Our Daily Devotion for Friday, September 4th, 2020

24 Don’t you know that all the runners in the stadium run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win. 25 Everyone who competes practices self-discipline in everything. The runners do this to get a crown of leaves that shrivel up and die, but we do it to receive a crown that never dies. 26 So now this is how I run—not without a clear goal in sight. I fight like a boxer in the ring, not like someone who is shadowboxing. 27 Rather, I’m landing punches on my own body and subduing it like a slave. I do this to be sure that I myself won’t be disqualified after preaching to others.     1 Corinthians 9:24-27
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In today’s reading, the apostle compares the Christian race to that of an athlete in a foot race. The idea of practicing self-discipline, as well as self control, is important – not allowing the lusts of the body and material desires to undermine the goal that Christians strive towards – that is to say, the goal of eternal life through the saving blood of The Lamb of God.  Paul was trying to convince them that he was dedicated to working for others, not thinking of himself. He wanted them to be in a likewise train of thought.
 
Please pray with me ……… Holy and Eternal God, we pray that you would strengthen us for the race before, help us Lord to endure the twists and turn that lie ahead – we admit God, that too often, we think of what WE want, not what our world needs. Now more than ever, this hurting, confused world needs YOU. Help us all to do exactly that – to be the teachers, the preachers, the guides who can show the world how important it is to fix, not destroy ; to love, not to hate ; to show compassion, not disgust or anger. Help us to be a strong, united and healthy church for You !!       We pray as always in the name of The Savior      Amen.
 
Yours in Christ  ,  Rollie

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