Feb.23: Short Track Speed Skating: “Competing for a Crown”
“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the
rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5
Win at all costs! That is a slogan of many. An innocent elbow and your competitor may fall down. But wait; the Judge saw that – you are disqualified! It happens not only on the ice oval, but just about every where in life. If you speed, you’re likely to get a ticket. If you cheat on your taxes, you’re likely to get a letter or visit from Revenue Canada. There is a reason God gave us the Ten Commandments. It’s the same reason Jesus reminds us that we are to love God with all our heart and our neighbour as well (Matthew 22:37-39). He wants us to live life and enjoy it in a lasting relationship with Him and with everyone.
Dear God, forgive me for the ways I have broken Your rules, for the sake of Your Son Jesus the Christ. Help me, by Your Spirit to change my life and live at peace with You and all people. Amen.
Feb.24: Skeleton: “Crowned with Grace and Favor”
“The King loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight.” Esther 2:17
Some of the Olympic athletes will be crowned with medals. Others will be crowned with grace and favor. They are not always the same.
Judges may not know the difference, but spectators and fellow athletes always do. There will be competitors that we love, not because they are necessarily the fastest or most talented, but simply because they demonstrate “a love of sport.” They will be graceful even in defeat. How can we not remember, “The Jamaican Bobsled Team” of the Calgary Olympics? Grace is not free; it is costly. It is the pain of knowing that you came so close to winning while turning to congratulate the victor. It is Jesus speaking from the Cross, saying “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Grace is God picking us up when we have fallen and giving us another day.
Dear Lord, thank you for showing your grace and favor to me this
day; help me in turn to show Your grace and favor to others. Amen.
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Feb.25: Ski Jumping: “Crowned with Love and Mercy”
“Bless the Lord, O my soul … who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:3-5
You have to be fearless to be a ski jumper. Ski jumpers always make the list of “disaster crashes.” Remember Eddie “The Eagle” and his moment of fame as a ski jumper? I love this Psalm, because it reminds me that God always wants good for me, and loves me inspite of the foolish things I do from time to time. Now I don’t think that being a ski jumper is a foolish thing, but I do know that it isn’t for everyone, and I’d be a fool to try it. God is loving and merciful and doesn’t lead us into trouble. In fact He gets us out of it. That’s why we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from evil.” Whether you are taking off from the top of the hill today, or just setting out for school or work, know this: God loves you and sent His Son to be your Savior.
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for loving me. Help me to know that You always want good for me and that I can call for Your help in time of trouble. Amen.
Feb.26: Snowboard: “Crowned by Suffering”
“We see… Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9
How many times do you have to fall before you lay down a gold medal run? Did you ever watch a snow boarder or even a skate boarder? It seems that they fall more often that not. That’s the way it is in life. We fail more often then we are successful. We ought not to think we are immune to failure, pain or suffering. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself suffered. He suffered and died on the Cross for us. He died for our failures, and our sins, not just our “falls.” His death, however, was not a failure. He died for the forgiveness of our sins and came back to life to assure those who trust in Him that He has overcome everything that separates us from God now and forever. That includes those feelings of guilt that in our failures we have let down others, self and even God.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your atoning death and glorious resurrection for me. Help me to believe that in you I have forgiveness of sins, life, and everlasting salvation. Amen.
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Feb.27: Speed Skating: “The Unfading Crown”
“When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”1 Peter 5:4
Speed skating, like cross-country skiing, calls for considerable endurance. You have to keep your legs moving while maintaining proper technique. It calls you to keep your focus on the finish line, when every muscle and bone cries out “enough!” St.Peter encourages us also to keep our eyes of faith on the finish – the appearing of the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, when He comes again in glory. There are many obstacles along the way, from a slippery turn to changing ice conditions, but if we keep our eyes on Him the reward will be worth it. The games will shortly end, but the journey of faith for believers in Christ goes on. My personal prayer is that at the end of life, I can look back and know that I gave my all for the one who gave His life for me. No regrets!
