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08.21.04
GO for GOLD
What does it take to be
an Olympic Champion?
The ability to focus—
to stay centered,
to bring to bear intense concentration—
is a key factor
in Olympic competition.
There have been Olympic athletes who
did not stay focused:
Japanese Runner, Shizo Kanaguri, who stopped off to join a family picnic in the midst of running the 1912 marathon and had such a good time that he decided not to rejoin the race.
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Iranian Boxer Ali Kazemi who lost his gloves minutes before his fight in Barcelona, and was disqualified.
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| Yachtsman, Hank Lammens was disqualified from the 1992 Barcelona games for forgetting to bring his life-jacket.
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In ancient times a focus of life was the hearth,
or what we would call the “fireplace.”
Actually, focus is the Latin word for “hearth.”
That use of the word focus was coined
by the German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571–1630).
He used it to designate the point at which a parabolic mirror concentrates light rays to cause burning—
a place of fire, or fireplace.
Champions are marked by this burning fire—
you can almost see it in their eyes.
They're focused on what needs to be done. 
We went to the streets of Chattanooga
in search of Champions! 
We gave winning contestants a
Medal Ceremony
complete with--
Judges
The RED podium,
a Gold Medal, 
the Olympic Fanfare (via boombox)
and Gold Banners!
We salute our Chattanooga Champions!
What great sportsmanship!
Thank you and God bless you!
What does it mean
in your
life to--
Go for Gold
?
Believers with a “Go for Gold” mindset
Reach for the Goal.
They keep their eyes on the prize;
they focus on Christ.
Paul, in his last letter to Timothy wrote: It will soon be time for me to leave this life.
I have fought a good fight.
I have finished the work I was to do. I have kept the faith.
There is a crown which comes from being right with God.
The Lord, the One Who will judge, will give it to me on that great day when He comes again.
I will not be the only one to receive a crown.
All those who love to think of His coming and are looking for Him will receive one also.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Olympians win a wreath of olive leaves
as a crown of victory
You are going for a crown that is eternal You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race.
Everyone runs; one wins.
Run to win.
All good athletes train hard.
They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades.
You're after one that's gold eternally.
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line.
I'm giving it everything I've got.
No sloppy living for me!
I'm staying alert and in top condition.
I'm not going to get caught napping,
telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
1 Corithinans 9:24-27
Go for Gold!
focus,
stay centered,
bear intense concentration,
Focus of Christ Keep your eyes on Jesus,
who both began and finished this race we're in.
Study how he did it.
Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--
that exhilarating finish in and with God--
he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever.
Hebrews 12:2
Christ won this race for us
Do you accept His Grace?
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,
but because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that, having been justified by his Grace,
we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
Christ with me,
Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, 
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength
of the Creator of creation.
Morning prayer of St. Patrick of Ireland
Go for Gold!
many thanks to the participants of our Gold Quest,
and many thanks to the Church with No Ties Praise Band.
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If
you have an interest in painting, either as a serious artist
or have a budding interest, you are encouraged to bring your
artist paints and canvas. An easel will be available for your
use to facilitate your worship experience.
Don't
see yourself as the creative type? It's OK, you will still
feel blessed during the worship experience at red.
An
offering will be taken. You may participate as you desire.
We understand that red may not be the only church you
attend. |
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check
out previous red worships--archive
Resource
List for 08.21.04
The
Holy Bible (Message, NAS, NCV, NIV, NLT)
online
Crown Trophy Awards
online
Olympic Information--Japanese runner, Iranian Boxer
online
Olympic Information--Canadian Hank
online
Olympic Information--Pictures
online
Prayer of St. Patrick
online
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