this message! Came at a good time!

Week 41 - The Lord’s Prayer IS The Perfect Prayer!
Your poem at the end touched me deeply and more than you can ever know!
Well said! Every day.
AMEN BEAUTIFUL!
Very nice! Thanks!!
Great poem you wrote on the Lord's Prayer!

Week 42 - I Am Full Of The Fury Of The Lord
AMEN BEN AMEN
Week 43 - God Fought For Us: The Power Of Faith & Prayer On Display At The Battle Of Agincourt!!
Amazing, and a well written account of Battle of Agincourt.
Week 44 - Celebrate All Saints Day!
Indeed! All Saints unite! Jesus paid the penalty and gifted us His Spirit at salvation that we can live like saints in His Power for His Glory.
JOAN OF ARC.MY PATRON SAINT!
So beautiful!

Week 45 - Stop Praying And Get The People Going Forward!
A great devotional message we all need to read and heed.
Good message for today, and thanks!

Week 46 - Soldiers Do Not Get Entangled In Civilian Affairs!
Good. For example, getting too entangled with all the insane politics...
Exactly! and the key word is "entangled" because it does not mean we don't try to help like Saint Joan did.

Week 47 - Physical Training Is Of Some Value, But...
Love this devotion and always go back to your referenced scriptures and read the entire passages
Well presented Ben. A valuable lesson in our pursuit of godliness and Christian service.

Week 48 - Worship The Lord Thy God And Him Only Shalt Thou Serve!
Great message about being totally with God!
Week 49 - Whoever Is Not With Me Is Against Me
The battle to be God focused in this lost world is our spiritual battle.
This is great word Ben!
Thank you very much! This is absolutely spot on and this word needs to be shared throughout the earth in every nation and tongue! AMEN

Week 50 - For God So Loved The World!
Beautiful and encouraging message of truth from Gods own living Word which became flesh and dwelt among us for awhile.
My most favorite scripture!

Week 51 - Celebrate THE BIRTH of Christmas!
Awesome message plus video...shared with many.
Amen, Ben, great summary of why Jesus is the true and only hope for redemption in a broken world.

CHRISTMAS DAY - THE BIRTH of Christmas Poem!
Really beautiful poem about the birth of our Lord and Savior!
Wow this poem is really good!
Never seen anything like this poem celebrating THE BIRTH of Jesus! Well done!

Week 52 - Come Holy Spirit And Lead Us!
Great call to wholehearted devotion and trust in God in every endeavor and calling we have. Thanks.
Great message from the life of St. Joan about putting God first in everything!

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