Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

Why did you think it was important to write Game Day for the Glory of God: A Guide for Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes?

For many Christians, sports play a huge role in their lives, consuming vast quantities of their time. Sports are a wonderful gift from God and a wonderful means of sanctification, and each game presents the athlete with an opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness. Unfortunately, it sports seem to be a somewhat neglected topic, with very little written on the subject. My desire was simply to help people think biblically about the topic of sports.

Are you an athlete? Tell us a little bit about your experience with athletes and/or athletics in general.

I’m a limited athlete. I love watching and playing sports and played organized baseball from age 9 to 19. I also play pickup basketball on a regular basis and have played in several church athletic leagues, although that hardly counts as being an athlete. So I guess you could call me an athlete in the same way you could call Taco Bell Mexican food. I try.

Could you give us an example of a situation when participating in sports where one could be tempted to sin and how to respond biblically?

Yikes. I could give you hundreds of examples from my own life. I’m often tempted to be sinfully proud about my athletic abilities, and I want others to recognize my abilities and praise me for them. The biblical response however, would be for me to recognize that all of my abilities are a gift from God and to thank him for giving me some measure of talent. When I play well my first response should be to transfer all glory to God.

How would this advice differ for someone who might not play sports, but loves to watch sports?

Watching sports is an opportunity for us to worship God. When I see LeBron James make an incredible play, I’m seeing a faint reflection of the glory of God. Excellence on the playing field gives us a faint glimpse of the excellence of God. When I witness an athlete do something incredible, I can seize that moment to praise God for his glory.

Could you whet the appetite of our readers a little bit? What are some of the specific issues you sought to address in your book?

Sure. Just a few questions that I seek to answer are:

- How do we live life for the glory of God?
- How do we use our athletic abilities to glorify God?
- What’s the connection between God and the joy we experience while playing and watching sports?
- What are God’s priorities for us on the playing field?
- How do we win and lose for the glory of God?
- What is the role of parents in helping their children play sports for the glory of God?

How has application of the principles outlined in your book served you in your own life?

This book was partially written out of my own struggles, and I’m still trying to apply the principles in the book to my own life. For example, before I play pickup basketball I often take a few moments to pray. I ask God to help me play for his glory, to play humbly, and to encourage others. When I’m done playing sports I seek to thank God for the gift of sports and the gift of my healthy body. But I’m definitely a work in progress.

What are some other resources you might recommend for those desiring further study of this topic?

C.J. Mahaney did an excellent blog post entitled “Fathers, Sons, and March Madness”, which actually appears as an appendix to my book. You can also view the post online at the following link: http://blog.t4g.org/2006/03/let_the_madness.html

I saw that you have self-published a book about your father, Mark Altrogge. How has your relationship with him shaped your views on athletes, fans, and wannabes?

My dad has been the single most influential person in my life when it comes to my spiritual life. He taught me to be dependent on God before each baseball game by praying, to respect and honor my coaches, and to set an example for my teammates. And he taught me to see the glory of God everywhere, including the arena of sports. I’m the better athlete however!

Besides being a published author, you are also a gifted songwriter and musician. Do you have any new albums or songs coming out soon?

Sovereign Grace Ministries is releasing an album this August that’s based on the Psalms. I have two songs on the album.

Most of my readers are athletes, sports enthusiasts, or simply people who desire to take care of their health. With that in mind, I always must ask at the end of my interviews something about exercise. What is your current exercise regimen?

Regimen might be too strong of a word. I play basketball as much as I can, go for walks with my wife, and generally try to stay in decent shape.

Thank you so much, Stephen, for taking time to share about your upcoming book, Game Day for the Glory of God: A Guide for Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes.You may preorder Stephen’s book from Good News & Crossway by clicking here.

More about the author:

Stephen Altrogge  works as a pastoral intern at Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana, PA, where his main duties include leading worship, working with college students, and shining his dad’s shoes. He also has written several worship songs that have been included on Sovereign Grace Music albums. Stephen is the author of the book Game Day For the Glory of God: A Guide For Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes, which will be published by Crossway Books in September 2008.  Stephen, along with his father Mark, are the writers at The Blazing Center Blog. When not shining his dad’s shoes, you can find Stephen drinking coffee or playing video games. You can contact Stephen by clicking here. 

I’ve asked Josh Murphy to help start off our topic on sports performance training.

1. Could you tell us a little about yourself, where you work, and what you do?

I have been in the fitness and sport performance world since I was a teenager. I’ve been working as a professional in the field for the last 9 years. Currently, I am the Associate Director for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fitness Center. I’m responsible for helping to lay out direction for the center, training the staff, overseeing departments, ensuring that our members receive the best services we have to offer. On a daily basis this looks like teaching classes or personal training, developing the staff through training, boring desk work, etc. Also, in my spare time I am working on getting my sport performance company up and running again as that was what I was doing prior to this job.  

