Yesterday we were comparing stars and their brightness. The latest are the blue ones the old ones are the red, and the biggest among them are called the "Red Giants".
So it is among the galaxies of the sports stars. Here is the story of a red giant called Eric Lidell.
He was so renowned for his speed that he was known as the 'Flying Scotsman'.
At the Paris olympics he was favoured to win the coveted hundred meter race. However, when he found that the finals were to be held on a Sunday he refused to run. He said that all his life he has feared God and kept the Sabbath Day holy.
The Prince of Wales was recruited to help change his mind but Lidell would not be moved. His reply to all arguments was: "When I run I feel the Lord's pleasure. I would not have His blessing if I ran on The Lord's Day."
Instead he competed in the two hundred metre on the following day, felt the "Lord's Pleasure" and won the gold medal.
Long after his death the movie "Chariots of Fire" celebrated his testimony and beat out the rest of Hollywood to gain an Oscar for the best movie.
Christians, NEVER underestimate the power of a PERSONAL testimony. If you are not a blue star today you may be a red giant tomorrow.
Ian
We really had to continue with a final post on Tim Tebow.
The most googled event since last Sunday was the remarkable coincidence of numbers that took place in the play off game in Denver.
During his years in college, Tebow painted John 3:16 under each eye. The N.F.L. forbids such practice.
As you know, John 3:16 reads:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
What has got the airwaves buzzing since Sunday are Tebow's throwing stats.
316 total yards thrown.
10 completed passes averaging 31.6 yards per pass.
And, by the way, both of Tebow's bosses at Denver, his coach and vice president, are called JOHN.
Put the names before the numbers and you have some breakfast food for thought.
Enjoy your day.
Ian
Then.
AND NOW.
We will have to agree that in the world of sport only the current celebrities shine the brightest. They are the youngest stars who, on the heat spectrum, register the color blue. But out there in the sports firmament there are red giants of which most people have never heard.
Take Margaret Court(nee Smith) for example. Thirty or so years ago she took the tennis world by storm and accumulated such a trove of titles as has never been matched since.
This sports prodigy from Australia also happened to be a fervent Christian and, when her playing days were over, went on to be as great a contender for Kingdom of God.
She makes regular appearances on Australian Television and has carried the battle for the Family into the Australian Houses of Parliament.
In a country that idolises it Sports Stars she has used her fame to glorify God.
Think it not strange that you have never heard of Margaret Court.
The media do their best to suppress faith, personal integrity and a bold testimony for Jesus Christ, yet these are the virtues that shine brightest in the Heavens that really matter.
Keep shining for Jesus
Jubilate.
Ian
The Daily Telegraph ran a sports editorial this week on Tim Tebow. Let me quote from Melissa Whitworth:
"Tim Tebow has the U.S. in a frenzy. He has been dubbed as 'God's Quarter Back' . He prays publicly before each game without seeming to turn a hair."
The very thought of someone being unashamed of their faith in Christ has Ms Whitworth mesmerised.
"Just think," she wonders "if David Beckham or Wayne Rooney were to genuflect before Jesus while the fans looked on in awe."
Which prompts me to ask the question "Why not?".
Here is a young man, Tim Tebow, who has taken seriously the words of Christ when He said:
"Whosover shall confess Me before men I will confess before my Father in Heaven; whosover denies Me before men I will deny before my Father in Heaven."
With stakes as high as that the whole of Manchester United soccer team should be on their knees and the fans in the stands as well.
Jubilate.
Ian
Tebow # 2.
Inadvertently I gave a wrong address yesterday. That gave me time to watch the Denver game and report on the "miracle" throw that gave Denver an overtime victory on the first play. Here is Tebow.
It pays to serve God!
