Training

‎Sunday, ‎August ‎28, ‎2022

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: Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Today's reading: PSALM 126-128 1 CORINTHIANS 10:19-33

Training

The mantra of one of the most successful coaches in history of Texas high school basketball was; "5-6-11". He said to be as good as you can be 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. It is hard to argue with that kind of success.

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 in the name of sports and competition is done for something temporary. The majority will never win the 'big' one but many work just as hard as those who do win.

Strict training-how many of us train for eternity. How much do we put into the one thing that will live forever-our souls?

The vast majority of athletes who train very strictly for their careers and compete pay dearly in their older age. The effects on the body are serious.

How much are we willing to do for an eternity that is completely void of pain? 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 or competition-this is no game.

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. (Matthew 22)

So what is the training for eternity? We must throw ourselves entirely into loving God-everything we are into loving God-

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? Notice, I said 'for' the desires in your heart... He will place the desires He wants us to have in our hearts...if we choose. Remember what it says in Psalm 23: "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for 'His' name sake..."-His name sake-not ours.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

I confess-I do not love You as I should.

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