TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 12:16-21
This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God. - Luke 12:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Several years ago, a rare 1913 Liberty Head nickel was sold for $4.15 million, the second-highest price ever paid for a rare coin. Liberty Head nickels were minted from 1883 to 1912, but at least five more were illegally minted the following year. No one is quite sure how that happened, but the dubious coins came to light in the 1920s and have been sought by collectors ever since. A New Jersey coin dealership paid the high price to purchase the nickel from a collector in New Hampshire.

In the case of a rare coin, value lies in the eyes of the highest bidder. When it comes to spiritual matters, value is found in the object of faith itself. How deeply or how much one believes is not the point—it doesn't give the belief or faith any worth. Only the object of faith determines the value of faith.

The rich fool in today's parable put his faith in his abundant harvest and material wealth, but he left God's sovereignty and the uncertainty of tomorrow out of his figuring (see April 7). When death called for him, what he had trusted vanished like smoke (v. 20). Though on the surface he acted like a good steward and planned to build new barns, his heart was given over to worldly pleasure and earthly treasure (v. 19). The rich young ruler had the same problem (Matt. 19:16-30). His wealth was a barrier between him and God; he couldn't give it up, not even with eternal life at stake.

Greed and materialism are serious barriers to godliness (v. 15). God called the rich man in the parable a “fool,” a strong term basically meaning “complete idiot.” To store up treasures on earth is to act like a dunce or a blockhead! We believers, by contrast, must wisely put our faith in the right Person, pursue the right treasures for the right reasons, and store them in the right place with the right Master (v. 21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God commends the exercise of wisdom and prudence with the resources He has given us, including our financial planning. But we must never confuse our IRAs and 401(k)s with the ultimate source of our security. A financial advisor can help us prepare a reasonable plan to meet an anticipated need. We also need to be sure that we are seeking spiritual wisdom to store up treasures in heaven, knowing that our Father has grace to meet every need.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 10:30-37
Love your neighbor as yourself. - Luke 10:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
This spring, Mercy Ministries celebrates its 25th anniversary. This organization reaches out to young women who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies, drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders, and physical and sexual abuse. Founding director Nancy Alcorn, who herself struggled with bulimia, said: “I'm constantly amazed by the way God completely transforms lives with this saving truth [forgiveness]. There's nothing better than seeing a girl who's close to death walk through our doors and watching God breathe his life and spirit into her. . . . That's the beauty of God's mercy.”

Investing in God's love and mercy is always a good stewardship decision. Our fifth and final parable may not immediately seem like one about stewardship, but the Good Samaritan put time, money, and energy into an investment that, humanly speaking, would never yield a profit. We see again that godly stewardship operates by principles significantly different from worldly resource management.

Jesus' listeners were probably not surprised that the man in the story was attacked, robbed, and beaten. He had gone alone on a long journey through territory known to be dangerous. But they must have been startled that the priest and Levite passed on by—religious leaders would have been expected to set an example. Perhaps they were worried about ritual uncleanness or just didn't want to take the trouble (vv. 31-32). An even bigger shock came when the Samaritan— whom Jews regarded as ethnic and religious half-breeds—did what those leaders wouldn't and helped a stranger in need (vv. 33-35). He personally gave first aid (bandages, oil, wine), drove the ambulance (donkey), and paid the medical bills (two silver coins, or two months' wages).

Jesus had told the story to answer a question, “Who is my neighbor?”, as in God's command, “Love your neighbor” (v. 29). At the end of the story, Jesus' answer was unexpected—the neighbor is the one who showed (not received) love. We are commanded to go and do likewise (vv. 36-37).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Invest some time this month in a mercy ministry such as the one described in the illustration that opens today's devotion. If your church or denomination participates in various mercy ministries, your pastor or another church leader will be able to recommend one. You could also look in your neighborhood for a specific type of ministry, such as a food pantry, rescue mission, or a counseling center for troubled teens. Get involved and share God's love!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Chronicles 31:2-15
The Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. - 2 Chronicles 31:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Cain and Abel, the first two children in human history, related to God in different ways. To worship the Lord, Cain, a farmer, brought something from his crops as an offering. Abel, a shepherd, offered “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.” God “looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.” The main reason seems to be that Abel generously offered firstfruits, giving to the Lord before taking anything for himself. Offering firstborn lambs honored God in a way that Cain's offering did not. The Lord saw each man's heart—He knew their motivations and attitudes (Genesis 4).

