Tag: 2 Timothy

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Rise and Grind

Yesterday while monitoring my Twitter feed for nuggets of goodness, I discovered via NikeRunning this dude Jason Lester, a mega-endurance athlete who is biking and running his way across the country for Nike.  Check this out:

WOW!  That’s incredible.  Oh did I mention he biked 80 miles on Tuesday! Oh and did I mention his right arm is paralyzed?

This guy is biking and running from Nike Store to Nike Store to promote Nike’s Better World promotion.  You can learn more and follow Jason here and here.  Being a runner myself, I am pretty amazed at the endurance and drive this guy has.  You can see a short clip of his story here.

What I really love, and I can see why, is that he ends a lot of his tweets with the hashtag #TeamNeverStop!  Which is also the name of a foundation his has started. What a monster and what an inspiration to keep going.

If you are finding it hard to get through the challenges in front of you, maybe it will help to think about Jason out on the road grinding it out and that will give you some motivation to Never Stop!

That’s sort of like what the prophet Azariah told Asa

7But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 New International Version (NIV)

and what Paul told Timothy

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Tim 1:7 (AMP)

Rise and Grind!

 

 

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Will You…

Over the last several months I have noticed several little signs that look like campaign posters all about town with the two words “Will You…”

I have been thinking about these signs for a while. I have no idea what they are for, and who placed them. Even my google searches have not turned up any information that was relevant.

But today, I thought they may be a little bit of extra encouragement to you do boost you forward to accomplish something that maybe you have been sitting on the fence about. Maybe that simple challenge will provide you will the extra boldness you need to make this day special.

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version, ©2011)

Will You…

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The Gospel According to Ackbar

I few weeks ago, I picked up this sweet woot shirt.  Most Star Wars fans will get the reference right off.  If you are not then listen up – thats Admiral Ackbar who, when the rebel alliance is attacking the death star ( the cheese), makes the famous line that for some reason is so ridiculed.  When he realized his squadrons are in trouble he shouts out “It’s a trap!”

I have been spending a lot of time recently thinking about ol’ Ackbar, and his infamous warning.  For it seems that we find ourselves most of time in the position of the the X wing fighter pilots.  Think about those guys – heading in for what appears to be treasure and true victory.  Hey look, no defense, hey look, a helpless little Death Star just waiting for us to take it over.  Could life get any better?

Yep that’s us.  Oh what could it hurt?  Sure I need more money – look it’s just there for the taking.  One look, one touch, one taste.  Whoo hoo, we are in like Flynn!  oops…

Fortunately, we have words similar to the Admiral to remind us what is going on.  First there are the words of James crying out “Trap, Trap”

14We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. James 1:14 (CEV)

oh those temptations.  like cheese on a mouse trap, like the Death Star without any defense.  Next we see Paul writing to Timothy, instructing him to warn people of the traps that are blinding them as he says.”It’s a trap”, the devil’s tricks and mirages are just traps! Pull up Pull Up..”

and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, 2 Timothy 2:26 (NIV)

Finally, in the theme of Ackbar are the words of the Christ himself reminding us of how careless living can lead us right into a trap.

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Luke 21:33-35 (NIV)

So today, heed the warning of Ackbar and remember that some of the things of life may look great, but really “It’s a trap!”

Pull Up! Pull Up!