It was a busy weekend for summer sports fans.
If you followed the Scottish open, you witnessed the commitment and determination it takes to win. Wiesberger did finally gain the title against Hebert after a third sudden death play at the 18th hole. You could just feel the tension and desire as each would hit the drive and finish out a putt.
If you followed the mens’ Wimbledon match, again you witnessed a match of endurance, determination and commitment as Djokovic defeated Federer. There certainly was a moment in the match when it did not appear that would be the result. Djokovic came close to losing as he sat two match points down. The entire match was a show of endurance, determination and commitment as the match made history for its length of play.
I think that both of these events and their players have good lessons for practicing Christian faith…
1. Great commitment to practice produces endurance
2. When the opponent may seem to be a distraction and competitive, don’t give into distractions... simply focus harder.
3. If we want to be strong and competitive, the commitment needs to be year round and consistent. Part time, casual play leaves us less than we could be.
So mid summer let’s ask ourselves, are we serving as strongly, practicing as diligently, and committed enough to have the faith that God would desire for us?
Living for Jesus, Pastor Patti
Archived Posts
What Jessica Really Meant to Say in Her Sermon…
When Jessica or Rick or a guest preacher takes the pulpit it’s hard for me to write a One More Thing Blog. I can’t share with you what didn’t make it into the sermon because I have no idea, not having written or delivered it.
Jesus Keeps On Ruining Funerals!
I didn’t have anything this last week that didn’t end up in the sermon. No catchy illustrations that didn’t make the cut. No theological insights that slowed down the main point. No one can ruin a funeral like Jesus. Told as I saw it and that was it. So I did some quick research and I thought I’d share just a reminder of what Easter is all about.
When I Don’t Get To Give My Benediction
Yesterday’s sermon talked about how we are in the thrall of self-centeredness—caught in a system that rewards those who climb to the top, even when you have to climb on the back of others. I talked about a famous sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King, ....
Some Good Quotes that I Didn’t Get To Last Sunday
I have been working out of Adam Hamilton’s excellent book, Why Did Jesus Have to Die? And when I find something that says what I want to say more succinctly and expressively than I can, I like to quote it...
Good Stuff that Didn’t Make the Cut
I liked what I’d put together below, but ran out of time to share in Sunday’s sermon. Remember we were talking about the Old Adam and the New Adam, Jesus.
One More Piece of Unsolicited Advice
I had one too many examples yesterday. Here’s the "Ask Pastor Tim" scenario that didn’t make the cut for Sunday’s sermon: (read more)
Not If, But When, the Crisis Comes
One of the best Bible commentators alive today is N.T. Wright or Tom Wright. When reflecting on the parable of the wise and foolish maidens, he wrote this:...