"If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:5).
Just like professional athletes who astound us with their discipline, dedication, and determination — we also should give such an commitment to Christ that others are equally moved by the excellence and beauty of our endeavors. When Paul wrote of the athlete who competes, the word he used literally means "to be a champion" — one who has defeated all opponents. As followers of Jesus we are called to conduct ourselves as champions, to stand in the power given to us in Christ and defeat anything that tries to make us less than what God wants us to be. Over the next five days, I will point out the five facts of our Olympic championship in Life. Fact #1 — There is a Contest in Which We Struggle - Luke 13:24 "Jesus said to them, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.'" (Luke 13:24). As Champions, we are to cast aside anything that would hold us back; overcome any obstacle which seeks to pull us down; fight through any difficulty which seeks to deny us of accomplishing our goal. There is no such thing as cruise control in our journey to glory. We are in pursuit of such things that require our every step to be contested, thus making our progress a matter of unrelenting determination. No one will float into heaven, sipping on a soda, eating grapes and strumming a harp. There is a contest in which we struggle — a quest for superiority and victory. Love over hatred, Faith over suspicion, Hope over despair, Truth over deceit, Freedom over bondage, Joy over sorrow, and Life over death. Jesus has won the victory and offers it to each one who follows Him. But to possess it, you've got to want it enough to contend for it. As followers of Jesus we are called to conduct ourselves as champions, to stand in the power given to us in Christ and defeat anything that tries to make us less than what God wants us to be. Fact #2 — There is an Opponent Against Which We Contend "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8). Peter, who wrote these words so long ago, knew what he was talking about. Jesus once told him, "Peter, the devil has desired to have you, that he might sift you as wheat." It was one of the worst ordeals of Peter's life — but Jesus brought him through it. There is an opponent against which we contend, and we in our own strength are no match for him. Our strength comes from the Lord who is with us, and in us. "Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world. Our opponent is subtle; we therefore must walk in wisdom. Our opponent is deceitful; we therefore must walk in the truth. Our opponent is arrogant; we therefore must walk in humility. And all heaven cheers us on as we engage in this epic contest. "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us — looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-3). The call upon our lives is to conduct ourselves as champions; to stand in the power given to us in Christ and defeat anything that tries to make us less than what God wants us to be. Fact #3 — There is a Goal Toward Which We Press "Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (I Timothy 4:7-8). Train yourself to be godly. The word train means "to exercise naked" — as the Greek athletes. The idea here is the removing of any encumbrance, as well as the disrobing of all pretense. Notice also that he places the emphasis on personal responsibility — train yourself. Far too many in today's world are living like bottom feeders in a pond, waiting for the farmer to dole out today's portion of grub. Life's best and highest moments are for those who show initiative in the things that truly matter. Train yourself. And then he gives us the object of our training — to be godly. In other words, to become like Jesus. Not imitation, but indwelling; Christ in us, making Himself known through us. You don't need to ask, "What would Jesus do?" — and then try to do it yourself. No; rather yield your life to the Lord in every situation so that He Himself can do what He does through you. That's the goal. As Champions, we press on with relentless intensity toward the goal of becoming like Christ in our Character, our Conduct and our Conversation. For such a life holds great promise not only for the time we spend here on earth, but also deep into eternity as well. We now come to the fourth fact in our consideration of the call that is on our lives to conduct ourselves as champions; to stand in the power given to us in Christ and defeat anything that tries to make us less than what God wants us to be. And so we will look at the fourth fact about our Olympic championship. Fact #4 — There is a Strategy by Which We Advance "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you." (Philippians 1:27). On a personal level each one of us is required to conduct ourselves in such a manner that brings honor to the name and cause of Christ. It is a regrettable thing when one who professes to follow Jesus behaves in such a way as to dishonor His name and bring reproach upon all other believers. We each take a hit when someone on our Team compromises and falls. The phrase, "contending as one man", literally means team athletics — each person finding where he or she fits, and then doing their part to insure the victory for the whole