Our family is enjoying watching the Winter Olympic Games. In fact, since we are studying the ancient cultures during our homeschool history time and since Noelle is really enjoying figure skating (even taking weekly lessons), we are doing a “unit study” on the Olympics this week and next. During our unit study, we are doing all kinds of reading, writing, art, geography and math related things in addition to learning about the sports themselves.

I wanted to share here, though, some verses from the scriptures that have been coming to my mind as we’ve been watching the athletes compete. Keep in mind that the Olympics are believed to have begun in Greece approximately 776 years before the New Testament was written. Think about that as you read things about “perishable wreaths” and races.

I am specifically praying for the gospel to go forth at this gathering of nations. Join me in praying for the Christian athletes and spectators to be bold to share the good news of the gospel with those of other tribes and tongues.

I am also praying for each one of us to fight the good fight, to keep the faith, to run the race not for a perishable wreath but an imperishable one. I pray that we would press on and endure, looking to Jesus. I pray that we would discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness which is profitable for all things since it holds promise both for our present life and for our eternal one. I pray that we would work heartily for the Lord Jesus and not for men, as He is truly the giver of our eternal reward. He is our perfectly just and righteous judge in whom we place our hope and trust. He never makes a mistake. He knows my name and He knows my heart. Praise God.

SELF-DISCIPLINE & PRIZES

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-8

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

NATIONS

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”” Matthew 28:18-20a

“”Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”” Psalms 46:10

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalms 96:3