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KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/22/06:
The one thing I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of
my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalm 27:4, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/21/06:
But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Psalm 51:6, NLT
10/20/06 FCA Impact Play: "The Laws of Running":
READY:
"Therefore, I do not run like one who runs
aimlessly . . . "
-1 Corinthians 9:26
SET:
As a track coach, I've gone to many coaching clinics. At once such
clinic,
I heard an old coach say that there were three laws of
running. Now, that got my attention. I wanted to know the basics
of
good running and share them with my athletes. He shared these as his
laws:
1. Keep your eye on the finish
line. Don't get distracted, stay
focused.
2. Don't worry about the other runners. Don't look around to see
where
they are or what they're doing.
3. Don't give up, keep running. Finish the race and finish strong.
These basic truths
of running to win can be used in running the race
of life. Paul says that we're to "run in such a way as to get the
prize"
(1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV). So, you and I, as believers, can
use these three laws when trying to win in life.
First,
we must keep our eyes on the Lord and what He's called us to
do. Being focused will give us the strength and courage to
seize the
moment. Second, we can't worry about what others are doing. It's so
easy to want to compare ourselves to others,
but we can't! We can't
let anything or anyone draw our attention away from the Lord and what
He has called us to do.
Fact: It's hard to follow Jesus if our eyes
are focused on those around us. Third, when circumstances or
criticism try
to slow us down, we must ignore them and keep on
running. Carl Lewis once said, "My thoughts before a big race are
usually
pretty simple. I tell myself: 'Get out of the blocks, run
your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win.'"
Fact:
What gets our attention gets us. Victorious living comes by keeping
our hearts and heads focused on the Lord.
Remember
what Paul wrote about not running aimlessly. In other words,
don't let anything hinder you, or stop God's calling on your
life. As
you remain faithful -- your eye on the Lord, not worrying about
others, and keeping a strong pace to the finish
line -- the Lord will
give you the reward for a race well run.
GO:
1. How would describe "focus" as a Christian?
2.
Have you gotten caught up in comparing yourself with others? What
can you do to stop that?
3. What's the best way to
handle destructive criticism?
4. What did Paul mean by what he wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:26?
WORKOUT:
Exodus 33:14
John
14:15-16
Philippians 1:6
2 Peter 1:3
OVERTIME:
"Lord, help me to run the race You have marked out for me.
May I be
pleasing to You in all I do."
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/20/06:
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT
10/19/06 FCA Impact Play: "This Is Our Year":
READY:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with
all your mind, and with all your strength."
-Mark 12:30
SET: A commercial
caught my attention last week. Many young athletes
were preparing for their new season, and one by one they would say it
was
their year to do this or that. That phrase really stuck with me.
"This is our year." How many athletes are thinking that
right now?
"Last year I was hurt." "I didn't get a fair chance." "It's my turn
to shine." These are the words racing
through eager minds as they
practice and compete this season. I want to take that a little
further, though. This is
your year for what?
Let me challenge your team or FCA Huddle in five ways: This is our
year
to. . .
. . .reach more students/coaches for Jesus Christ.
. . .send more students to FCA Camp.
. . .read
the entire Bible--individually or as a group.
. . .really use the FCA resources that are available (especially the
ones
in the Huddle kits).
. . .lead at least one friend to Jesus Christ.
You may have other ways to make
it "your year," but it will all start
with Mark 12:30. This is the year to love the Lord your God will all
your heart,
soul, mind and strength. It is your year to give Him your
ALL! Huddle leaders, go for it! Huddle coaches, get
after it! Huddle
parents, get on your knees! Whatever your role, do whatever it takes,
whatever it costs. . . THIS IS
YOUR YEAR! Someone who had the heart
of a champion would do it. Will you?
GO:
1. It's still fairly
early in the school year. So what is going to be
different for you this year?
2. Where do you need to take a stand?
How do you need to share about
Jesus Christ?
3. Today, how can you start to take a stand for Christ?
WORKOUT:
Proverbs 3:27-28
Matthew 24:36-44
OVERTIME: "Lord, I know I have said this is my year to follow
You
more, but help me to make that a reality THIS year. Lord, I want to
live for You in these halls, locker rooms and
on these playing
fields. Help me to find the strength to play for You only. I do love
You, Lord, but I want to do it
with my ALL. I need Your help, Lord. I
can't do it without You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen."
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/19/06:
...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13, NLT
10/18/06 FCA Impact Play: "The Most Important Thing":
READY:
"But you will receive power when
the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends
of the earth."
-Acts 1:8
SET:
There are so many important things to do while we are here on earth.
Get
an education, stay fit and active, be a part of a team, make
quality friends, be a friend and much, much more. We are so
blessed
to be able to live in this world and do the things we get to do, yet
those things aren't the most important
things we're supposed to do
while we're here on earth.
After reading Mark Cahill's book, "The One Thing You Can't
Do in
Heaven," I was reminded that I sometimes miss out on the most
important thing that we're to do while we are here,
and that is to
share our faith with others. The dreaded "E" word: evangelism. Many
will say, "That is the pastor's job,"
or "I don't know what to say,"
or "They won't listen to me." These may all be true statements, but
it doesn't get us
out of our responsibility as followers of Christ.