On a personal note, I have been married to my wonderful bride, Kelley, for two and a half years. We have a 13-month little girl, Keara, and another due sometime in September. We are also members of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

2. How did you get involved with sports performance training?

Sports were always apart of my life growing up, so much so that I wanted to be a professional athlete when I ‘grew up.’ Needless to say being in shape was always a priority. As the Lord opened my eyes, I realized that I couldn’t be a professional athlete and be a committed member of a local church. So I went to school to learn how to train athletes/individuals to meet their goals. I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology, which is basically movement within the human body. Toward the end of my degree I took an internship with a renowned Strength & Conditioning Coach and spent 5 years with him soaking up all the knowledge he could throw at me. I went from intern to trainer to assistant to his director. Through my degree and God’s favor I’ve had the privilege to work with a wide variety of individuals and jobs

3. How would you define sports performance training?

Simply, it is any aspect of training that improves your ability to perform. For example, that could mean acceleration and running technique for sprinters, Olympic weight lifting for hockey players, or mental and kicking technique’s for NFL placekickers. It varies based on the individual, sport, and what the need for improvement is. 

4. What is a typical workout you might have assigned for- say a tennis player?

That largely would depend on the skill level, time commitment, area’s that need improvement. I used to direct the strength & conditioning for a tennis academy, so I will base my answer on what we used to do there.

Typically, we would start with conditioning drills related to on-court performance. Two to three exercises for footwork, three to four agility drills, four to five kinds of plyometrics(jumping drills), and then finish with eight to twelve intermediate sprints. After a cool down, we’d head into the gym for weight training. That would include three to five lifts each for the upper and lower-body and then core work. Because tennis players have a tendency to overdevelop their dominant side (racquet hand), dumbbells are used to correct any imbalances. Standard lifts would be a bench press, dumbbell row, lateral shoulder raise, bicep and tricep work, lunges, balance board squats, leg extensions, and leg curls. Finish it all of with at least 500 to 700 reps of ab work. The reason for so large a number is because the tennis players core strength is essential for success on the court. 

5. You had mentioned training youth and adults. How different is the training?

Because adults are fully developed, the only restrictions you have to training is how fast they can learn the exercises and if there are any physical limitations (injuries) they have. This means you can train them for maximum strength gains, increase training sessions, etc. On the flip side, because a youth has not fully developed the emphasis is building a solid foundation of technique and habit. You want youths to train hard as long as they don’t approach maximal effort. By placing a body that has not fully developed under such effort you can cause long-term injury. By building that foundation they will be much further ahead once their body reaches a place to train at maximal effort. That being said, I’m a firm believer in training hard whatever the age or ability as long as it’s within safe boundaries.

6. Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for my Let’s Training Together participants?

Train hard and have fun! Get your miles in, but mix up how you do it. Vary the type of cardio you do, use weight lifting exercises that train movements not just body parts, train with a partner or group. Running long distance can be very difficult, push through it and you will be glad you did so. And one more thing, listen to Trillia! 

7. I can’t end an interview without asking, what is your current exercise regimen?

What I plan to do or what I actually do? J I do cardio 4-5 days a week for 30-60 minutes. That’s either cycling, running, elliptical work, or some combination. Additionally, I weight lift 5-6 days per week. I lift Chest/Shoulder/Tri’s; Back/Bi’s; and Leg’s each twice a week. I vary the sets and reps depending on what training cycle I’m in. Now I’m able to do all of this because I work at a gym. If I didn’t work at one then it would only be 2-3 times per week!  

Thanks so much Josh. I know at the time we conducted the interview it was a busy time so I am grateful you would take time out to help educate us on sports performance training. It’s always encouraging to me to meet other Christians in the fitness industry. I hope to hear more from you in the near future.

When I considered doing a Christian aerobics and exercise CD one of the first decisions I needed to make was song selection. The lyrics of each track I chose for the CD was very important to me.  It didn’t take me long to decide to use Sovereign Grace Music. The music of Sovereign Grace Ministries is packed with truth about God’s character, His grace, and the Cross. Bob Kauflin, the Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries took time to answer a few questions about himself and his ministry.

Please give us a little history about Sovereign Grace Music- when did it begin? What was the first project you worked on?

Sovereign Grace Music began in the mid-80’s. The first project I worked on was The Nations Are Waiting. I think it came out in 1987.

Back in the late 70’s/early 80’s, you were a part of a contemporary Christian group GLAD. When, and how, did God call you into full-time ministry?

While in GLAD (1972-1984), I because convinced that the local church was God’s primary tool for bringing the Gospel to people. So in 1981 I told the band I would be leaving in three years to devote myself to building the local church. I left in1984 and became a pastor at a Sovereign Grace church in 1985.

Our CD, In His Strength, is a compilation of songs originally by Sovereign Grace Music. Three of these songs were written by you. Is there anything you do to prepare yourself to write music?

Ask God for help! I try to come up with a basic focus or theme, and then I’ll typically sit down at the piano and try to come up with a melody with lyrics.

We often hear of “heroes of the faith” is there someone you would consider to be your “hero of the faith”? How has this person contributed to your ministry?

