Live Like a Rookie
Theme: Live Like a Rookie
Quote (for my sister, Beth, who loves this guy): Rookies put their head down, work hard, stay positive, live fearlessly, and are naïve enough to be successful. Let the rookie mind-set fuel your optimism and passion. (Jon Gordon)
Do you remember the rush you had when accomplished something that previously seemed unattainable? Maybe you made the varsity team in high school, were selected to have a role in a play, or sing in a select choir with a famous symphony director. If you remember one of your “moments,” you probably experienced what many professional athletes refer to as the “Rookie Rush.”
The “Rookie Rush” is the experience of getting the “chance of a lifetime” and is characterized by:
Passion: Rookies are fueled by love of the game
Belief: Rookies believe in the impossible
Humility: Rookies have a lot to learn from veterans
Gratitude: Rookies know that nothing can be taken for granted
Intensity: Rookies are willing to do whatever it takes to make it.
The movie “Brian’s Song” depicts running back Brian Piccolo’s journey in the NFL alongside HOF running back Gayle Sayers. If you have not seen it, it is worth finding and watching. Piccolo demonstrated all five characteristics of the “Rookie Rush” throughout his all too short career. My favorite movie scene was when as a rookie, Piccolo is asked to stand up in a team meeting and sing the fight song from his college alma mater, Wake Forest. Even in this activity, he demonstrated the passion of a rookie singing with great gusto only to sit down to a plate full of mashed potatoes (placed in his chair by his eventual best friend, Sayers) as his “reward.”
We all have the ultimate “chance of a lifetime” when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The challenge is to live as if we were rookies and meet that relationship with rookie level Passion, Belief, Humility, Gratitude, and Intensity.
Have a great week, ROOKIE!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page
The Real Deal
Theme: The Real Deal
Verse: God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)
Sometimes athletes get so caught up in the hype around their abilities they start to believe they are better than they actually are. It’s called reading one’s headlines. It can be a dangerous thing at all levels, but especially for a developing athlete.
The same thing is true in our faith walk. If we forget the God is in control of all things and start thinking we can handle things on our own, God often has a funny way slicing his way into our lives to remind us.
God wants us to be real with Him and with our fellow man. The best word for it is INTEGRITY. It sounds simple but integrity is challenging. It requires being transparent with those around you and not believing the headlines people write about you. It also requires the courage to do what is right even when doing the right thing is hard. Sometimes you may be standing alone defending an idea or principle that is not popular. When you do, God will be with you and frankly that is all you really need.
Challenge for the week: Find something that is holding you back from being truly real with God and therefore keeping you from experiencing the fullness of Christ. God already knows what it is, He’s just waiting for you to catch up. When you do, let God heal it and see if it does not transform your life.
Have a great week!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page
The Faith Peloton
The Faith Peloton
Verse: Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12)
Have you ever watched the Tour De France? If you are not familiar with it, it is a three-week long cycling race, that covers nearly the distance across the United States. To win it, one needs a team to play their respective roles. It’s fair to say that no one has ever WON the race ON THEIR OWN.
One of the unique characteristics of cycling is the peloton. The peloton is a large group of riders working together to conserve energy. Estimates are that the peloton group experiences about 40% less wind resistance than the breakaway group of leaders in front of them. But that breakaway group works much harder. In the end, the peloton often catches the breakaway group by the end of the stage and has a lot more energy the next day.
As humans, God designed us to work together, so the idea of a peloton is one we should embrace. Just like in a peloton, our groups can help us bear each other’s burdens or push each other for greater achievement.
In our spiritual lives we all have the same goal, to become more like Jesus. To do that, we inevitably must rely on the strengths of others to make up for our shortcomings (and vice versa).
So, as we continue our faith walk, don’t worry about your shortcomings. If you stay with a faith group (your Faith Peloton) there will always be someone to pick you up when you need it.
Know your role. Embrace it. Do that role as well as you can for the sake of the team. That way all of us can FINISH THE RACE STRONG.
