GOD'S CLOSE WATCH.

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*GOD'S CLOSE WATCH.*

*ScriptureTreasure.*

1 Corinthians 9:25-26;

*And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.*

*l therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:*

*Insight and Highliht.*

God gives us a sports picture. We are athletes, He is the Umpire.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

An umpire is the official, a refree in a game to ensure lawfulness in the game.

As an umpire, he keeps a close watch on every player in the game, so God carefully keeps a close watch on us in the Kingdom race.

God knows we are all racing to be somebody and to make impacts in life, but it is important we listen to the Umpire (God) whistle before we start and keep focused on the finishing line.

God, as an Umpire, a refree, not only make rules, He applies them.

It may appear that the umpire is late to blow his whistle to start the race. No matter how long it would take Him, every athlete must wait before he/she takes off, or else he/she will be penalized for a false start.

There can be no winner when a false start is found. A false start by any athlete affects other athletes. This is because everyone will be recalled for a fresh start. The competition must be conducted lawfully, and the winner must be crowned lawfully.

Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:5

*And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully..*

This particular aspect of Paul's word tells us two things:

First, though we know the winning of a race by an athlete is a competition and Paul explains the obtaining of

materies or crown in the same breath, we can, however, further explain this in terms of complementing each other.

There must be fair play. We must win lawfully. When you are in the Christian race, you must consider others and do things right in the eyes of God in the true and just way and in the genersl interest of others.

*And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules,* 2 Tim 2:5 (NKJV)

Second, when we run this race according to God's set rules, we will complement each other.

Making our church more attractive should not be seen as creating a competition but should be seen as complementing and ensuring the Kingdom of God's varieties and diversities.

The story of the alabaster oil tells us that a decent but lavish splash of expensive expenditure on the Kingdom is welcome by God, Matt 26:1-13.

When and where the word of God is truly preached, none should be declared inferior.

State of arts development does make a difference. It should, however, not overcome the spiritual being of the people prepared for eternity with God. Only the true word of God and His disciples are externally bound with God, Rev 3:17.

How are you running the race?

Run it well and lawfully.

God is keeping a close watch.

*Remorse corner.*

As an athlete, listen and respond promptly to the Umpire's starting signal before you take off.

*Call to Word action.*

As an athlete, have an eagle eye of your surroundings but be not distracted. Do not look back. Do not look around. Strive towards to excel.

*The Christian clarion duty.*

As an athlete, be focused on the finishing line

*Prayer.*

Lord, help me to focus on finishing well, in Jesus name.

Good morning all and have a blessed day.

God bless you.