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Paul sees the Christian Life as a race and tells us how to run it.
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Youth Devotional - Go for the Gold, Go for God Paul sees the Christian Life as a race and tells us how to run it. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
“…I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:12-14 www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
Going for the Gold! That is the aim and aspiration of the vast company of athletes who assemble every four years from all over the world to take part in the Olympic Games. For them, to stand on the winner’s podium, be hailed as a hero, with the strains of their home country’s national anthem ringing in their ears, emotion etched on their tear stained faces, would make all the sacrifice and strenuous effort worthwhile. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
You know, the Christian life is no different. Paul sees it as a race! It is not a 100 yard dash. It is a marathon cross-country. Of necessity, we are to abandon our own selfish ambitions so that we may wholeheartedly pursue the goal that is set before us. Nothing must hinder or hamper our steady progress. It is not a spectator sport but one of active participation by all. Down the straight, round the bend, over the hurdle, in the final analysis, consistency is what really matters. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
There will be frustration as we strive to attain spiritual fitness. Many tears may be shed as we county the cost of getting rid of the excess baggage. The pain barrier must be broken if we are to keep on going. But, even though we may not all be winners by nature, with the spiritual instincts of the new man reigning within, we can conquer all and cross the finishing line in triumph. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
Awaiting us is Christ, the One who has gone on before. No greater incentive can be given; no other motivation should be required. That’s why we pull out all the stops, with every fiber of our being, stretching all the sinews, as we keep the end in view. What an exhilarating prospect. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
Let’s go for the gold…and go for God! This was Paul’s thinking. It was his game plan. And, he stuck rigidly to it. Like him, we want to be there at the end. Paul shows us how to do it in Philippians 3:12-16. He leaves us a few tips that are designed to enhance our performance in the race ahead: www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
Be realistic – know where you are atBe single minded – learn the art of concentrationBe forward looking – resist the temptation to look backBe a plodder – don’t be a dropout on the last lapBe sensible – know the rules and stick to them www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
Winning moves. Yes! Absorb them and get yourself down to the track! www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com Creative Youth Ideas Go for the Gold Need an evangelistic Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series with an Olympic Theme? What is salvation all about? What does it mean to be saved? This sports themed Bible Study / Camp Curriculum uses the Olympic Flag to introduce the concepts of sin (black circle), forgiveness (red circle), purity (white background), spiritual growth (green circle), heaven (Yellow Circle) and (Baptism) blue circle. -> Tell me about “Go for the Gold” www.creativeyouthideas.com/goforthegold.html
www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com Creative Youth Ideas Destined to Win Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series on ”Running the Christian Race”? The race as a metaphor for the Christian life is used in several places in the Bible. This series is a great follow up for new Christians or to re-emphasize the basics of our spiritual Journey in the Faith. This Bible Study / Camp Curriculum has a sports theme and is great for athletes as well as a tie in to the youth Olympic Games. ->Tell me about “Destined to Win” www.creativeyouthideas.com/destinedtowin.html