Play To Win

Monday, the 17th of November, I was given the opportunity to help with concessions at the basketball game in Assembly Hall of Indiana University. This opportunity allows fund raising for the Special Olympics and they need all the volunteers they can get, so after twisting my arm I gave in ;).  My wife, Maria, and I are the swim coaches for the S.O. and have found it to be a great honor to be part of such a splendid organization.
All of the people, coaches and athletes alike are the nicest bunch of folks you'd ever want to meet.
                                                                           (Pic credit goes to Sean Benham of flickr.com)

 This particular Monday, though, turned out to be cold and snowy so the turn out was a little low,     but all in all it was still a great night.
 This being the first time I had ever been in Assembly Hall made it a real treat and I secretly appreciated that we were slow due to the fact that this allowed me to take several breaks and watch the game. I have never really followed IU basketball but it looks like I had better start. The end also turned out well with IU pulling off the win against TX. :) Go Hoosiers!

As the night went on and I watched the game play out I couldn't help thinking back to my high school days and the time when our little Daleville High School was rising in the ranks, would give it all they had, with our varsity team winning the sectionals and the crowds going crazy! I think that I was on the JV team at the time, but I still remember the pride I felt when our little school won the prize. The air was electric and exhilarating to say the least. Nothing like Indiana Basketball.

"Play To Win! Play To Win!" The coaches would say," but keep it clean and don't foul out, I need you in there"! I over heard the head coach saying to one of our stare players.

Play to win, don't foul out,  I thought to myself as I faded back into the IU game still at hand.
Don't foul out! ........like ... don't get disqualified ....... Yes, yes that reminds me of something else....... .......a verse.
Where is that? .... Corinthians I think..... I'll check on that when I get home... Lord willing.

Ah! There it is.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 
 ^24" Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

Boy, this, I know, is tough for the modern grace and no works message, looks like we have some work to do after all.

This is all about the continuing works of repentance. For remember the Lord tells us that unless we repent we will perish. That we are to enter into the fight; to play to win! Play to win with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength and the power of the Holy Spirit. To enter in and remain in a right relationship with the Lord and to judge ourselves in truth as we continue to die daily to the desires of the flesh. Again not by our own strength but by the Spirit of the Lord and obedience to His word and will.

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord will use every day situations or memories from our past to bring us to a point and play out a scenario that shapes and molds us into that one that He wants us to be.
He who has started a good work in us will be faithful to complete it... Be sure of that and be open to His still small voice.

You'll know when it's Him and you'll be able to hear Him loud and clear even in the middle of a roaring Indiana basketball game... That's WOW Power!

Have a blessed day friends and family and above all else ....LoveEachOther and trust in Jesus!

P.S. Please, don't forget to "like" and "share" this short story if it has been a blessing to you at all.
Thanks and Shalom!