Have a great week!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page
Competitive Greatness
Theme: Competitive Greatness
Verse: Run with a purpose in every step. (1 Corinthians 9:26)
Quote: “Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better” – Bill Bradley, New Jersey Senator, 2 x NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Basketball Hall of Famer, and 1961 graduate of Crystal City (MO) High School. (Go Hornets!)
When I consider the greatest coaches of all time, it’s hard to argue with John Wooden, “The Wizard of Westwood” who led the UCLA Bruins to 10 NCAA basketball championships in 12 years. Sure, he had great players, but he had to mold them into a team that could execute consistently night after night.
Wooden coined the term “Competitive Greatness.” What does that mean? It’s not being the BEST but being the BEST YOU CAN BE. There is a big difference. While there can only be one “BEST,” everyone can simultaneously be the “BEST THAT THEY CAN BE.” When that happens, especially in a team environment, that’s when you often see David defeat Goliath.
Competitive Greatness is rising to the occasion to push yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to reach your God given potential. It boils down to three “B”’s:
“BE” Prepared: This is fundamental to Competitive Greatness. During life God will present countless opportunities for you to be great. The question is will you be ready for the opportunity? Will you have prepared sufficiently when God puts an opportunity in front of us to be His Hands and Feet? Will you have the tools ready to provide spiritual, physical, or perhaps financial help in the opportunities placed before us?
“BE” Disciplined: This is working hard on your craft when no one is around. Great athletes put in the work. Maybe they do an extra set of pushups after the prescribed workout or shoot extra free throws after practice. For us maybe it is the self-discipline to read an extra book to make us ready for the opportunity that is coming around the bend.
“BE” Focused: This is about clear vision. We cannot hit a target upon which we are not focused. In the 2004 Olympics, the leader in the 50M rifle competition fired his final shot at the wrong target. His lack of focus took him from the gold medal to 8th place (BTW: except in the movie “Meet the Fockers” there is no medal for 8th place). When we focus on the right things, whether that is in sport or in our spiritual walk, our target remains clear. Staying focused on OUR RIGHT TARGET will lead to Competitive Greatness.
Maybe none of us can be THE BEST (Think of your favorite G.O.A.T. here). But the challenge going forward is for each of us THE BEST WE CAN BE. If we do that, we cannot be stopped and through us God will do amazing things.
Have a great week!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page
Bigger, Faster, Stronger
Theme: Bigger, Faster, Stronger
Verse: For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)
Did you know athletes spend over 95% of their time training for the less than 5% that they actually compete. That training is designed by coaches with specific objectives in mind. The athlete must make sacrifices of time and pain to get to where they want to be.
How much time do we spend in spiritual training? The ratio is often reversed. Do we even have a plan? Absent a coherent plan we often find ourselves spiritually ill-prepared for life’s challenges.
Just like in athletics, our desire must be matched by our ACTIONS. We need a good training plan, and we need to put in the time executing that plan. As you do that you are likely to find these truths:
1. Training is often opposed. The enemy is going to show up to disrupt your training plan to connect with Giod.
2. Training is painful but has a purpose. You will be stretched beyond your limits and become sore. As I’m being reminded post knee replacement surgery, pain is always a precursor to growth.
3. Training is a means, not an end. It’s great to have a training regimen, but without the goal to be changed into the likeness of Christ, our spiritual training can easily devolve into religious activity that we check off of our to-do list.
Challenge entering the new year: Show up for your physical AND spiritual workouts. In both, make the sacrifice. You will be BIGGER, FASTER, AND STRONGER, on the other side.
If we do the TRAINING, God will take care of the CHANGING!
Have a great week!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page
Game Changing Moments
Theme: Game Changing Moments
Verse: Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
David Freese will never get into the MLB Hall of Fame without paying admission, BUT for St Louis Cardinals fans he will live in their hearts forever for his sequence of game-changing moments in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series. With the Texas Rangers one strike away from their first WS championship, Freese’s two-out, two-strike triple tied the game sending the game to extra innings. He later won the game leading off the 11th with a blast to centerfield sending Busch Stadium into a frenzy and the Series to Game 7 (which the Cards won).