A dead hero is Isaac Watts (1674-1748). He wrote over 650 hymns, a number of which we still sing today, including Joy to the World and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. During a time when most of the church only sang Psalms, God used him to expand the use of “hymns of human composure,” that is hymns that explore biblical themes and response to those themes. He versified 138 of the Psalms to “make David speak like a Christian.” Even though he could have produced more “profound” poetry, he intentionally wrote simply so that more people could understand what he was saying. I have been affected by his work ethic, his love for the Gospel, and his desire to see Christians singing rich doctrine.

My living hero is CJ Mahaney. There is little about my life that hasn’t been affected by him. His example as a son of God, husband, father, preacher, pastor, and friend have all affected me deeply. I love the Savior more because of him, I love my wife more, I love my children more, and I love the church more because of his counsel, teaching, and example. I’ve told him numerous times that if I had to choose between hearing his preaching (which is simply brilliant) and watching his life, I’d pick watching his life, because he’s even more impressive privately than he is publicly. And he’s pretty impressive publicly. 

What projects are you currently working on?

I just finished a book for Crossway, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God. Lord willing it will be out in April. I’m finishing a chapter for a book on worldliness. I’m planning the WorshipGod conference next July 30-Aug. 2, Rediscovering the Psalms, to be held here in Gaithersburg. That’s our bi-annual worship conference for pastors, worship leaders, musicians, and anyone else who wants to come. I’m also working on some of the music projects that will be released next year. One will be songs for those going through suffering and another will be a project drawn from the Psalms.

Keeping with the tradition of my interviews I must ask; do you have any exercise routines or regimens you do throughout your week?

I plead the 5th.

Thank you so much, Bob, for spending time with us and giving us a glimpse into your life and work. I have personally benefited from your gifts as a songwriter and musician. You are a gift to your local church, Sovereign Grace Ministries, and beyond. I look forward to reading your book next year and pray that your future projects would be a success. By the way, pleading the 5^th to remain “silent”, I’m afraid speaks loud and clear.

Bob Kauflin leads worship at Covenant Life Church and writes a blog at  http://www.worshipmatters.com/. To find out more information about Sovereign Grace Music you may visit them on the web at http://www.sovereigngracemusic.org/.

I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some extraordinarily talented individuals while making In His Strength. One such individual is Josh Wann (aka deejay essence). One thing that I most respect about Josh is his humility. His desire is that God would be glorified in all that he does. Today I am thrilled that you will get to know him a little better too in this brief interview below.

You own and operate Lamp Mode Recordings. Could you tell us a little bit about what you do?

Lamp Mode is a small, independent record label that I own. We specialize in making Christ-centered, doctrinal hip-hop. My job changes so much on the day to day that it’s hard to actually say what my job entails. For one, I cover all of the administrative tasks of running the record label and studio. As well as that, I engineer the majority of songs, which includes recording and then mixing the songs. I am also involved in producing certain songs, giving creative ideas, helping structure songs and making sure the intent of the artist is achieved during the album making process. Up until recently, I was involved in handling the graphic design aspect of the label, including print materials and website presence. Finally, I travel with the guy’s and act as DJ during their performances.

How long have you been mixing CD’s?

I’ve been mixing as a DJ for 13 years now. My older brother brought some turntables home one day and that was all she wrote. I had no clue as to what I was doing, but I was intrigued by them. On top of that, I had a passion for music, so it was an interesting combination. I used to make the most horrendous noise in the neighborhood, but my mom didn’t care because she was just glad I was home and not out on the streets…Fast forward a few years and I evolved from just DJ’ing into the recording/production aspect. I know spend the majority of my time mixing songs for people, or producing songs and albums. Thankfully, the DJ background gave me a foundation to understand song structures.

You work mostly with Christian hip hop and rap artist. How and why did you decide to focus in on Christian hip hop?

Proverbs 16:9!…Paraphrasing, I have made my plans, but the LORD has directed my steps. In God’s awesome sovereignty and sense of humor, he allowed me to craft my skills so that I could in turn glorify Him. I was in the world doing secular music for a long time and when I wasn’t looking for it, He changed my affections to glorify Him in my music. All secular hip hop music is focused on self and the pride of the artist. Its aim is to draw attention to the artist. Because of this, we are intentional in making sure we don’t fall prey to this, but instead turn our gaze and the gaze of the listeners to heaven, where God reigns on high.

Was making this CD much different from other projects you’ve worked on? If so, how?

Making this CD was completely different than anything I’ve ever done! Not only musically, but also in the technique in which it was crafted. As providence would have it, my foundation (from the early DJ years) is in electronic dance music. So, the aesthetic of the genre wasn’t foreign, but I had never gotten into producing electronic music. By the time I started producing, I was only involved in the hip hop scene. So, I had to apply the process that I had developed as a hip hop producer and try to apply it to what I knew as a house, or electronica DJ. On top of that, there was an added dynamic of not having access to the recordings of the music, but only being able to use the completed songs. Because of this, I wasn’t able to solo out individual instruments or vocals from a song, but I was constrained to the format of the song as it was released on CD. So, I didn’t have the flexibility as most “remixers” might, but it also allowed me to be stretched creatively to try and push the songs as far as possible, yet still retaining some familiarity of the original song elements.

