Friends.

‘So the beat goes on…. So the beat goes on’

A line from a quality song when I was a youngster. The beat goes on – What have we been asked to do in the world of sport – To represent Christ through Pray, Play, Say; It is nothing more sophisticated than this. So often we don’t see miraculous changes in our friends' lives but it doesn’t mean we should change what we do. We must play our part and leave God’s part to Him!

A reminder of where we got to last week:

We’re looking at the book of Colossians. Paul writes to a group of Christians who are being tempted to follow new and exciting things and not make Jesus number one. We looked at how Paul told them that Jesus was absolutely everything – all they need.

We’re now in chapter 4 of Colossians following the strap-line of Christians in Sport to PRAY,PLAY,SAY

Read v2-4 – Paul tells the Christians to pray.

How should we pray?

In Verse 2 Paul says with devotion being watchful and thankful.

Last week we looked at devotion, this week we’ll look at what watchful means.

What did the guys in Colossians have to be watchful for? Well we know that they are being invaded by people who are trying to get them to focus their attention on other things. Have a look at ch 2v8 and ch 2v16-18. The people are being told to focus their attention on things other than Jesus – New Moon celebrations, Sabbath day regulations and the Worship of Angels. Paul tells them not to listen to them, don’t let these people disqualify you from the prize that is only found in Jesus.

So how should we pray being watchful? What are the things that people get us to focus on apart from Jesus? I know for me there are a range of things – people in church, peer pressure from mates, temptations on the TV. What is it for you? Pray this week for a clear mind and conscience that solely focuses on Jesus Christ and what he has done. In this way you will be quality at representing him.

See you next week – and guys in N Ireland, check out the website, we have a    1 day Sports Plus camp on November 2nd in Belfast – get along to it!!

The Youth Department