Title: Controlling the Body, Releasing the Spirit/ Topic: Discipline

Today's Reading: Job 25; Mark 13; Mark 14

Scripture: Mark 13:38
38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Observation: The disciples really wanted to be there for Jesus. They wanted to support him by watching and praying with him during his greatest hour of need. But there bodies controlled them. They were tired. They gave in to their physical needs and missed the spiritual blessing of sharing the fellowship of Jesus' sufferings as he wrestled with the sacrifice he knew was coming.

Application: Reading this passage really convicted me about the need I have for bringing my body under the control of the Spirit through discipline. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 says, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” I am very aware that the love I have for comfort and and the fact that I have not been good at denying my body anything it wants has resulted in a physical body that is weak, undernourished, overweight, out of shape, and lethargic. This causes me to me to give in to the needs of my body and MISS OUT on spiritual adventures with Jesus, which is truly what I have the deepest desire for. In order for me to achieve my spiritual goals I must be willing to put in the time to beat my body into shape so that it is my slave. Only then can I truly have all the spiritual riches I desire.

Prayer: Father, Jesus was so right when he said our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. I need your help and your grace to overcome the strong call of my weak flesh. It's amazing that something so weak can be so strong! Mercy Lord! Help me to do that which I hate (exercise, healthy diet, etc.) in order to achieve my spiritual goals. I love you.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.