Jim Larsen (J.L.) has been on a leave of absence for a while. He is back in the pulpit, and we look forward to his weekly articles again soon!

There are always many wonderful stories that rise up out of the Olympics. We could talk about Michael Phelps and his unprecedented eight gold medals. Or how about the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt from Jamaica who won gold in both the 100 and 200-meter events, breaking the world record in the process. And then there is the very refreshing Shawn Johnson and her outstanding performance on the balance beam to win her a gold medal. The list goes on and on.     But for every medallist in the Olympics there are thousands more athletes who worked very hard and yet did not get the chance to stand on the podium listening to their country’s national anthem being played. We all enjoy seeing the glory moment as it is televised into our living rooms. What we don’t see however are the countless hours in training, where muscles ache, bodies are pushed to the limit, and the many falls and bruises as routines are practiced over and over again. The grueling daily schedule of an Olympic athlete in the making shows great perseverance and determination.

Each of us are also in training, spiritual training. As we go through our daily lives facing and overcoming the challenges that come our way, we are being prepared to enter into our eternal home with God the Father in heaven. For us however, there will not only be a select few who receive the crown of victory, standing next to Jesus listening to “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come”  (Revelation 4:8) All of the body of Christ who remain faithful will win the prize. Yes, in Christ we all get to taste the victory!

"Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Published: August 22nd, 2008

    This year’s church softball league season is now over for us and we finished with a record of eight wins and four losses. This was by far our best season in the league as we fell only one game short of making it to the championship. Everyone seemed to have a really good time playing together. We had quite a few come from behind wins that were very exciting to be a part of. We also learned how to act in a Christian manner when things did not work out so well and when our competitive spirits might have gotten a little too strong

     We had great fan support from many in the church. There were some who even came out for those early season, cold and wet weather games to encourage us and cheer us on. Scott Bammert did a fantastic job of coaching/managing the team and making sure everyone got plenty of playing time. All in all it was a great year of fellowship on the ball diamond.

     There are many ways that we as a body can grow together. Yes, God can even use softball to help accomplish that. What seems most important is that no matter what we are doing, we realize that we need to be doing it for the Lord. Whether we are working, playing, going to school, singing, or studying our bibles. Everything we do should be done for the Lord.

       “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:15-17) Love, J.L.

Published: August 6th, 2008

Jim Larsen (J.L.) is the minister for the Marquette, Michigan Church of Christ. He also assists Dave Grant as co-host on the TV Ministry, Let the Bible Speak. This weekly article is published in the Marquette church bulletin.