We can all probably point to a game-changing moment in sports, but what about in our lives? What was the moment that inspired you to do your vocation? What about when you knew you had met the love of your life? And most importantly, when did you really take Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Game-Changing moments rarely are as apparent in real time as David Freese’s “heroics” in Game 6, but they are nonetheless just as important to mark as time references when we look back.
Challenge for the New Year: Consider your significant life milestones especially the one that led you to Christ. If possible, contact the person or persons responsible for that game-changing moment and tell how they inspired profound change in your life.
Have a great week!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page
Good and Bad
Theme: Good and Bad
Verse: Joy comes in the morning after a night of weeping. (Psalms 30:5)
When I lived in Hawaii, people used to ask me if I missed having four seasons. My typical response was “There are still four seasons in Hawaii; they are called Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Hockey.”
In places other than our 50th state, there are four WEATHER seasons. The seasons are a reminder that our lives proceed in cycles. If we find ourselves in darkness (Winter) there is light (Spring) ahead. The stress of Summer heat at some point will yield to the beauty of Autumn’s leaves.
We need to accept the Good with the Bad. Both are part of God’s plan for us. No one leads a “perfect” life nor is any life without value. The challenge is to not get too high on the Good or too low on the Bad.
My prayer is that the Good for you far outweighs the Bad and that when you have the Good, you are in a position to help those who are experiencing the Bad.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Live in Community
Theme: Live in Community
Verse: Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
I often use baseball as a metaphor for life. There are one-on-one struggles between pitcher and batter. There are lines on the field that separate fair and foul balls (right and wrong; sometimes we don’t always get the call right on the initial viewing), and finally, in most cases, multiple people have to contribute to the successful conclusion of an inning (a task; it’s pretty hard to get out of an inning without several people contributing, as the unassisted triple play is pretty rare).
While running is typically an individual event, that does not mean we do it alone. There are running groups in almost every community that encourage and promote healthy exercise habits. In the case of Brandon, FL the groups I’m familiar with (Brandon Running Association and Plant City Running Club) do a nice job of supporting each other and the community.
We all need community to live a full life. That is especially true in our faith walk. Much like in running clubs, people in our faith groups are going to be at different spots on the journey. The point is to be part of the community. Your presence may be the encouragement someone else needs in the moment OR you might be fed something important that you weren’t anticipating.
God has a knack for showing up at just the right time in just the right way!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Harness Your Motivation
Theme: Harness Your Motivation
Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7
Getting in the proper frame of mind when performing a “task” is important. Pastor Jamie Westlake used to describe serving life around our church as doing “GET TO” things instead of “HAVE TO” things.
What if our jobs, school, church and yes, even exercise were things that we always looked forward to instead of drudgery? Do you think we would handle each of them differently than we do today? Would you have more bounce in your step as you dressed for work? Would you read the textbook with a little more enthusiasm? Would you study the Sunday School lesson before the drive to church? Would you see the 40-minute run before you as an opportunity rather than a chore?
A life of “GET TOs”! What a transformational way of looking at our lives!
The “GET TO” model is my youngest daughter, Amanda. She is a schoolteacher and by all accounts a pretty good one as she is her school’s nominee for Teacher of the Year. She genuinely cares about her students and how they progress in her classes. Consequently, she is constantly creating innovative ways to present material (Algebra and Statistics) to high schoolers giving them the best chance at academic success.
So, the challenge going forward is to look at our motivations in things we do. If they are not “GET TOs,” maybe some changes are in order. Our lives are too short to not be happy in all that we do.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Dedicate Yourself to Progress
Theme: Dedicate Yourself to Progress ,
Verse: Hebrews 12:1
From 1980 to about 2000, the U.S. Army’s recruiting slogan was “Be All That You Can Be.” As an Air Force guy, I hate to admit that the Army nailed that one. That iconic slogan is appropriate for this week’s devotional.
To me the slogan means commitment. We can be committed to many things. Our spouse, our children, work, school, exercise to name a few. Regardless of what we are committed to, we should dedicate ourselves to progress in those areas. Doing so is consistent with God’s plan for each of us.
