Strict Training

Sunday, ‎August 27, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 26:3

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: PSALM 120-122 1 CORINTHIANS 9

Strict Training

It is hard to argue with success. The mantra of one of the most successful coaches in Texas' high school sports history was; "5-6-11". He said to reach your greatest potential, you must work 5 hours a day, 6 days a week and do this eleven months out of the year. He won 4 state championships at three different schools and proved this idea.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:25 All who compete in the games use strict training. They do this so that they can win a prize—one that doesn’t last. But our prize is one that will last forever.

All that work is done for something temporary. The majority will never win the 'big' one but many more work just as hard as those who do win the medals. Those with the greatest work ethics, attitudes, and ability win the big prizes.

The vast majority of athletes who train very strictly for their careers pay dearly in their older age. The effects on the body are serious. It's pain for gain for pain in this physical world-argue with this if you will, but it is the truth.

Strict training-how many of us have a strict spiritual work ethic for God's kingdom and His righteousness? How much do we put into the one thing that will live forever-our souls?

How much of this life are we willing to sacrifice for an eternity that is completely void of pain?

Better question: "How much are we willing to sacrifice for complete peace on this earth?

Best question: How much are we willing to sacrifice to love God with all we are, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and to seek His kingdom and His righteousness before all else-to learn how to take up our crosses daily and follow Him?

The great news is that Jesus has already paid for the ultimate price for our eternity. The Lord wants us to train, yes, but He wants us to train out of love for Him-not obligation.

What is the training for eternity? It is summed up in one statement: "37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

(Matthew 22:37-39)

So what is the training for eternity? We must throw ourselves entirely into loving God-everything we are into loving God and from that being able to love our neighbor as much as self.

It starts with focus and then desire to maintain that focus. The 'Good News Translation' says, "Seek your happiness in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desire.(Psalm 37:4)

Are you willing to trust the Lord for the desires in your heart? He will place those desires there if we choose...if we humbly ask Him...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Fill my heart with the desires you want me to have. Help me to train my heart and mind to fall in love with You more every day.

Merciful and loving God!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen