Title: In It to Win It/Topic: Discipline

Today’s Reading: Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
25 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 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.

Observation/Application: My flesh takes no delight in these verses. Every time I read them I am reminded of all the ways in which I have yet to live up to my calling from God to live a disciplined life. I want the benefits of discipline, which are many, without the discipline! But God makes it clear that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have to stop telling myself that I don't have what it takes to live the disciplined life I would like to have because that is a lie. When I succumb to living in an undisciplined manner I am allowing my crucified flesh to rise from the dead and live again (dead things that live again are what make horror movies). I need to embrace my “new man”, the one who lives for Christ and is full of spiritual power to live a resurrected life so that I may really do all the things I want to do and be fulfilled and happy.

Prayer: Help me Lord, to live by the truth of who I am in you; a disciplined, fruitful, warrior who wins the battles in life. I love you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.