He wants each of us to work through life’s obstacles to not only become better versions of ourselves but better examples for others. He wants us to take risks (calculated ones, not jump off a building without a parachute). When we work our way through obstacles, we learn that our bodies and minds have limits well beyond what originally imagined.
In the race of life, there will always be those that are stronger, faster, and smarter than us. That does not keep us from improving to become the BEST WE CAN BE.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Finding Balance
Theme: Finding Balance
Verse: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
What is the right balance between exercise and rest? Those who know me would say I am probably the one person on the planet totally unqualified to answer that question.
God creation is us is truly remarkable. It comes equipped with a self-regulator that tells us when we are doing too much (IF WE PAY ATTENTION). Long before watches told us our heartrate, counted our steps, and told us what we ate for breakfast, we learned that the body sends us messages about our effort level. For example, how much can you talk during a run? On long runs, you can probably carry on a conversation, but when doing interval work two or three words at a time is probably all you can muster.
Listening to ourselves does not simply go for exercise. We can self-evaluate our lives to see when they get out of balance. This imbalance can come in many forms; too much (or too little) work, over emphasis on watching sports (did I really say that?), overspending, too much screen time. If we are honest with ourselves, we generally know when any of these are happening.
As I have noted several times, we all have 168 hours in a week, which is really plenty to fit it all in. There is time for exercise, work (school), building/maintaining relationships, and yes, quiet meditation and reflection. For the latter, you can start with the verse for this devotional. (If you are older than 50 you may just start singing a chart-topping song from 1965 by “The Byrds”)
You are reading this the day after Thanksgiving, so we have entered “The Season”. The holidays can be very stressful and time-consuming. The challenge is to be pro-active, recognize that imbalance can be a potential problem and make this season not only the Season of Joy, but the Season of Balance!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
It’s Never Too Late to set Goals
Theme: It’s Never Too Late to set Goals
Verse: Luke 14:28
We are about one month from turning the calendar over into a new year. It’s the time for setting new goals as we go through the annual ritual of resetting our lives.
Goals are like lights on a pathway through this uncharted trail called life. We need the lights to stay on course and move forward. And as we get older, the lights may need to be stronger since our eyesight may have faded.
So, from that perspective you might say those of us eligible for Social Security (and beyond) need BIGGER GOALS (lights). Maybe so. We certainly have a lot of more tangible things in our life to consider than we did when we were in our 20s and 30s. And hopefully some increased wisdom to help us along the way.
The challenge as we count down towards January 2024 is to consider what God wants us to be and consider GOALS consistent with that. Write the goals down and Go Get ‘Em!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
The Father Came Running
Theme: The Father Came Running
Verse: Luke 15: 11-32
Family is important. It is the one relationship we don’t get to choose. Instead, we are born into it. (I’m sorry, Beth, there is nothing you can do about it. You are stuck with me!)
The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 teaches a lot about relationships. For me, the primary message is, “Always Be There!”
For those not familiar with the parable, it is the story of a wealthy man with two sons. The younger one asks for his inheritance early, squanders it, then must return to his father in shame. Instead of holding his son in contempt, the father welcomed him back with open arms celebrating his return.
For me, the important lesson is what happened with the older son. He was initially upset that his brother that had done all the “wrong” things was treated to a hero’s welcome, while the older brother, who did everything “right,” seemingly got no credit for his goodness. When challenged the father explained to his older son, “You are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”
My takeaway is that love is one thing that has no limits. Just because you demonstrate love to someone, does not mean you have to love others less. It is not held in a finite container. In fact, many would contend that the more you love others, the greater your capacity to love becomes.
So, let’s experiment! The challenge as we enter the season where families will get together, look for opportunities to express your love to others in abundance and see where it leads.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
An Act of Worship
Theme: An Act of Worship
Verse: Isaiah 40:31
How did you worship this week? In the pew on Sunday? At your weekly Bible Study? Morning prayers? All would be expected answers, and no one would challenge any of them.