The principle of firstfruits was later built into the Mosaic Law (Num. 28:26-31). It signifies giving rightful honor to the Lord, and is the perfect place to start considering financial stewardship, our focus for the next six days. Today's passage is set in the days of Hezekiah's revival, as he sought to renew Solomon's temple. Such a project couldn't be undertaken without funds, so the king invited the leaders and all the people to give as they felt led.

At least four key lessons can be seen here. First, the nation's giving took place in the context of worship (v. 2). The gifts and offerings were an expression of love for God—that was the spiritual bottom line. Second, the king led the way in both word and deed (v. 3). It's up to leaders to set good examples with their pocketbooks. Third, Hezekiah obeyed the Law by ordering a tithe, showing that not all giving is “freewill” (v. 4). A tithe (10 percent) was a minimum standard. Finally, spiritually primed people responded with wholehearted generosity (vv. 5-8). The people didn't settle for a minimum tithe, but instead, over several months they brought “heaps” of gifts and offerings, so many that new storerooms had to be built to hold the extra.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Good verses to memorize on today's topic are Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Remember—this is a proverb, not a promise. That is, don't think that God “must” bless you materially if you honor him with firstfruits. The principle is that God blesses those who honor Him, but the form and timing of blessing are up to Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Speaking of God's grace, C. S. Lewis quoted Augustine: “God gives where He finds empty hands.” He then commented, “A man whose hands are full of parcels can't receive a gift.” Elsewhere Lewis said, “God gives His gifts where He finds the vessel empty enough to receive them.”

Did you know that giving is a form of grace (2 Cor. 8:6-7)? Paul reminded us in today's reading that it is also based on the principle of sowing and reaping (v. 6; cf. Prov. 11:24-25). An implied lesson is that you can't outgive God. This passage goes on to connect giving with the spiritual virtue of cheerfulness (v. 7).

We no longer live in the days of the Law and a mandated tithe, though it's still an informative example. Paul left amounts up to each person's conscience and elsewhere put forward the guideline only that each should give “a sum of money in keeping with his income” (1 Cor. 16:2). There should be no sour grimaces, no pressure from the pulpit, no manipulative appeals for money, but rather worshipers delighted to contribute to God's work.

Paul saw our giving as rooted in God's character (vv. 8-11). He's the provider, so we need not fear that too much giving will mean our needs go unmet. And just as He set up nature's processes for agricultural production, He'll enable us to do good works and bring forth a “harvest of righteousness.”

Godly stewardship requires open hands, whereas the world's posture is closed hands, grabbing tightly onto all we can get. Openhandedness is not natural, which is why giving requires His grace in our lives. This big picture perspective shows us that giving is not only about meeting needs or reaching goals but about the glory of God (vv. 12-15). After all, the most extravagant act of generosity in the history of the universe was the “indescribable gift” of God's Son, Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today is the due date for income tax returns. It might seem strange to connect the IRS and biblical instructions about our financial responsibilities. But Scripture is clear that paying our taxes—without cheating—is part of our ultimate submission to God. A government that collects our taxes has been instituted by God and within His will holds authority over us (Rom. 13:1-7). Paying taxes cheerfully doesn't mean we agree with everything the government does, but it is a way to acknowledge and submit to God's divine authority.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 5:1-11
For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. - Matthew 12:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
Not everything is what it appears to be. Sports fans learned this last December when the Mitchell Report was issued with the results of an independent investigation into the use of steroids in baseball. Eighty-six players were named in the report, including some whose use had previously been alleged, such as slugger Barry Bonds, and others whose names were linked with performance-enhancing drugs for the first time, such as pitcher Roger Clemens. Other players refused to cooperate with the investigation, and the report was based on limited testimony and circumstantial evidence. In any case, achievements and records were tarnished, careers brought into question, and fans further disillusioned.

Not everything was what it appeared to be in today's reading either. Ananias and Sapphira were apparently generous and cheerful givers. Like Barnabas (4:36-37), they had sold some land and wanted to give the money to the church, an exemplary act of stewardship. But God “knows the secrets of the heart” (Ps. 44:21) and He saw through appearances to the realities of pride and deception. The couple wanted to win praise from others and was willing to lie to get it (vv. 3-5; cf. Matt. 6:1-4).

Ananias and Sapphira's sin was serious because they lied to the Holy Spirit. There was no requirement to donate the full price of the land, they were free to do as they liked. But they posed and paraded before God's people, hoping to be admired, and they told the apostles a falsehood.

Did they think the Lord wouldn't know? Then they must not have believed in His omniscience, making their lie an insult to His glory. That's one reason the punishment was so severe. In addition, others in the early church might have followed their example. God sent His message loud and clear: He is not to be tested (v. 9; cf. Deut. 6:16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As God's people, we need spiritual discernment when confronted with people's claims of lavish ministry. Neither the presence nor absence of wealth is a guarantee of God's work—Scripture gives us examples of both rich and poor people who were used mightily by the Lord. But any attempt to use wealth to gain the admiration or approval of others does not conform to the command to give glory to God alone. We should also guard against the temptation to do an act of service for anyone's praise other than God's.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 4:32-35
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. - Acts 4:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
For more than 25 years, Mercy Ships have sailed throughout the world, bringing medical services to the poor. Originally part of Youth With a Mission (YWAM), this organization was formed to provide free medical care for those who can't afford or access it. Shipboard surgeons have performed more than 32,500 operations on cleft lip and palate, cataract removal, and other debilitating conditions. The “floating hospitals” have visited 550 ports in 70 countries, and the ministry includes village-based clinics as well.

The dedicated medical missionaries of Mercy Ships understand that material resources are for meeting needs, especially others' needs. In addition to proper giving, this is another key to financial stewardship. The early church showed us this priority in action in today's reading. On the basis of unity in Christ, they viewed their resources as held in common and to be used for the common good (v. 32; cf. 2:42-47). “Unity” is not an abstract idea or a warm feeling but a spiritual reality won for us by Christ. That's why verse 33 is not a change of topic, but follows logically. The Apostles' powerful evangelism and the presence of God's grace in the church community was vitally connected to the situation of material resource-sharing depicted in the previous verse.

How did this work? How could there be “no needy persons among them”? Were they all well-off? Not at all. It means that when self-centeredness was subtracted from the equation, there were enough resources to go around (vv. 34-35). Sometimes we forget that verses like Philippians 4:19 can be fulfilled by acts of sharing among God's people. Ananias and Sapphira were counterfeits, but this was the real deal. Godly stewardship uses resources to meet needs. It doesn't offer merely a kind wish, but actual food and clothing for those who need them (James 2:14-17). Money can help give practical expression to Christian faith and love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Make sure you put some money in the plate the next time your church takes a “benevolence offering,” sometimes called an “elders' offering” or “deacon's offering.” These offerings are dedicated to meeting the physical or material needs of church or community members. For example, it might be used to buy food, pay rent or utility bills, purchase a suit for a job interview, or obtain winter coats for a family experiencing tough times financially. You can be part of meeting all these needs in Christ Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
Godliness with contentment is great gain. - 1 Timothy 6:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
As of last December, the U.S. national debt had reached a staggering total of $9.13 trillion and was growing at the rate of $1.4 billion per day. That's nearly $1 million per minute, or about $30,000 for every man, woman, and child in the country. It totals about 65 percent of the nation's entire gross domestic product. One report called the national debt a “ticking time bomb.” Foreign investors and governments, including Japan and China, hold about $2.23 trillion of the loans owed. Paying interest on the debt is already one of our government's largest expenditures—it cost $430 billion last year.

