My daughter has a very good memory. This past week we were talking about the beach, (that is what you do in March when you cannot get way, you dream about July and North Carolina beaches), as we recalled our trip from last year, I was amazed at the details she could remember. “Daddy, I remember watching Thomas and then the lights went out and then the fireworks started, and I got to stay up late with you and Mommy…”
I thought to myself... I cannot recall what I watched two weeks ago that quickly. Our memory bank is a fascinating part of our body. It is amazing how much we can recall from past years, however, I am sure there is plenty we have forgotten. I know coaches who can recall games 10 years back as if we just played it last night. My memory is not always that strong.
As I was preparing this week for a teaching, I began reading through Psalm 106. In verse 12, the Psalmist reminds us of some others who had the tendency to forget…”they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.” God’s people had forgotten all He had done for them, despite singing His praises.
My prayer for us today is that we would never forget the things God has done for us. Yes, family memories and athletic contests are good to keep in the memory banks, but they do not compare to the work of God. I try to keep 2 Cor. 5:21 on my mind as a reminder of the price that was paid for my freedom.
I also try to recall specific times in my life where I saw God at work… it is these times I want to keep fresh in my mind. If you are in a tough spot or a dry spell today, think back to God’s goodness in your life, sing His praise, but never forget what He has done for you. Our mind is a powerful tool; let’s fill in with the Goodness of our God today.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Character Sill Counts
Guest Post: This is a reminder from my good friend and Pastor of Sports Ministry at the Chapel. I appreciate Dale Saylor's heart and passion to honor our Savior through sport. Dale spent a number of years serving with FCA prior to joining the Chapel staff. As you read it over, I hope this encourages you today.
Dale Saylor writes...
Have you taken notice to the fact that coaches and organizations are de-emphasizing ‘home-grown’ talent in lieu of grabbing hotshots from other teams? Many major league camps [and major colleges] use sophisticated techniques in examining player performance – always searching for computer-verifiable perfection. On the other end of the spectrum are those coaches and managers that evaluate players - to large extent - based upon their physical appearance.
Appearances can be deceiving and stats may be of some help, but they need to be augmented by a searching analysis of one’s character. John Smoltz [Atlanta Braves pitcher] mentions that, “Some managers see a player with all the tools and go wild, but the tools will be misused if the character isn’t there . . . instead of doing research at ground level to find out what’s in the hearts of players – they hand out huge multi-year contracts without knowing enough about the players and the families to determine whether a player given all that money and security is going to get lazy.”
It is important check the heart – to see whether a player loves what they are doing enough to put in all the required hard work. Perhaps, the most useful stats are those that show how a player performs in clutch situations. Don’t you want a ‘gamer’ -someone that is willing to lay it all on the line in pressure situations? Many individuals may perform well in relaxed situations - - and choke when you really need them. Consistency and patience are necessary in contributing to ultimate victory.
The Apostle Paul certainly understood what it meant to have a ‘gamer’s heart’. To excel we must display self-control. We cannot be aimless in our focus. Instead we must direct our total effort on becoming more Christ-like. Our relationship with Him produces a renewing of our character as God develops in us the qualities essential for true success. The wisdom we gain from His ‘Game Plan’ [The Bible], along with the guidance of others, helps us grow in commitment, competence, and character. This is how we can have a ‘gamer’s heart’.
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win! All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that is gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself.”
1st Corinthians 9:24-27 [The Message]
Dear Lord, Just as the athlete must successfully work through trials and tribulations - - help us see that it is through the tough times that we improve. May we develop our character and use it for Your glory. Amen.
Dale Saylor writes...
Have you taken notice to the fact that coaches and organizations are de-emphasizing ‘home-grown’ talent in lieu of grabbing hotshots from other teams? Many major league camps [and major colleges] use sophisticated techniques in examining player performance – always searching for computer-verifiable perfection. On the other end of the spectrum are those coaches and managers that evaluate players - to large extent - based upon their physical appearance.
Appearances can be deceiving and stats may be of some help, but they need to be augmented by a searching analysis of one’s character. John Smoltz [Atlanta Braves pitcher] mentions that, “Some managers see a player with all the tools and go wild, but the tools will be misused if the character isn’t there . . . instead of doing research at ground level to find out what’s in the hearts of players – they hand out huge multi-year contracts without knowing enough about the players and the families to determine whether a player given all that money and security is going to get lazy.”
It is important check the heart – to see whether a player loves what they are doing enough to put in all the required hard work. Perhaps, the most useful stats are those that show how a player performs in clutch situations. Don’t you want a ‘gamer’ -someone that is willing to lay it all on the line in pressure situations? Many individuals may perform well in relaxed situations - - and choke when you really need them. Consistency and patience are necessary in contributing to ultimate victory.
The Apostle Paul certainly understood what it meant to have a ‘gamer’s heart’. To excel we must display self-control. We cannot be aimless in our focus. Instead we must direct our total effort on becoming more Christ-like. Our relationship with Him produces a renewing of our character as God develops in us the qualities essential for true success. The wisdom we gain from His ‘Game Plan’ [The Bible], along with the guidance of others, helps us grow in commitment, competence, and character. This is how we can have a ‘gamer’s heart’.
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win! All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that is gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself.”
1st Corinthians 9:24-27 [The Message]
Dear Lord, Just as the athlete must successfully work through trials and tribulations - - help us see that it is through the tough times that we improve. May we develop our character and use it for Your glory. Amen.
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