Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:27

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
— 1 Corinthians 9:27
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Practice what you preach!"
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."
"Put your life where your mouth is!"
Each statement has the same goal: following God's will and living under Jesus' Lordship led by the Spirit without hypocrisy and with dedicated faithfulness. Those of us who speak out most openly about our faith in Jesus also need to ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the same standard we call others to follow. Self-scrutiny and a brother or sister in Christ who holds us accountable and encourages us when we are discouraged are essential if we are going to live faithfully what we say we believe. Like Paul who gave us this challenging verse, let's prepare to live for Jesus like an athlete prepares to compete in the Olympic Games.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Father in Heaven, please help me with the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit within me. I want my walk with Jesus to be consistent with my talk about him and what I say I believe. May my talk and walk always be pleasing to you, a blessing to others, and an honor to my Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Discipline
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:27
Inspirational illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:27 -- No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Training
Article by Tim Archer
Are you willing to go into training to win the prize? We look at the sacrifices that athletes make, and we understand why they do what they do. In the same way, we have to be willing to "go into training" to obtain eternal life
It Won't Ever Happen to Us!
Article by Larry Zinck
Why is it so easy for us to live in denial? Larry Zinck talks about the wildfire destruction and how people can live so close to the danger zone and think it won't ever happen to them.
Intentional Godliness
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
Godliness means having the commitment and the spiritual discipline to live in ways that honor and reflect the character and compassion of God. Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware lead through worship in song, the Lord's Supper, a powerful message from God's word, and a closing blessing for worship from home with family and friends in a meaningful way - we are called to live godly lives, intentionally!

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:27 — I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, September 27, 2016

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Glory in the Ordinary'
"Dear Friend, When are you most aware of My presence with you? I can be present in the spectacular, beautiful, and wonderful. I can also be present....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Presumption' (Ro. 2:1-7)
"Dear Father, holy and righteous judge, Help me not to condemn myself by passing judgment on someone else when I may be doing the same or similar..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Reborn!' (Jn. 1:12-13)
"But to all who believed [Jesus, the Word] and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn — not with a physical birth...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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