I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering; where did you get the name “deejay essence”?

Ahhhhhh, only if I had a clever story for this one. Well, it was a snowy night and….No, just kidding. I gave that name to myself! I’ve had a few other DJ names (some not worth mentioning!), but this is the one that has stuck, standing the test of time.

What are some projects that you are currently working on?

Well, I’m currently in the final mixing stages of two albums by shai linne. One is called The Atonement and the other one is called Storiez. I’m mixing an album for Hazakim called Theophanies. Hazakim are some great brothers from Ohio and they are Messianic Jews. They make great apologetic hip hop that shows how Jesus is the Messiah predicted about in the Scriptures (pointedly at a Jewish audience). I’m mixing an album for Willie Will out of Seattle, Washington. I’m also recording and mixing an album for Young Josh called Back 2 Reality. I’ve just finished mixing the new album for the Frontlynaz called Game Over. In addition to all of that, I’m trying to stay productive making beats for other people and when I have time, working on my solo album, which will probably never come out!

You jokingly write on your website that your “future plans include bringing world peace through the distribution of tea and part-time work as a jazzercise instructor.” How’s that jazzercise working out for you? This is a fitness site so I must ask; do you have an exercise regimen?

The funny thing is that shai linne wrote that bio. I don’t know why he said that, but it turns out that he may have a prophetic gift! Me, exercise? You’ve got to be kidding. My idea of exercise is rolling over to hit the snooze button on my alarm clock. I sit in a dungy basement for days on end. It might help to get some sunlight every once in a while though!

Josh you are very busy so I am very thankful that you would take time to let my readers get to know you a little better. I pray that your future endeavors are successful by God’s grace and for His glory. Oh and exercise is not rolling over to it the snooze button-I guess the rolling might engage the abs a little. That’s pushing it!

Joshua ‘deejay essence’ Wann is the founder of Lamp Mode Recordings. Lamp Mode exists to highlight the character of God while presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ and a biblical worldview through hip hop culture. You can find more info at:

www.lampmode.com

www.myspace.com/lampmode

I am excited to post two interviews with Travis Maples (Navy) and Matt Carr (Army). I have had the privilege of knowing these two guys for several years. Travis Maples is married to my dearest girl friend Amy and writes for the Man Speak blog mostly focusing on evangelism. Matt Carr and I worked together as interns with Volunteers for Christ, our church based campus ministry. It is a joy to get to learn from these two military men and my friends today.

Travis Maples

Branch: U.S. Navy

Duty Station: Commander Seventh Fleet(USS Blue Ridge) Yokosuka, Japan 1998-2002

Rate(Job): Radioman

Rank: Petty Officer Second Class

Besides running everyday, these were the two exercises that probably contributed most to my losing 35lbs in 8-9 weeks; plus there was no snacking and we ate only at meal times.  Since you were burning so many calories and not getting any snacks I wolfed down things that I normally wouldn’t eat i.e. mixed vegetables and brussel sprouts, lima beans.  Whatever they put on your tray you destroyed.

8 Count Body Builders

Start in the standing position

1. Squat down putting your hands by your feet
2. Kick your feet back to come to the push up position with arms extended
3. Lower your torso and stay there.
4. Raise your torso having completed one push up
5. Spread your feet apart
6. Bring your feet back together
7. Kick your feet back under you and remain in the squatted position with your hands by your feet
8. Come back to the standing position

And you have completed 1 repetition.  Keep in mind you do not move on to the next station until the instructor called out the next number i.e. you could remain on station 3 which is the lowered push up position until the instructor called out “4″. 

Flutter Kicks

Lie flat on your back

Bring your feet 6 inches off the deck.

Alternate kicking your feet with legs straight back and forth in a 4 count repetition.

Matt Carr

U.S. Army

Lieutenant

Served in Iraq for approximately 2 years

Our workouts in the Army tended to focus on cardio (a lot of running). The workouts would always begin with a lot stretching and warming up then we would embark on a 3-5 (on average) mile run. Sometimes we would do our cardio workouts on a track where we would do intervals ( i.e. sprint for 400m, jog for 200m, sprint again for 400m, etc…). Following the run we would then do some sort of workout routine. For instance if we were doing an upper body routine it may consist of push-ups (regular, close-grip, wide), pull-ups, chin-ups, etc…And, in almost every workout we did some sort of ab routine, crunches and sit-ups.

Maintaining your physical fitness as a soldier is very important. The tasks you have to accomplish and conditions you may find yourself in take a toll on your body, demanding you to stay fit.

Thank you Matt and Travis to taking time to give us some examples of your military workouts. Thank you for your service in the military. Most of all thank you for your love for God.    

