Scripture for Today:  I Corinthians 9:27 “But I buffet my body and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit.”

The German baths are “wunderbar!” These aquatic centers are in France as well but the closest to our area and the nicest is just over the border into Germany. The indoor pool has strategically placed jets along the walls. Each one is at a different height to pummel a different part of the body. One special jet of water targeted the neck from above and felt like being under a waterfall! Their force is so strong it took the polish right off my toe nails! I felt a bit beat up but in a good way!

As the water buffeted my body, it reminded me of today’s verse. Paul was using an image of something much less pleasant. He likened the self discipline he wanted to beating his body into submission. The context is one of strict training for a race. Without self discipline one can easily disqualify oneself. Paul does not want to run aimlessly but with purpose. He runs in such a way as to win the prize; a crown that will last forever. To do that he must make his body his slave, rather that be enslaved by his body. Paul understood his own weaknesses and the potential to become unfit.

If I am honest with myself, I see that I too could become unfit. So many times I do the very thing I do not want to do! (Rom. 7:15) The struggle never stops to be obedient and submissive to God’s will. The flesh is so strong. Buffeting my body is simply to tell it, “no!”  So much easier said than done!

Lord, help me say “no” to what does not please You.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 16:1 “To humans belong the plans of the heart but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.”

The Siamese cat is known for his distinctive coloring. I grew up with Chin-Chin, a seal point. She was very dark and her blue eyes were startling. The Siamese are one of the oldest breeds, thought to originate in Thailand in the 14th century. Our Chin-Chin lived to about eighteen years old. But what I remember most about her was how talkative she was! A Siamese is known to be vocal, commenting on everything throughout their day. Chin-Chin took it one step further. She had to have the last word!

Today’s verse, a proverb, makes the observation that man naturally makes plans in his heart. But the Lord has the last word on those plans. From Him comes what is proper to do and to say. With His word or decision, He establishes plans. (verse 3) It is the Lord who establishes man’s steps. (verse 9) Whatever the plans of our hearts, James tells us to do our planning with the recognition that the Lord has the last word on whether today or tomorrow, “we do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

I need to lay every plan or project before the Lord. My motives can be dubious and I can be unaware of them. (Jer, 17:9-10) But He can search my heart and examine my mind, pointing out wrong motives. I may be convinced that my plan is good. And it might very well be. But His plan is always better. He sees what I cannot. And when I humbly lay my plans before the Lord, I can at the same time ask for His will, His way and His blessing.

I am grateful, Lord, that You have the last word and that Your word is good!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2022)

Scripture for Today: James 3:12 “My brother and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Growing up, the fig tree in our back year was my Dad’s pride and joy! The whole family enjoyed those green figs and the abundant shade the large leaves provided. In fact, my Dad built a round bench encircling the large trunk. Every year, he would lay out those figs for drying and we could enjoy the dried fruit all year long. In all those years, that tree faithfully bore its figs. Never once did it surprise us with olives!

Today’s verse describes a ludicrous scenario. How ever could a fig tree produce olives, a grapevine produce figs or a salt spring produce fresh water? It is impossible, of course. These images teach us that what comes out of the mouth reveals what is in the heart. What comes out of the mouth is consistent with what is thought and felt inside. Eventually, our hidden nature is revealed by the words we speak.

No one can tame the tongue nor can anyone make themselves new inside. It is only by the work of the Holy Spirit that I can hope to change. When cursing and praise both come out of my mouth, it is a clear signal that I need to do business with the Lord.  “…This should not be.” (verse 10) But unfortunately, it is.  I can blame my words on stress or fatigue but what I really need to do is just confess it. I do not want to disappoint or grieve the Holy Spirit. And He graciously offers His self-control so that my life can consistently bears fruit that honors Him.

Lord, please control my tongue today.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2017)

Scripture for Today: II Samuel 22:28 “You save the humble, but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.”

“There was an old lady who swallowed a fly,” is a fun children’s rhyme that progressively becomes more absurd. This old lady, rather than ask for help, takes matters into her own hands by swallowing first a spider to catch the fly. When that does not work she swallows a bird, then a cat, then a dog, then a cow, and at the end, a horse, “…she’s dead, of course!” If she had just swallowed her pride with the fly, she could have asked for help!

Today’s verse is part of David’s psalm of praise for God’s deliverance from his enemies and from Saul. David called out to the Lord (verse 4) and he was answered in a spectacular way! Perhaps the outcome would have been very different had he not humbled himself. If like the old woman and the fly, David had tried to solve his problem by himself, he would have missed seeing God’s remarkable power work in his favor. God responds to the humble but in fact opposes the proud. (I Peter 5:5b) When we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, the Lord promises to lift us up in His timing. (verse 6)

There is such a strong independent spirit in me that says: “I can do this.” “I am fine.” “I’ve got this.” “I can handle it.” I can almost see the Lord shaking His head at me. He wants to lift me up out of the mess. He wants to show grace, favor, and blessing. But He waits for humility on my part. It is when in humility I admit my weaknesses that He shows His incredible grace and strength! (II Corinthians 12:9)

Lord, I humbly ask for Your grace today!

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2020)