Debt is one way money becomes a master, when it should be simply a tool. Paul linked a lust for financial gain with false teachers and heresies (vv. 3-5; cf. 6:17-19). Other signals include pride and contentiousness, so greed definitely keeps bad company. The opposite attitude, which is connected with truth and sound doctrine, is “godliness with contentment” (vv. 6-8). Understanding that “you can't take it with you,” a content person doesn't strive for more than they need to live. A content person has “enough” with their daily bread, while a covetous person never has “enough” no matter how much they acquire. The “great gain” is not material, but spiritual, the “treasures in heaven” Jesus referred to in Matthew 6.

What's so wrong about wanting more money (vv. 9-10)? If we had more, couldn't we give more? The answer is yes, but if we use this idea to rationalize our pursuit of wealth, then we've fallen into the trap of greed and wandered from the faith. That's exactly why Jesus said it was difficult for rich people to get into heaven—their hearts are more susceptible to wrong priorities (Luke 18:24-25). Putting money in God's place leads to “all kinds of evil,” so we are commanded to “keep [our] lives free from the love of money” (Heb. 13:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many stewardship resources were prepared by Larry Burkett, founder of Christian Financial Concepts, that since merged with Crown Financial Ministries. If you're looking for helpful tools, Burkett's How to Manage Your Money, Debt-Free Living, and the Family Financial Workbook (Moody Publishers) are great resources. These can be ordered online directly from www.moodypublishers.com. Additional resources may be found at Crown's Web site, www.crown.org.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:14-19
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
George Müller helped care for, educate, and train for work more than 8,000 poor orphans in mid-nineteenth- century Bristol, England. Without institutional or government support, the task of providing for so many needy children appeared financially impossible. Just as Müller trusted He would, God provided—the children were always fed, the bills were always paid, though sometimes at literally the last minute. The story of his orphanages is a story of miracles, but to Müller himself, the story was simply one of faith rewarded.

George Müller trusted entirely in the truth of today's verse. The apostle Paul experienced God's provision in much the same way, for he too depended on God's people for funds to sustain his ministry. In response to a vision, he had originally gone to Philippi on his second missionary journey. At that time, there weren't enough Jewish men in the city to form a synagogue, so he had met Lydia and others at a place of prayer outside the city (Acts 16:6-15). Since then, the church had grown tremendously, enough to be a pioneering partner in Paul's missionary support (vv. 14-16).

The Apostle stressed that he wasn't praising them in order to prompt more gifts, but rather in the context of their overall relationship (vv. 17-18). He was grateful that they had sent a personal ambassador, Epaphroditus, to show their care for him, and he wanted them to receive a reward from the Lord for their faithful support of his ministry. The relationship between Paul and the Philippian church is a model of the relationship that should exist between all missionaries and their sending churches.

Undergirding all of this is the spiritual truth that stewardship and giving are acts of worship (vv. 18-19). The gifts Paul had received were pictured as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Then came the thrilling promise: just as the Philippians had met Paul's needs, God will always meet our needs.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
An appropriate response to today's passage might be an extended time of personal worship, including prayer, Scripture reading, and singing. Hymnbooks and praise CDs are helpful with the singing, or you might tune in to a Christian radio station. A parallel Bible—one that puts several translations side-by-side—can be a stimulating way to spend extra time in the Word. And for prayer, you might try praying based on the Bible passages you've been reading this week.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2002, a wristwatch made in 1939 was sold at auction for the record price of $6.4 million. Made by Swiss manufacturer Patek Philippe, the World Time watch gives the time in 42 cities around the world. At the same auction, another buyer paid $315,200 for a 1952 stainless steel Oyster Chronograph wristwatch—the most money ever paid for a Rolex.

It might be said that the buyers of these two watches knew the value of time! From stewardship of money, we now move to the stewardship of time and energy, our focus for the next six days. One key to this area of stewardship is simply to understand that there is a time and a season for everything (vv. 1-8). Some times are inevitable and out of our control, like birth and death. Others are choices we make, like searching or giving up. Some are responses to nature, like planting or uprooting. Others are responses to people or events, like speaking or remaining silent. Some are deeds, like building or tearing down. Others are feelings, like weeping or laughing. Some are individual matters, like deciding what to keep or what to throw away. Some are social conditions, like war and peace.

