Champion Builders

Run After It!

READ: ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:11-12‬ ‭ESV‬‬
http://bible.com/59/1ti.6.11-12.esv

Any kind of human relationship requires energy and effort. And our relationship with God is no different. In fact if we were to see the energy and love that God has spent forth on our behalf, it would be terribly lopsided in His favor. Oh my, how he has loved us!

So if it is our desire to reciprocate this love He has shown us, Paul tells us it will take some effort to do this. Look at the ACTION and EFFORT that is required of us:

➡️ FLEE these things- What things do we need to turn away from (repent) that are leading us astray?
➡️ PURSUE godly attributes- Are we putting ourself around people and places where we are going to grow in these areas today?
➡️ FIGHT the good fight of faith- Do you know you are under attack? Your enemy is your sinful nature as well as Satan. Most people don’t know they have been straight up or subversively attacked their whole life. We have to battle against doubt and unbelief which are the enemy’s old but deadly strategies.
➡️ TAKE HOLD of the eternal life- Are we persistent in “grasping” and remembering the good news of the Gospel? If we have have received Christ into our life, we must not forget “every good thing we have in Christ.” Our identity is in Him, about Him, and continually found in Him!

So as for you man of God, will you run after these things today?!

Articles

What is God’s Idea of a Champion?

But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. – Luke 22:26

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. –1 Peter 2:21

A Champion literally translated is one who “stands in between the two middles”. He stands in the gap. He fights for those he cares about. His cause is great. In fact, it is greater than himself. Most people think of a champion as one who wins in a sport. And in many cases, it is only about that individual or team rising above the other opposing team to prove that they are greater.

God’s idea of a Champion is greater.

God’s Champion is a God seeker, fighter, lover, and servant.

SEEKER: First and foremost, a Champion seeks after God. His ultimate goal is being so in tune with God that everything he does flows out of that relationship. He hears, feels and knows God’s heart and desires. He is guided by God’s spirit and longs for God’s ways and love to be known and experienced by all. He wants joy and happiness for himself and others and he knows that seeking God is the key.
FIGHTER: Yes he competes. He strives. He works to get better. He wants all that he does to be the best because he knows his life, others and the Cause are at stake. His fight however is for God. And his number one enemy is satan and his own flesh that keeps trying to feed him lies of doubt and unbelief.
LOVER: The great drive to protect and fight comes from his deep love. It wells up in him so much that he does things any ordinary person would instinctively turn and run in fear. A champion is the greatest lover on earth!
SERVANT: A true leader is a servant leader. Jesus himself said, “the greatest one among should be…like the one who serves.” And a leader by definition champions others by serving and using his life… skills, talents, personality and resources…to help others.

We want young men to not just be another winner of a game…we want them to be Champions in life?

Click below to see a visual presentation we are using during our gatherings with our young men and coaches:

What is a Champion?

Devotions, Luke 22

What is a Champion?

But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
– Luke 22:26

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. –1 Peter 2:21

God’s idea of a Champion is greater.

God’s Champion is a God seeker, fighter, lover, and servant.

SEEKER: First and foremost a Champion seeks after God. His ultimate goal is being so in tune with God that everything he does flows out of that relationship. He hears, feels and knows God’s heart and desires. He is guided by God’s spirit and longs for God’s ways and love to be known and experienced by all. He wants joy and happiness for himself and others and he knows that seeking God is the key.
FIGHTER: Yes he competes. He strives. He works to get better. He wants all that he does to be the best because he knows his life, others and the Cause are at stake. His fight however is for God. Public enemy #1 & #2 is Satan and our own flesh that keeps trying to feed us lies of doubt and unbelief.
LOVER: The great drive to protect and fight comes from his deep love. It wells up in him so much that he does things any ordinary person would instinctively turn and run in fear. A champion is the greatest lover on earth!
SERVANT: A true leader is a servant leader. Jesus himself said, “the greatest one among should be…like the one who serves.” And a leader by definition champions others by serving and using his life… skills, talents, personality and resources…to help others.

Will you be just another winner of a game? Or will you be a Champion in life?

PRAY:

Jesus I need your help to learn how to submit by desires and wills to Your leading in my life. Teach me more how you championed others. I know it won’t be easy, but I know by Your help you will help me to be more of a leader, servant…a Champion…for You!

Devotions, Psalm 51

Missions In Your Mess Up

What is that sin that you keep falling into? In what area of your life do you feel you have blown it so bad that you don’t see how any good can come out of it? Are you feeling hopeless with the depth of your sin or what others sins have done to you?

Take heart….because you are not alone. In fact God holds up one man in particular as “a man after His own heart” but yet he is known as one of the biggest screw-ups of all time too.

READ: Psalm 51:1-17

David commited two horrible sins. Namely sexual sin and murder. But, did you notice what he said? Consider these questions: Who did he say he sinned against? What did he ask God for? What was the attitude of his heart?

Beyond admitting his guilt and beyond a heart of repentance and humility, we see another amazing thing happen. It is interesting that in the midst of David’s horrible sin, there is a spirit of missions. David’s desire was for God to use his “mess up” to help other people to move out of the dark places and sin in their own lives. And because of David’s repentance and humility, he answers David prayer.

So can God use your “mess ups” and a sinner like you and me? You better believe it!

