Running For Jesus

Forrest Smithson was a world class hurdler. He was a muscular, tall and thin man that qualified to represent the United States in the 1908 Olympics in London. Living in Portland, OR made that a formidable task in that day to get to London, but he made it. When he got to London he found out that his event the 110 meter hurdles was scheduled to be run on Sunday. Forrest Smithson was a strong Christian and told his teammates that he could not run on a Sunday. He told them that Sunday was the Lord’s Day, not a day for racing. They talked to him and convinced him that it could be a great testimony of his faith if he ran. He convinced him to race. To everyone’s surprise he showed up to run the 110 meters with his Bible. He held the Bible in his left hand and when the gun went off he carried that Bible and won. He not only won he won by 5 meters. He not only won by 5 meters but in the process, he set a world record that stood for 12 years.

Some people take being a Christian seriously. They not only have a Bible, but they read it. Not only do they read it, but they take it with them. Maybe it can't be seen physically, but hopefully everyone can see that the word is in our hearts. Take your Bible with you and if you have to, hold the book in your hand.

Sid

Fore!

I play golf. I have a passion for golf. I have had some success in tournaments during my amateur career. I think that I have an understanding of what it takes to be successful in playing golf. I practice. I play. Some people even ask me for advice about how to improve their game. When I play in tournaments I try to maintain a line of thinking that will put me in the best position to do well when I play. Just like other things in life both important and those that are not, confidence plays an important role.

When it comes to being God’s person, the things that make one successful in sports also apply to God. One difference is what is the foundation of your confidence. That not only makes a difference in golf, but also with God.

In golf the model of practice, mental toughness and ability plays such an important role. But with God too many of us go through the motions and don’t have a passion for God. We do the equivalent of practice and mental toughness, but for some reason we have lost the passion. It may be the case and I believe that it is just that, that when passion for God exists that it covers a multitude of failures.

Be passionate about God. Praise His name. Worship daily. Love God with all your heart and with all of your soul and your entire mind. If we do that then the prize is ours – says Paul.

Sid