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OUR DAILY BREAD                 Wed., Aug. 2, 1995 
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READ:  1 Corinthians 9:19-27 
 
         
                MAKE YOUR BODY LISTEN 
                   
          "I discipline my body and bring  
                 it into subjection." 
 
                         -- 1 Corinthians 9:27 
 
The apostle Paul was serious about the gospel.  He 
gave himself to the task of serving God with the 
same dedication that an athlete devotes to preparation 
for competition.  While athletes train for a temporal 
prize, Paul endured tremendous hardship to win an 
eternal reward. 
 
Although he had experienced several years of fruitful 
ministry, the apostle had every reason to quit.  On 
five occasions he had felt the searing bite of 39 lashes 
as leather cords tore into his flesh (2 Cor. 11:24).  He 
was also beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked, and he endured 
hunger, thirst, cold, and many other troubles (vv. 25-27). 
 
Paul's body must have rebelled each time he prepared to 
go to another place of service.  I imagine it told him, 
"Look, Paul.  I'm tired and hurt.  I've done enough.   
Why do you insist on such insane acts of love for these  
difficult people?  There's no way I'm going to risk more 
abuse.  It's time to retire!" 
 
But Paul disciplined his body.  "I know you hurt," I can 
hear him say.  "I would like to give in to you.  But for 
the gospel, for Christ's kingdom, for Jesus Christ  
Himself, I have to keep going.  And I can't go without you. 
Come on!" 
 
Paul made his body his servant and the servant of the 
gospel.  Are we as determined to serve Christ? 
 
                                -- Haddon W. Robinson 
 
                FOR FURTHER THOUGHT 
 
         Do you ever feel like quitting? 
  Where did Jesus find the strength to continue 
    to minister?  (Mt. 14:13, 23; 26:36-44). 
 
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             THOUGHT FOR THE DAY             
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        When you're working for Jesus, 
         it's always too soon to quit. 
 
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THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Isaiah 19-21

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