Olympic InspirationSample

Truth Based on God's Word

Life and our circumstances are constantly changing. We need to place our values and what we believe in the one who never changes. God is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Washington DC is one of the world's most powerful cities. Master architect Pierre L’Enfant laid out the design of the city with strategic focal points. A 1910 federal law prohibits the building of tall buildings. This means that the Washington Monument, a focal point, will always be the tallest structure in the city. At the very top of the monument is a four-faced aluminum cap with notable names and dates. On the east face, facing the rising sun, only the Latin words "Laus Deo" appear. They translate to, "Praise be to God." Think about that for a bit. It was by design that acknowledging God is at the very heart of one of the most influential places in the world. Kelly Clark has a similar solid foundation in her life.

Like Kelly, we live in a culture with values that oppose our belief system. How do we handle that? We need to respond by holding on to the unchanging Word of God. We must not compromise what we believe to accommodate the culture. Joseph in the Old Testament lived in a God-opposing society. When seduced by Potiphar's wife, Joseph fled. It was because of God's faithful love that he withstood her advances and would not sin. The God who was with Joseph and brought him success has not changed. He is with us today, and it is His Word, the Bible, where we learn about Him. Like the Washington Monument, we should start each new day with "Laus Deo" -- Praise be to God. Then live like Joseph with the mindset that God is at work.

Application Questions:

• What can you do to start your day by praising God?
• How can God's Word prepare you to face the God-opposing culture in which you live?