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Listen while you read: "Lord Speak To Me"1 (Lyrics) |
Philippians 3:14 – I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is presently hosting the Pan Am/Parapan games. Many of the activities are taking place in Toronto, but some are also taking place in the surrounding cities. I have been noticing signs along the highways for the past month, some saying, "NPS", "EXC", or "OPW". Apparently, there are approximately 5,000 of these blue-and-orange signs along the highways. They are intended to help direct spectators, athletes, and officials to the venues. The organizers of the games have put together maps and made them available. They have changed traffic patterns, as well, to free up lanes for the expected influx of participants and spectators.
Even with all the information shared by the media and the 23,000-plus volunteers, a team training for the biking event ended up travelling on the Don Valley Parkway, one of Toronto's busiest highways, and they had to be escorted off. An article that I read said that the team was on a practice ride downtown when they rode onto the highway. It also stated that there were some "language issues" and the cyclists were "very apologetic and very cooperative."
Over the years that it has taken to get ready to host this, the people organizing this event recognized the preparation that would be needed. Even with all the volunteers and information provided, this bike team was still able to find themselves in the wrong place. We, too, need to recognize how easy it is for us to find ourselves in the wrong place spiritually. We must surround ourselves with people to help keep us accountable, Christians who can point us in the right direction as needed. Just as the athletes recognize the importance of surrounding themselves with support, we, as Christians, need to do the same.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for this event and for the Christians who are participating and volunteering in many capacities. Use them to show Your light to others. We pray that You will provide each of us with supportive Christians who will guide us and keep us on the right path as we press on towards our heavenly goal. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Very timely and gives us something to think about. Thanks Julie.
Julie, are you riding in this event? Thanks for telling us about it.
Thanks Julie for this reminder of the need for Christian fellowship.
Oh this is so true Julie. May the Lord light our path into his… and may we always follow!!!
Definitely an AMEN to that prayer Julie.
It took me a while to realize what a sign I kept passing meant. Fortunately for those with tickets it was obvious. The letters were printed on the tickets — otherwise, how the heck would you know!!
I always enjoy your writing, Julie. Thank you for another great message.