Glory Up and Blessings Down

American Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Gabby Douglas expressed thanks to God last week for the ability to compete. So far, nothing much different from what a lot of athletes say to reporters these days. But then she added, “It’s kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and the blessings fall down on me.” Winning a gold medal is a reward for faithful commitment, disciplined preparation, and determined effort. But in life, there is more than gold. The Apostle Peter wrote, “The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:5-7). Through genuine faith in God, we obtain that which is more valuable than Olympic gold and through the exercising of that faith we offer praise, honor, and glory back to God. Thanks Gabby, for using your new found platform to share your faith. Enjoy your gold medal and keep sending the glory up.

Join me this week in praying for the following global requests:
• Pray for the Chaplains who serve in the Olympic Village and for Christian Olympians to have boldness in the sharing of their faith.
• Join with those who, on Wednesday, August 8 will be participating in the 11th annual International Day of Prayer for the Maltese Islands!
• Pray for Joe, who will celebrate his 50th birthday in Ukraine on Thursday. Ukraine custom is you have your own party.
• Pray for Jim and others, who are engaging the Calon Gypsies of Brazil on August 5-15 in the first OneStory project.