Some of the “seasons” listed by Solomon are difficult to understand, for instance, the mysterious reference to scattering and gathering stones in verse 5. But there's no need to over-interpret a poetic list. The point is that life has a rhythm, and to make the right choices at the right times we need to be tuned into the rhythm, and even more, to trust the Creator of the rhythm. He has put beauty into the seasons of life and eternity in our hearts as paths to lead us to Himself (vv. 9-11).

In our stewardship of time, the journey of faith begins with this acknowledgment: “My times are in your hands” (Ps. 31:15). Only our wise and sovereign God understands and controls all times and seasons.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What season of life are you in right now? Knowing the season is a prerequisite to knowing the right choice in a given situation. It is not merely a question of age, though that is one possible answer. It might relate to your personal, family, church, or professional circumstances. It might have more to do with the work the Holy Spirit is doing in your heart, sight unseen. It might be connected primarily with your relationships. Reflect and pray over this today, asking for the Lord's clarity and wisdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 20:8-11
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. - Exodus 20:9-10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Afternoon naps may reduce the overall risk of cardiac death by 34 percent, according to a study by Dr. Dimitrios Trichopoulos of Harvard University. He found that working men who napped at least 30 minutes a day three days a week lowered their risk by 64 percent. Even a five-minute snooze twice a week led to a 12 percent risk reduction for both men and women. Napping just might save your life! Unfortunately, whereas in some cultures an afternoon siesta is built into the workday, the American lifestyle includes no such allowance.

Rest is a principle that God has put into the natural order. After the six days of creation, He Himself rested on the seventh day—not because He was tired, but as an example for us (Gen. 2:2-3). His choice to rest consecrated the day, that is, “made it holy” (v. 11). In the Mosaic Law, the seventh day was called the “Sabbath,” a term that is now part of the English language, as when a professor takes a “sabbatical.”

Some Christians believe that since Christ rose on a Sunday, it is the new “Sabbath,” Paul taught that this issue is an area of freedom in which believers need to be “fully convinced” in their own minds (Rom. 14:5-6).

For the Israelites, newly freed from slavery and who had not had a real “day off” in about 400 years, the Sabbath commandment must have sounded like incredibly good news! To “remember” this day means to keep it special, setting it apart for the purpose God intended. That purpose was rest—never to stop laboring is workaholism, not efficiency or productivity. Furthermore, the day of rest was not for selfish pleasure seeking, as the phrase “day off” seems to mean to many Americans. Rather, it is to be God-centered and worshipful (v. 10). Thinking of rest and leisure as purposeful rather than mere “empty space” on a schedule might be a new idea!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If the idea of godly leisure is unfamiliar, take a look at another issue of Today in the Word. The August 2004 study dealt with this very question. You can read the entire issue online at www.todayintheword.org—when reading any day's devotion, just scroll to the bottom of the page and set the date as August 1, 2004. While you're visiting the site, also click on “Daily E-Mail Sign Up” to receive each day's devotion in your e-mail inbox.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 5:8-20
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Life is extremely fugacious, isn't it? This adjective indicates how fast time passes. One dictionary defines it as “fleeting, running away, passing quickly.” It comes from the Latin verb fugere, meaning “to flee”—you may have heard the expression tempus fugit, “time flies.” Some of us have noticed that as we get older, this feeling of fugacity increases!

Since life is fugacious, we must make the most of the time available to us. We might also call this maximizing opportunity, or working while there is daylight (John 9:4). Our motivation is our identity as “children of light,” redeemed believers whose new life goal is to “find out what pleases the Lord” and do it (vv. 8-10).

Just as light dispels darkness, so we are to live holy lives that stand against sin and to make choices that are wise and true when others are behaving foolishly and falsely (vv. 11-14). Christ shines His light of life on us, and we are to reflect it to the world (Matt. 5:14).

If we should make “the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (v. 16), what kind of opportunities should we be looking for? Opportunities to stand for righteousness in areas where sin seems to rule, to share the good news of life with spiritually dead “sleepers,” to do good works, and in general to act purposefully for God's glory.

