Friday, February 25, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Psalm 80, 83
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV); Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. 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.
An Olympic trainer prepares for the games with discipline, determination and precision. Imagine an Olympic sprinter: she must have perfect form, solid breathing, and streamlined clothing; every millisecond counts. Focusing on the goal, her combination of technique and stamina will bring her across the finish line. How ridiculous would it be to see an Olympic race where one participant starts running aimlessly across the track? How ridiculous to see him flailing his arms and bobbing his head from side to side with no destination in mind! Paul illustrated this, using it as a comparison for our own lives. We are in a race, with eternity on the New Earth as our finish line. There we will receive our due reward, which surpasses any Olympic medal or earthly honor. Yet all too often, we act like that awkward and flailing Olympic runner. We live our lives in complete disregard of our future with Christ, and the fact that what we do today matters for eternity. We shun the idea of discipline in order that we may live our lives how we want, and in doing so we sacrifice eternal reward for momentary gratification.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) When you hear the words “disciplined lifestyle”, how do you feel?
2) Ask Jesus to give you a picture: what kind of “Olympic trainer” are you? Are you focused and determined, with destination in mind, or are you lazy and undisciplined, wandering aimlessly in your faith?
3) Confess areas of indiscipline that the Spirit shows you, and ask Him why discipline is necessary in your life, and which areas you really need discipline in. If you are struggling in certain areas of priority (devotions, meeting with people, family time, church, etc.) ask the Holy Spirit to help you create a schedule.
4) Meditate on the passage and ask God to speak to you through it.
