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Saturday, 30 August 2008
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"Train Yourself to Do the Right Thing"
Part Five - "Training Camp for the Soul"
Devotion for August 30, 2008 - By: Dr. Joe Savage
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Today is our last devotion on the series "Training Camp for the Soul." By now, I hope that you are actually putting into practice the things that you have read.
Let's review. To get your soul in to shape -
First, HAVE A DESIRE TO WIN - do what it takes to win in life;
Second, EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL - be disciplined in all things.
Third, REMEMBER THE REWARD - your prize is eternal.
Fourth, RUN WITH PURPOSE IN EVERY STEP" - keep your purpose in line with your steps
Our last principle is to "TRAIN YOURSELF TO DO THE RIGHT THING." Paul says, "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should" (1 Cor. 9:27).
Isn't it amazing how often we don't do what we really want to do even though we are in control of our own bodies? For instance, how often I desire to go and jog, but I don't. How often, I desire to help someone else, but then I don't. How often I know I should pray and read the Scripture, but get busy doing something else.
Paul said it this way: "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate . . . And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it" (Romans 7:15-20).
The great teacher of old, D.L. Moody, was once asked who his greatest adversary was. He replied "myself." The truth is we have a great struggle with self. Let me say it this way: I am my own worst enemy. I am my greatest challenge. I am the very one who can keep me from fulfilling God's purpose in my life. I am a sinner. My biggest problem is me!
The best way to fulfill God's design for my life and the best way to find true fulfillment and success lies in this fundamental question: Can Joe Savage discipline himself?
I am the captain of my own ship. God owns the ship, but I captain the ship. As captain, I am solely responsible for my actions or inactions, my good works or failed opportunities, my love for people or my resentment toward people . . . I could go on and on.
Each of us must discipline ourselves and bring our bodies (which includes our minds) under submission. The New King James version translates Paul's words as "I beat my body and make it my slave."
If you are to reach new heights and be the victorious person that God desires, you must train your body to submit and to do what it needs to do on a daily basis. The only way to consistently do this is through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Daily make this your prayer and acknowledgment:
1. I can't.
2. God can.
3. I will rely on God to help me each and every day by submitting to Him and asking for
His strength, discipline, and empowerment.
If you will and can do this daily, then your soul will stay in shape and you will be ready for the game of life.
Today's Prayer
"Father, I can't bring my self into subjection. I need you and acknowledge that You can and will help me. I surrender myself right now to you in Jesus' name. Empower me with your Spirit. Amen."
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Training Camp for the Soul
Part One - Develop a Desire to Win
Part Two - Exercise Self Control
Part Three - Remember the Reward
Part Four - Run with Purpose in Every Step
Part Five - Train Yourself to do the Right Thing
Study verse: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT)
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Sunday, 24 August 2008
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"Run with Purpose in Every Step"
Part Four - "Training Camp for the Soul"
Devotion for August 24, 2008 - By: Dr. Joe Savage
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Let's review. To get your soul in to shape -
First, HAVE A DESIRE TO WIN - do what it takes to win in life;
Second, EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL - be disciplined in all things.
Third, REMEMBER THE REWARD - your prize is eternal.
Fourth, we must "RUN WITH PURPOSE IN EVERY STEP" (1 Cor. 9:26). Paul goes on to say, "I am not just shadowboxing." In other words, he is seriously preparing to be in the game. For Paul, life is not a joke, fantasy league, or pre-season game that doesn't mean much.
Look at it this way. What if the entire NFL season were all practice games similar to pre-season? That's right. What if every game played until January were all "practice games."
Let me tell you what would happen. Fans would stop attending. Players would become disgruntled. Coaches would keep feeding lines about "getting better." General Managers would keep saying, "It's simply pre-season" regardless of how well or how poor the team looks. Scouts would ask, "Why are we scouting?" Ultimately, the NFL would cease to exist and college football would reign supreme.
Why? Because every wants the "real thing."
The same is true for our spiritual lives. Our relationship with Christ is not designed simply for the future. It is designed for NOW. Because it is a "now" type relationship, we must pursue Jesus with purpose in every step. We must be intentional in all that we say and do. We must keep our soul in shape by doing the daily exercises that matter (i.e. Bible study, prayer, fellowship with believers, confession of sin, etc.)
