A Week of Devotions

Today, July 29, 2019, marks 4 years since our 20 year old niece was killed in a bike/car accident. As we walk the road of grief, Grace has been experiencing heaven. She is with our heavenly Father and He has been with us too. I just reread a post I wrote shortly after her death "Grieving for, and with, Grace" and saw a friend's words about God being the great Comforter. It's true. He offers peace we cannot explain. 

This past Friday, we held the 4th Heart of a Champion faith-building sports camp at our church. This combined some of Grace's loves - God, people and sports. I thought of her often as the day went by; she would have loved the camp more than anyone. Kids were having fun, encouraging one another and hearing about Christ. Games were played, questions asked and seeds planted. Our prayers were answered. 

We shared with the kids how this camp wouldn't make them an all-star...they have to practice and work hard to keep getting better. As I passed out our devotional books, we encouraged them in a similar way. We can't hear from a speaker once and expect to grow in our faith. We need to read God's Word for ourselves. In an attempt to give the young athletes a tool, we shared a 5 day devotional. 

Chances are you're not a young athlete, but friend the Word of God is living and active and He just might have something here for you. So, I'd like to invite you to join me for this journey as we take a closer look at our Heavenly Father, who serves as our eternal coach. Also, if you have or know a young athlete feel free to share the devos with them as well.

Introduction

No matter what team you play on, they all have some things in common! There are rules, players and officials, but this week we are going to take a closer look at coaches. These individuals play an important role for you as an athlete.

            

Did you know – as you train as a believer and work to follow Christ, you have a coach too? God, our heavenly Father, is a bit like an eternal coach. Over the next 5 days, we’re going to look at some of His roles and traits. As we get to know our heavenly “Coach” may we continue to develop the HEART of a champion!!

We pray this is a powerful time in God’s Word. Before we begin, we want you to remember that God is unique. We may be able to think about Him in a role similar to one that people around us play, but God is different. He is perfect. He is all-powerful. He is good. He is mighty. He is never wrong.

            

As a “coach,” He will never make a mistake. He will never intentionally hurt you. He will never be defeated. He always wins.

            

This great God wants to help you. He will give you the HEART of a Champion. He created you and has plans for you! Let’s seek Him and study His Word today!

Day 1: Authority

“I am the Lord and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:18b

Definition of Authority: one who has the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience

On your team who enforces the rules? Who determines playing time? Who organizes practice? The coach does. He or she is in charge. They are the leader and have the final say. You could say, “They’re the boss!”

In the game of life, God is our authority. He is the One we must answer to. He’s made the rules and has an eternal plan. Like a coach, He deserves our respect and attention. He is in control. There’s a story in the Bible that tells about Jesus calming the storm. In Matthew 8:27 we read, “And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” Clearly, Jesus had power and authority then and He still does today. On and off the field, may we always acknowledge and appreciate His position.

  

How do you respond to authority figures (coach, parent, teacher, etc.) in your life?

Do you trust and treat God as the ultimate authority?

Lord, I’m thankful you are in control. Help me respect your authority and respond rightly to your direction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Work-Out – Read Psalm 135:5-7. What does this teach us about God?