I received this question and comment from a reader:

 ”Well I am an obese 26 year old girl. I am pushing 380lbs right now. I have been trying to eat right, but most diets leave me starving to death, so I have been packing fruits and stuff with me so when ever I get hungry in between meals, I grab an orange or apple instead of chips or candy. Anyways, I was wondering if you could recommend some exercises or routines that larger gals could do. I try to walk sometimes but I give out way to easy. And some of these exercises you see on TV in stuff, there is no way a larger girl can do some of those things. I use to be in good shape back when I was playing softball but I have always been large my whole life. Anything you could recommend would be appreciated.”

Thank you so much for your email. I look forward to spending a few Friday’s giving you and the readers of Trill Fitness some ideas to help you get started. To start us off, Delia Robinson, the creator of The Plus Factor is here to help me begin discussing this topic.

What is The Plus Factor?

The Plus Factor is an exercise class that is tailored for the plus size person, male and females. The actual full name is The Plus Factor/Re-shape Your Tomorrow a/k/a The Plus Factor.

How did it begin?  What inspired you to create The Plus Factor? 

The program began because I wanted to see something different in the fitness industry. I focused on myself and I knew I needed to see an instructor that looked like me who would give me the motivation to push myself. I felt if she had my body type and do the exercises, then I had no excuse but to do them as well. At the time I started the program I had not seen any plus size fitness instructors in any gyms. So with that in mind, I approached the YMCA with an idea and the rest is history. The program concept has extended from Knoxville to New York to Boston and many gyms are now including plus size fitness classes with plus size instructors.

How do you encourage people who may have never maintained a healthy lifestyle to begin a workout regimen?

I talk about myself and the yo-yo syndrome. I have a thyroid condition which I’ve had several radiation treatments which at times can set me back a while, but I get right back up and sometimes have to start all over again, just to get my weight back in check. I always ask people before they begin a workout program several questions: (1) what type of person are you; do you need a partner to stay motivated or you rather be alone in your fitness regimen (2) are you doing this for a vacation, relationship, or your health? (3) do you find yourself getting off track when someone comments you look like you’ve lost weight?

Is The Plus Factor a class or an independent group separate from a fitness facility?

Unfortunately, within NFC it’s a class, but it is also a class that can be conducted outside the facility on its own. When I had the classes at the YMCA, it did not require a membership and could be paid in eight week sessions. I really like that arrangement because plus size people have a different mind set to exercise, and they did not have to be locked into a three year membership.

Who can attend The Plus Factor classes?

Anyone can attend classes, but I really like to see plus size people who really need that special attention to fitness and the continued encouragement to getting off the couch. I was told by a person at one time I was being prejudiced but quickly came back with, “where can a plus size person go to work out and feel comfortable without a size 10 instructor and be in an environment with who look like them?” There was never an answer to that question.

What is a typical workout for the classes you teach?

A typical workout starts with making people feel comfortable within the group. Next, observing their coordination with different movements of exercise, increasing the difficulty and intensity and making sure laughter is present during classes. So typically a warm up, cardio, and cool down like any other class and yes variety, variety, variety! which is another reason I added the water classes. How wonderful it is to see a plus size person in a bathing suit not being ashamed and getting off the couch to get exercise. Currently, we have only one male in our class and he has a great time with us. 

Are there any other activities or events you are currently doing or planning for The Plus Factor?

 Yes, I am hosting a fitness cruise to Alaska in Sept 08. and currently we are training in getting ready to walk in the Knoxville Covenant Health Marathon in March 2008. In 2006, I was the walking spokesperson for the marathon with Missy Kane, and have applied again for 2008. We’ve started the training early to allow for the holidays and be able to get back on track (if we fall off) and be in condition in time to walk the half marathon (13.1 miles). We have a schedule we are following and so far the few that have challenged themselves to do it are doing well. If anyone wants to join us, we would love to have them!  My ultimate goal is to see a plus size fitness facility that is very much needed in our community. I already have a petition with many signatures that would support the cause.

How might someone contact you?

They can contact me at my email and I will speak with them, get a pass for 3 classes and hopefully they will join us. My email is: upsize@bellsouth.net.

Thank you, Delia, for taking the time to share about The Plus Factor and some quick tips for getting started.   

If you have further questions or would like more specific questions answered, please send me an email and I will be happy to answer them over the next couple of weeks. You may email your questions to trillia@trillfitness.com.

For the past few months I have had the pleasure of administratively working on a CD called In His Strength. It has been exciting to watch what was an idea come to fruition. Going back to the beginning, one of my first steps was trying to decide where I was going to get ten songs. It didn’t take long to decide Sovereign Grace Music. The lyrics to the songs I chose for the CD was very important to me. The music of Sovereign Grace Ministries is full of truth about God’s character, His grace, and the Cross. God has graciously given the ministry gifted songwriters  who love His Word and have a passion for His glory. One of those songs writers is Mark Altrogge. Mark has three of his songs featured on In His Strength one of which, Jesus My Only Hope, may be listened to in the aerobics media section of this site. I am very excited for you to get to know a little bit about Mark through this interview.

