Reflections of a Christian on the 2010 Winter Olympics

They have been commended by God simply because they did not give up. No subject how difficult the race is for the believer, spectators in the family members of God are cheering him on.LAY Apart Each Fat&bull Apolo Ohno, who now has eight Olympic medals, said, "Being an Olympic athlete for me is 100% pure sacrifice." Lindsey Vonn, right after profitable her gold medal in the 2010 wintertime Olympics, mentioned, "I've presented up almost everything for this. It means everything to me." Shaun White, winner of the gold in the men's halfpipe, said, "I didn't come out listed here to keep again something."&bull Training is a necessary prelude to the race. Complete commitment is part of that training. Just like the Olympic athletes, the Christian lifestyle is not for the lazy. There is sacrifice concerned. It is challenging work, but a lot more than well worth every work to carry glory to God.THE SIN WHICH SO Easily ENSNARES US&bull Sven Kramer of the Netherlands knowledgeable on the most disappointing moments in Olympic historical past. Soon after getting damaged a speed record and supposedly securing the gold medal for his speedskating Reflections From Reading Sacred Pleasure by Riane Eisler occasion, he was disqualified. The record was struck and the gold medal was dropped because his coach, Gerard Kemkers, confident him to alter lanes in the course of the race. Sven's initial anger was understandable. Nevertheless, the subsequent working day, he realized that it would not benefit him, his crew, his mentor or his country if he hung on to resentment. He allow it go.&bull Satan is effectively informed of what can ensnare the existence of any Christian. He will use that to his benefit. He is in the business of robbing the fruit, or the prize, from a believer's life. The Bible tells us that we should be conscious of his techniques and to resist him. The way to do that is to draw closer to Christ, who understood no sin.Joy Set Prior to HIM&bull The huge grins on the faces of the medal winners are still plastered across the world wide web and newspapers. For them, all the preparation and ache was well worth the prize.&bull Jesus, for the joy set just before Him, endured His race, which was the journey to the cross. Individuals who believe in Him are His joy. As His followers, we will also expertise accurate and lasting joy as we run our race for His glory.SAT DOWN AT THE Proper HAND OF THE THRONE OF GOD&bull In the modern day Olympics, prizes are gold, silver and bronze medals. People had been not the prizes, even so, in the historical Olympic game titles. In "The Persian Wars," Tritantaechmes, upon understanding that the prize for the ancient Olympic games was not money but an olive wreath, is stated to have exclaimed, "Great heavens, Mardonius, what fashion of guys are these in opposition to whom you have introduced us to struggle - men who contend with 1 an additional, not for income, but for honor."

&bull Jesus wore a crown of thorns so people who have faith in in Him could inherit a crown of glory. Paul stated that his crown was his faithful brothers in Christ (one Thessalonians two:19.