One compelling statement Cahill makes in his book is that "friends
don't
let friends go to Hell." If we truly care about the ones we
love, won't we naturally want to tell them about the most important
thing
in our life?
What I am realizing from day to day is that the things of this earth
really don't mean
a whole lot. Winning games, new cars, the latest
fashion trends--all of these are nice, but not one of them comes
close
to what we have in store for us in eternity with Christ. I'm
not encouraging you to forget everything that life has for
us on
earth, but don't forsake and forget about the ONE who gave life to
you. One young man in Cahill's book said he
wanted to be a Christian
but still be "cool." Cahill replied that going to Heaven someday
would be cool. Cahill went
on to tell him that what would really be
cool was if he told others about Jesus--the most important thing in
life--and
his friends went to Heaven with him. With that the young
man acknowledged the truth in Cahill's words.
Today,
cherish the important things in your life, but don't forget to
live out the most important thing--serving Christ!
GO:
1. What are the most important things in your life?
2. Is following Jesus the most important thing to you?
3.
Today, how can you start to share your faith with others?
WORKOUT:
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 12:30
Philippians
3:12-15
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/18/06:
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never
grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28, NLT
10/17/06 FCA Impact Play: "Like a Rock":
READY:
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of
Mine and acts on them
will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain
fell, the rivers rose, and
the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet
it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But
everyone
who hears these words of Mine and doesn't act on them will
be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain
fell,
the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it
collapsed. And its collapse was great!"
-Matthew
7:24-27
SET:
Many of my friends find their identity in sports. Others, like
myself, find their identity in how
well they do in school. I know
others who base who they are in what they do, how they look, or who
likes them and who
doesn't. The point is, we all build our lives on
something. We all have something that matters to us more than
anything
else and defines who we are. And while God intends for
friends, hobbies, possessions and abilities to provide us with
enjoyment,
we should not let them become the foundation of our
identity and happiness.
Jesus used an analogy to
describe this. He told a story about two
men, one who built his house on sand and one who built his house on a
rock.
When storms came, the rock propped up the wise man's house. The
sand foundation, however, allowed the foolish man's house
to be
washed away and destroyed.
The rock in this story represents Jesus, who is always there. He is
always
solid and consistent -- a reliable foundation for us. The sand
represents other worldly things. Some "sand," such as drugs
and
alcohol, can destroy your life. Other sand, such as athletic
achievement, social acceptance and possessions can
be great things
that God created for our enjoyment, but we can take them too far and
place too much importance on them.
And all of them, unlike God, will
fail us. For instance, you can have a bad day on Xbox Live (as I did
a few days ago)
and drop from a 24 to an 18 in Halo 2. You can get
injured in a football game. A friend can let you down. God is the
only
permanent source of life, and life to the full.
When the storms of life come -- a disappointing season,
an injury, a
family argument, a failing grade, or rejection -- those who have
their identity rooted in God will have
a constant, reliable, perfect
foundation. So ask yourself this: what are you standing on?
GO:
1. What is the
foundation of your life?
2. What do you put most of your time and thought into?
3. How can you make God more of the
foundation of your life today?
WORKOUT:
Galatians 2:20
Colossians 2:6-7
1 John 3:1
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/17/06:
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6, NLT
10/16/06 - FCA Impact Play: "Committed Unto Us":
READY:
"Nonw everything is from God, who reconciled
us to Himself through
Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. . ."
-2 Corinthians 5:18
SET:
Have
you ever been entrusted with something of great value? Maybe you
have had to take a large amount of money to the bank.
Maybe you had
to keep track of a friend's wedding ring until the day of his
wedding. Whatever you may have been entrusted
with, it is safe to say
that all of us know what it feels like to have something of great
value committed unto us.
When
I was a senior in high school, my basketball team had a very big
game against our rivals on their homecoming night. We
played very
hard; and as every great basketball story goes, we were down by two
with three seconds to go. As we went
into the timeout, we all
expected our coach to draw up a play that would tie the game and send
us into overtime. However,
as we were standing there, one of our
players, Clint, began to tell us how he could win the game if we
would just give
him the ball. So, we emerged from the huddle with a
certain amount of fear. I remember watching as the ball was
in-bounded
to Clint. After one bounce of the ball, Clint squared up
as well as he ever did, and . . . we waited for what seemed like
days.
All I could think was I was glad that the ball wasn't committed
unto me.
Clint's responsibility with the shot is
not even close to what Christ
left us when He returned to Heaven. The word "reconciliation" has
been committed to us.
We are to go and make disciples of all men, and
to lead as many as we can to Christ. That's a high calling! With
three
seconds to go, Clint had no other option but to win or lose the
game, and the whole stadium was waiting to see what he
did. Today,
six billion people around the world are waiting to see what we will
do with the word "reconciliation," which
has been committed to us.
What will you do with it today?
By the way, Clint hit the shot, and we all went the Dairy
Queen to
celebrate.
GO:
1. Do you recognize that the clock is ticking and you just have a few
short years
to lead others to Christ?
2. What are you going to do with the word of "reconciliation"?
3. Will you drop it?
WORKOUT:
Matthew
28:16-20
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/16/06:
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation . . . for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Philippians 1:11, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/15/06:
Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves.
Matthew 6:20, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/14/06:
He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new
life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/13/06:
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33, NLT
10/12/06 FCA Impact Play: "One of Those Days":
READY: "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise
the name of
the Lord. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for
anything."
-Job 1:21b-22
SET:
As athletes we go through ups and downs in competition. Some
days we are in the "zone." Other days it seems like we're
in the
o-zone. Bryan recently had one of those days. He was in the tough
position of being a freshman competing on the
sophomore football team
as the quarterback. During a recent game, he played hard, but he
threw four interceptions. His
team lost the game 8-0. It was
certainly a tough night for this future star.
Job was a great man--maybe
the best of his day. God allowed Satan to
test Job by letting him take everything away from him--his family,
his wealth
and his health. But Satan was not allowed to kill Job.
Yes, Job definitely had one of those days. Nothing seemed to go
right.
One servant after another came back to tell Job of another
loss. Eventually, his wife and best friends even told Job to
toss in
the towel, curse God and die. Though Job struggled, he knew he had to
persevere, because God was still with
him even though he could not
feel it or see it. In the end, Job's life was restored because of his
willingness to trust
God.
Bryan's game was part of one of those days. He had some great plays
and great drives, but for
some reason it was not his night. But Bryan
bounced back. Why? Because he had faith in God. Bryan has learned
from his
family that God is in control and that trusting and
following Him is to be at the top of his priority list.
We
all have had days like Bryan. Maybe we've even felt like Job at
times. But we are to follow Job's example by trusting in
God
fully--even when we don't understand what's going on. Sure, Job
questioned what was happening to him, but he never
lost faith that
God would provide. So when one of those days comes around, have
faith, trust God and let it go, because
tomorrow is another day to
live for Him!
GO:
1. When was the last time you had one of those days?
2. Do you doubt or blame God when you struggle?
3. Today, how can you start trusting God more when things don't go
your
way?
WORKOUT:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11
1 Corinthians 10:13
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 10/12/06:
His brilliant splendor fills the heavens, and the earth is filled with his praise! Habakkuk 3:3, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27, NLT
FCA Impact Play: "God's Team" 9/22/06:
READY:
"But he replied to his father, 'Look, I have been
slaving many years
for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave
me a young goat so I could celebrate
with my friends."
-Luke 15:29
SET:
Great teams are made of players who make contributions on more than
just
game days. You may not be a starter, but with the right
perspective, you can make an impact on your team's performance.
In this passage, the older brother displayed the wrong perspective.
He viewed himself as a servant rather than
as a son. He got his
self-worth from what he did rather than from who he was. Do you know
that as a Christian God views
all of us as sons and daughters? He
loves us regardless of our role on the team, how small our bank
account might be
or what our title is at work. In fact, He sent His
only Son to die for us even though He knew we would deny Him (Romans
5:8).
Where does your identity come from? Is it your job, sport,
appearance, money or God's Word? Whatever it is, it
will set the tone
for your outlook on life.
GO:
1. Do you view yourself as a son/daughter of God?
2. How should
this change your attitude?
WORKOUT:
Psalm 20:7
Colossians 3:11
John 15:16
OVER-TIME:
"Lord, my identity
rests in You and in Your Word. Help me today to
take this truth and apply to my life so that my attitude will reflect
my
position as your son/daughter."
KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.Psalm 36:7, NLT
FCA Impact Play: "Focus on the Process" 9/21/06:
READY:
"Therefore don't worry about tomorrow,
because tomorrow will worry
about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
-Matthew 6:34
SET:
The
2005-06 Miami Dolphins were a team in transition. First-year head
coach Nick Saban had never had a losing season as a head
coach on the
collegiate level, and he was determined to be a winner on the
professional level. However, it appeared
that Coach Saban was set to
experience his first losing season as the Dolphins were shut out by
the Cleveland Browns
in week 10, which left them with a 3-7 record.
Later that week during a routine press conference, Saban became
frustrated
with some of the questions he was being asked. After the
barrage of questions, Saban began to scold the media telling them
that
he did not care about the outcome of games and that he wanted
his team to focus on the process of becoming a great team
in the
future. Bottom line: Saban wanted his team to focus on the
preparation that would lead them to eventual victory.
This
is a lot like what God asks us to do every day. So often we
focus on the results of our choices before the choices are
even made.
God wants us to focus on every detail of the entire process.
Amazingly, after coach Saban's lengthy
rant, the Miami Dolphins began
focusing on the process of becoming a winning team. Miami finished
strong by winning
their final six games. They ended the season with a
9-7 record.
God wants us to live in the moment and make the
decisions that will
lead to victories in life. If we choose to focus on the process of
doing things God's way, the result
we are looking for will be waiting
for us.
GO:
1. Are you focused on the process of eternal glory, or are you
looking
only at the finish line?
2. Where are you in your process with Christ?
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 9/21/06:
God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God. Romans 8:28, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 9/20/06:
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity?.....I
am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Romans 8:35, 38, NLT
FCA Impact Play: "Days are Numbered" 9/19/06:
READY:
"Teach us to number our days carefully so
that we may develop wisdom
in our hearts."
-Psalm 90:12
SET:
If you knew when your last practice, last game,
last hoorah would be,
how would it affect your situation? Many athletes have had to face
this early in their blossoming
careers. Men such as Bo Jackson,
Darryl Stingley and many others. Would you do things differently as
an athlete or coach?
Brian is one such athlete who may have seen his
last play. A standout safety, who walked on, earned a scholarship and
now
is a fifth-year senior. Last year he missed the entire season
(except for the bowl game) because of ACL surgery, and he
was
counting on this year to be his best. On the Monday before they
opened their season, Brian hurt his ankle. At first
it looked like a
sprain, but over time it has become much worse. Brian's football
career may be over.
In God's
Word, He teaches us to number our days so that we may be
wise in all that we do and say. He constantly reveals to us that
we
are not promised tomorrow. I rarely read in God's Word accounts of
people making five or 10-year plans, and I can't
find any places in
which a disciple asks someone, "Where do you see yourself in 10
years?" No, people back then were
taught to live for Christ today
because they knew it could be their last.
We are praying for Brian's recovery so
that he can finish his
athletic career. If not, Brian's days as a player could be over. How
would you live differently
if you knew when your last day, breath or
hour on this earth was coming? What would you change? We need to take
heed
to God's Word and know that our days are numbered. One day we
will stand before Him. With that in mind, live in light of
Him today
and everyday until you are called to your heavenly home.
GO:
1. Do you understand your days are numbered
as an athlete or coach?
2. If you knew the end was coming, how would it change you? In
sports? In life?
3. Today,
how can you live in the light of Christ each moment?
WORKOUT:
Deuteronomy 32:29
Psalm 39:4
Ephesians 5:15
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 9/19/06:
This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our
sins. 1 John 4:10, NLT
FCA Impact Play: "Make a Stand" 9/18/06:
READY:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty
power. Put on the
full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's
schemes."
Ephesians 6:10-11
SET:
Friday
night at a high school football game, I saw something that you
don't see very often: an offense with a first-and-goal opportunity
at
the one-yard line that fails to score. The opposing defense came up
big and made a huge stand to prevent the touchdown
that probably
would have lost them the game.
In life, how often do we feel like we're down and out--like Satan and
his
team have marched the ball straight down the field until they're
standing with first-and-goal on the one-yard line, just
about ready
to punch it in and score? It's often when we're at our weakest that
winning seems like an impossibility.
The devil attacks hoping for the
easy kill.
Take a moment to read the story of Jesus' encounter with Satan in the
wilderness
(Matthew 4 or Luke 4). Notice how Jesus was tempted by
Satan after He had already been in the wilderness for 40 days and
nights.
Think about how weak Jesus must have been. Yet, He made a
stand.
Let this story be an encouragement to you. When
you feel like you've
been pushed back to the edge of giving in and you feel like putting
up a fight isn't worth it,
dig deep and stand strong. "Put on the
full armor of God," as Paul said in his letter to the Ephesians, and
rely on
the strength and mighty power of our great God.
GO:
1. When do you feel the most tempted to give in to sin--when
you are
weak or when you are strong?
2. Do you usually try and fight off temptation by your own power, or
do you
lean on the greater power of God?
WORKOUT:
Ephesians 6:10-18
James 4:7
1 Peter 5:10
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 9/18/06:
Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the
appropriate time. Galatians 6:9, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 9/17/06:
Get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy.
1 Peter 2:1, NLT
KLOVE's Encouraging Word 9/16/06:
When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor. James 4:10,
NLT
FCA Impact Play: "Running the Race to Victory" 9/15/06:
READY:
"Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses
surrounding us, let us lay aside every
weight and the sin that so
easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before
us."
-Hebrews 12:1
SET:
The
writer of the book of Hebrews makes use of athletic imagery as he
encourages his Christian allies in their relationships
with the Lord
Jesus Christ. He begins by reminding them of those who have gone
before them ("witnesses") and have successfully
completed their race,
and then he offers sound advice on how to win.
First, he tells them to refrain from every
activity that could keep
them from achieving victory. Discipline is a key part of both
spiritual and athletic endeavors.
Without it, less-than-desirable
results will be the outcome. Second, he advises us to have patience
(perseverance and
endurance), as well. The challenges we face are not
always "sprints." You've heard the phrase, "Life is a marathon, not
a
sprint." Well, many times our challenges are like marathons. Even
great distance runners talk about hitting the wall.
These are times
in the race when fatigue and pain threaten the runner in his or her
efforts to finish. But during these
times, we have the ultimate
example to follow: the Lord Jesus Christ. He ran the race with
perfection!
Today,
let's strive to follow Jesus' example with the same focus,
strive and determination.
GO:
1. Have you
developed a game plan for your spiritual growth?
2. Are you training for the long haul?
3. Are you familiar
with the ultimate training manual, the Bible?
WORKOUT:
Hebrews 10:35-39
James 1:12
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Timothy
Madden is the pastor of Damascus Baptist Church in the
Gadsden, Alabama. He is a former all-area basketball player for
Emma
Sansom High School.
8/1/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. 1 John 5:14,
NLT
7/31/06 KLOVE's Encouraging World:
No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians
5:18, NLT
7/31/06 FCA Impact Play: "The Water of Life"
READY:
". . .If you knew the gift of God, and
who is saying to you, 'Give Me
a drink,' you would ask Him, and He would give you living water."
-John 4:10
SET:
Water
is important. Throughout the ages, it has been a vital part of
human culture. Look at the most ancient civilizations, such
as Egypt,
and they are guarenteed to be built around water.
Now, look at your life as an athlete. More than likely,
you also have
to build your athletic program in some way around water so that you
won't get thirsty or dehydrated. It
may not be a river, or a pool,
but I'm sure there's at least a water bottle involved.
In the same way, your Christian
life should be built around the water
of life, Jesus Christ, who promised that if you drink His living
water, you will
never go thirsty. This starts after you accept Christ
and are literally baptized in water. You then "drink" more water
into
your life as you read your Bible every day and pray, grow your
spiritual muscles and finish the race of life, always
allowing that
living water to sustain you and keep you healthy.
So, what about you? Are you staying hydrated, or
do you need to start
drinking more of the living water of Christ?
GO:
1. Have you ever been dehydrated during
a game? How did that take a
toll on your body?
2. Are you spiritually hydrated?
3. What can you do to drink in more
of the living water of Christ?
WORKOUT:
John 7:37-38
Revelation 21:6
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Giardinelli
is going to be a junior at Boerne High School, in
Boerne, Texas. An avid swimmer, runner and soccer player, Giardinelli
also
serves as a school athletic trainer.
730/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to
the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked. Proverbs 4:25-27, NLT
7/29/06 KOVE's Encouraging Word:
He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord
Jesus Christ returns. 1 Corinthians 1:8, NLT
7/28/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26, NLT
7/27/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. Ephesians 3:17, NLT
7/26/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
The LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to
walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8, NLT
7/26/06 FCA Impact Play: "Hakuna Matata"
READY:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will worry about
itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-Matthew 6:34
SET:
Weve all heard
about, and probably experienced, the sensation of
having butterflies in our stomachs before an athletic event. Theres
also
that wonderful feeling of lying in bed, not being able to sleep
because were busying thinking about tomorrows contest.
Worrying
about how were going to perform at an event seems to be thought of
as natural by todays standards. But if we
fully put our trust in
God, we should know that His will is going to be accomplished.
Each of us would like to perform
as well as possible and to have our
teams win every game. What we must remember is that if we go out and
give our maximum
effort and winning is what God has in store for us,
then well win the game. If we dont win, or have a bad game, we
cant
get down and worry about that either, all we can do is work
harder and get ready for the next game. Worrying, before or
after the
game, isnt going to help anyone.
When you put your full trust in God and dont fret about whats going
to
happen, thats when youll play your best. This not only rings
true in the world of sports, but in every day life as well.
Just
remember that Gods in control, worrying is unnecessary.
GO:
1. What causes you to worry before you perform?
2.
What can you do to keep yourself from worrying before your next
event?
3. Have you ever had a time where worrying has
done you any good?
WORKOUT:
Jeremiah 39:18
Matthew 21:21
Psalm 31:14-24
John 12:35-36
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR:
Matt Eichinger is an intern with FCA's Sharing the Victory magazine.
He will be entering his junior year at
the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln this fall.
7/25/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
...Obedience is far better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22, NLT
7/25/06 FCA Impact Play: "In His Eyes"
READY:
"My soul, praise the Lord, and all that is within
me, praise His holy
name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.
He forgives all your sin; He
heals all your diseases. He redeems your
life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion.
He satisfies
you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle."
-Psalm 103:1-5
SET:
If you tried to count on your hands
the number of times someone let
you down or you let someone else down, youd run out of fingers. As
humans, we fail miserably
all the time. Thankfully, there are
promises in the Bible such as the one in Psalm 103:12: As far as the
east is from
the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from
us.
There is incredible power in looking at ourselves through
the eyes of
Christ. No matter the mistake, the loss, the pain or the regret, in
Gods eyes we shine brightly. When you
feel inadequate, depressed or
ashamed, feel His presence. He redeems your life, rescues you from
the pit and showers
you with love and compassion. He satisfies your
desires with awesome and wonderful things.
No matter where youve
been or what youve done, God can restore you.
Take a peek at yourself through His eyes the eyes of grace and
love.
GO:
1. What causes you to be ashamed of the actions that you have done in
your life?
2. Do you realize
that you are loved by God and that He has forgiven
you?
3. What can you do to become the bright creation that God sees?
WORKOUT:
Luke
15:1-7
Romans 5:1-11
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Danny Burns is Manager of Online Ministry at FCAs national
headquarters
in Kansas City, Missouri. Danny served as a huddle
leader and varsity distance runner at Northwest Missouri State
University
and has a passion for advancing the college ministry at FCA
7/24/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't
be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10, NLT
7/24/06 FCA Impact Play: "God's Playbook"READY: "Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me." -Psalm 119:133 SET: Most sports have a playbook or a set of rules to follow for their program.
This book tells how things will be done on and off the field for success in the system. As a player, if you follow these guidelines,
you should have success in the system. I recently heard one coach refert to his playbook as his "bible." Obviously, he
highly values the book. As we read through Psalm 119, we find many verses that reference God's Word. The author
of the Psalms repeated over and over that God's Word guided him. He understood that God's Word was the only playbook
he could follow that could give him true, absolute direction for his life. When I coached basketball, my playbook
was very important to me. However, it did not take precedent over the real playbook of my life. Only God's Word can
give ultimate direction. My playbook could say what play to run in what situation, but only during the games. God's Word
gives us direction everyday, for every situation, in everything that comes our way. GO: 1. Where do you go for
direction? 2. Does God's Word guide your steps, or are you marching to a different beat? 3. Today, how can you start
to make the Bible your ultimate road map? WORKOUT: Psalm 119: 11, 73, 105 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jere
Johnson is a FCA staff member from Chicago area. If you would like to contact Jere, please e-mail him at jerejohnson@fca.org.
Also, check out www.sportsdevo.com for more of Jere's devotions.
7/23/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19, NLT
7/22/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost. Luke 19:10, NLT
7/21/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10, NLT
7/21/06 FCA Impact Play: "Who's yours?":
READY: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever." -Psalm 111:10 SET: Summer
is flying by so fast! This revelation hit my oldest son the other day when he realized that he hadn't spent much time with
his father in the past few months. So, I took him to lunch. He was full of information and wanted to tell me everything
at once. During the conversation, however, he got quiet and thoughtful for a second and his normal sports questions
stopped. "Daddy," he asked, "who is your role model?" I didn't have to think long. That was an easy one. I shared
with Caleb that my role model was my father. He returned by telling me that I was his. And as I finished my lunch with
tears in my eyes Caleb shared why I was his role model. But after he was done, he added one thing. He said, "Daddy,
I know that Jesus is my real role model!" That's my boy! At age 10, he understands that his earthly father is a good
guy, but his heavenly Father is the ultimate example. We all have role models in life, we all follow someone's direction. Maybe
it is a coach who inspired us to greatness, a teammate who could do it all with grace and strength, or perhaps it is a
sibling who showed you how to play the right way. Regardless of who your role model is/was, we all follow someone's
example. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:1, encouraged believers to follow after him because he followed
Christ's example. While Jesus Christ should be our ultimate example, we all need godly role models here on earth to
help show us the way. Something to think about when you examine your relationships. Who is leading you toward Christ? GO: 1.
Who has been an example to you? 2. Where does Christ rank on your role model list? 3. Today, how can you make Christ
the ultimate role model in your life? WORKOUT: Leviticus 20:8 John 14:6 Philippians 2:1-11 ABOUT
THE AUTHOR: Jere Johnson is a FCA staff member from Chicago area. If you would like to contact
Jere, please e-mail him at jerejohnson@fca.org. Also, check out www.sportsdevo.com for more of Jere's devotions.
7/20/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:17, NLT
7/20/06 FCA IMPACT PLAY: "No One Too Lost"
READY:
"Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one
another in love."
-Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
SET:
There's a scene in the classic baseball
movie "Major League" in which
the team is having a bad flight on a below-standard airplane. During
that scene, pitcher
Eddie Harris, who professes to be Christian,
notices his Buddhist teammate, Pedro Cerrano, crossing himself.
Instead
of rejoicing in the fact that Cerrano is looking towards
Christ in this time of struggle, Harris berates him with these
harsh
words, "Oh, now you come around. He isn't fooled."
Harris saw what Cerrano did as "convenient." Is this a
problem?
Someone decides to accept Christ in a time of struggle. Harris should
have been singing Hallelujahs, but instead,
he's bitter about it.
Why? Because Cerrano has waited until a time of struggle to accept
Christ. Harris doesn't think
it's fair for him to have God's grace
because he wasn't on board all along.
There are a lot of Christians out there
today who have the same
mindset of Harris. Instead of wanting everyone saved, some feel that
there are people who don't
deserve to be saved. There are people who
feel they're better than everyone else because they're Christian.
They don't
feel that they need to help those who aren't already
Christians.
God commands us to love our neighbors as we love
ourselves, but so
often we seem to do what Harris did. We think we're better and more
deserving of what God has done
for us because of how we've lived our
lives. The truth is, Jesus died on the cross so that everyone who
believes in
Him will have eternal life. Not only that, but as
Christians we are supposed to preach the Good News to all nations and
to
be patient with everyone in love, just as Christ is patient with
us. Quoting the Christian rock band Sanctus Real, there
is "no one
too lost for us to love, no one too lost for us to serve."
GO:
1. Do you ever find yourself thinking
you're better than someone
because of the way her or she lives his or her life?
2. Do you make a point to love everyone
as Christ has loved you?
3. What can you do to go out of your way to help those who aren't
saved?
WORKOUT:
Matthew
7:5
Hebrews 13:25
1 John 4:12
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Eichinger is an intern with FCA's Sharing the Victory
magazine.
He will be entering his junior year at the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln this fall.
7/19/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
Long ago the LORD said to Israel: I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn
you to myself. Jeremiah 31:3, NLT
7/19/06 FCA Impact Play: "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
READY:
"Therefore, through Him let us
continually offer up to God a
sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His
name."
-Hebrews
13:15
SET:
It seems like when you're in a conversation and you have nothing else
to talk about, the weather always
comes up. For a large majority of
Americans, another popular topic of conversation seems to be sports,
especially when
they are running out of things to say. We find sports
an easy topic, kind of a comfort zone.
You know, it's cool.
There are a ton of different sports out there to
talk about. You have baseball, basketball, football, hockey, track
and
field. . . The list goes on and on. But why is it that we can
talk so easily with each other about these sports and not
about God?
Why do we find it so hard to tell our unsaved friends about what our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done
for us, but so easy to tell
them about the mammoth home run Albert Pujols hit the previous night?
My challenge to
you is to get comfortable talking to others about
God. Next time you hit a dull point in a conversation with nothing
left
to say, steer clear of the familiar. Don't start talking about
whether or not it's going to rain today. Don't bring up
who won last
night's White Sox/Tigers game. Take a leap of faith and talk about
Christ.
GO:
1. Are you comfortable
talking with unbelievers about Christ? Why or
why not?
2. What can you do to get more comfortable in talking with friends
about
Christ?
3. Think of one person in your life who needs Christ. Go tell them
the Good News!
WORKOUT:
Psalm 51:15
Isaiah
38:19
Psalm 150:6
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Eichinger is an intern with FCA's Sharing the Victory magazine.
He
will be entering his junior year at the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln this fall.
7/18/06 KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest
commandment. Matthew 22:37-38, NLT
7/18/06 FCA Impact Play: "I'm Not Alright"
READY:
"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual
milk, so that by it you
may grow up in your salvation."
-1 Peter 2:2
SET:
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi
once said, "Winning means
you're willing to go longer, work harder and give more than anyone
else." To reach ultimate
success in athletics an athlete must realize
that there is always room for improvement and that the harder you
work,
the more successful you will become.
Understanding that there is room for improvement doesn't seem to be a
problem
for most athletes, as they are willing to put in the extra
hours of training to better their skills. But for most Christians,
it
is different. There are times where we don't realize that we also
have room for improvement. I believe the biggest
reason we have
problems doing this is because we want to think we're already where
we need to be. We seem too often
to think that we've already done
enough. The truth is, we can never do enough in comparison with what
God has done for
us. We should always strive to do more.
We should have more motivation to improve ourselves for Christ than
we do
to improve our athletic skills. To do this, we must do what's
challenging for each of us. We need to humble ourselves and
realize
that we're not where we need to be. We need to stop being content
with where we're at and realize that we can't
do it on our own. To
improve ourselves, we need to work out with God as we do with sports
so that we can grow spiritually.
I love the song, "I'm Not Alright" by Sanctus Real. If you have a
chance today, check it out. Because the truth
is, not one of us is
"alright." That's why we need Christ.
GO:
1. Does your spiritual life ever get stagnant?
What can you do to
keep that from happening?
2. Do you put invest as much time in improving your relationship with
the
Lord as you do in improving your athletic skills?
3. What needs to change? How will you take action?
WORKOUT:
1
Corinthians 3:6
2 Corinthians 10:15
Ephesians 4:15
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Eichinger is an intern with FCA's
Sharing the Victory magazine.
He will be entering his junior year at the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln this fall.
7/17/06: KLOVE's Encouraging Word: My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow
me. John 10:27, NLT
7/17/06: FCA Impact Play: "Information or Transformation"
READY: "The gospel that has come
to you. . . is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it and
recognized God's grace in the truth." -Colossians 1:6 SET: Mark was an average athlete. He couldn't run particularly
fast, jump extremely high or lift much weight. But something clicked during the summer between his sophomore and junior
years. He went from being a very average player into the best player in school history. What was the difference? What
caused the change? As the Apostle Paul continued his relentless pursuit of sharing God's Word, he sent a letter
to the people of Colosse. He sent this letter from prison while under house arrest. Now, I don't know about you, but
if I was in prison I'm not sure I would feel like writing a letter of encouragement to anyone, but Paul was different.
He heard the Good News of Christ on the road one day, and the information he had heard so much about became a transforming
force in his life. He took the words to heart, and he changed his life immediately. As a result of this transformation,
Paul began to produce fruit (or Christ-like results) in his life. People who knew the old Paul (formerly called Saul)
were amazed by the life-change. Now back to Mark. Why did he transform into a different athlete? He took his coach's
words to heart. His coach challenged him to do things differently that summer--to play at the local park with better athletes,
to lift five days a week and to spend time working on the things he was not good at. Mark became the all-time leading scorer
in his small high school in Indiana. And while many players like Mark listen to a coach's encouragement and teaching,
it remains just "information" to them. They don't act on what they hear. Mark, however, took the information and decided
to let it transform his athletic life. When people hear or read God's Word (the Bible) they have a choice to make.
It will either be just information, or it will transform them through how they choose to apply the powerful words. As people
let God's Word transform them into new creations their lives will be changed, and the change will be seen by all. When
the Christian applies God's Word he or she will bear fruit that will lead to a change in purpose, behavior, attitude
and direction. What about you? Is God's Word just information to you, or have you allowed it to transform your
life? The choice is yours. Remember, changed lives change lives. GO: 1. Are your coach's words just information
to you? What about God's Word? 2. When was the first time you remember God's Word transforming a part of your life? 3.
Today, how can I start to change my life for Christ and head in a new direction for Him? WORKOUT: Romans 12:2 2
Corinthians 5:17 Galatians 5:22-24 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jere Johnson is a FCA staff member
from Chicago area. If you would like to contact Jere, please e-mail him at jerejohnson@fca.org. Also, check out www.sportsdevo.com for more of Jere's devotions.
7/16/06: KLOVE's Encouraging Word: This precious treasure--this light and power that now shine within
us--is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT
7/14/06: FCA Impact Play: "Constructive Criticism"READY: "An ear that listens to life-giving
rebukes will be at home among the wise." -Proverbs 15:31 SET: One of a coach's toughest jobs is telling athletes
what they are doing wrong. Most coaches try to do it constructively, but even then many athletes will choose to ignore
the instruction or make excuses, blaming everyone else for the problems they have caused. Recently, I too was reminded
of my imperfection through constructive criticism. What a blow to my ego! But we all need correction and people who
will speak truth into our lives. Though we do not always want to hear what they are telling us, we still get to choose
how we respond to the correction. Many choose to take criticism personally, and that holds them back from making the
necessary changes for the better. Those who can listen to this type of correction and react accordingly will no doubt
be better off in the end. I have seen far too many athletes handle constructive criticism poorly, and
it has ruined many a good athletic career. I myself would have to plead guilty to not always taking criticism the right
way. But Christ wants to speak truth in our lives, many times in the form of the Holy Spirit's constructive criticism.
Again, we have a choice to respond positively or to make it personal. The Lord knows that this criticism is for our
own good, and when we realize that, we can grow deeper in Him. What we all need to remember and learn is that most people
who offer constructive criticism truly are trying to help us. Words of encouragement should prod us on to great living
in Christ, not the bitterness of spirit that brings glory to Satan and his troops. Try this. Next time someone
gives you constructive criticism, just say, "Thanks for caring enough to tell me what was on your heart." GO: 1.
How do you handle constructive criticism? 2. Do try to make yourself feel better by finding fault in the messenger? 3.
Today, how can you start responding properly to constructive criticism? WORKOUT: Proverbs 10:17 Proverbs 12:1 Proverbs
15 Hebrews 12:4-11 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jere Johnson is a FCA staff member from Chicago
area. If you would like to contact Jere, please e-mail him at jerejohnson@fca.org. Also, check out www.sportsdevo.com for more of Jere's devotions. Now it's your Turn. Write your own FCA Devotional. . . Go to www.fca.org and click the "Submit your own FCA devo!" link on the right side.
7/13/06: KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
You are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1, NLT
7/12/06: KLOVE's Encouraging Word:
I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Philippians
3:13, NLT
07.12.06 - FCA Impact Play: "Losing Your Head"
READY:
"Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary
the Devil is prowling
around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour."
-1 Peter 5:8
SET:
Before
the 2006 World Cup, Zinedene Zidane was heralded as an
outstanding midfielder and captain of the French team. He was best
known
for scoring the winning goal that beat the Brazilians in the
1998 World Cup. Before the final game last Sunday, Zidane
said that
it would be his last game and also announced his retirement.
Unfortunately he won't be remebered for leading
his team to another
championship. In the overtime period, Zidane lost his temper,
head-butted an opponent and was thrown
out of the game. His team had
to finish one man down and lost to Italy in the penalty kicks that
followed. His reputation
will forever be tarnished by this loss of
self-control.
English essayist John Ruskin once said, "What
we think or what we
believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only thing of
consequence is what we do." Wouldn't
it be great if both salvation
and self-control were simultaneous? But they are not. We can all
think of situations in
which we lost our cool and said or did things
that we later regretted. Any out-of-control area of our lives is an
open
invitation to the enemy. And trust me, the world takes notice
not just of Zidane, but of anyone who profess one thing but
demonstrates
another.
Personal experience has taught me that all of my "blow ups" could
have been avoided if I would have first
dealt with the little
"sparks" of anger and resentment. Anger becomes destructive when it
controls us rather than us
controlling it. The book of Proverbs gives
wise counsel and helps us deal with our emotions, which need to be
governed
by reason, self-control and an even temper. We need the help
of the Holy Spirit to live victorious lives of self-control--our
flesh
will never, on its own, produce the fruit of the Spirit.
Ask God to help you with any areas in which you might be struggling
and
to reveal to you those "sparks" that need to be handled before
they burn out of control. Will you yield to Him and let
Him work?
GO:
1. What kinds of situations cause you to lose control of either your
words or actions?
2. Do
you allow yourself to be in situations that could compromise
your reputation or testimony?
3. Satan watches and waits
for just the right time to attack. Are you
ready to take your stand against his evil schemes?
WORKOUT:
Romans
8:13
Galatians 5:16-21
James 1:19-20
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wendy Louque is the Assistant Women's Soccer Coach
at Johnson County
Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.
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