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Power To Win
Drive Thru SuccessMonday
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Confidence in Promises
While awaiting the qualifying round results for the 10-meter platform diving competition, David Boudia (USA) reflected on God’s goodness and sovereignty. No matter the outcome, good or bad, David knew God was in control and therefore would be content with whatever position he received.
Narrowly advancing, Boudia executed his best scoring dives in a tight race for the lead during the final round. At competition’s end David stood atop, earning himself a gold medal.
God is so good to us all. In fact, the God who has the whole world in His hands is the same God that blesses us abundantly.
Things may not always go our way, but it’s comforting and encouraging to know that God is a keeper of promises—He’ll always be with us (Heb. 13:5), and He works all things toward good and according to His will (Rom. 8:28).
Let’s try to see things from God’s perspective and have a righteous and positive attitude in life. Like Brendan Hansen (USA) said when he placed third in the 100-meter breaststroke competition: “It’s not a gold or silver medal, but it’s the shiniest bronze medal I’ve won.”
— Samuel Miles, Reader Submitted
Tuesday
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” Matthew 25:21a
No Regrets
USA swimmer Michael Phelps announced his retirement at the London Olympics. He had an incredible career in which he broke many records. While in London he had an interview with Bob Costas in which Costas asked him to comment on his career. Phelps said that he had accomplished all that he had set out to do. Costas asked, “No regrets?” Phelps answered with a confident smile, “No regrets.”
To have no regrets, perhaps we must first know what we have set out to do. We must know our calling. Love the Lord and love others. Be a blessing to others. Live in love, humility, grace, kindness, honesty, and peace. Live our lives so that when we reach our heavenly home our Lord says to us, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
That is how I want to live. Is that how you want to live?
— Pam Timmer, Reader Submitted
Wednesday
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” II Thessalonians 3:3
Will You Let the Battle Win?
In the women’s semi-final of water polo, Australia and the U.S. were very evenly matched. With one second remaining, the Aussies had a penalty shot that would allow them to tie up the game and send it into overtime. The women lined up and got ready. The U.S. goalie got ready. It was a one-on-one battle. She shot and scored. The game went into overtime and the U.S. won and advanced to the gold medal match.
Sometimes in life it feels like we’re trapped in one-on-one battles with an enemy—whether it’s persecution, the powers of darkness or even ourselves. It’s easy to feel weary, as if we will never win. It’s easy to feel trapped in the moment and forget that our pain is only temporary. It’s easy to forget about eternity.
Remember that our Lord never leaves us. In every battle, He is fighting for us and He is holding us in His powerful hand. In the end, God wins. Every time. Don’t get consumed in the weariness of the battle. Don’t let it drain you. That’s when the battle wins. Remember that God wins. He’s bigger than the battle.
— Pam Timmer, Reader Submitted
Thursday
“And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26
Glory to God
During the women’s gymnastics team qualifying events, U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas said that she gained confidence from reading the Bible. After being the top qualifier for the individual all-around competition and successfully becoming the third consecutive U.S. Olympic all-around champion, Gabby was asked about her abilities and accomplishments.
In an interview she said, “The glory goes up to God and blessings come down to me.”
Why do we do the things we do? Is it to please self or gain recognition among mankind? God desires everything that we say and do to bring glory to Him (John 11:4).
When we listen and obey God and His Holy Word, we can expect His blessings and presence as a result. It’s not a matter of our own talents and strength that has gotten us where we are today. It is rather what God has provided for us, is doing for us, and will continue to do for us. He is the one who should have preeminence in our lives (Colossians 1:18).
— Samuel Miles, Reader Submitted
Friday
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ Romans 15:5-6
Team Player
Seventeen-year-old and four-time gold medalist Missy Franklin loves to be a part of a team. She has chosen to be a part of her high school’s swim team and would like to be able to swim on a team for college, too. She said that she loves teamwork and the unity of working together and supporting each other as teammates. It would seem that swimming is an individual sport, but Missy disagrees.
We are also part of a team. We are Christ followers and we belong to “His team,” the greatest team there is. When you play for His team, you have a purpose and calling, and we are called to work together to do His work.
As I Corinthians 12 says, the parts of the body are dependent on one another. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” It takes teamwork, support and love. We weren’t made to do this alone.
Some of us go through life as if we’re not part of a team. We are alone. We only think about ourselves. But if you are a Christian, you were meant to be part of a team. Have you grasped the magnitude of His team? Do you understand your purpose?
— Pam Timmer, Reader Submitted
Weekender
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Going Long
Read Matthew 5:4 and meditate on what it says about what God will do for those who mourn. What does it show about God’s character and His heart for those going through difficult times?
