Week of May 21 - May 26

Sunday
growing deeply
MONDAY: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Physical Olympics
Not long ago we watched athletes from around the world compete in a variety
of competitions. Watching their prowess was inspiring.
REFLECTION: Reflect on the many different types of sporting events that took
place. Reflecting on the games as a whole, what aspects and training are the
same in all?
TUESDAY: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Spiritual Olympics
Athletes compete to win. All efforts are focused on an end goal.
CONSIDER: Consider your spiritual journey with an end goal of strengthening
your relationship with God. Consider the goal not as a physical prize, but a
prize of deepening faith and understanding.
WEDNESDAY: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Jesus the Example
“Personal Spiritual Practices”- May 20
Scripture: I Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT)
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.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Those who strive to attain the peak of performance in a particular sport or

activity often choose an athlete to study and emulate. MY NOTES:
REFLECTION: Reflect on the examples of right behavior that you witness in
Jesus.

THURSDAY: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Scripture the Guide

When an athlete’s name or picture is used for commercial endorsement, we
consider that he or she has climbed to the top of the professional ladder.
REFLECTION: Reflect on the ways in which Scripture guides us as we strive to
climb to the top of our spiritual ladder.

FRIDAY: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Practice What you Preach

Likening his spiritual race to a physical one, in this passage, the Apostle Paul
says that he not only preaches about using spiritual discipline, he practices it.
CONSIDER: Consider what practices you can nurture to strengthen your
spiritual journey.

SATURDAY: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 A Prize that Will Not Fade

A physical prize may tarnish or be forgotten. A strong relationship with God
will remain with us throughout our journey.
PRAYER: God of the race, help us to be mindful to nurture and train our
minds, hearts, and souls as we train our bodies. Help us to be open to
spiritual opportunities that will draw our souls closer to you and strengthen
our spirits. Read or subscribe to the weekly guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.