Good day, Black Creek Church Family,

 

This week in my scripture and other readings I have been 'ruminating' on the principle of living righteously and in a disciplined way.

And the WHY.

This morning Paul spoke to that in my Bible reading

He uses the example of the athlete competing according to the rules so they won't be disqualified and so that they have a shot at the prize.

Not a salvation issue

but a being trained and fit for God's plans....

 

1 Corinthians 9:24  Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, 

but only one receives the prize? 

So run that you may obtain it.

25  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. 

They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
27  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, 

lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

 

I don't believe Paul is talking about being disqualified from Heaven,

but disqualified from walking (or running) in the plans God had for him.

 

Barry often talks about the Christian life like being on a hockey team.

If you are undisciplined you are in the penalty box.

You don't get to take shots on the goal

You don't get to help your team win

You don't have the pleasure of being part of 'the Plan'.

You are on the team, 

but sidelined.

You can only watch

and when the awards are given out

you can observe and be happy for your team,

but that's it.

 

Pray this week for the 10 people who were recently baptized.

By 'standing up and declaring Jesus as their Lord' they have entered a new chapter

in their Christian walk.  It will likely be different and we can be part of their team by praying for them and encouraging them when there is an opportunity to do so.

 

Pray too for Camp Bob this week as they begin to serve groups that are coming in this Spring.

 

I want to step into what God has planned for me.

I don't want to disqualify myself from the Adventure He has for me.

I choose this day to make myself available for His work 

in and through me.

 

Check out Brian Doerksen's Song - Today I Choose

Blessings on you as you choose Him

and what He has for you this week,

 

Peter 

Part of your Team

Black Creek Community Church

peterj@blackcreekchurch.ca