Team. "Two are better than one, because they have good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Something happens when a team comes together; the combined efforts of the many actually raise the ability of the individual. You can go farther and faster with others than you could ever go on your on. As Champions, we skillfully advance against our opponent by working together with one another, thereby compounding our abilities and efforts — as well as our results. Are you a team player? God summons us from on high for us to stand in the power given to us in Christ to defeat anything that tries to make us less than what God wants us to be. Fact #5 — There is a Means By Which We Win "To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me." (Colossians 1:29) As we have already noted, the life we have with Jesus is not about imitation — it's about indwelling. In other words, Christ being Himself in and through us in the sphere of our influence; empowering us by His Spirit to do His will and achieve His purposes. That's the secret which has been made known — "Christ in you, the hope of Glory." Jesus said, "Without Me, you can do nothing"(John 15:5). Perhaps there are some who are trying to help the Lord out by doing things for Him — things He never asked them to do. Much of our religious fervor falls into this category, and ultimately becomes the wood, hay, and stubble burned up just before we enter the Golden Gates. As Champions, we are to acknowledge the authority and power of Jesus Christ by submitting our lives to His Lordship that we might therein find the strength of character to overcome all opponents. And as we discover the wonder of His indwelling Spirit we can exclaim in the words of the Apostle Paul: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" (Phil4:13). This way He gets all the glory. As we conclude this five-part series, let me sum it up by saying — half-hearted contenders never make it to the championship level. They give up somewhere along the way because of the various difficulties they encounter. They lack that inner quality of character that drives true champions to excellence and to victory. There is a contest in which we struggle, an opponent against which we contend, a goal toward which we press, a strategy by which we advance, and a means by which we win. Each of us must decide the extent to which we are willing to go to show ourselves as true men and women of God, as champions in a world of quitters. See You at the Finish Line! Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.
Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 better is the end of the thing than the beginning of it, and the patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit. Do not be quick in spirit to be angry or vexed for anger or vexation lodge in the bosom of fools In 2 Konings 5 lees ons van Naäman, die hoof van die Arameërs se weermag, wat melaats geword het. Later is hy genees deur die toedoen van Elisa, die man van God. Tog was die eerste belangrike skakel tot sy genesing ’n dogtertjie uit Israel. Op ’n strooptog is hierdie kindjie ontvoer. Sy het toe in Naäman se vrou se diens beland.
Toe hierdie dogtertjie hoor van Naäman se siekte, het sy vir me. Naäman gesê: “Sê vir die generaal hy moet Samaria toe gaan. Daar’s die man van God wat hom sal genees.” Net dit! Nee, sy het nie vir Naäman gepreek nie... Of ’n lang getuienis oor haar geloof afgesteek nie. Sy was ’n kortpad-padwyser na God toe. Toe haar Goddelike oomblik onverwags daar in die kombuis aanbreek om ’n verskil in iemand se lewe te maak, was hierdie paar woorde oorgenoeg! Wat verander doodgewone oomblikke in Goddelike momente? Wat maak dat ’n generaal ’n kinderslaaf uit ’n vyandige volk ernstig opvat? Wel, haar lewe het in HOOFLETTERS getuig sy loop op die Here se pad. Ver van haar ouerhuis af het hierdie naamlose kind styf aan God vasgehou. Al was haar lewenskeuses op daardie harde kombuisvloere min, het sy haar slawewerk vir die Here gedoen. Dit het elke vloerwas-dag verander in God se spesiale moment. G’n wonder nie dat Naäman na haar geluister het. Twee goeie sinnetjies op die regte Goddelike oomblik het haar vir altyd op die bladsye van die Bybel ingeskryf. Nadat Naäman genees is, het hy bely daar’s geen ander God nie behalwe die God van Israel (2 Kon 5:15). Sy lewe het verander, asook sy eie mense s’n. Hulle het gesien wat God in hulle generaal se lewe kan doen! Die wederkoms sal uitwys hoedat ons elke Goddelike moment aangegryp het... of deur ons vingers laat val het! Nie eens skottelgoed-was of werk-toe-ry is sinnelose oomblikke as ons voltyds aan diens vir Christus is nie. "You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'"
~ George Bernard Shaw "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."~ C.S. Lewis "Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."~ Gail Devers "All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible."~ T.E. Lawrence “Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:29-30 MSG)
