Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "mastery". 1 Corinthians 9:25:

25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. KJV

The entire phrase "to strive for the mastery"  is the Greek word "agonizomai". It's only found this one time as "mastery". Strong's Concordance says: to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary). It is also found translated as fight, labor fervently, strive. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to enter a contest; to contend with adversaries; to contend with difficulties and dangers; to endeavor with strenuous zeal. Here is the entire passage with verses 24-27:

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. KJV

And here is the same from the Amplified Bible:

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. 25 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. AMP

And here is the same from the Message Bible:

24 You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win.25 All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. 26 I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! 27 I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. THE MESSAGE

I  know that the message here is NOT a new one to you! It IS what you do every day in order to be the very best at your job! You incorporate the same drive, tenacity and commitment to your band, your family, and as a husband and father. I thought it would be an encouragement to you to know that when you do this in all of these areas that God has positioned you, you DO bring honor and glory to Him! You will be rewarded in Heaven for all of these things that He's called you to do, as well as any preaching of the Gospel, prayer and ministry to others that you do! Here is a song I've used before, but it just seems appropriate! Hillsong United with "Run":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!