What about when we ran/exercised? (Are you kidding me, Dave? When I run / exercise that is all I can focus upon, how could I possibly worship during that?). I’ve read a lot of people contend that worship and exercise are complementary activities. They both require focus and demonstrate an element of commitment. Exercise also is an act that takes care of God’s greatest creation – YOU!
After exercise, most people feel the endorphins have kicked and give you have what is often called a “runner’s high”. For me, after a worship experience, I have the same feeling. Coincidence? Probably not.
If you are old enough, you may remember the movie, Chariots of Fire. It is the true story of Eric Liddell, also known as the Flying Scotsman and a 1924 British Olympian. In the movie, the writer penned a phrase that is probably the iconic phrase of the movie. Although a fictious quote, it likely was how Liddell felt about the relationship between his running and worship.
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
“Feel His Pleasure”! I often feel that way when I exercise in the morning. And for those keeping score, that’s where any comparison between Eric Liddell and me ends.
Give it a shot. This week try using your exercise time as an extra time of worship. See if by doing so, you don’t feel an extra boost in how you feel afterwards!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Blac
Face Fear with Faith
Theme: Face Fear with Faith
Verse:
Think of the bravest person you know. You certainly regard them as fearless, but do you really think they were absent of all fear?
The truth is we all have some fear in us. It all comes down to how we handle it. In this life we cannot avoid some pain that leads to fear of the unknown; the loss of a loved one, disappointment in a relationship or a job. There will be losses along the way. But when those losses come and we have a moment of fear about our next steps, THAT is that is when the seed of hope is planted.
And where does our hope come from? As Christians, Jesus Christ is our firm foundation on which to place our hope. Think of Christ as a mountain. A mountain is exposed to all the harsh things the world has to offer; rain, wind, snow, humans roaming around etc. Yet the mountain just sits there absorbing it all, maintaining its majestic presence.
We all can have the majestic presence of Jesus absorb all those things that make of fearful. We just have to give them all to Him.
The classic hymn lyrics written by Edward Mote in 1834 sums this devotional up nicely.
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Running is a Vacation
Theme: Running is a Vacation
Verse: Luke 5:16
There are probably some of you that may disagree, but running / exercise can be like a vacation.
I can hear the crowd screaming, “A vacation? You have got to be kidding. Please tell me how?”
Vacations are by their very definition a period of leisure and recreation, usually (but not always) spent traveling. (Really? Leisure and recreation? You are not convincing me!)
Let’s try this. How about we deconstruct the word “recreation”. RE – CREATION: To make again or anew. Isn’t that part of what happens when we exercise? We take the body that God has given us and for a brief period we are molding it to be more functional.
But exercise is not always about something physical. We need to exercise our minds and our faith as well. All those forms of exercise need to be part of daily/weekly routine. God gives us 168 hours in a week (169 coming up in a couple of weeks if you live in a place that changes clocks). We get to choose how we spend those hours and there is plenty of time to fit it all in. We just have to make the choice. Failing to find time to exercise all those things is a self-inflicted error.
This week’s challenge. Examine how you use the hours during the week and see if you can find some extra time to take a “vacation” exercising your body, mind, AND soul.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
It’s a God Thing
Theme: It’s a God Thing
Verse: Ephesians 4:16
Being able to remain active is a privilege. As I grow older it becomes more and more difficult to keep up the same level of exercise as I once did, but I keep at it.
Running Half-Marathons used to be no problem. I would run them weekly. I even threw in an occasional full marathon and did those WEAKLY. More recently I have been doing the 5K circuit and soon I will make another transition as I have knee replacement surgery. After that, my nephews will finally be able to beat their uncle in a race, as I will be limited to walking.
But in general, my health is pretty good, and I know that is a blessing from God. I’m thankful for the many years God has granted me the ability to participate in the running game and especially the friendships I have made along the way. God made us as social creatures and we are at our best when we interact with others. Running (exercise) in groups is a great way to get a two-fer. It does not have to be training for a marathon all the time, but consistent activity is good for the body and for the soul.
