Today’s Verse

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

I Corinthians 9:24-27

Thursday, February 10

Being in the Word daily is a spiritual discipline. It takes determination and will power. Your redeemed spirit rejoices in the Scriptures but your flesh hates it. The flesh, not just your body, but all your earthly, human appetites would rather do just about anything else than sit down and read the Bible and think deeply on its truths.

Discipline is not easy, but it is necessary. An athlete must discipline himself in order to compete. He has to eat the right foods, get proper rest and workout hard and long to keep his body in tiptop shape. An undisciplined athlete wins no competition.

You have certain disciplines built into your life already. You discipline yourself to get up on time in order to get to work or school. Without that discipline, you would never earn a paycheck or pass a class. In much the same way, unless you discipline yourself to be in the Word daily, you will never grow spiritually.

Paul understood this concept. Even the great apostle had to discipline his own life. Using the metaphor of a Greek runner, he describes discipline in today’s verses.

As a believer, you are a spiritual athlete on God’s team.

Weekly Memory Verse

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Ephesians 3:19

"A society that scorns excellence in plumbing because it’s a humble occupation and promotes shoddy philosophy because it’s exalted, has neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither pipes nor theories will hold water."
- John Gardner

Pastor Armstrong

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