Jesus calls us to a level of intimacy that can only be sustained by his constant presence in our lives. He says, “Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:29-30 MSG). Jesus is real, and so our response to him must be real. In other words, we can’t just say we have faith; we must show our faith by doing what God tells us to do. Deitrich Bonhoeffer, an influential theologian who was martyred under the Nazi regime, says, “For faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience.” But taking a step in and of itself doesn’t mean we obey Jesus. He is very specific in what he tells us to do. He doesn’t say “Follow some general biblical principles” or “Submit yourself to a certain doctrine.” Jesus doesn’t present a plan for positive thinking or suggest seven simple steps to becoming his disciple. Jesus says, “Follow me,” and we do just that. Bonhoeffer also says, “Discipleship without Jesus Christ is a way of our own choosing. Even if our choice leads us to martyrdom, it is devoid of promise and Jesus will certainly reject it.” Bonhoeffer notes we can never follow an idea in personal obedience. “Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship; Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” “It remains an abstract idea,” says Bonhoeffer, “a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son. And a Christianity of that kind is nothing more or less than the end of discipleship. In such a religion there is trust in God, but no following of Christ.” About a week before Christmas, the family bought a new nativity set. When they unpacked it, they found two figures of the Baby Jesus.
"Someone must have packed this wrong," the mother said, counting out the figures. "We have one Joseph, one Mary, three wise men, three shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a Baby Jesus because we have two." "You two run back down to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes, saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7126. Put on your warm coats. It is freezing out there." The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If you are missing Baby Jesus, call 7126." All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang, mother would say, "I'll bet that's about Jesus.", but it never was. Father tried to explain there are thousands of these scattered over the country, and the figurine could be missing from a set in Florida or Texas or California. Those packing mistakes happen all the time. He suggested to just put the extra Jesus back in the box and forget about it. "Put Baby Jesus back in the box! What a terrible thing to do!" said the children. "Surely someone will call," mother said. "We'll just keep the two of them together in the manger until someone calls." When no call had come by 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve, mother insisted that father just run down to the store to see if there were any sets left. "You can see them right through the window, over on the counter," she said. "If they are all gone, I'll know someone is bound to call tonight." "Run down to the store?" father thundered. "It's 15 below zero out there!" "Oh, Daddy, we'll go with you," Tommy and Mary began to put on their coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered. Tommy and Mary ran ahead as father reluctantly walked out in the cold. Mary got to the store first and pressed her nose up to the store window. "They're all gone, Daddy," she shouted. "Every set must be sold." "Hooray" Tommy said. "The mystery will now be solved tonight!" Father heard the news still a half block away and immediately turned on his heel and headed back home. When they got back into the house, they noticed that mother was gone and so was the extra Baby Jesus figurine. "Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the figurine," my father reasoned, pulling off his boots. "You kids get ready for bed while I wrap mother's present." Then the phone rang. Father yelled "answer the phone and tell 'em we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions for us to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk.. "Now what has she gotten us into?" my father groaned as we bundled up again. "205 Chestnut. Why that's across town. Wrap that milk up good in the blankets or it will turn to ice before we get there. Why can't we all just get on with Christmas? It's probably 20 below out there now. And the wind is picking up. Of all the crazy things to do on a night like this!" When they got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street, it was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and, the moment we set foot on the porch steps, my mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here, Oh thank God, you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cookies." "Would you mind telling me what is going on, Ethel?" my father asked. "We have just walked through below zero weather with the wind in our faces all the way." "Never mind all that now," my mother interrupted. "There is no heat in this house and this young mother is so upset she doesn't know what to do. Her husband walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak Christmas, so don't you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a jiffy." My mother strode off to the kitchen to warm the milk while my brother and I wrapped up the five little children who were huddled together on the couch. The children's mother explained to my father that her husband had run off, taking bedding, clothing, and almost every piece of furniture, but she had been doing all right until the furnace broke down. "I been din washin' and ironin' for people and cleanin' the five and dime," she said. "I saw your number every day there, on those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going' through my mind... 7162... 