 In His Strength, the title of the aerobics CD, features three of your songs. One of my favorites is Jesus My Only Hope. What was your inspiration for Jesus My Only Hope?

The Bible tells us that we cannot come to God in our own goodness or worthiness, for we are sinners.  But God sent his Son, Jesus Christ to rescue sinners by living a life of perfect obedience, then dying on a cross in their place.  And for all who put all their hope in Christ, God credits the perfection of Christ as belonging to them. 

I wanted to write a song about coming to God through Jesus Christ, not in our own worthiness.  When we draw near to God in worship, prayer or reading the Bible, we should not put our hope in our own performance, our own goodness or anything else, but we should put all our trust in Jesus Christ.  He is the perfect Mediator between God and man, who shed his divine blood to bring us to God.  These are the ideas I tried to capture in Jesus My Only Hope.

What do you do before you sit down to write a song?

Do you mean “when” I sit down to write?  Or before?  I don’t do much before - the best thing before would be to pray - if only I could more consistently remember to do that! 

When I sit down to write, I usually have some kind of theme in mind, something I’ve read in a book or heard in a sermon.  Recently, I was thinking about how God designs our suffering for his glory and our good, and thought that the important thing is not that God would remove any pain I might experience, but that he be glorified in my life.  So I had the phrase “As Long as You Are Glorified”.  Then I began to write some verses that would relate to this theme.

Often I will write lyrics first.  Sometimes I might write them out in verse form, crafting them almost like a poem.  Other times I simply write a few random thoughts related to a theme without worrying about rhyme or meter.  Then I will begin to play my guitar and sing some of the words, experimenting with melodies and chords, looking for anything that happens to “click”.  When I get some good ideas, I record them so I don’t forget them. 

In a way it is like physical exercise; it’s mostly a matter of repetition and hard work.

Have you always been a songwriter? What was the first song you ever wrote?

I’ve always loved music.  But I didn’t write any songs until I got into a rock band as a teen-ager.  Wanting to be just like the Beatles (I was not yet a Christian), I wrote my first song when I was 15.  It was called, “As If I Didn’t Know.”  The lyrics were: “You’re whispering in my ear, what you’re saying makes my insides glow.  You’re wishing I’d hold you near, as if I didn’t know.”  Pretty profound, huh? 

You and your son, Stephen, just completed a father/son project In a Little While. What was your favorite part of working side by side with your son?

The most fun part was recording the vocals in the Sovereign Grace Ministries’ studio in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  We had a lot of laughs together with my good friend Bo Lotinsky (Sovereign Grace Music) and the producer Sal Oliveri, whom we have gotten to work with before on a couple projects. 

But I must say, the greatest blessing is seeing the kindness and faithfulness of God at work in my son.  For in the Bible, God has made many promises that he will help Christian parents and bless their children.  Sitting in the studio watching my son sing songs that he had written to the Lord was simply watching the faithfulness of God pass before my eyes.

Forever Grateful Music features your scripture memory songs. Why do you think it’s important to memorize scripture? How do you think scripture memorization is enhanced by music?

Memorizing Scripture has many benefits. In Joshua 1:8 the Lord tells Joshua, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Our spiritual prosperity will be greatly affected by our diligence to meditate upon and obey God’s word. Memorization is a means to meditation. As we memorize Scripture, we can then meditate on it and apply it to our lives.

Many have recognized the power of music to aid memorization.  I can still recall commercial jingles from when I was a kid.  Advertisers take advantage of wedding lyrics to catchy melodies.  I’ve seen teenagers walking down the street listening to music and singing every word.  Because we can easily recall melodies, when we marry words to those melodies, it makes it easier to recall those words.

I’m sure you never thought your music would one day be featured on a fitness site! Keeping with the theme, do you have an exercise regimen that you maintain?

I’m thrilled that my music is going to be on a fitness site!  Especially since I am so incredibly athletic (can you hear my kids laughing in the background?).

I’ve been moderately consistent over the years at jogging.  Lately I’ve found what works for me is (don’t laugh) what I call my “One Minute” regimen.   I will run for one minute, then walk for one minute, and keep repeating for about 20 minutes.  I’ve found that I can get through it by saying to myself, “I only have to do this for one minute, then I can walk.”  Pretty pathetic, huh?  Maybe your CD will motivate me to run,…2 minutes at a time.

Mark thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions! Most of all thank you for using the gifts that God gave you to serve the church. We look forward to hearing more songs that you write in the future. You are a gift to your local congregation and to us. On another note, We do hope the CD will motivate you to keep running. Thanks for the humor! If you stick around the site you’ll soon learn that you are actually doing interval training…not so pathetic after all!

Recently I received the following email and I wanted to share it with you… 

“I just wanted to let you know that your website has served me.  After reading some of it, I was convicted of gluttony and have since planned out my meals for the entire week!  It will also wind up saving me a lot of money, too, as I won’t be thinking, “Hmm…what can I eat, guess I’ll eat out!” as often.”

