When I was in the 6th grade, as a part of an effort to encourage good behavior as well as diligence in turning in our assignments, our teachers incorporated a competition of sorts.
I won’t bore you with all the details involved, since I can’t remember most of them anyway; but what I can remember was the weekly challenge.
Every Monday, we were provided a new contest – for example, list as many palindromes as possible (a palindrome is a word spelled the same way forwards and backwards… you probably already knew that, but I had to look it up to be sure) – and the student with the most solutions by Friday was declared the winner and received a prize.
I’ve always enjoyed word puzzles, riddles, etc… plus, the extra credit points, “get out of jail free” card, or other awards were more than enough incentive each week.
A couple of Sundays ago, at the conclusion of one of our gatherings, a friend asked me if there was any way we might be able to share in advance the passage of Scripture we’d be looking at next week. He said he felt being able to read it a couple of times during the week might help prepare him that much more for what the Holy Spirit might want to say to him come Sunday.
Anticipation. Expectation. Preparation. Celebration.
What a combination!
I realize it’s just an article in a handout, but over the next several weeks, I want to take a little time to look at those four words and talk about the impact they have each and every Midweek and each and every Sunday. And as a part of the preparation, I want my friend to know… not only did I hear you, but I thought it was a great idea.
So, starting today, allow me to introduce to you, First Baptist, the weekly challenge. As often as is possible, we’ll provide the next week’s text so you can read, pray, and meditate over it throughout the week. As well, be on the lookout for additional challenges, and yes, prizes. (I mean, come on, everybody loves to win stuff!)