Wherever you are on the health and fitness continuum there is room for everyone in running or other forms of exercise. So, whether you are in your early 20’s (like Lily who is running a half marathon as I write this) or in your mid 90’s (like Ralph, who I want to be like when I grow up) the message is the same. “Don’t give up, Do what you can”. You will be honoring God in the process by taking care of his greatest creation (YOU) and might make some new friends along the way.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
We are all Marathoners
Theme: We are all Marathoners
Verse: Romans 14:1-23
Do you know what is great about running a race? You get to be on “field of play” at the same time as all sorts of skill levels. That doesn’t happen in other sports. By their very nature, other sports are designed such that different skill levels (or age groups) are segregated to keep the competition fair and interesting.
But that is not how life works, is it? As we go about our lives, we encounter people with different experiences and abilities. The differences are what make life interesting. In the movie, Pleasantville, a couple of 1990s teenagers jump into a 1950’s television show in which everything is, as the title suggests, “pleasant”. The high school basketball team wins every game (and never misses a shot), the weather is a constant 72 degrees with no humidity (a weather forecaster’s dream), and everyone has perfect relationships. As the 90’s teenagers jump in, everything is in black and white (just like TV shows used to be); in a word, “BORING”. Then, as these newcomers introduce new ideas into the community, things turn into beautiful vivid colors.
We need differences in our world to make life interesting. God created each of us as a unique person with something important to contribute to this race we call LIFE. It does not matter if we run the marathon in 3 hours or 7 hours. The important thing is that we participate, and we finish the race.
This week let’s embrace the truth that while our Declaration of Independence declares that “all were created equal”, it does not mean that we are “the same”. And for that we can be very grateful!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Blac
Enjoy Where You Are
Theme: Enjoy Where You Are
Verse: Isaiah 58: 9-11
When I was growing up, I dreamt of duplicating Bill Mazeroski’s feat of hitting a walk off homerun in Game 7 of the World Series or of playing in the NBA like hometown hero, Bill Bradley. But as I became a teenager it became clear I had a limited skill set that ended my “career” in both those sports at about age 15. My inability to continue competing in those sports did not diminish my love of the games or keep me from pursuing other things in life. I had to examine my circumstance and decide that God had a different path for me.
There is always going to be someone who runs faster, throws a ball better, is smarter, is a better salesman than us. Just because we do not have all the skill sets, does not diminish who we are.
The best Christmas movie of all time is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (This is not open for debate.) If you don’t know the story, my first question would be how is that possible given how ubiquitous the movie is? That said, the movie applies to this devotional because the hero, George Bailey, discovers how his self-proclaimed insignificant life has impacted so many people, including those he never met.
Sometimes it is difficult to be satisfied with our accomplishments if we perceive them as inferior to what others have done. But it is healthy for us to reflect on what we have accomplished and be grateful for what the Lord has allowed us to accomplish already.
This week, step back, examine your life, and resolve to be grateful for what you have accomplished! God Loves You just as you are!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Encourage Others
Theme: Encourage Others
Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The movie “We Are Marshall” is based on the true and tragic story of the plane crash that killed nearly the entirety of the 1970 Marshall University football team. Near the end of the film, the new head coach gives an inspiring speech which is essentially a eulogy for the 75 people that perished in the crash. He implores his new players to work hard and give everything they have to the task at hand (that day’s football game), The key portion of the speech goes like this,
“When you take that field today, you've gotta lay that heart on the line, men. From the souls of your feet, with every ounce of blood you've got in your body, lay it on the line until the final whistle blows. And if you do that, IF YOU DO THAT, we cannot lose. We may be behind on the scoreboard at the end of the game but if you play like that we cannot be defeated.”
WE CANNOT BE DEFEATED! Now those are inspiring words. There will be struggles along the way and at some point, each one of us will need some encouragement to get beyond the disappointment of what appears to be a “LOSS”. But at other times, we surely will have the chance to be the encourager. If we support each other with an attitude of genuine caring, we all will get through our struggles and be better for it on the other side.
This week’s challenge: Look for a way to encourage others. If we do that for one another, WE CANNOT LOSE, WE CANNOT BE DEFEATED.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black