How can we be this kind of godly steward of our time? By being filled with the Holy Spirit (vv. 17-18). This is the Lord's will for every Christian. Just as some people are sadly controlled by alcohol, we are to be joyfully “under the influence” of the Spirit. Specific evidence that one is living a Spirit-led life includes a thankful attitude and a spirit of praise, shared liberally with fellow believers (vv. 19-20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Look over your schedule or think through your plans for today and anticipate opportunities that might come your way. We don't mean opportunities for personal achievement, but rather “opportunity” in Paul's sense of making a difference for the kingdom. An opportunity may come to share the gospel, or to show patience, or to encourage someone, or to act with integrity, or to meet a need, or in some other way to speak or act in ways pleasing to the Lord. Anticipate, and be ready when the opportunities come!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:1-3
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. - Hebrews 12:1-2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya won the 2006 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:07:35, but he can't remember doing so. Near the finish line, he slipped on a sponsor's decal that was on the pavement, hit his head, and was knocked out cold. The chilly, damp weather may have made the road's surface dangerously slick. Amazingly, Cheruiyot slid forward past the finish line to officially win the race despite being unconscious. He was taken to a hospital for examination and overnight observation. Though diagnosed with a bruise to the brain, he was a happy winner and planned to compete in future marathons.

Running a race can be full of challenges and surprises. The same is true for running the race of the Christian life, an important biblical metaphor that helps us determine how to be good stewards of our time and energy. According to today's reading, the main quality needed to run the race is not speed or talent but perseverance (v. 1).

The race has already been marked out for us by our sovereign God; we discover it through obedience. We follow in the footsteps of those who have run before us, a “great cloud of witnesses” (see Hebrews 11). In order to run well, we must “throw off” sin, which is like an entangling cord around our feet, as well as anything else that stops us from all-out discipleship.

The main way we need to persevere is by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ (vv. 2-3). To “fix” means to concentrate or focus but also “to delight” or “to be absorbed in.” Jesus is “the author and perfecter of our faith,” the One who justifies and the One who sanctifies. He is also fully human, and He ran His own race with perseverance, enduring tremendous shame and suffering for our redemption and the glory of God. Because He did, we have hope—the kind of hope that doesn't disappoint (cf. Rom. 5:1-5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The writer of Hebrews used the image of an athlete running a race to give a picture of how we are to live the Christian life. One way to make this picture come alive in our day is to read or hear the exciting testimonies of Christian athletes. Sharing the Victory, which is both a magazine and a radio program from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is an excellent place to do so.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
Starting around 776 b.c. and continuing for nearly twelve centuries, the city of Olympia hosted athletic contests that were central to Greek culture and civilization. In fact, during the games, armies from rival cities would declare a truce so that everyone could participate. The contests and races were held in public arenas much like today's stadiums. The atmosphere was hotly competitive, the crowds noisy and partisan. The sports included boxing, wrestling, chariot races, and various track-and-field events. All the competition was individual; there were no team events.

The Olympic Games were similar to the Isthmian Games, held near Corinth, which Paul had in mind as the background for today's reading. If we think of our stewardship of time and energy in terms of a race, it's important to know not only how but also why to run. “Run in such a way as to get the prize,” Paul advised. “Everyone can be a winner” might sound like a comforting platitude, but in real races there's only one winner. Every competitor gives it everything they've got to be that one. Paul is not recommending selfish competitiveness, but rather saying that we should be giving the Christian life that kind of effort and commitment (v. 24; cf. Phil 3:13-14).

