Monday, February 17, 2014

The three pointer

The three pointer

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me."  John 10:27


I saw the most interesting news story yesterday morning as I was getting ready for church.  I must tell you that I've been thinking about it ever since.  The story carried by Ozarks Sports Zone is this: Michael Quin of Springfield, Mo., who is blind, hit a three-pointer at halftime of the College of the Ozarks vs. Bellevue men's game on Saturday. The shot won Quin McDonalds for a year.  

 Here's a link to the video as I was unable to post it-http://www.ozarkssportszone.com/Blind-man-hits-3-pointer-at-half-C-of-O-game--wins/18398450.   I urge you to watch it first.  The video shows Michael at the center line preparing to take the shot.  Here's the interesting part-right under the goal is a man coaching him.  The man was telling Michael which way to aim.  When he was off a little, one way or the other, the man would correct him until his aim was perfect.  He took the shot and it went in!  The man ran to Michael and they embraced rejoicing in the victory together!!  Of course the crowd gave a standing ovation and Michael won McDonalds for a year.

This story reminded me of how God guides us.  But we have to listen for His voice. Not just any voice....HIS voice.  But How do we know God's voice you may wonder?  That's simple, just by spending time with Him.  Those who hear God's voice are those that belong to Him.  Those who have been saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus.  These are the sheep (that's us you guys!) who hear and recognize His voice. The more time we spend intimately with God and His word, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice and His guiding our actions to ensure victory.

Don't miss this part though.  Michael, who is blind, could have ignored this opportunity using his blindness as a reason not to even step foot on the court.  I think a lot of us do that.  We don't even try because we feel we aren't equipped.  And, yes that's true!!  None of us have what we need apart from Jesus.  But remember that saying,"God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called."?    Jesus also says, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."John 8:12

It's by choosing to follow Jesus and listening to His voice that assures us the victory.  Regardless of how equipped or unequipped we feel we are, God can make it happen.  And through our victories, we can glorify the One who has called us.  As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "For when I am weak, then I am strong."

What excuse is keeping you from victory today?  Are you listening to His voice?  If you're not, what's stopping you?  Get to know Him.  Invite Him to join you on your next run and just LISTEN.   And here's an added bonus, Michael won McDonald's for a year, but we get Heaven for eternity!!

Heavenly Father,thank you for the gift of faith. Thank you for the Holy Spirit guiding us every step of the way.  Be with us today and every day Father.  Open up our ears and our hearts to hear your voice.  In your precious name Jesus, Amen.  
2nd Annual Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra Race Saturday, 29 March 2014 Ottawa, Kansas Melissa and her teammates will endeavor to complete the 100-mile Ultra Race along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Please support them. Sponsor Team 413 at gracerunner413.blogspot.com or call 573-433-6684 or 573-774-4992 Missouri Team 413 Ambassador Melissa Martinez Members of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES, INC. are raising funds to provide free Ultrasounds to women experiencing un-planned or crisis pregnancies in Pulaski County. All money raised will go towards training volunteer technicians and ultrasound maintenance at the Free Women’s Center. The Free Women’s Center empowers as many individuals as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with the intrinsic value of human life. The Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal education, and financial & material assistance. Learn more at www.supportmyfwc.com.
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