I was so humbled to receive this for several reasons but most of all that God would be so kind to this person and reveal sin and then help them apply what they were learning. I am amazed that God would use this site in such a way. My prayer has been that the site would be useful and that God would be glorified. Thank you readers for the emails letting me know you are reading, for signing up for the newsletter (keep signing up!) and for those of you who know me personally, for coming up to me to encourage me. My faith is built and stirred. I hope that the site would continue to serve people as they pursue God as it relates to fitness and nutrition.

News and Updates

Interviews with Mark Altrogge and deejay essence

In the next few weeks you will begin to learn more about the CD, In His Strength! I am so excited to share my heart with you regarding the CD. I am also excited to announce that you will get a chance to hear from Mark Altrogge, the original songwriter of three of the songs, and deejay essence, the producer and mixer of the CD, through interviews I plan to post soon. 

WRJZ JOY620 and The Bob Bell Show

If you are in the Tennessee Valley and 60 miles surrounding you can tune into Joy620 this Friday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 am to hear me on The Bob Bell Show (I may not actually be on until 7:45 am so stick around just in case). I was once again humbled to be asked to come on the show and look forward to sharing information  about Trill Fitness and In His Strength with Bob Bell’s listeners. If you miss it, no worries, all of his shows are archived on their website. You may access it here and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

New Topics

Once we are finished with weight lifting we are going to explore diets and diet plans. I was also asked a question via email about exercise for the plus size person. I have asked an expert in this field to come along side me and share some information that I am sure will serve those of you who believe you struggle with exercise and being overweight.

Today we have the privilege of hearing from the founder and President of Setting Captives Free, Mike Cleveland.

What inspired you to create Setting Captives Free?

After repenting of our sin, my wife and I began to experience tremendous joy in the Lord together, and had a desire to teach the same biblical truths of freedom to other people which God enabled us to implement in our own lives.

I am currently taking The Lord’s Table course.  It has been very encouraging, convicting, and often very enlightening.  We read Jason Chamberlains description of the course; can you briefly describe the course and its underlying mission?

The Lord’s Table mission is to wean us off bondage to and dependence on food to meet our emotional needs - and to lead us to Jesus, the “Bread of Life” where we might satisfy and nourish our souls in Him.

To whom would you recommend The Lord’s Table?  

The Lord’s Table course is designed for anyone who runs to food when stressed, bored, tired, lonely, or in despair. It is for those who are captive to food and who desire to be free, not just from the extra weight, but from the heart issues associated with overeating and laziness.

One of your recommended resources is John Piper’s A Hunger for God.  Additionally, his Desiring God ministry is partnering with Setting Captives Free in England.  Tell us a bit about how Dr. Piper has influenced your ministry.

John Piper has helped us understand the tremendous joy there is in repenting of sin and knowing Jesus. He has brought clarity to our lives regarding the eternal pleasure that all believers can experience in Christ.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalms 16:11

The course emphasizes the importance of fasting. How has fasting contributed to your perseverance in the fight against habitual overeating?

Jesus said, “When you fast…” It is assumed that believers will fast. The value of fasting is in learning to deny the cravings of the flesh and to run to Jesus for help and to experience his sustaining grace.

What is your current weekly exercise schedule?

I exercise five days a week for one hour per day. I alternate between walking/running and using the elliptical at our local recreation center. That’s pretty good, for a man who, about ten years ago, couldn’t even walk a half mile without stopping to rest. :)

What is your favorite healthy snack?

I really enjoy sitting down to a fresh artichoke; my wife cooks them just right and serves them with mayonnaise; it is a real treat. I also really like to snack on cucumbers, celery sticks with peanut butter, and apples. And, of course, there is the occasional Cinnabon!

You have just begun a new ministry. We would love to hear about it. As you would say, feel free to share your thoughts here.

We are in the process of starting two new and very exciting ministries: In His Image, and Ohio Valley Church.

In His Image is a Bible study course designed for those involved in anorexia and bulimia. My co-author is a lady who used to be involved in these issues, but is now completely free, by God’s grace.

Ohio Valley Church is an exciting new local gospel ministry. We have preaching/teaching, discipling, and biblical counseling available, as well as interactive Bible studies that correspond with the sermons in order to enhance spiritual growth. Our website is http://www.ohiovalleychurch.org/.

 Trill Fitness would like to thank Jason Chamberlain and Mike Cleveland for taking time to introduce us to Setting Captives Free. I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use your ministry to help people overcome and find freedom from habitual sins through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Want to know more? Follow these links to:

Enroll in the free online course The Lord’s Table

Purchase The Lord’s Table bible study and leadership guide

Find out how you might get involved

For the past 40 days I have been taking a 60 day online study called The Lord’s Table at Setting Captives Free. Later I will discuss how I have benefited from the course. For today, I would like you to meet the Executive Director of The Lords’ Table, Jason Chamberlain.

