5 Oct, 2007
Truth Is Revealed
Jones, a triple gold medalist in Sydney, said she took "the clear" for two years, beginning in 1999, and that she got it from former coach Trevor Graham, the newspaper reported. Graham told her it was flax seed oil.
"The clear" is a performance-enhancing drug linked to BALCO, the lab at the center of the steroids scandal in professional sports.
Until now, Jones had steadfastly denied she ever took any kind of performance-enhancing drugs.
Jones is scheduled to appear in U.S. Southern District Court on Friday to plead guilty to charges in connection with her steroid use, a federal law enforcement source told The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, and would not provide specific details about the plea.
The admission could cost Jones the five medals she won at the Sydney Olympics. Though she fell short of her goal of winning five gold medals, she came away with three and two bronzes and was one of the games' biggest stars.
photo & story courtesy msn.foxsports.com, 10/4/07
2 Timothy 2:5
5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about living out the truth?
Rules in athletic competition exist for several reasons. They make the competition fair and protect the athletes from injury. Most kinds of games include penalties or fouls as consequences for players when they don't play fair or when they are trying to harm someone from the other team.
In today's verse, Paul makes it clear that we must follow the commands or rules that God has given us. His commands are given to us because He loves us and wants us to win the race He has given us to run.
How are you doing at following the "rules" given to us by God, found in His Holy Word?
Marion Jones has admitted her illegal drug use and then lying about it when she had the opportunity to tell the truth. Even if the truth about Marion Jones breaking the rules had never come out....she and God would have known....eventually the whole truth about each of our lives will be revealed.
If we ignore or break God's instructions, our integrity in this earthly life will be questioned and our eternal crown will be tainted.
Obeying God's rules not only leads to victory, but it demonstrates our love for Him now and forever.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- As you read God's Word, write down at least one command every week that you know God wants you to keep. This will be your personal list of God's guiding love that you know will help you be victorious in this life and receive a crown of reward in Heaven.
- Pray every day for Jesus to help you live out God's Truth in your life.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to stay motivated while you strive to serve God with integrity.
How can you connect today's story and God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- Talk to your friends about Marin Jones admitting her use of drugs to help her be an Olympic champion. Ask them if they believe it matters? Look for the moment that Jesus may give you to talk about the truth that only Christ can give us a "clean record" before God.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE as a resource in your small group or youth group to talk about the importance of following God's "rules" in His Word.
- Be a good listener to others as you try to learn their stories. When you hear them talk about the rules or restrictions in their lives, use this opportunity to share more about your story as it relates to God's guiding love in your life.
- July 2008 [18]
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