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Training For Kingdom Service - 6/26/2009 1:06:31 PM
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Paul_Thomas
Posts: 21
Joined: 8/9/2008
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This is a daily devotional I write. I would appreciate your comments.
Daily God Walk for Friday, June 26, 2009
Training For Kingdom Service Requires Self-Control
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 go get a crown that will last forever. Therefore… 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. – 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
Many years ago we lived near the place where the San Francisco 49’ers did their spring training. It was inspiring to watch those men working so hard to reach a goal. As their training progressed more was expected of them. It would be over 100 degrees and they were out there running with full gear on.
Every man out on the field had a picture in their mind of the prize. They all could see that Super Bowl ring being slipped on their finger and they could hear the announcement that they had won the game that showed them to be the best team in the league.
The season hadn’t even begun yet. They were just practicing. Why work so hard when there isn’t even another team in front of them? Because if they didn’t train now they wouldn’t be fit to play when the season started and there would certainly not be a prize at the end of the season.
We who are believers in Jesus as our Lord must have the same vigilance. We must realize that when we accept Christ that we are just entering the arena of spiritual warfare and we must train ourselves so that we are ready when we face the enemy of our souls.
There are many around us who meet failure after failure in their journey of faith, and there are some who have given up. Far too many of those folks never realized that they were in a contest and the prize was eternal glory. They didn’t realize that they would have to stand strong against the enemy’s assault.
Paul was encouraging believers to deny themselves the pleasures that others indulge in freely so that they would be ready to fight the good fight of faith. Discipline and self-control are primary ingredients to spiritual victory.
Principle: Self-control is a primary ingredient to spiritual victory.
Affirmation: I am disciplined and self-controlled in my quest for the prize.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the value of spiritual discipline and self-control as I enter the arena of spiritual warfare. In Jesus name, amen.
_____________________________
Paul
Reconciled - Renewed - Restored
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RE: Training For Kingdom Service - 6/26/2009 7:54:03 PM
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RustyCarr
Posts: 972
Joined: 3/11/2009
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That is a very good devotional. We all need training, and perseverance.
One thing I find missing, though. Your football analogy shows a TEAM WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD THE GOAL. Where is the Christian TEAM today? I can't find a team to join. It is very discouraging and I am giving up.
A team is a good thing. It is a church, not individuals all alone. It helps to be part of a loving righteous family on God's page. Without that, too much suffering and discouragement comes. I often wonder if we are on God's page, or not. Seems like I create too many waves....
Blessings,
Rusty
_____________________________
It is better to obey God rather than men. The Truth, God's word, within is the lamp that guides our feet. -For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6-
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