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.”

I so enjoyed a day at the baths recently.  They have these centers in France but the closest and 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.  Their force is so strong it took the polish right off my toe nails!  I felt a bit beat up but good at the same time, a bit like a wet noodle!

As the water buffeted my body, it reminded me of our verse for today.  Paul was using an image of something much less pleasant; a boxing image.  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: II Corinthians 7:1  “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates our body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

I am thrilled and proud of my latest thrift store find!  It is a silver-plated candy dish, much smaller than the tray pictured.  It did not look like much as it was so tarnished and dark.  But it was heavy and I loved its design so out came the polish.  It took time to rub.  It not only needed lots of product but lots of elbow grease as well.  Little by little the dish began to shine.  Working on it outside, I had to at one point look away as it caught and reflected the dazzling sun!  The end result was worth all the effort and it now sits proudly on my buffet.

That dull gray or black film coating is a product of a chemical reaction between a metal and a non metal compound.  In our verse for today Paul is teaching that we need purifying.  In the world we are contaminated, slowly becoming tarnished and losing our shine.  As believers, we are to be separate from the world.  In keeping ourselves untarnished from sin we are promised a close fellowship with God as a Father.

Those who belong to the Lord have a new nature.  We are no longer made of the same material.  We are metal, and we need to avoid that “chemical reaction” with non metal.  Thankfully, God has made provision for those times when we sin and compromise.  His cleansing is available when we confess, and He is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

Lord, keep me untarnished today.  May I shine for You!

Scripture for Today: Job 28:20-21a “Where then does wisdom come from?  Where does understanding dwell.  It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing…”

It is that time of year again when many families celebrate the graduation of one of their members.  Our first daughter’s high school graduation was memorable for several reasons.  The graduates of this European Christian school surprised their parents with a rose when leaving the stage.  I was doing great keeping a check on my emotions until then!  After that, the tears flowed.  She was our first to leave the nest and move to the other side of the ocean.

But there was another reason why I remember this graduation from so long ago.  The speaker repeated a phrase over and over; “If you want knowledge, go to college.  If you want wisdom, go to God.”  This simple but profound statement has stayed with me.  In our verse for today Job poses the question as to where wisdom can be found.  This beautiful poetic passage explores the different possibilities.  Job concludes that only God understands the way to wisdom (verse 23).  He ends the discussion with the often repeated truth, “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.” (verse 28, Psalm 111:10, Prov. 1:7)

Both my husband and I come from families where higher education is a valued priority.  But as impressive as four doctorates may sound, it all pales in comparison with God’s wisdom.  To know how to choose well and live life with skill is not something learned in a university.  It is learned from God.  It is learned through intentional obedience to His commands and precepts.  David understood that it is God who teaches wisdom (Psalm 51:6).

May I sit at Your feet and learn from You today, Lord.  Make me obedient and wise.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2014)