Today’s Bible Verse
“A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:25-27( TPT)
Run to Win the Victor’s Crown
An athlete always trains with a clear purpose. His or her sacrifice and discipline go beyond the common person. As children of God our lives are no different. We must run our race with the bigger picture in mind: to receive the victor’s crown.
As children of God, we dream of hearing those powerful words from our Heavenly Father, “Well done My good and faithful servant.” But notice two crucial elements in the verse above: DISCIPLINE IN EVERY RESPECT and SELF-CONTROL! These are indispensable in running this race here on earth. Without these two elements there is no victory.
“But pastor, in my life that’s impossible; I am so undisciplined!” some may say. WAIT! Not so fast, this is where grace and faith start to work together. Faith (trusting) in God’s grace (empowerment). This is where we tap into the redemptive power of the Blood of Jesus and realize that, “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!” We can only live a life of victory by His grace with the help of the Holy Spirit.
NOTE: Don’t think for a second that any level of success or victory that you have experienced in your life is because of your abilities. No, it’s because of God’s grace. If you feel you are standing strong, give God all praise! (Pastor Lilly Montano, Word of Life Santa Barbara)
An Uncommon Life
DISCIPLINE IN EVERY RESPECT: As Pastor Art often says, “Do not compartmentalize your life.” Learn to trust God in every area of life: Spiritually, Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Mentally, Vocationally, and Relationally.
SELF-CONTROL: This is a byproduct of spending time in the secret place. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the stronger your spirit will become.
Today’s Declaration
Jesus, I thank You for grace and mercy! Today, I acknowledge that YOU are the source of my victory. I thank You because You live in me and by Your grace I will persevere until the end. By Your grace I have the discipline and self-control to remain faithful despite any adversity, in Your precious Name, I pray. AMEN.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Exodus 32-33; Psalms 35
- New Testament: Matthew 15:1-20; Acts 21:1-26
