Meandering - Running for the Prize

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy…” Colossians 1:11 

Canada looks poised to surpass, not only the medal count from the London Olympics, but also it’s “Own the Podium” goal set for the Rio Olympics. All our athletes - whether medal winners or not, have inspired us with their commitment and tenacity to give it their all. One former competitor, now a commentator, near the end of each race would exclaim, “Now’s the time to go nuclear. Empty the tank. Go blind.” Somewhat drastic sounding, startling phraseology, but I think we get the point.

In Christ alone, by faith alone, we have already won. He won for us our salvation through his living the sinless life we should have lived, and dying the death we should have died - all as our substitute. Dead in our sins, Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves. He was victorious over sin and death for us. He gave his all, and won for us the crown of eternal life! Although our salvation was achieved apart from anything we could do to earn it, nevertheless, genuine evidence that we have received it is that we run our race from victory to victory (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). We now run hard in the strength and power of the risen Christ. Through him we can do all things (Philippians 4:13 ), receiving the prize - evidence and acclamation of our true faith, that will never perish (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). It’s with gratitude that we now work out - go hard, train, and put into practice our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). This we do with gladness, running our race before all the world, desiring that God and his kingdom receive the greater glory (2 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 3:21).

Every week I witness so many of you tenaciously and joyously emptying the tank, and going hard in the kingdom work we do together. As our Canadian athletes mutually inspire one another and our nation during the Olympics, I know we’ll continue, with all God’s might and for his glory, to do the same in the Valley. I am so glad to be a part of God’s winning family here at New Minas Baptist Church.

Thanks for meandering along with me,
Pastor Daniel

Reminder: Next Meandering Photo Search theme is Patience. Send photos in by Tues. August 23 - thanks!