Often, I hear preachers say that our "Current life is a dress rehearsal for the future." While I understand their sentiments, I can't help but say they are in error. This life is NOT a dress-rehearsal. It is not a pre-season game while waiting on the "real season" to start (heaven). Life in partnership with Jesus is to be lived TODAY.
You see, if we understand that this life is not simply "pre-season," then we will prepare and run with a greater intensity of purpose.
So I ask - Are you running with purpose in EVERY step or are you in pre-season mode when it comes to your soul?
"Run . . . with purpose . . . in every . . . step." Think about it.
Today's Prayer
"Father, I know this is not pre-season when it comes to life. I know that I need to run with purpose. I know I need to run with purpose in every step. Lord, I need you help to do this. Sometimes I am lazy and sometimes I lose focus, but Lord I desire to run with purpose. I desire to live in an unwavering partnership with you. I love you and thank you for helping me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
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Training Camp for the Soul
Part One - Develop a Desire to Win
Part Two - Exercise Self Control
Part Three - Remember the Reward
Part Four - Run with Purpose in Every Step
Study verse: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT)
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Friday, 15 August 2008
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"Remember the Reward"
Part Three - "Training Camp for the Soul"
Devotion for August 15, 2008 - By: Dr. Joe Savage
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Quick review on getting your soul into shape -
First, HAVE A DESIRE TO WIN - do what it takes to win in life;
Second, EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL - be disciplined in all things.
Today, we look at the third essential which is to REMEMBER THE REWARD.
Paul tells us that "All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize" (1 Cor. 9:25).
Every athlete we see on television right now who is competing in the Olympics went through an amazing amount of training. Every NFL team is currently grinding it out in training camp for what has been weeks now. Why? In order to win gold . . . to win Super Bowl rings . . . to say "I am the best in the world."
Let me tell you a great story. My brother Phil Savage was with the Baltimore Ravens when they won the Super Bowl. After defeating the New York Giants in front of a world-wide audience, Phil and the rest of the Raven's team rolled down the streets of Baltimore in a parade. Thousands upon thousands of people lined the streets to cheer, wave, and celebrate the championship as the team rode in glory waving to the crowd and hoisting the Lombardi trophy.
At the end of the parade, Phil and some of the Raven's staff got off of the float and walked back through the crowd to have dinner at a local restaurant. This time was quite different however. As they made their way through the crowd, no one knew nor cared who they were! People shoved, everyone was trying to get back to their cars, and no one realized who Phil and the others were. Literally the parade was over!
Ya'll the truth is championships are amazing and great to achieve. To stand on top of the world and know you were the best in your field is an awesome achievement and one that will last a lifetime. BUT, it last ONLY a lifetime or maybe even one parade!
The "eternal prize" that we work for spiritually is just that - eternal! It last forever. In fact the Bible says it will never "fade away."
You see, Phil's Super Bowl ring can tarnish, or be stolen, and certainly will not last forever. Our salvation however, will stand forever. Our home in heaven cannot be taken away. The place Jesus builds for us lasts forever.
Look at things from a big picture. Isn't your spiritual life (meaning your relationship with Christ) worth far more than anything you have on this earth? Isn't fulfilling God's call upon your life here on earth worth far more than any championship?
Yes, as champions you must work hard and strive to be the best. There is nothing wrong with that. Just remember, the prize of heaven is worth far more than any championship trophy man win. And friend, the parade of heaven never ends!
Today's Prayer
"Father cause me to remember the value of eternal things. Help me to see the big picture in life. Lord help me to reach to be the best, but never forget the true eternal prize that awaits me at the end of life. Help me to daily remember what is most important. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."
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Training Camp for the Soul
Part One - Develop a Desire to Win
Part Two - Exercise Self Control
Part Three - Remeber the Reward
Study verse: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT)
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Saturday, 09 August 2008
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"Exercise Self-Control"
Part Two - "Training Camp for the Soul"
Devotion for August 8, 2008 - By: Dr. Joe Savage
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The first essential in training the soul is DEVELOPING A DESIRE TO WIN. We discussed this last week.
