The Olympics bring the best athletes from every nation and have them compete in incredibly challenging events and celebrate the winners as well as all those who compete. At its best, the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the competition, unite us and celebrate the talent, dedication, and sacrifice of athletes from every nation as well as the variety of cultures and traditions represented. Team play and team spirit are at the heart of the competition. Athletes have trained hard and, in many cases, have overcome adversity and challenge, yet they press on with everything they have to do their best and, if at all possible, win.
We all will face challenge and adversity at some point in our lives. There are times we will fall short. But the Apostle Paul urges us to forget what is behind and press on toward the goal that God has set before us. Like an athlete, he urges us to stay the course and press on. Know that with God’s grace and strength we can be victorious. Trust God and lean into his strength. Faith is the adventure of a lifetime --- and God will see you through!
(scripture of the week)
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it; but this one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3.12-14)
(prayer of the week)
Gracious God, there are times when we run into challenge and adversity that seem too much for us. Help me to let go of the past and press on to the future you have for me. Help me to lean into your strength. And help me to be an encouragement to others. Amen
Blessings in Christ –Pastor TJ
(quote of the week)
“Love is the abridgment of all theology”--Francis de Sales
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