1. Did you go through The Lord’s Table course? If so, how did it impact your life?

Yes. I previously had gone through the Way of Purity course to deal with sexual sin. My whole Christian life felt like a battle between gluttony and sexual sin. It felt like one would get worse any time I dealt with the other. The Lord’s Table helped me finally to enjoy victory in both areas by giving me a perspective that I needed to submit everything to Christ.

From a practical perspective, as I age I am in better and better physical condition all the time. At 33 I am much healthier than I was at 23 or 13. It’s a tremendous blessing that comes from being obedient to the Lord, which has only been possible by His sanctifying grace in my life for His glory.

2. How long have you served as the Executive Director of The Lord’s Table, and what are your general ministry responsibilities?

Since November of 2005. I serve as a liaison between the Board of Directors and those who serve in the ministry. I mostly work directly with the Mentor Coordinators who in turn have mentors serving under them. I primarily answer questions and provide accountability. I also interact with mentor candidates as they go through the application process. I try to make myself a “one-stop shop” for any questions that anyone in the ministry might have. I submit to the leadership of the SCF Board of Directors and am often thankful for their direction.

3. I am currently taking The Lord’s Table course. It has been very encouraging, convicting, and often very enlightening. Can you briefly describe the course and its underlying mission?

We want to see Christ exalted in all things. Like all of the courses we offer, The Lord’s Table is designed to help the student learn how to enjoy God more than sin so that God may be glorified. People come with the goal of losing weight and they will certainly meet that goal if they apply what they learn. However, The Lord’s Table is more than that. We like to think of it more as a “God gain” course rather than simply a “weight loss” course.

From a practical physical perspective, the course is designed as 60 interactive Bible studies that the student will do online. Each lesson will ask the student to interact with Scripture and accompanying teaching. A mentor will read the lesson submissions and respond periodically. The mentor is also there to answer questions, provide encouragement, and pray for the student.
We provide two eating plans to help students develop discipline in their eating. The first is one that incorporates a variety of days where the student eats different quantities of food. Some days the student eats three normal portions. Some the student eats three meals with half of the regular portions. Others ask the student to have liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices for two meals, but with one normal meal. Finally, one day a week is spent doing a traditional water-only fast.

However, we recognize that not everyone can fast because of medical reasons. We also realize that this is not a good idea for someone who has struggled with starving or with binging and purging (what the world calls anorexia and bulimia). Therefore, we also offer a plan where the student eats three small meals every day, but cannot eat until there is a perceptible sensation of hunger.

The overall goal with both of these plans is to help the student realize that the body doesn’t need as much food as it might want. Some would call this learning the difference between real hunger and “heart hunger” where we just want to eat for the sake of eating.

We also emphasize the need to become physically active. We don’t expect everyone to immediately start training for a marathon, but we do ask that everyone start to push themselves as they are able. For some people that may mean getting back out on the road and running or cycling. For others that may mean something as simple as a walk to the end of the driveway to get the mail. We will meet you where you are. After all, that’s what God does with us, right?

4. To whom would you recommend The Lord’s Table ?

I would recommend The Lord’s Table to anyone who wants to take an honest look at his or her eating and exercise habits from a spiritual perspective. Frankly, I would recommend it to just about anyone in the church. The church in America tends to wink at gluttony as a sin. I like to illustrate this with a hypothetical story.

Imagine a church had to find a new pastor. The search committee interviews a guy who seems like a good speaker and well-grounded theologically. However, they discover that he drinks alcohol with every meal and even has a bottle in his car. They probably wouldn’t hire him.
They interview another guy and he seems to meet all the qualifications, but they discover that he has been having adulterous relationships with several women. They certainly would not hire him.

Then they interview a third guy who seems to meet all the qualifications. However, he is 5′ 10″ tall and weighs 300 pounds. How often would that stop the hiring process? I would maintain that gluttony probably is not taken nearly as seriously as the other sins, though I would submit that it should be.

I realize that this likely sounds very radical. I invite anyone who wants to know more to try out the course and see what we think Scripture has to say on this matter.

5. The course emphasizes the importance of fasting. If you have ever struggled with habitual overeating; how has fasting contributed to your perseverance in fighting it?

It helps me to realize that my body does not need as much food as my soul wants to eat. I think of Esau when he sold his birthright over a bowl of soup. He made the statement that he was going to die. I find it highly unlikely that he was truly so close to death, but he was very short-sighted. I think that if Esau had practiced regular fasting he might have had a different perspective on the ravenous hunger he felt.

We lose weight by burning more energy than we consume. Part of that means that we are going to feel hungry at times. Fasting helps us to embrace hunger as a normal part of how we were fearfully and wonderfully made.

6. What is your current weekly exercise schedule?

I typically run 4 times/week and lift weights 2 times/week. I typically run approximately 13-15 miles/week altogether.

7. What is your favorite healthy snack?

I really don’t snack much anymore.

Pictured: Jason with his wife Amanda and daughter Lily. For more information please visit Setting Captives Free at SettingCaptivesFree.com.