Athletes don't just go out and compete. They spend countless hours training and practicing. In the Christian life, this can be compared to the spiritual disciplines, such as Bible study and prayer, and service and fellowship in the church, the body of Christ. One cannot “do church” as a hobby and expect good results, any more than a runner can jog around the block occasionally and expect to win a race. If dedicated athletes work as hard as they do for a mere laurel wreath (or Olympic gold medal), how much more should we be willing to do so for a real prize (vv. 25-27)! Our reward is more than just the eternal crown. The ultimate prize is life with Christ Himself (Phil. 1:23). What could be better?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many Christians, especially those in the United States where exercise is often no longer essential to doing our work or running errands, have found that incorporating regular physical exercise can also help with understanding this spiritual principle of running the race. You might train for a 5K road race—the discipline of finding the time and pushing through sore muscles can remind us to stick with our prayer life. Or you might listen to Christian music or a recording of the Bible as you go for a walk.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 1:24-29
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. - Colossians 1:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
It was Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers were tied at three games apiece. The hopes of the Knicks rested on the shoulders of their star center, Willis Reed, but he had been injured in Game 5, missed Game 6, and was not expected to play in the decisive game. One minute before it began, however, Reed hobbled from the locker room to the team huddle. The crowd roared. He won the opening tipoff, then made a jump shot over Wilt Chamberlain. On the next possession, he hit another shot. He played only 19 minutes, and scored only those four points, but he inspired the Knicks to a 113-99 victory and the championship.

Reed's courageous comeback has become part of basketball legend. His determined example can be compared to the example of the apostle Paul in today's reading. Deciding how to spend his time and energy, Paul had two main priorities (vv. 24-28). First, he focused on serving the church as an evangelist and pastor. He was ambitious to “present everyone perfect in Christ,” meaning he aimed to do all he could to help people grow in their salvation.

Second, he focused on serving Christ. He rejoiced to suffer in honor of his Lord and gladly accepted God's call to serve the worldwide body of Christ as a pioneer missionary and church planter. The message he proclaimed was a “mystery”—the mystery of the Incarnation, the Son of God become flesh, as well as the mystery of God's inclusion of the Gentiles in His plan of redemption.

Paul was a model steward of time and energy for the cause of the gospel and the glory of God (v. 29). He knew that Christian life was hard work, so he said, “I labor, struggling.” But he also knew that the needed strength comes from the Lord, so he finished, “with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
With today's Scripture passage in mind, craft—or begin to craft—a life purpose statement, also known as a life priority statement or a life vision statement. Try to articulate in no more than five to ten cogent sentences the godly purposes you're striving to fulfill with your life. Books, magazine articles, and legions of consultants stand ready to assist you, but perhaps it would be best to do this with just you, the Word, and later a good Christian friend or two.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? - 1 Corinthians 6:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to the World Health Organization, obesity is on the rise—the number of clinically obese people topped 300 million in the year 2000, with 115 million of those experiencing weight-related health problems, including strokes and bowel cancer. The problem is a serious one in the United States, where fully 20 percent of men and 25 percent of women are obese, not to mention 15 percent of all children. The cost to the American health care system may be as high as $46 billion.

Today's reading sets out the spiritual basis for our stewardship of our physical behavior. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Sins such as gluttony and sexual immorality are sinful stewardship of the body. Our physical selves are not meant for such things (v. 13); instead, we should honor the Lord with our whole beings. That's why when it comes to sexual temptation, we should run away (v. 18). When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, Joseph did just that. He could have enjoyed her and tried to take advantage of the situation in other ways, but he knew God would be displeased. No doubt angry and humiliated, she lied to her husband, and Joseph's integrity landed him in prison. Even so, he was innocent in the Supreme Court of the universe (see Genesis 39).

For Jews, the metaphor of the body as a “temple” was a powerful one (v. 19). Solomon's Temple and its successors had been a visual symbol of God's covenant with Israel. For Gentiles, the metaphor was an instructive contrast with Corinth's famous Temple of Aphrodite, a place of idolatry and prostitution.

In general, “temple” means “sacred space.” Christ dwells within every believer. All that we are has been “bought at a price,” redeemed from death to life (v. 20). All that we are, including our bodies, is part of the body of Christ. To commit sexual impurity with one's body is in direct opposition to our spiritual union with Him (cf. Rom. 6:12-13; Heb. 13:4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Since your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, ask Him to examine this area of your life. Are you dishonoring the Lord by being a glutton or failing to do physical exercise because of laziness? Do you need to seek help due to an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia? Are you sinning by using illegal drugs or abusing alcohol? We must treat our temples with more respect and honor! If you sense the Spirit's conviction, confess any sin and then seek the support and encouragement of godly people to resist temptation.