Prayer Journal
Wednesday, June 7, 2000
"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." 1 Tim 4:7,8
I can still hear my football coach on any given day in the sweltering heat of summer. "What's the matter, Sissy? Can't take it? Run till it hurts, then run some more. If you can't take it, get off the field!" Amazingly it seems, my coach can still intimidate me from the grave.
Anyone who has played a sport has experienced the training associated with it. Perhaps you've heard the words, "No pain - no gain!" When we desire to participate in a sport, we start in advance of competition, to prepare for action.
My attendance at football practice was not optional. "Two-a-day" practice sessions in the summer were designed as crash courses in endurance and perseverance as much as developing skill. It was important to have skill, but skill alone wouldn't get the job done. Skill had to be performed under the pressure of competition where I had an opposing player and physical limitation.
So it is in the spiritual realm. If we want to "take up our cross and follow Christ", we must be in training. The good news is we have a personal trainer whose name is Holy Spirit and our "play book" is the Word of God.
What is your training regiment today? Have you read the Word? Prayed? Used your spiritual gift? Helped someone? Shared your faith? Spent time with your family? "Sent a card to a shut-in? Visited the sick? Contributed to someone's need? Encouraged someone?
"Are you going to "play" today or cheer from the bleachers for others who will? What's the matter Sissy, can't take it?" Oh well, thanks coach for not giving up on me. Running the race is well worth any pain from preparation.
Just Thinkin'..WebServant
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man/woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Tim 3:16,17
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