Today we look at the second essential which is EXERCISING SELF CONTROL. Paul states, "All athletes are disciplined in their training" (1 Cor. 9:25a). The New King James translates this verse to say, "Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things." The original Greek word "temperate" or "disciplined" literally means "to exercise self-control."
All premier athletes, coaches, or leaders in any field must consistently exercise tremendous self-control if they are to maximize their abilities and increase their chances of winning. They must say "yes" to all of the right things and "no" to all of the wrong things.
Daily each of us must make hundreds of decisions. Nothing will affect our ability to win in life more than the decisions we make regarding our own personal self-control. We can have incredible talent or persuasive skill, but if we do not exercise self-control then we will simply cease as a viable leader.
Let's take former Presidential candidate John Edwards. Edwards has a large following and certainly an influence in our nation. But because of his lack of self-control in one area of his life, he most likely will now fade into oblivion and certainly will never be a viable Presidential candidate again.
Listen. God wants to use you and He will use you, but you must exercise self-control in EVERY area. Let's take a moment to look at some areas that we need to pay particular attention to when it comes to self-control.
What you say - profanity, destructive words, etc.
What you listen to - junk music, gossip, etc.
What you take in - pornography, unhealthy foods, etc.
What you do - time, schedule, family, finances, etc.
What you think - ego, attitude, lust, etc.
Now go back and ask yourself how much self-control you really have in each of these areas. If you are weak in an area, then ask the Holy Spirit to give you self-control and the determination to say "no" when "no" is the best answer and "yes" to when "yes" is best.
Self leadership greatly affects your sustained success in life. Go exercise self-control TODAY.
Today's Prayer
"Lord, thank you for free will. Lord while I am grateful, I do need you to help me exercise self control. Help me say yes and no to the right things daily. Help me to be disciplined so that I can be all that you desire. In Jesus' name. Amen."
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Training Camp for the Soul
Part One - Develop a Desire to Win
Part Two - Exercise Self Control
Study verse: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT)
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Friday, 01 August 2008
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"Developing
a Desire to Win"
Part One - "Training Camp for the Soul"
Devotion for August 1, 2008 - By: Dr. Joe Savage
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It's that time of year - training camp in the NFL!
There is nothing like newly striped lines on manicured grass, the sun beating down causing sweat to run down the brow, the sounds of whistles blowing, coaches yelling, and shoulder pads hitting. This is training camp - the time of great anticipation as football teams across America prepare themselves for opening day.
Just as an athlete has to train his body for opening day, each of us must train our souls for the everlasting prize.
This month, we are going to use Paul's illustrative words about the training of an athlete in order to help us understand how we are to train our own soul. The series is entitled: Training Camp for the Soul. Let's get started.
The first essential in effectively training the soul is to DEVELOP A DESIRE TO WIN. Paul says, "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!" (1 Corinthians 9:24)
God desires for us to be winners . . . winners in the great race of life! Often I see people who put so much effort into certain aspects of life, but they neglect the soul. As a result, they find themselves without any real lasting rewards.
Why do we neglect the soul especially in light of the fact that it is by far the most important aspect in our lives? Why do we put such effort into other things that are fleeting, but put so little into our personal relationship with Christ?
We all know that we get back what we put into something. If your team does not prepare during training camp, you simply will not win. You know this. If an athlete does not condition his body during camp, he simply will not perform at top levels during the games.
The same is true for your soul. You have to keep it in top condition.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I will give you some ways you can condition your soul. The first step however, is for you to create a desire to win. You can do this by praying daily and asking God to give you an unquenchable thirst to condition your soul and an overwhelming desire to win in our battle against the flesh.
All great warriors have an unending desire to win. Let God develop that desire within you.
Today's Prayer
"Father, make me a winner in life. Give me a great desire to win in my battle against the flesh. Burn into me the need to win. Help me to see the great need that I have to condition my soul daily. I offer myself to you over these next few weeks for you to train me in the way I should go. Thank you Lord for being my ultimate coach. In Jesus' name. Amen."
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Training Camp for the Soul
Part One - Develop a Desire to Win
Study verse: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT)
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DR. JOE SAVAGE
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