Kati Poppert-Nebraska Cheerleader/Athlete
Pay It Forward-Give Back What God Gave You

Key Verse: "Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have." -  2 Corinthians 8:12

• Kati is a great example of perseverance, and she has decided to give back what she has learned to others.  Why is it so easy to just focus on our own problems rather than help others with their struggles?

• Kati has displayed all the core values of integrity, teamwork, excellence, and serving.  How has she shown excellence in her athletic career?  What were the things holding her back?

On almost all athletic fields, there is a player or coach who stands out and is considered a star. We give out Star of the Game awards for exceptional play. A player’s outstanding performance brings attention just as shining stars are recognized. In Daniel 12:2 it says that people who lead others to Christ is the equivalent of an exceptional performance in God’s kingdom.

Luke Putney-High School Athlete
The Extra Mile-Feel Your Heart Beat

Key Verse: " But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."  -  2 Chronicles 15:7

• Luke went through a major brain surgery in middle school and lost his vision, but it did not hold him back.  How would you respond to such a circumstance in your life? Where would you draw your strength from?

• Luke’s wrestling coach mentioned that no one want to practice against him because he always goes all out. Is that how you practice?  What can you learn from Luke’s example?

Genesis 9:18-29

1. From this story, what is your impression of Noah? Of his sons? How does this compare with the image presented in Genesis 6:8–10?
2. What do these contrasting images imply about children respecting parents? About righteousness? (Does “righteous” mean sinless?)
3. What does Noah's prophetic curse mean for his three sons? For the people of Israel descended through Shem? (Note: The Lord is the “God of Shem.”)
4. What's the point of including this story in Genesis? Why did Noah curse Canaan for his father's actions? How has your life been affected by the mistakes of your parents? By the successes of your parents? 

Philippians 3:12-14 – It all starts with right desires, but to press ahead we need discipline and trust in God.

Great athletes start with desire, but they don’t just wake up one day as champions. It takes a passionate and disciplined routine of mental and physical training. You can perform at your best only as you get focused on your goal and then give it everything you’ve got.

Ready

Please Note: This study corresponds with the Winning Edge videos found on the 2009 Inside Out DVD. Due to copyrights, the video cannot be made available online.

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. 
Psalms 118:24

If the world’s elite athletes can be pegged with one common trait, it would likely be that each of them is driven by a heightened sense of purpose. It is purpose that establishes a secure target at which they can aim and focus all of their energy: The golfer takes aim at the hole. The sprinter takes aim at the finish line. The free throw shooter takes aim at the basket. The archer takes aim at the bulls-eye. The pitcher takes aim at the strike zone. These competitors must employ a steady hand that comes from confidence in their abilities and a keen understanding of their identity. Any variation of that confidence— leading to arrogance on one extreme or insecurity on the other extreme—can quickly blur their vision and greatly hinder their aim.

Goal
To show students that, much like having a workout partner who spots us while lifting weights and pushes us to do our best, we also need a partner who will help us to stick with our commitment to play drug free. Accountability will help them stick to their commitment.

Key Scriptures
Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:6, 17; 2 Timothy 4:2

Warm Up
In a small group, discuss or list things that normally do not need accountability to complete (like eating, sleeping) and discuss or list things that do need accountability (homework, working out). Have the groups report their findings to the entire group and explain why there is a difference between the two lists.

Walking Without Fear

Watch the video, then walk through the following questions:

Key Verse: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10

Every sport has them—those pesky but necessary “do’s and don’ts” otherwise known as rules of the game and rules of the team. No matter how much you sacrifice and how focused you are in aiming at the goal, your competitive dreams are put at risk the moment you do something that contradicts the rules. There are no shortcuts to success as an athlete or in life. Sooner or later, it will catch up with you.

Key Verse:  "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." -  2 Corinthians 6:19-20

• Miles was enjoying his new relationship with God and going to church when Katrina hit New Orleans.  How do you think you would respond to that type of tragedy in your life?

• Miles was angry with God after what had happened.  When have you been angry at God?  What was the reason for your anger?