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?

Daniel chapter eight is not discussed as a lesson, but is referred to in Chapter nine. Chapter eight deals mainly with prophecies fulfilled in the Greek and Roman empires that are more fully explained in Chapters 9-11. So for the sake of not dealing with the same information twice we will move to Chapter 9.

Secure coaches are honest. They are honest about themselves and the team. Without being negative for negativity’s sake, honest assessment is critical. Total honesty about your past and current situation is the starting block for knowing how to proceed in the future. Sometimes assessment is humbling, but to glaze over reality will only hurt your effectiveness in the future.

Philippians 3:15-17 – It’s game time and that means it’s time to give it all you’ve got no matter how difficult (or easy) the circumstances.

After your desire is focused on the right goal and you’ve put in all of the hard work and disciplined training, the time finally comes to follow through with the things you’ve learned. Dedication helps us live out what we know is true.

Ready

Competition is a good thing. Competition allows us to measure ourselves, to strive for better things and can keep us grounded or humble. What would happen if you played a game against a very competitive opponent but you did not compete in return? If you played the game but did not care about the outcome or how well you were doing, you would likely get whipped. Sadly, many of us are playing a spiritual game, and we are not competing. We are getting whipped spiritually day after day, on and off the field, but we just keep going. Hopefully, this chapter will change the way you compete.

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 3:7-11 – Your desire is key! If you focus on the right desires, you’ll have the right goals to achieve true success.

Becoming a successful competitor takes motivation and drive, so there’s got to be a payoff if we’re going to invest the sweat-equity into training and performing as a champion.

Ready
WOULD YOU RATHER ... win a bunch of sports trophies or get $100 for each one?

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.

If you have not received Christ as your Savior and Lord, I ask you to please read the following pages. The most important thing you can have in life is a relationship with Jesus Christ. This can also be used as one of the lessons in your study of Daniel.

Part I 
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e0027e7f3a2176389f7b

Obsession and Idolatry

From the little leagues to the professional ranks, success in sports is almost exclusively defined by wins and losses. Perhaps legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi summed it up best when he said, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.” In some respects, you could make a strong case for that belief. Winning often opens the doors to life-changing opportunity. On the other hand, the all-or-nothing attitude that is prevalent in today’s sports community has the potential to bring undeserved disappointment to those on the outside looking in.

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.–Romans 12:21

Ready

Get It!

The focus of this day is to understand that in order to GET a Mission in life, you must understand what truth is and where you can find it.

Warmup

Fill out the following “Press Guide” with the top five things that are true about you (height, weight, position, favorite sport, favorite food, year in school, hobbies, number in family, etc.)

Share these things with a partner and discuss how you know the statements are true.

• LT talk about priorities. List your top 5 priorities right now. Read them out loud. After hearing them are there any that seem out of place?
• He shared that we all have gifts. What are some of the gifts God has given you?
• How are you using those gifts? Are any of those gifts being used for your glory rather than God’s?
• Read Romans 12:5-7. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Take a spiritual gifts test.