**Below is a link to a great audio clip that is from John Piper. If you are struggling in sexual sin (or any other for that matter), listen to the short clip and let it minister to your heart.**

Why Sex Is Not the Root of Sexual Sins (Episode 396) #askpastorjohn

Devotions, Romans 6

Working for the Boss of Sin

If we have lived long enough and are honest with ourselves, we know that something is not right with us and the world. Scripture tells us the problem is sin. Some people are better at sinning than others, but the outcome of a life of sin is a bad deal. In fact, check out what the Bible says…

READ: Romans 6:23

The first part of that passage says the the outcome (the wages) of a life filled with sin, is death. Just like when you work for someone, in return for your labor, they promise you money (a wage) for your services. The principle of living in sin…or working for sin…is the same: “the wages of sin is death.“ Yikes!

But there is good news if you are tired of working for the “boss” of sin.

“The wages of sin is death BUT….[and that but is huge!]..the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The good news is that Jesus has come to rescue us from a life of labor for sin. He comes to offer you and I a gift. We just have to receive it.

Do you know how to receive it? If you don’t check this out. But, before you do why don’t you talk to God and thank him for what he has done for you.

PRAY: “God thank you for giving me a way out from a life of being a slave to my sin. And Jesus I really want to know the gift that you offer and I long to receive it.

Devotions, Romans 3

Something is Not Right

With all that is good in this world, we also know that there is a lot of bad. So, if God created us for the purpose of reflecting His glory and joining with Him in His good work, then what happened? As we look around the world, something has gone terribly wrong. Check out what the bible says is the problem…

READ: Romans 3:23

What has caused us to “fall short” of what God wants for us? It is a small word that has huge consequences. “Sin” can be described as having a “rebellious, anti-God attitude”. It is more than just doing a bunch of bad things (i.e. sins), it means we have a natural bent toward being selfish or wanting our own way. It is a “disease of our heart” that needs a cure.

The good news is there is a “cure”! Do you know what it is? Post on the link “Ask or share anything”.

Devotions, John 1

Do You Believe AND Receive Christmas?

Most people, generally speaking, like the Christmas season…of course minus the frantic shopping and the overloaded spending and schedules and such. Despite all that, most people also see it as a season of cheerfulness and giving. Christians see it as such, but even so much more.

Many believe that Christmas signifies the time when the Savior of mankind…Jesus…God in the flesh, became human. While this is true, it is also true that you can know this fact without it making any true impact in your life. You may say you believe in it…but have you really RECEIVED it?

READ: John 1:9-12

Did you see the distinction in the words receiving and believing? Why do you think that is there?

Imagine a kid at Christmas so excited about a gift he sees under the tree. He even figures out what it is based on the size of the packaging and by the “shake test”, and he becomes even more excited about knowing he is going to get this gift. But, how strange would it be on Christmas morning if the kid decides he is not going to open it up and play with it? He just knew it was offered there to him, but he didn’t receive it.

Just like that kid, we must not only believe….but we must receive the gift.

How will you RECEIVE Christmas this year? (write you response below)

PRAY: Jesus I pray that you will help me see that you are the Greatest Gift I should receive this Christmas. Forgive me that for too long I have known You are there for me but I have never received You into my life. Please show me how to do this.

NOTE: If you feel like you really want to know how to receive Jesus into your life, please don’t hesitate…but let someone you trust who knows Jesus, help show you how to do that.

1 Corinthians 10, Devotions

What it means to be a Christian athlete…

Does praying before a game help you win? Whose side is God on? Click the link above to read a thought. Then…

READ: 1 Corinthians 10:31

PRAY: God thank you that you love me. Thank you it is not based on my performance…but Yours. I choose to train, play games, and live life today not for my own glory… but Yours. I know that when I do this, whether I succeed or fail today, I will be a true champion because I did it for You.

What it means to be a Christian athlete…

Devotions, John 2

Jesus Likes Your Party

Did you know Jesus cares about what you care about? And when asked to help, He will, as long as it ultimately gives Him glory.

READ: John 2: 1-11

Did you see it?

Jesus loves to be around people.
He likes to have fun and to celebrate.
He cares about what you are dealing with even though His plans have a greater and more ultimate purpose.

You maybe thinking, “but why did he say: ‘Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.”? In that culture, to run out of wine at a wedding was a big taboo. You see Jesus was foreshadowing how his death and own blood would be like the wine he made to “save the day” at the party. His blood would be a sign of the new promise of a way for all of us to be made right with God. He wants to “save the day” for you and me!

That’s a real reason to party!

Devotions, John 18

What is The Truth?

Have you ever wondered if what you were taught was really the truth?

Back in college I had to decide if my faith was just a cultural thing or did it have real truth to it. I grew up going to church, so I wanted to explore if what was said about Jesus was really true. Was it really the truth?

Many have wrestled with the same question.

Today let’s look at a person who was very powerful, smart and influential but that didn’t have the church background and knew very little about Jesus.

READ: John 18: 28-38

One of the things I like about Jesus is he gets you to think….(kinda like that one teacher that gets on your nerves a little but you really respect because you feel like you are really learning something). Jesus response was:

“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” (John 18:34 NIV).
- Jesus asked this because our response to who Jesus is has eternal consequences.
“Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to me.”
If we really care about the truth to life’s biggest, life impacting, and eternal questions…then we need to find out everything Jesus said!

PRAY: God I really want to know the truth. If it is true that how i respond to who Jesus is has eternal consequences, please continue to reveal to me why this is so. Help me to diligently read the Bible regularly to find out everything Jesus said.