Why do soldiers first experience boot camp? Because they need to be taught how to push their body, overcome the desire to quit and grow beyond the pain. The mind way too often gives in before the body gives out. Likewise, why did the Apostle Paul say, “I discipline my body and make it my slave” (1 Cor. 9:27). The Christian life is not about listening to our bodies and giving into its desires (gluttony, drunkenness, slothfulness, sexual immorality), but rather mastering our bodies and making the body a slave to a biblically controlled mind. This is the difference between being controlled by the flesh or being led by the Spirit (Gal. 5). Exercise, in order to be effective, pushes the body beyond its comfort zone. Diets push the body beyond its comfort zone. These make the body your slave and no longer your master. These produce discipline. And coming full circle, discipline is essential for us to mortify sin (cf. 1 Pet. 4:1-2).
Randy Smith

Bible Reading: MAY03: I Chron. 12-14

MAY 3

In Genesis 12:1-3 God promised to make Abraham’s name great,
if he would carefully follow the Lord. Abraham did follow the Lord;
and now, after 4,000 years, every Monday school child knows about
Abraham.

I Chronicles 14:16 says, “David therefore did as God
commanded him.” I believe that was the reason for David’s success,
the reason for his prosperity. God has a blueprint for successful
living. Joshua 1:8 tells us, “This book of the law shall not depart
out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,
that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written
therein; for then thou shalt make they way prosperous, and then thou
shalt have good success.”

The Bible contains everything we need for success in our
Christian lives. The program for both the successful family and
church is found in the Word of God. That is why we invite you and
others to read with us through the Bible each year. I trust your
reading is proving to be a blessing in your life and home.