Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

German speedskater Patrick Beckert missed out on a chance to compete in the Olympics

because his cell phone was turned off prior to the start of Wednesday's 1,000m competition.

Officials were trying to contact the 19-year old, who was the fourth alternate in the race.

The spot became free when two-time gold medalist Enrico Fabris of Italy withdrew from the race one hour before it was set to begin.

Beckert finally called back 17 minutes before the race,

but it was too late to get to the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Now, every time he pulls his cell from his pocket he'll be reminded of the call he didn't get.

God is calling to us.

Are we listening?

Is our cell phone turned on?

I heard Him last night.

I felt nudged to go to Colossians 3:16.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

I had been thinking that I had been neglecting the Word,

content with little bites here and there.

I know its importance.

I believe in its importance.

What's keeping me from it?

Ultimately it's the devil, but my flesh is getting in there too.

Which brings me to qualifying.

A coach’s split-second lapse of concentration was all it took to add Sven Kramer's name to a roll call of athletes hit by mishap, mistake or miscalculation when they thought Olympic gold was already in the bag.

Kramer raised an arm in triumph as he crossed the line in Tuesday’s 10,000m speedskating only to discover his coach had sent him into the wrong lane, leading to the three letters every athlete fears—DSQ (disqualified).

These shall make war with the Lamb,

and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings:

and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14

1. Called. Did you get the call?

Is your cell phone on?

That part of you that hears from God.

2. Chosen.

God hasn't saved you and filled you to leave you sitting there.

There's a plan and a purpose for which you have been...chosen.

Don't know what that is?

Spend time with Him and in His Word.

Ask Him to reveal it to you.

3. Found faithful.

This is where qualifying comes in.

Every athlete fears hearing those three letters, DSQ.

Ought not we fear hearing from God at the end of our lives...

"I had so much planned for you.

You heard the call.

You understood that you were chosen.

And yet you disqualified yourself by not being obedient to the heavenly call."

Called...

chosen...

found faithful.