WEEK THREE DAY THREE

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday) on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page

There was great excitement amongst certain members of our household this morning.

One man to be precise.

His tickets for the Olympic Games were hand delivered at 8.15am. There was fevered anticipation as the envelope was torn apart to reveal a purple folder. Checking of dates and events and times.

And seats.

Front row for the football at Wembley, he announced gleefully. Triumphantly. Oh - tickets for the beach volley ball. And the tennis.

The tennis. Even I am looking forward to the tennis.

Such anticipation. Such checking already of public transport to get there.

It occurred to me that I could walk to Wembley from here – much quicker than the five changes on the buses and tubes that it takes on public transport.

But fortunately I’m not going to the football.

An image of the athletes flashed into mind as I thought of the old adage: football is 2000 people in need of exercise watching 22 people in need of a rest.

Those athletes are in training – have been for years. Determined and dedicated. Up for a challenge.

The Greeks said that humans are hard-wired for challenge.

Sculptor Henry Moore wrote

The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life. And the most important thing is – it must be something you cannot possibly do.

I am training for a walk of a mere 100 miles. Granted it goes up and down; and I have already done it several times before and hopefully God willing shall do so again.

But it’s something I know I can do. Easily.

And athletic achievements don’t actually last.

Nor do they impact people for the Kingdom of God.

Unless you are Eric Liddell.

What am I devoting my life to? What can’t I do that I am intent on doing?

Mike Bickle wrote

We cannot function properly until we have passionately given our heart to a person and purpose beyond ourselves. If we don't have something to die for, then we don't have anything to live for. We don't work right half-hearted.

Amy Carmichael, one of God's extraordinary missionaries, lived in India for 35 years without a furlough. She is noted for her many writings expressing God's passion for the lost, the hurting, the poor and the ensnared. In one of Amy's most often quoted prayers she asks, "Give me a passion that will burn like ﬁre.” She was passionate right up to the very last moment of consciousness. She had a passion for missions.

She was whole-hearted in all that she did for God and His Kingdom.

She wrote:

Oh for a passionate passion for souls.

Oh for a pity that yearns!

Oh for the love that loves unto death,

Oh for the fire that burns!

Oh for the pure prayer-power that prevails,

that pours itself out for the lost.

Victorious prayer in the

Conqueror’s Name,

Oh for a Pentecost.

Am I dedicated and passionate for the work of the Kingdom?

For bringing people into a relationship with the Lord and helping them along on that journey of Life?

I can’t actually do it: but God chooses to do it through me – and you.

So what are you dedicated to?

What’s the challenge you face every day with a passion?

And will it have a lasting impact?

Focused on the Goal

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. Philippians 3: 12-19 (The Message)

Let me know what you are dedicated to and passionate about? What's your commitment?

Am I allowed to tell you that the man has some spare tickets if you are interested? Probably not!!!

2 x category B tickets for the Badminton on Friday 3 August, between 9am & 12 noon