Hmmm....a rhythmic gymnast pig. How bizarre!Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Monday, 11 August 2008
Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
As a high school student I remember reading Aesop's fable, The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, thoroughly enjoying the story and revelling in the knowledge that the wolf (fraud/liar) was eventually discovered and got what was coming to him. However, it's a different matter when the fable suddenly comes to life and we find ourselves in the middle of a similar situation. A 'wolf' is prowling around seeking to destroy all that we value and hold dear. Our first impressions are misleading and, as time goes by, we begin to sense the real intent of others to spoil the good foundations that have been laid.
The Apostle Peter sums it up this way: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) When we experience such 'trying times', we would do well to focus on Peter's advice in the preceding verse 7 ~ confident in the knowledge that God will have the victory, eventually.
1 Peter 5:7 ~ "Cast all your care on him (God) because he cares for you."
The Apostle Peter sums it up this way: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) When we experience such 'trying times', we would do well to focus on Peter's advice in the preceding verse 7 ~ confident in the knowledge that God will have the victory, eventually.
1 Peter 5:7 ~ "Cast all your care on him (God) because he cares for you."
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Champions For Christ
In keeping with the Olympics, this morning's worship was themed "Praise on the podium". We reflected on the Apostle Paul's writings from 1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy that contain athletic/sporting imagery.
2 Timothy 2:5 ~ "…if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ~ “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 ~ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,…will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
The Bible message compared an athletes' "heart, mind and will" dedication to winning their respective races with that of Christians running the Faith Race. Believers intent on finishing well need to run the race with a "heart, mind and will" faith, focussed on living to the praise of God's glory.
At the conclusion of the service each member of the congregation was presented with a "Champion for Christ" gold medal inscribed with the words, "Fight the fight, Run the race, Keep the faith" - an inspirational reminder to pursue their holy calling to live Christlike lives.
The choir sang Major Howard Davies composition, Praise God For Everything, with its timely reminder:
2 Timothy 2:5 ~ "…if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ~ “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 ~ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,…will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
The Bible message compared an athletes' "heart, mind and will" dedication to winning their respective races with that of Christians running the Faith Race. Believers intent on finishing well need to run the race with a "heart, mind and will" faith, focussed on living to the praise of God's glory.
At the conclusion of the service each member of the congregation was presented with a "Champion for Christ" gold medal inscribed with the words, "Fight the fight, Run the race, Keep the faith" - an inspirational reminder to pursue their holy calling to live Christlike lives.
The choir sang Major Howard Davies composition, Praise God For Everything, with its timely reminder:
"Set your sights on things above, know He loves you still
Praise Him with gratitude of heart, mind and will"
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Google Olympics
I love these Olympic-themed graphics being featured by Google. Can't wait to add to the collection!
Opening Ceremony
Cycling
Friday, 8 August 2008
Exceeding Expectations
I must say I am pleasantly surprised with the Opening Ceremony. Having lived in an Asian country and experienced Chinese culture, I was expecting something very traditional and predictable. However, the wide variety of performance styles and rich fabric of cultural expression was truly a delight to experience.Well done, Beijing! You certainly exceeded my personal expectations and showed the world that culture and creativity can indeed be friends. Beijing's Olympic theme, "One World - One Dream", was fulfilled as the athletes proudly marched in and united together to make the Opening Ceremony the success it was.
I'm reminded too that God continues to exceed our own expectations time and time again...if only we have place our faith in Him. Halllelujah!
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) ~ "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
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