7162." "Said on the box that if a person was missin' Jesus, they should call you. That's how I knew you were good Christian people, willin' to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. So I stopped at the grocery store tonight and I called your missus. I'm not missin' Jesus, mister, because I sure love the Lord. But I am missin' heat. I have no money to fix that furnace." "Okay, Okay" said father. "You've come to the right place. Now lets see. You've got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn't be too hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I'll look it over, see what it needs." Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, I noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the center of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared with wide eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies my mother sat before them. Father finally got the oil burner working but said, "you need more oil." "I'll make a few calls tonight and get some oil." "Yes sir, you came to the right place," said the woman... On the way home, father did not complain about the cold weather and had barely set foot inside the door when he was on the phone. "Ed, hey, how are ya, Ed? Yes, Merry Christmas to you, too. Say, Ed, we have kind of an unusual situation here. I know you've got that pick-up truck. Do you still have some oil in that barrel on your truck?" "You do?" By this time the rest of the family were pulling clothes out of their closets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after their bedtime when they were wrapping gifts. The pickup came. On it were chairs, three lamps, blankets and gifts. Even though it was 30 below, Father let them ride along in the back of the truck. No one ever did call about the missing figure in the nativity set, but as I grow older I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all. Jesus saves, that's what He does. By Jean Gietzen Based on her writings on the internet from the book "If You're Missing Baby Jesus". Published by and available at Random House (www.randomhouse.com) and other online booksellers. I will be your father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 2Co 6:18
Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus didn't have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: "My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants" (Mar 3:35 ). When Jesus' brother didn't share his convictions, he didn't try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn't… We can't control the way our family responds to us. When it comes to the behavior of others toward us, our hands are tied. We have to move beyond the naive expectation that if we do good, people will treat us right. The fact is they may and they may not—we cannot control how people respond to us… Let God give you what your family doesn't. If your earthly father doesn't affirm you, then let your heavenly Father take his place… [And] don't lose heart. God still changes families. He Still Moves Stone (Max Lucado) Die enigste rede hoekom daar iets soos tyd is, is sodat alles nie tegelyk gebeur nie. Albert Einstein het hierdie groot wysheid kwytgeraak. Tyd is ’n wonderlike ding. Tyd genees wonde. Tyd laat ons vergeet van gister se seerkry. Tyd werk soos medisyne. Maar ons het nie elke slag tyd nodig om oor iets te kom nie. As dit sou waar wees, dan moet ons maar net op ’n hopie gaan sit en die dae omkry totdat ons beter voel. Maar dit werk nie heeltemal so nie.
Ons moet die tyd uitkoop en die beste maak van elke geleentheid wat ons het. “Vandag is die dag van redding” sê Paulus in 2 Korintiërs 6:2. Nee, nie môre of oormôre nie. God sê: “Vandag as julle sy stem hoor, dan moet julle nie julle harte verhard nie” (Hebrëers 3:7-8). Vandag is presies die regte dag op God se kalender. Dis die enigste tyd wat tans beskikbaar is om sy wil te doen. Moet nie uitstel tot môre wat jy vandag vir die Here kan en moet doen nie. Jy het vandag net mooi genoeg tyd om vir Hom te leef. Gebruik dit met wysheid. Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Psalm 40:6
As important as good hearing is in life, it is even more important in our walk with God. In Psalm 40:6, David declared, “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.” The word opened in this verse can be translated “cleared out,” and it speaks of what God desires for us. He wants our ears to be open and ready to hear Him as He speaks to us through His Word. Sometimes, however, our spiritual ears may be blocked by the background noise of the surrounding culture or the siren songs of temptation and sin. May we instead turn our hearts to the Lord in full devotion, keeping our ears open to Him so that we will be sensitive to His voice. As He speaks, He will put His Word in our hearts, and we will learn from Him to delight in His will (v.8). God speaks through His Word to those who listen with their heart. |
Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
All
Archives
June 2015
|