1 Corinthians 9:25-27 - Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training

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 get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 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.

As we approach the Winter Olympics one is struck with how much focus it takes to even credibly compete in the Games. The apostle Paul looks at our spiritual walk in the same way. Walking with Christ demands thoughtfulness and discipline. Getting the crown that lasts forever requires that we examine our time, our talent and our treasures the same way that an athlete examines their abilities to compete. We need training. We need to allow boundaries that keep us from beating the air. Preaching the gospel is not enough to complete the course. We must let the gospel challenge us personally and keep us qualified for the race ahead.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor GraceNYC.org

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

John 15:1-2 - I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

Notice that both branches get cut. The difference is in how we respond to the pain of the pruning. In many ways, the way that we bear the pruning is how we know that we are growing in our relationship with God. Do we get bitter, or better? What does the experience of loss or hindrance expose in us?

Our Father is a faithful gardener, ready to cut off the things in our lives that don't bear fruit, and reminding the fruitful ones that our life is not in the fruit, but only in the vine.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor GraceNYC.org

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse