March 24: Joshua 18-20; 1Corinthians 9

Running to win!

Scripture: 1Corinthians (NIV) 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 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 to gat a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

Observation: Paul was comparing his spiritual life to Olympic type of games. If one is going to participate, it is best done with all one’s heart. Preparation and participation become one’s priority. Sacrifices are made for the sake of competing at one’s best.

Application: It was between my junior and senior year of high school. I remember sitting at my desk at home and thinking, “If everything I know about Jesus is true, then it just does not make any sense to go half way! If I am only going to live for God half way, it is just not worth the effort. I might as well get as much out of the world as possible. If I am not going to live for God with all my heart, I am just wasting my time.” I decided to go for God all the way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know the times I have been totally sold out to you and the times I have slacked off. Forgive me for the times I did not serve you as you deserve, with my whole heart. Again sitting at my desk, I now recommit myself to live for you whole-heartedly. You deserve nothing less. Amen