O Holy Spirit, thank you for calling me to faith as a child of God through the Good News of Jesus. Help me to remain steadfast until I receive the unfading crown of glory. Amen.
Feb.28: 2nd Sunday in Lent: Closing Ceremony: “Golden Crowns”
“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones with twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.” Revelation 4:4
The able-bodied Games end today with the closing ceremony. It once again includes a parade of athletes. While the opening ceremony had a great sense of anticipation, this ceremony is one of adulation for all the amazing performances and wonderful memories. The blood, sweat, and tears … the victories and defeats will fade into the background with the joy of simply being there at that moment. That’s how it will be when Christ returns. Believers of every age, saints and sinners, men and women, pastors and people will gather around the throne to rejoice that “the Lamb who was slain has begun His reign.” May athletes and supporters who have participated in and witnessed these games return home also having learned of God’s amazing love for them in this beautiful corner of the world.
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for friendships that have been made during these games. Help us to carry the amazing story of Your grace and love in Your Son back to family and friends. Amen.
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Feb.21: 1st Sunday in Lent – Luge: “Crown of Righteousness”
“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord … will award to me on that Day.” 2 Timothy 4:8
Judging has always been one of the most challenging aspects of any Olympic competition. In spite of electronic timers and video-review, human judgement finally determines whether a run has been clean and there are no faults. Who wants to be a judge? Not me. It is too easy to be swayed to favor your own team member over another. God, however, is not that way. He judges all fairly and equally. Moreover, He declares our “run” clean or righteous based not on our own performance, but upon that of His Son. In fact, Jesus received our faults and was “disqualified” for us in His death upon the Cross. Because of Him we are declared “clean” and receive the crown of righteousness.
Dear Jesus, thank You for taking all my faults and sins upon
Yourself. Thank you for crowning me with Your righteousness.
Amen.
Feb.22: Nordic Combined: “Crown of Life”
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he
has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has
promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
You have to have nerves of steel to stand at the starting gate, and wait for the buzzer. Too early and you’re disqualified; too late and you’ll never catch up to the leader. More importantly, however, is that you are still on your skis at the bottom of the hill. St.James speaks to those who have begun the race of life in faith in Christ, and now find themselves under trial and difficulty. It is inspiring to see a skier who goes wide at an icy gate, but fights through it and is still on their skies as they cross the finish line. That is often the best award, but God promises something more. He promises in His love for us that His Spirit will enable us to trust and follow Him in the best and worst of times, and finally to receive the crown of everlasting life.
O Holy Spirit, give me strength and faith to trust You in the midst of
the trials and difficulties of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Feb.19: Free Style Skiing: “Perishable Wreaths”
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to
receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
1 Corinthians 9:25
One of the earliest Olympic traditions was the awarding of a laurel wreath to the winner. In figure skating competition the tradition remains that supporters of competitors throw bouquets of flowers onto the ice following the event. Winners in all competitions receive not only a gold, silver, or bronze medal, but also a bouquet of flowers. How long will the flowers last? They quickly wilt and fade away. In a like manner, our best efforts in sports or life often yield only temporary rewards. In contrast, God offers an imperishable wreath - life everlasting – through His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has overcome death and been raised victoriously. United with Him in Baptism, we also receive His imperishable wreath.
Dear heavenly father, thanks be to You who give us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Feb.20: Ice Hockey: “Crowned with Glory and Honor”
“What is man …? Yet you have made him a little lower than the
heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.”
Psalm 8:4-5
For most Canadians, the Winter Olympics are all about hockey. We would like all our athletes to do well, and the news media will keep us up-to-date on the medal count, but our national hubris or pride will depend on hockey. It’s our sport! You can see it not just during the Olympics or the Stanley Cup playoffs, but Saturday or even Sunday mornings at every local hockey arena. Although we may elevate our heroes as though they are “gods,” it is still God who has made us. He gives us glory and honor, and with them the responsibility to care for His world and those around us. The real “heroes” of these Olympics will emerge in those who give back more than they received.
