Alphabetical
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October 23, 2013
Set:
A workout partner is someone who will be there for you. It is a person who has your same desire to succeed. A workout partner is someone who can't wait to train with you. It is someone who can't wait to be energized by your energy level.
Paul was writing to the church in Rome. He couldn't wait to see them and spend time with them. Paul was excited to help them train. He was excited to tell them about Jesus. Paul was excited to train with them and be mutually encouraged by them.
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May 21, 2009
Set:
OK, I admit it. I worry too much. I worry about work, worry about my family, worry, worry, worry. And it always seems like for every worry I have, I gain 10 pounds. Talk about being weighed down! We all struggle with it from time to time.
How do we get rid of the baggage that worry brings? Well, that is easy—leave it at the cross. Which, as we all know, is easier said than done. However, the second part of today’s verse is quite helpful. When I tend to worry too much, I find myself encouraging others more. I love to encourage others and brighten their days. Encouragement is fuel to our lives. It keeps our tanks full and overflowing.
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April 27, 2009
Set:
One problem with us today is that we often forget we own nothing. Talent, leadership ability, and even the very lives we live are God’s property.
Job lost all he had through no fault of his own. As he struggled to understand why, it became clear that it was not meant for him to know the reasons. How he reacted is paramount—He worshiped God! Today we tend to worship depending on how well life is treating us. Job exemplified a very valuable principle—worship is the lifestyle we lead, not the momentary prevailing mind-set.
Walk it Out. We have to live out our theology through action.
Obey. Every Christian has been called to obedience. Job was known as a man of integrity because he obeyed God.
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July 03, 2013
Set:
When we think of worshiping God, what comes to mind? Praying? Going to church? Singing? Worship includes these things, but encompasses much more.
When I started in professional tennis, I aimlessly played for my own pleasure. Gradually, I realized we are to worship the Lord in everything we do. So how can we worship through sports? Much of the answer lies in our attitude and motivation.
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March 29, 2009
Set:
If you love God, you’ll obey Him. So your act of worship is service. If you’re truly worshiping and loving and admiring who God is and what He’s done in your life, it’s going to be a natural process to serve. If you think of worship as a whole, you worship God with the talents that He’s given you. For me, basketball is a way that I can worship Him and give back what He’s given to me. If you think of it with respect to service and the time and the resources that He’s given you, your act of worship is utilizing those things to help others. So when it comes to true worship, my prayer is, “Change my heart.” I feel like your heart should be a true reflection of God and what He would want you to be doing.
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August 17, 2013
Set:
In the movie Invincible, the story of Philadelphia Eagles fan-turned-NFL-pro Vince Papale plays out on the big screen. After losing his job and wife, he was told he would never amount to anything, that he wouldn’t make any money, and wasn’t going anywhere.
Some of us have experienced a coach saying, “You’re not talented enough. You won’t make it.” Possibly a coworker, spouse, friend, or parent has caused doubt.
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February 18, 2013
Set:
I recently went through a life-changing experience. After years of pain and struggle, I finally had a total knee replacement on my left knee. Before my surgery, everyone who’d gone through the same thing said having it done was a great decision. Today, one week after surgery, I am slowly beginning to believe that. The previous six days, however, have been marked with pain like I’ve never felt before. I’ve experienced new struggles that seemed unreasonable and have often been tempted to quit. All of this because of a change in my left knee.
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December 14, 2012
Set:
When is the last time you thought my life is worth nothing? In a culture of self-esteem where everyone wins because we don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, this is not a popular theme. We often see athletes pointing to their names on their jerseys or thumping their chests when they make a great play. Still other athletes refuse to play for a team because they don’t have a chance of winning a championship. It is the ultimate in selfishness!
We have plenty of examples of the “It’s all about me” belief in sports and in life. After all, there’s no “I” in team, but there is “me”!
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April 16, 2004
Set:
He knew it could be his day. He had been there before, but today would be different. Phil Mickelson finally landed his first major tour victory after 46 attempts. Draining an 18-foot putt on the final hole of the tournament could not have made it any sweeter. He had waited for a long time for this victory, and it was worth the wait.
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April 21, 2008
Set:
April 13, 2008, was a day that marked a historic change for one man. Trevor Immelman walked up the 18th fairway and, with one final putt, forever altered his life. Before he hit that putt he was known as Trevor Immelman, PGA Tour player. After the putt, he earned the title Trevor Immelman, Masters Champion. That is a worthy goal to which all golfers aspire. Only a few days prior, Immelman had been a virtual unknown, but now he is a household name all over country.