Think Spot

16th July 2012

G'day! Welcome to Partakers Think Spot at the start of new week on Monday the 16th of July 2012.

"Run hard to obtain the prize"

The Olympics are not very far away now, about three weeks, and there is a special air of excitement in Great Britain and especially where the Games are mostly to be held in London. Plans have been in place for years and it has taken years to build the varied venues and have everything in place before the Games start.

Competitors have been practising hard for years with this one event especially on their minds. One well known champion said “To be a world champion is great but the Olympics are very special.”

Other special meetings pale into insignificance, the Olympic Crown tops the lot as far as achievement is concerned. To be on that rostrum with the gold medal around the neck is the highest pinnacle of success for the athlete , swimmer cyclist, boxer and competitors in all other events, so many of them and each one will draw thousands of spectators to witness this amazing spectacle.

Paul, in the Bible, writes about such games in Greece where they started centuries ago and he has quite a knowledge of what goes on in the training schedules of the athlete and the diets each one needs and the strictness in keeping on practising even when the weather is icy, wet, hot, cold and windy. “All run in a race, but only one wins so run that you may obtain” 1 Corinthians 9:24ff;.

He goes on to say they all go into strict training. (Probably no cream cakes or doughnuts!) if they were in being at the time. But he concludes by saying “but what do they obtain?... a perishable wreath”. But believers in Christ are running for a prize which is not transient not perishable but eternal. (I Corinthians 9:24;)

So we as believers are all in a race but praise God Paul tells us in his letter to the Colossians 1 that Jesus has already gone over the finishing line and won the prize for us. He has qualified for us Hallelujah!!.

In his letter to the Galatians he warns us about those who would try to cut in on us and try to divert us on our christian path

He encourages us on the other hand speaking of the crowds of spectators who are watching us and urging us on in our christian life.(Hebrews)

Whether you are an athlete or armchair spectator at this years Olympics in the Christian race we are all competitors and it is not a sprint it is more like a marathon with all kinds of obstacles and we are daily in need of resources flowing to us from Heaven to strengthen and equip us for the conflict.

Satan is on the prowl but as John Bunyon put it so beautifully in Pilgrims Progress if we keep to the centre pathway where God is directing us we will not be in the path of lions or other beasts Satan may have lined up against us. We are in a spiritual battle but If God be for us who can be against us. If God is our strength and shield we will arrive safely in Heaven. Its a dangerous journey at times but we were not promised an easy passage only a safe landing as Bishop J C Ryle told us in one of his helpful books.

The training manuals of the athletes are very helpful to help competitors to be successful if they keep to the right schedules and do not miss a days training. We Christians need to daily look at our training Manuel The Bible and study to not only show ourselves approved by God but for daily necessary food and direction . There is a race to be run and dangers to face on the way (the hymn writer reminds us)

Be steadfast Paul reminds us elsewhere and treat your life seriously and wonderful blessings ensure us of a marvellous welcome home when we arrive at the end of our journey. “Well done thou good and faithful servant” That is what we are looking forward to hearing as we pass over the finishing line.

As Paul said I have finished the race that is all that matters. Dont drop out ,dont lag behind , Keep in step with the Spirit , keep looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, that is the answer.

Joys Prayer

Dear Gracious God and loving Heavenly Father,

We realise that we are on a journey towards eternity and so very thankful you have redirected us from the wide road that leads to destruction onto the narrow road that leads to eternal life and Heaven.

We have heard today it is like a race as Paul describes in the Bible that all Christians are competing in but we are so thankful that the end is assured that we will reach the finishing line as we go not alone. Jesus by The Spirit of God is with us and helping us keep in step with Him. Forgive us when we have turned aside for one reason or another when temptations have gripped us. Help us daily to seek you to fill us anew with The Holy Spirit so we can be more than conquerors and win many battles against the evil one. Lord you give us all the resources necessary to compete and complete the journey. Thank you Lord for your deep love for us and your heavenly armour available to us as pray daily for it. Without You Lord we would fail but thank you for your amazing love for us and your strength which is almighty to save, keep and bring us safe to heaven.

Amen

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