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August 30th, 2018

8/30/2018

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Listen to: Theme song from "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis, with clips from the movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feP54aMCRDo 

We all have our favorite athletes. Michael Phelps (aquatics). Carl Lewis (track and field). Abebe Bikila (Ethiopian gold-medal runner). Emil Zatopek (Czech Runner).  Oscar Pistorious (the "fastest man with no legs," a double amputee sprint runner from South Africa). Kerri Strug (gymnast). Usain Bolt (Jamaican sprinter). Sadaf Rahimi (Afghani female boxer). Jesse Owens (track and field). Teofilo Stevenson (cuban boxer).

Then there is Eric Liddell, whose life inspired the award-winning movie, "Chariots of Fire" (1981).  Liddell, the son of missionaries, won a bronze and gold medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Because of his religious convictions, He refused to race on Sunday, when his best event (100 meter) was scheduled.  Liddell may be known for his outstanding come-back in the 400 meter race, but his life shone with other Olympic qualities.
 
Liddell always shook hands with other competitors prior to races and came alongside competitors who were being shunned because they were different.

As a Christian he found that his greatest strength came from God. It was because of this strength that he returned to the mission field in China.  It was dangerous work.
 
The villages Liddell worked in were caught in between the war between Communists and Nationalists.  Both sides would pillage and destroy villages Liddell served. The Japanese invaded China and in 1940 Liddell sent his wife and children to Canada. He stayed behind in Tientsin to continue his work. Liddell was sent by the Japanese to the Weihsien Internment Camp. He worked tirelessly in the camp, doing just about anything that needed to be done, whether it was bible study, teaching children who were trying to keep up their studies, or organizing sports. In a prisoner exchange bargain, his freedom was arranged by Winston Churchill, but he gave it up and let a pregnant woman leave instead. He died on 21 February 1945, five months before liberation. Liddell's last words were, "It's complete surrender", in reference to how he had given his life to his God.

We probably will never qualify for the Olympics let alone win a local event.  But we can, like Liddell, live our life to win the heavenly prize  --  by letting God's love manifest in all we do. Let us run the race and make the course worth running.

"Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race."  "Chariots of Fire," Eric Liddell 
 



PRAY: “May we run the race God has set before us”
 

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"Ode to Joy!"

8/9/2018

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"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).



Listen to:  "Som Sabadell" flashmob -- Beethoven's 9th 
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup=GBaHPND2QJg&feature=youtu.be

Imagine yourself in the town center of beautiful Sabadell, Spain.  Close your eyes, think in your minds eye For a moment imagine yourself strolling, taking in the sights..when suddenly -- it's flashmob!
 
You are treated to the Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125,  Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). The symphony is one of the best-known works of the Western classical repertoire, and it is universally considered to be among Beethoven's greatest works. It has been adapted for use as the European Anthem.

Part of the ninth was, inspired round the poem "Ode To Joy" written by German poet Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with words added by the composer. The poem is a tribute to God and the wonders and joys of life and human love.

What makes it all the more inspirational is when you understand Beethoven's situation in life. By the time Beethoven had started writing the symphony he was totally deaf. It is said that at the premiere of "Ode To Joy" someone from the chorus had to run down to the podium at the conclusion to turn Beethoven around so he could see the audience because he couldn't hear the thunderous applause and cheering they were giving him. In addition to his loss of hearing Beethoven faced other health problems, in addition to being financially responsible for members of his family.  He died three years after completion of the ninth symphony.

The symphony was the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony. The words are sung during the final movement by four vocal soloists and a chorus. They were taken from the "Ode to Joy", a poem written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with additions made by the composer.                                                              

You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?
World, do you know your creator?

Seek him in the heavens;
Above the stars must He dwell.


 The Ninth Symphony teaches up to hope for this consummation of joy. The symphony also teaches us that the friendship that we bear even now is an image and a foretaste of that perfect communion which is the hallmark of eternity.

"Ode to Joy" is also the inspiration of our much-loved hymn: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." 
 
 How true are Beethoven's words:
 
“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.” 
 




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    Moirajo is a minister, social worker, wife, mother, writer and animal lover. That's just for starters. Join the story, there's so much we can share together! 

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