Real wrestling is the greatest individual sport in the world (in my humble opinion) and makes for a incredible event in Genesis 32-I could write about it-but the actual Bible passage is much better. I competed in wrestling for ten years and coached for two more. I ran across a devotional that included some thoughts about the great sport of wrestling so I am sharing it here:
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Daily Impact Play
What We Wrestle
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
READY:
“For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.”
-Ephesians 6:12
SET:
I love to watch wrestling. No, not the slam dunk, throw-em-across-the-ring brawls you see on television, but the true competition that takes place on mats across the country during the bleak winter months. Two contestants walk across the mat and, with a steely eyed stare, get ready to engage in a battle of strength and will. After three two-minute periods of power, strength and speed, one winner emerges with his or her hand raised by the referee. Often, the loser is defeated by a more qualified opponent, but once in awhile, a superior wrestler simply underestimates an opponent and that person’s abilities.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul says that we do not battle a physical enemy, but one that is powerful and of the dark world. These spiritual combatants want nothing more than to destroy us and they will do anything and everything they can to bring on that destruction. How often in our everyday struggles do we underestimate the power of the dark grapplers that ensnare us? How many times do we under-train for the onslaught that comes at us by the dark forces, and thus, succumb to their arrows of drugs, alcohol and other sins?
When we understand the power and strength of our enemy, we start to understand the necessity of spiritual training. A few minutes a day glancing over a dusty Bible or a hurried half muttered prayer will not strengthen us to fight the good fight. To gain true spiritual strength we must train daily, and train as if our lives depend on it!
GO:
1. How many times have you underestimated the powers and principalities of the dark world?
2. Have you asked God for strength? How has He responded to you?
3. If you feel that you are being beaten down beyond your capabilities, you should talk to a trusted pastor or Christian friend. God strengthens us, but we must do our part by seeking counsel, and by studying and praying.
WORKOUT:
Zechariah 4:6
Luke 1:37
Acts 1:8
James 4:7
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roger Williams
Has God put a lesson on your heart? Share it with others! Go to www.FCAResources.com create an account and "submit your own FCA devo!"
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
UFC fighter Rich Franklin's blog
I get regular e-mails of former middle weight ultimate fighting champion Rich "Ace" Franklin's blog. It's good stuff! Right now he is taking some questions from fans. Here's a blog post that I received today.
BEING A CHRISTIAN
Brian Green asks: I was wondering more about your relationship with Jesus. Maybe trivial questions such as favorite book in the bible, favorite worship song, and something I think would be cool to know is what denomination you are a member of. Rich, you are a diamond in the rough, a devout Christian in a world of gambling, violence, alcohol etc... Shine on in the name of Jesus.
Rich's Answer: Many people have asked about my faith, and I am not trying to press anything on anyone...this is a slice of my life. My parents began going to and Independent Baptist Church when I was young, and I came to know Jesus at the age of 5. I attend a non-denominational church now, but the minister has roots in a Baptist church as well. There is much legalism in many religions and churches, and it is something I try to avoid. Christians often judge and do things according to tradition, and it turns many "could be" followers of Christ away. I am not perfect, and the public light causes heavy scrutiny on my every action at times. A reading I like to keep in mind is Romans Ch. 7 verses 15-25. Paul talks about his inward struggle with sin. Although he wants to do the right thing, he fails. I feel like I come up short often, and every Christian should. If you are a non-believer reading this, take a look at the verses..it's something to keep in mind the next time you run into a "holier than thou" person.
BEING A CHRISTIAN
Brian Green asks: I was wondering more about your relationship with Jesus. Maybe trivial questions such as favorite book in the bible, favorite worship song, and something I think would be cool to know is what denomination you are a member of. Rich, you are a diamond in the rough, a devout Christian in a world of gambling, violence, alcohol etc... Shine on in the name of Jesus.
Rich's Answer: Many people have asked about my faith, and I am not trying to press anything on anyone...this is a slice of my life. My parents began going to and Independent Baptist Church when I was young, and I came to know Jesus at the age of 5. I attend a non-denominational church now, but the minister has roots in a Baptist church as well. There is much legalism in many religions and churches, and it is something I try to avoid. Christians often judge and do things according to tradition, and it turns many "could be" followers of Christ away. I am not perfect, and the public light causes heavy scrutiny on my every action at times. A reading I like to keep in mind is Romans Ch. 7 verses 15-25. Paul talks about his inward struggle with sin. Although he wants to do the right thing, he fails. I feel like I come up short often, and every Christian should. If you are a non-believer reading this, take a look at the verses..it's something to keep in mind the next time you run into a "holier than thou" person.
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