Dear God, thank you thank You that You did not hold back anything
from us, but even gave Your only Son to be our Savior. Amen.
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Miraculous Finishes
Paralympic Games: March 12-21, 2010
“Miraculous Finishes” are written for the paralympians, family, friends and supporters. The word miracle is often overused in our society, from “Miracle Drugs” to “Miracle on Ice.” While there will certainly be some amazing stories told about athletes during these games, the most amazing story is still about Jesus and His love for all people, but especially the sick and the poor, the downtrodden and the disabled. Again and again He performed miracles that brought health and healing to men, women and children in body, mind and spirit. He was Son of God who became man for us that we might live as the children of God, free from fear and failure. Jesus did not “fall on a turn, miss the button, or fan on a shot”, but went all the way to the Finish dying and rising that we might have life and live it to the fullest.
Mar.12: Opening Ceremony: “Healing Every Disease”
Jesus went throughout all Galilee, “… healing every disease and every affliction among the people, … and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.” Matthew 4:23-24
The Winter Paralympic Games begin today. Athletes who have lost limbs through tragic accidents or been disabled from birth will demonstrate more than a little courage as they take to the ice and the ski slopes. I have the greatest respect for people who will not let a life-crippling disability deter them from all the joys of life. Our son Peter is handicapped, and we have been privileged to cheer on his peers and friends as part of the Special Olympics. Jesus obviously had a heart for the sick and the handicapped. No matter what the disability or sickness, He was there to bring healing and to cheer them on as a child of God.
Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing healing and wholeness to people everywhere. Give athletes and participants who have come to these Games, the courage also to come to you. Amen.
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Mar.13: Alpine Skiing Prelims: “Healing the Unclean”
“Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’” Mark 1:25
Early in his ministry, Jesus encountered a man with an unclean spirit, who did not want to be healed. Possessed by a demon or self-willed, we often reject the help that Jesus alone can offer. As Alpine skiing competition begins, it becomes apparent that even athletes, who have great personal fortitude, could not have gotten this far without help along the way. Encouragement from family members, coaching, and some amazing advances in equipment are all necessary. Jesus also offers His help to us. We may procrastinate, wanting to be on our own, but His help is still available to us. He brings forgiveness, hope, and healing to us in love. Let us in quiet thankfulness, welcome His amazing help.
Dear Jesus, turn aside from me all feelings of self-importance and self-will. Enable me to look to You for help and healing. Amen.
Mar.14: 4th Sunday in Lent – Alpine Skiing Finals:
“Healing on the Sabbath”
“A man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him (Jesus), ‘Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?’” Matthew 12:10
Jesus demonstrates again and again that His healing presence is not restricted by time or space. Unlike the religious customs of his day, He was willing to help people even on the “Sabbath” or day of rest. There was a time when sporting events simply did not take place on a Sunday or other religious holiday. Remember “Chariots of Fire?” If you are watching the Alpine Skiing finals today – at Whistler or at home – you may not have gone to church. You could, however, still take time to read God’s Word, or even this simple devotion, and offer a prayer or two. You could pray for the athletes, that there are no injuries more serious than a bruised ego. You could pray for the safety of travelers. You could pray for all the games volunteers and organizers. You could also pray:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your love for me in Your Son Jesus Christ. Help me by Your Spirit to trust in Him at all times and in all places. Amen.
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Feb.17: Ash Wednesday – Curling: “Crown of Thorns”
“They clothed him (Jesus) in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Mark 15:17-18
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a period of reflection and repentance for Christians prior to Easter. Traditionally Christians remember Jesus’ resistance to temptation and reflect upon their own weaknesses, repenting of their shortcomings, and the necessity of Jesus’ death for the forgiveness of their sins. By now, some athletes will have completed their competition, and having failed to qualify or finish, will reflect on why that happened and what they need to change in order to compete again in the future. One of the challenges of curling is that adjustments need to be made on every ice, every end, and often on every stone. How difficult, if not impossible, that is for us in life. Thanks be to God for sending Jesus to bear the shame of our failures.